This past weekend a dear friend of mine, K, and her wonderful husband hosted an engagement party for Jman and me. It was awesome! It was just my very close friends getting together for a few (or more than a few) drinks. We decided to do a potluck style party so everyone brought food and we did a taco bar. The night was spent sitting around the kitchen table talking and playing games and ended on the couch singing karaoke.
During the party, I got to talk to K's hubby about my current debacle and he had some great words of wisdom. First of all, I learned that if life was easy all the time I would get pretty damn bored quickly. I like having a challenge but it frustrates me when I am not automatically good at something. I should use this frustration to push me to become a better teacher. Second thing I realized is that many people go through these little ruts. I shouldn't give up teaching after a few months of being tired after work. After all.. I did just spend 4 years in college and $100,000 of student loans to have this job.
The biggest thing I learned from our conversation is that I have 180 students however all of my energy goes into not being able to reach the 10 "bad" kids. I want so badly to help these kids for a number of reasons. I feel sorry for these kids because they do not have the opportunities and support that I did when I was in high school. I imagine what it would be like to be "THAT" person who made a difference in their life and changed them from becoming high school drop outs to being successful/productive citizens. I should spend my energy with the 170 other kids who want to learn and generally like being in my class. Why do I let these "bad" kids affect me so much? Why can't I separate them from my life? Why do I go home every day and thing about them? Is this normal!? I might not ever know the answers to these questions..
I thought long and hard before making a decision on what I was going to give up for Lent this year. I love Lent because it gives me a challenge and makes me feel like I have more control over my life. I decided to take the ULTIMATE challenge. Alcohol. Now I am not a huge drinker.. I like to go out on the weekends sometimes but since Jman and I have pledged to save money towards a house I haven't had too many nights out on the town. What will be challenging is the more than occasional glass of wine (or two) after work. Taking a break from Alcohol will help me lose weight and will help me cleanse my mind, body and soul.
The biggest thing I learned from our conversation is that I have 180 students however all of my energy goes into not being able to reach the 10 "bad" kids. I want so badly to help these kids for a number of reasons. I feel sorry for these kids because they do not have the opportunities and support that I did when I was in high school. I imagine what it would be like to be "THAT" person who made a difference in their life and changed them from becoming high school drop outs to being successful/productive citizens. I should spend my energy with the 170 other kids who want to learn and generally like being in my class. Why do I let these "bad" kids affect me so much? Why can't I separate them from my life? Why do I go home every day and thing about them? Is this normal!? I might not ever know the answers to these questions..
I thought long and hard before making a decision on what I was going to give up for Lent this year. I love Lent because it gives me a challenge and makes me feel like I have more control over my life. I decided to take the ULTIMATE challenge. Alcohol. Now I am not a huge drinker.. I like to go out on the weekends sometimes but since Jman and I have pledged to save money towards a house I haven't had too many nights out on the town. What will be challenging is the more than occasional glass of wine (or two) after work. Taking a break from Alcohol will help me lose weight and will help me cleanse my mind, body and soul.
-Until Next Time www
