Who would have thought?

“Say YES to life…even though you know it may Devour you…”

Who would have thought a simple 2 1/2 hours back in April would have changed my life?  Going into that dome, professionally dressed, resumes in hand but not expecting anything…exiting the dome, professionally dressed, new job contract in hand.  I signed the contract in 2 1/2 hours after just merely hearing about where the Bering Strait School district was. On the drive home I started to regret my choice. How was I supposed to do this? I don’t have money, what about my friends? What about my car? What about my life? How can I leave everything that I had known?  The next few months turned into a blur…finishing school, graduating, getting a credit card to afford the move, quitting my job…

    The day came that I had to leave.  I was ready…at least that is what I thought.  I had the most amazing last 2 weeks I could have ever expected in Washington.  I had 3 going away parties, I went out all the time with my best girl friend Mayra, I met boys, I drove everywhere…everything seemed perfect.  While I boarded the plane, my heart began to pound.  I began to think…no more going out, no hanging out with Mayra, no boys, do driving….nothing.  What did I get myself in to?  The following 2 weeks consisted of In-service training…I started to feel claustrophobic…I missed home.  I wanted to ‘live’ again.  I wanted to drive, go out, see Mayra, meet boys’….but I couldn’t.  I was stuck on this island.  I was stuck at school or home.  There was nothing here. 

    The third week up here I went to Nome for training for the ECE teachers.  Boy was I excited to go to a town that at least had stores and restaurants!  I don’t know how to explain it…but after Nome…things started falling in place.  I was happy to come back to Gambell at the end of the week.  A week later school started…. i was nervous.  First day of teaching, will I make it?  I did…the day went by quickly…I was surprised at how quick too. 

    Now I sit here, writing on my computer…first quarter of the school year has almost finished…wow. 

    This past quarter of school I have learned so much about my students, about my job, about myself.  I really don’t think there is any job that could be as rewarding as teaching is.  I thought I would drown, I didn’t even think I wanted to teach pre-school…but I did.  And I love it.  Gambell is beautiful.  Never have I ever seen such breath taking skylines when the sun sets and rises.  How could I be so lucky?  Who would have thought that 2 1/2 hours back in April could have changed my life so much? I love my life.  I am so ridiculously happy, its unexplainable...I made the best choice coming out here.

    After Gambell, I want to travel the world.  I want to teach everywhere.  I want to do things that most people only dream about.  I can do it.  I will do it. Just like I did 6 months ago…I took a chance …I said YES.