Pre- Induction Hiring/The First Day of Induction

Whew!

To say the past three days have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. It feels like I've been in New Orleans for an eternity instead of just a few days. 

I've had very little downtime and the moments that I've haven't had interviews or lesson prep, I've been working on my sample lesson, creating worksheets and assessments, and researching the schools interviewing me. 

And it's not even Institute yet... oh, boy... 

Interviews have been going okay, unfortunately I haven't been hired yet, which means that I will most likely move into the Institute hiring pool. The hiring managers are constantly reassuring me that it's going to be okay and plenty of people don't get hired until during or even after Institute, but despite their encouragement and reassurance, I can't help but feel down on myself and as if there is something wrong with me. 

I've had a total of 8 interviews the past three days and one sample teach, so it's been a pretty stressful beginning of the week, but God is good and He has shown me time and again that I need to put aside my prideful ways and humble myself. 

Something that has been brought to my attention recently by my wonderful boyfriend, we'll call him A so he doesn't get stalked or anything, is the reminder of God's promises and how it is assured to us that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. 

For a really long time, I always assumed (you know what happens when we do that) it meant all the good things, but in reality, it's everything. Yes, life is going to suck sometimes, but maybe it's for our good, and maybe it needs to suck and be rainy and miserable so that in a few days, you can have the sunniest, most comfortable week of your life. 

The past few days (months, actually) have been incredibly rainy and dreary (literally and figuratively), but it's okay, because all of the rain will not only teach me how to swim, but also bring about flowers and sunny days. I've been far too focused on myself lately and I think I've been letting slip the reason why I'm even here. 

It is a privilege to be educating someone's child and I need to remember this. The perfect school will come along, I'm confident of that, no matter how discouraging things may turn out this week. I just need to keep looking up! 

Like I said before, when I wasn't interviewing, I was mingling with other corps members and building relationships with the people I will be spending the next 5 weeks with in Atlanta. 

This year, TFA is really focusing on the idea that "we are stronger together." Although we may come from all different walks of life, we are united with the same goal and passion: to educate children and to give all children the education they deserve. Yes, the days will be long and the nights (too) short, but it is always worth it, and it will be the friendships we build through this experience that will help us get through the hard and stressful times.

Thanks for reading! Sorry if this post wasn't terribly exciting, I'm running on little sleep and energy because the lack of vegetarian options at reception dinners is disturbing (isn't New Orleans supposed to have awesome food??)

Just to try something out: in the comment box below, or if you want to email me or Facebook message me you could do that too, BUT tell me about a time you faced disappointment or had to deal with things not going your way. What did you do? What happened? 

Shout out to A, for driving over 5 hours in one day just to pick me up and take me to the airport, and also to his parents for graciously allowing me to stay with them so I wouldn't have to sleep in the airport. Shout out to the many people who have been sending me encouraging messages via text or Facebook, you are all wonderful and I appreciate you so much :)

The First Post: Why I'm Starting This

I've always had a passion for writing and storytelling.

I think there is something beautiful and maybe even vulnerable in the way authors go from brainstorming various ideas to conceptualizing and creating a story. Their stories are their babies, objects of affection they have worked on for hours, days, months, even years, and they take their creations seriously.

The purpose of this blog is something a little different. This blog will tell a story, but it will tell a rather long and drawn out story and I have no idea how it will end. Honestly, I have no idea how it will begin either.

I'm writing to document my experience with Teach for America in New Orleans. I'm writing for myself, my sanity, and those whom I have come to love deeply over the past four years of my collegiate career. Basically, my life is going to start moving at warp speed within the next few days and subsequent two years.

Maintaining this blog is going to be my way of working through many upcoming adventures, from Institute to the first day in my classroom and beyond. It will also be a chance for friends and family to keep track of me if they choose to do so. They can make sure I'm not in jail or something like that.

Because I'm a storyteller though, I can almost guarantee you that some things may be slightly (take that how you want to) embellished. That's just the way I am. I'm not overly dramatic in real life, but when it comes to writing, I tend to get a little carried away sometimes. Just ask my mom, I used to come home from half- day kindergarten (because that existed in the 90's) and tell her we went on outlandish field trips to places hours and hours away.

Anyway, I hope I haven't scared you away already (whoever you are), but I if I did, sorry! Thanks for reading my first post EVER and I will see you soon.