First Day of School...

I can still remember the excitement of getting a new "bookbag", new shoes, and a brand new box of crayons each year of elementary school. I was a cardinal at Bethesda Elementary. The lavender Hello Kitty bookbag would come home filled with the amazing work that I was accomplishing in Kindergarten. I remember Mrs. Beatty and our class guinea pig, Pickle Tee and that I learned to button, lace shoes and that the letter F stood for friendship. The years that followed the memories are so vivid, Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Turner, and Mrs. Carpenter.

Elementary was over and middle school began. I moved to another school district so the 6th grade was a bit scary that first day not knowing anyone. I was a Trickum Tiger and couldn't be more excited and scared at the same time! Mrs. Shea and Mrs. Ishmael were my teachers and oh so kind. I made friends and felt right at home. 7th grade: it fails my memory. What happened in 7th grade? I guess it wasn't that memorable! 8th grade was amazing! Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Verdi, and Mr. White were such great teachers. They truly challenged me and prepared me for the most exciting time in my education...high school! I must admit that I was not the prettiest, most athletic, nor the most talented kid in the bunch and I struggled to fit in, but in high school I found my place.

High School. My high school career began long before the first tardy bell rang on the first day of school. It began on the streets of my town and at the high school track, Cross Country. I found my place. I found something that I loved. I made new friends and shared many memories that I still cherish today. I must admit though, the first day of school was just as nerve wracking as that first day of 6th grade. Trying my hardest not to get lost in the craziness of the hallways of a then AAAA high school. My Dad had prepared me on open house night by walking me from class to class in order! 9th grade to 12th grade there was something that caused me to almost be nauseous the first day of school and the first day of each new semester....lunch. Yes, I was sick at my stomach worrying whether or not I would have a friend in my lunch and I wondered if I was a good enough friend to sit with at lunch! How silly does that sound? I know it sounds crazy but it was a reality for me! But, as you can tell I didn't die of embarrassment and probably gained some new friends that I never would have other wise if I hadn't had lunch with them.

Today. I still get excited and nervous about the new school year. Being a teacher brings a new perspective on the nerves that a student feels. This time each year, I try to put myself in the shoes of my students and remember how I felt those few weeks before school began. This will be the beginning of my 4th formal year of teaching (not including the years of homeschooling). I get excited about my new students. I wonder what they are anticipating and what they look for in a teacher. I get nervous wondering if I am doing things correctly or if they are enjoying their studies. I want them to enjoy learning. To find excitement in going to school to learn and to see friends! Yes, I said it, to see friends and build new friendships. I look forward to those moments when a student has an "AH HA" moment. Or when a student comes to me for help or counsel. When I first started teaching it was about the job, now it is about the students. I love being around them. I thoroughly enjoy talking with them; laughing with them; and making mistakes that become a class joke and having them see that I am NOT perfect! The teachers that left the biggest impressions on my life were teachers that weren't afraid to share their life with us. They spoke from the heart. They truly listened to our words and responded with care and concern. They made learning an adventure and each new day was filled with excitement. Most importantly, they loved. My desire and my goal is to love each student and to wholeheartedly give them my best each day in order for them to succeed at whatever path they choose in life. Praying each day that no matter where they go or what they do, they would glorify God with the gifts and talents that He has bestowed upon them.