Por Fin!!

I know, I know...March was a long time ago. Believe me we have been wanting to update as we have so much to share, but life has sort of gotten in the way. Funny how that happens, but I'm sure you all can relate. I know what you're thinking - "What's the scoop? What has inspired this sudden post?" And the answer is this....

Schooool's OUT - FOR -SUMMER!

In reality I think only one of us is actually happy about having over 2 months off, and I try not to gloat, but then again your career is your choice. :o)

At the end of every school year, I like to reflect on what went well, what didn't, what I want to change, what I have accomplished...it's what teachers naturally do - or SHOULD do. I am indeed sitting at my desk - at school on a work day - and I am supposed to be planning for next year. But what about time to reflect? How am I supposed to be an effective teacher without time to absorb and to process the year gone by? There will be time for should've, would've, could've...but now is a time for celebration for what actually took place. I am proud of my accomplishments this year - I really put myself out there, to where I thought was the edge of my limits, and what I found was truly surprising:

1. A goal of mine has always been to teach overseas. It didn't matter where, but I knew the experience would change me both personally and professionally. I thought that I would someday reach my goal - or maybe not. It often seemed unattainable. Rather than wait for it to happen, I decided to make it happen. Here I am, 26 years old, and already I have reached my goal. It's empowering to know, and to have experienced, the power of your own will.
2. Spanish was never a language I wanted to learn. I had always heard that it was one of the easiest languages to learn, so I thought learning while in Barcelona would be a breeze. WRONG. I find Spanish to be a challenge, but it's one I'm willing to face. I have nearly completed my 12 week level 2 course, and wow what a difference! In the 8 months I have lived here, I have learned more Spanish that I ever thought possible in such a short amount of time. Bien hecho. :o)
3. Teaching middle school was something I opposed - and feared - deep in my core. NEVER would I teach a group of pre-pubescent, hormonal, dramatic, disrespectful students all housed under one roof. I had always heard that 11 to 14 year olds were a nightmare, and I wasn't about to enter that danger zone. Since spending the last several months in middle school, my tune has changed. In fact, I even found that I enjoyed the students - imagine that! I found that while yes they are going through many changes, are often confused, and at times can be disrespectful, they are simply taller versions of their elementary counterparts. In the end, what is there to fear?

While I could drone on about accomplishments and personal reflections, I'm going to leave the list concise and open ended. This is not an ending, but a continuum of where I've been and where I go from here.

I can't help but ask "What's next?", and you're probably asking "Aren't you exhausted yet?" My answer is "yes", but I can't afford to sit idle. There's not enough time in a lifetime for that!