Teacher Reminiscing

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you saw how excited I was yesterday when I got a call from one of my former students.

Sometimes you don't realize that you've made a difference (especially as a teacher). It felt amazing to get that call. I started missing my teaching days and looked at some of my old posts about my experiences in the classroom. I laughed for a good 30 minutes. Check them out if you need a quick pick-me-up or if you just want a good laugh (links below):

Kids Say the Darndest

Pronoun Pookie

3rd Grade Flash Mob

The Turnip Turn UP

April Fool's Day Brownies

I'd Rather be a Dog

LIfe is a Daring Adventure

Currently on a plane back to Atlanta.

I know it was a heaping 2 months, but it seemed like my summer vacation just flew by before my very eyes. This was the first summer, in a long time, that I didn't work....AT ALL! I don't regret a single minute of it. I truly had a blast in NYC, China, & California. One of the best summer vacations I've ever had.

When people ask me why I went to China (solo), in my mind, my immediate response is 

"Why not?"

I'm young and curious and I'm not going to take that for granted. I never want to wake up one day and say "I wish I would have...." or "I should have....."

I absolutely LOVE this quote.  Might be my new personal philosophy. It's so unforgiving. So unapologetic. Adventurous experiences can shape a person. It gives you new perspectives. It changes you for the better. So...I'll continue to grab life by the horns and you can continue to stay tuned. Or join in. Your call.

On another note, I start my PhD program at Georgia State in 2 weeks. I'm excited, nervous, a little anxious, but definitely ready to embark on this new chapter in my life.

PS: I'll be posting more pictures from China....as soon as I find the cord that connects the camera to my laptop. 

Thoughts for Thursday #13: Cocoons probably Stink

Today's Thoughts for Thursday is actually a re-post from 2010. I had just graduated from college. One of my best friends sent me an email detailing her concerns about the future. The uncertainty. The doubt. It's a lot to handle. But this was my response to her....

Aalishah,

Just think of all the times in your life when you have had to transition. Like when you had to learn how to walk. I'm not sure if you remember, but I can imagine that it was awkward. Up until that point, you were probably comfortable crawling around or being held in the arms of Grady and Cynthia [her parents]. But they had to stop carrying your heavy self. So you learned to put one foot first. And you probably fell down a few times. But eventually you were walking- and the world was a different place from that point on. 

If it would help to think of an external entity, consider a butterfly. At first, it is a slimy, hairy caterpillar confined to a life of dirt and leaves. Then, somehow (sorry, I didn't pay attention to the details in bio class) it transitions to life in a dirty cocoon. I'm sure it's uncomfortable. No one notices it. It's just wrapped up and secluded. No job. No activities. Then, one day that fool crawls out and flies away. People admire its beauty. People marvel at how freely it glides through the air- with purpose, with conviction. Have you ever tried to catch a butterfly? You can't even touch it.

Transition is a period of uncertainty. It's unsettling and uncomfortable. Take comfort in knowing that its also a temporary period. As cliche as it sounds...there IS a light at the end of the tunnel...and yours is bright.

Thoughts for Thursday #12

" When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to LIFE. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy.' They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand LIFE. "

- John Lennon

Thoughts for Thursday #11

"He that is good at making excuses is seldom good for making anything else" - Benjamin Franklin

Thoughts for Thursday #10

If I can get my kids to truly understand and embrace this, I will have succeeded as their teacher.

 

Thoughts for Thursday #9: Laughter

“I don't trust anybody that doesn't laugh.” 

—Maya Angelou

We've heard it all before: Laughter is the best medicine

But what are the actual health benefits of laughing?

Physical Health Benefits

Relaxes muscles

Decreases stress

Boosts immunity 

Mental Health Benefits

Improves mood

Eases anxiety and fear

Enhances resilience

Social Benefits

Encourages teamwork

Diffuses conflicts

Increases attractiveness

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DAILY DOSE?

Thoughts for Thursday #8

Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.  - Henry David Thoreau

Thoughts for Thursday #4: Make Uncomfortable Deciisions

"Some of the worst decisions we make in our lives 
are the most comfortable ones. 
Discomfort creates space for learning and change."

Thoughts for Thursday #3: Learning to Fly

"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying."

- Fiedrich Nietzsche

I guess Mama Bird didn't get the memo.