I really wish I was returning to my classroom at St. John’s tomorrow. I wish I was going to be there to marvel at how much the boys had grown over the summer and give all of my sweet former 7th graders (now new 8th graders) hugs.
I have said 100 times before that I truly had the most incredible job any first-year teacher could ever ask for, and I honestly can say that I would have never left that job had I the opportunity to stay in north Alabama. I am so crazy excited about my new opportunity as a presenter for Rachel’s Challenge, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am right where I should be with my living situation – living in Clarksville and making it a home – and my job.
But I’d be lying through my TEETH if I said that I’m not a little teary and don’t have an achy heart when I think about not returning to greet and educate those kids tomorrow.
I’ve been meaning all summer to do a “what my first year of teaching taught me” post, but for some reason of another, it obviously hasn’t happened. Everything I would have put in that post would have revolved around the idea that any success I had in that classroom incorporated a very tactful balance of being loving and approachable, yet expectant; Expectant of mature behavior, kind words, eagerness to learn, independence, and preparedness.
We (and I mean we) learned a lot in that first classroom of mine – a lot about literature, writing, and grammar, but also a lot about compassion, patience, the rewards of diligent work, and having a lot of stinkin’ fun.
^ Some of my homeroom students who successfully played a huge prank on me the last day of school – they let Auburn THROW UP all over my room. It was hysterical!
Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to three little girls (ages 7, 4, and 1) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo
