It's been a whole year that I've been out of the classroom and in a new position. That being said, it's been an eventful year...both on campus and off.
Workwise, I've learned so much. I worked with a PHENOMENAL group of people--many new to our campus and some veterans--and was blessed to make some great new friends (Cathy, Heidi, and Holly...you guys are the best..even though you will probably never see this post!) :) I look forward to continuing to learn, do things better, and make new friends next year.
- I started grad school and am almost done. I kept a 4.0 somehow or another and got inducted into Phi Kappa Phi. How this benefits me, other than an extra line on my résumé, I'm not sure. Nevertheless, the Lord has helped me. Praying for help through the next 12 days and 7 assignments.
- I've gained a stalker. Well, I don't know that I'd go that far...well, maybe I will. His name is Shakim. He was a freshman this year so he'll be with me for 3 more years. I took down all the cards he drew for me--I think I counted about 20. Casey suggested I start a scrapbook to give to his mom when he graduates. Shakim hugged me every morning at the front door (where I had duty), found me at least one more time throughout the day (either in the cafeteria or in my office) to give me another hug, and told me on a regular basis that he "likes me very much" and "likes white women." I love it.
- I baked. A lot. No, really. I also had to defend the Fridays when (a) I had no groceries, (b) got in too late to bake, or (c) forgot that it was Sweet Shoppe day. I tried to follow in Tracey's footsteps. Sometimes I was successful and sometimes I wasn't.
- Speaking of baking, I learned how to make homemade fried chicken this year when it was requested that I bring it to the Carey's house as a "congratulations-you-had-twins-and-I-want-to-help" gift. A special shout out to Stacey for her Crocker advice and moral support through the whole process.
- I made decisions not to suspend kids who very well deserved it. They probably have no idea what the term grace means, but it just makes sense in my life--God's given me grace more times than I can count and I'm thankful. For some, I looked back on their reactions to said grace and probably should have suspended them. For others, I'm glad I made the decision I did and that they took heart to the second..third...fourteenth chance they were given.
- I almost had to confront angry magnet parents when I forgot to order late AP exams. Again...the Lord handled it and things got taken care of; mercy was shown when I had to admit my mistake to my principal and the magnet principal....I didn't get yelled at, not even once.
- One word: Roz. Holly, you know who/what I'm talking about.
- I was humbled on more than one occasion. One time that specifically comes to my remembrance was graduation test week...I felt about like I'd have to get better to die but couldn't take off; Heidi took over to get things done for me that I absolutely could not do. Again, a picture of God's mercy. (There was a lot of "God art" going on in my office this year.)
- Though I wasn't in the classroom, I had the chance to build some relationships with former students. I was given the opportunity to laugh with, counsel, pray with, and comfort them in a way that reminds me that God wants us as Christians to have LIFE ABUNDANT. That's the best way I know to describe it. Mel, Kayla, Quimichia, you guys are the best. I mean that.
- I had a colleague come into my office, close the door, and, without being asked, pray for me in my capacity as testing coordinator (I think I had exams scattered all over the floor at the time..). I almost cried. Neodesha, you have no idea how thankful I am for you.
- I had a group of ladies promise to plan my bachelorette party when the time comes, quiz me about "the new guy," and threaten his life if he doesn't treat me right. Myra, Khalisha, Neodesha, Therese, Monica...you guys are awesome. I am thankful that you'd take an interest in my life.
- I got to watch a young lady walk across the stage at graduation who was given less than a 20% chance to do so. This young lady is proof that miracles happen, and reminds me on a daily basis that I have absolutely, positively no reason to complain about anything. I have never seen Raven without a smile plastered across her face, even when I could tell her body was racked with pain and it was all she could do to sit through a class or meeting. I am thankful for her example of thankfulness. (And in her words, at graduation, she was preparing to "blow this popsicle stand." :))
Yeah. Good stuff. God's been awesome to me and I'm so thankful. And now I should get back to moving all my furniture "3-5 feet away from the walls" (you do the math...my office is about 10 feet by 15 feet....add in the all the furniture, and there's no way this will happen. They'll have to be satisfied with "walking room.")
