Returning this year is definitely different from the last.
For one, I am one of the few teachers that actually returned. Sure, I’m happy about it…but I feel like I am totally left out of the whole new teacher cohort. I don’t want to seem like I’m complaining…it just feels lonely? I guess I just miss my friends from last year.
On a brighter note, we have almost been in school for a whole month now. I have 20 three and four year olds and boy do they keep me busy. I am hoping the chaos will settle soon-but I guess time will only tell.
This past summer I spent a lot of time traveling around and just spending way too much money :p
I also met a wonderful man whom of which is now up here in Gambell with me. He is currently a substitute teacher for Gambell Schools as well as for the Kawerak Head Start. He has worked a nice amount so far, and we hope it continues. He recently applied to become a Health Aid at the clinic here in the village-I’m not sure if they are hiring, but we figured it was worth a shot for him to apply.
Aside from the regular class schedule I have been staying busy. I started Karate up again this year (although for some reason my heart isn’t as into it this year as it was last year). I also signed up to be the Spelling Bee coach at the school, we only have practice once a week so far-so it’s really not too bad.
This past summer I began my journey towards a graduate degree. I applied last spring to begin a Masters in Education with an Emphasis in Reading at University of Alaska Southeast. I was accepted and started my classes in June. I am in yet another class-and it’s going great so far-although it is A LOT of reading-I guess I’ll make do. And of course-because in my mind this is not enough-I applied to become the Local Data Coordinator in my village for a research company who is investigating the accessibility of Legal but Harmful Products in the village (ex: arsenals, prescription meds, and anything of the like). I begin this next week.
I know I don’t’ blog too much anymore-as much as I promised last year to do it more-I promise…yet again…that I will try to do it more this year. Until then…Cody and I will try and stay warm….it’s his first experience out in Alaska this year…we’ll see if he can last!
