When the sun shines, we’ll shine togetherTold you I'll be here foreverSaid I'll always be a friendTook an oath I'ma stick it out till the endNow that it's raining more than everKnow that we'll still have each otherYou can stand under my umbrella
-Rhianna
Incredible. The amount of work that comes with my choices causes me to think- incredible. I work at an average sized school. With just over 1,000 students and about 120 faculty and staff members, my school should be a fun and enjoyable place. Sad to say that when I started there six years ago, the most disappointing aspect of the job was the lack of school spirit and “fun things” for kids to do. Instead of simply thumbing my nose and reflecting on my high school days, I decided to jump in and do my part.
Well, unfortunately, my part kept growing and growing. I became yearbook/newspaper/literary magazine teacher/advisor first and then took on class sponsorship. I then was asked to teach drama and coach the academic team. While I no long teach drama, I am still drama club sponsor and am responsible for the school’s one-act competition.
I can liken this past week to a hurricane. Torrents of papers to grade, gusts of student attitude up to fifty feet, and I swear I was hit with several bolts of lightening shot from various administrators and parents. The worst part is that I feel as though the storm is just gearing up to simply shift directions. I think I am in need of a tropical depression right about now.
Let me recap my week:
Wednesday- While I would have loved to be at home for my favorite night of television, I did not leave work until eight. I had play practice and Homecoming Hallway decoration planning.
Thursday- Homecoming Hallway decorations and shopping for the senior tailgate and Homecoming dance ate up this day. Afterward, I went to see a local school’s performance of Fortress. I really loved the play!
Friday- Again, we had play practice and hallway decorations and following all of that, my senior class had a tailgate for our first football game.
And today was our Homecoming Hallway Decoration day. The seniors started at 6:30 and ended at 4:00! Each class competes with Homecoming decorations, class banners, a float, spirit link sales, and a powderpuff game.
Yes, the storm rages on, but I can handle it. I teach some great kids and they have me covered with their Umbrella (shout out “07!).
I became a teacher because I love my content area and because I love helping people realize that they are infinitely larger than they realize. We have no boundaries other than those that we impose on ourselves and I guess I realize this now more than ever.
