What a Difference a Year Makes
As a teacher, I have been trained to reflect on each lesson I teach. This helps me to improve upon my teaching methods to increase student learning. I feel lucky as a teacher, because we get to have 2 New Years in the same calendar year; January 1 and at the completion of the school year. Both are a time of great reflection.
This spring as I review over the past year, I cannot help but be amazed at all that I have experienced and learned. I have become stronger both physically and mentally, more patient with myself and those around me, and grateful for all life has to offer. I have been tested in health, marriage, career, and motherhood over the past 2 years. For this, I am so thankful, because each challenge is helping to shape me into what I believe is a much better person.
My most recent learning experiences have stemmed from taking chances and facing fears. First, in late February, I made the decision that I was going to apply for a teaching position in the Lander school district. This is where my children go to school, and I want to be able to be a part of and give back to the children in the community in which I live. This was a tough decision, as I would have to put my resume and application into a large, competitive pool. It also meant the possibility of leaving wonderful staff and students at my current school, not to mention the hard work collegues and I have put into our GVC (guaranteed viable curriculum) and CFAs (common formative assessments) for both math and language arts. It also involves leaving my comfort zone as starting any new job requires. But you never know unless you try, right? So, I went forward with the process. At the end of March, I was given an opportunity interview! Those of you who have interviewed know this is also a scary process. In early April, after the interview, I was put into the pool of teaching candidates who could be called upon if and when new positions open.
Long story short, on my last day of school near the end of May, things fell into place, and I was offered a 2nd grade position. Thus, began the process of saying goodbye to one district and looking forward to many new changes in the fall. As I will not only be in a new district, but also a new grade level. Another lesson in patience and believing there is a plan for me.
During this spring, I also continued to build my confidence and challenge myself appropriately in athletics to conquer many mental demons in recovering from my heart procedure. Due to my experiences with rhabdo last spring and then learning my heart had 3 holes (patched January 29, 2015), I have had huge mental hills to climb in relation to training and competition. In my opinion, the mental recovery has been much more challenging to me than the actual physical recovery has been. I am very excited to report that I have now accomplished the following......
1. Completed full "Murph" with a partner in 37:34 with minimal soreness. Thank you Lindy for helping me face this one head on!
(We both ran the first mile and last mile and alternated the 20 rounds of 5 pushups, 5 pullups, 5 pushups, and 15 air squats.)
2. 50 burpees for time in 2:30.
3. Ran 6 miles @ 8:13 pace with Zone 1-2 perceived effort.
4. Overhead Squat 2 reps @ 95#
5. Split Jerk 2 reps @ 115#
6. Biked 67 miles then 2 weeks later.....
7. Biked 100 miles as part of Little Red Riding Hood.
This last feat was an emotional journey which I will blog about in another post.
Reflection is good. Personal growth is better. Personal growth as a result of careful reflection is the best. If there were no challenges in our lives, we would never discover the amazing person within ourselves and how strong we can truly be. A little bit of patience and the passing of time can go a long way. What a difference a year makes.