So the schools in Hartford started back this week. This is now my third year of retirement from the public education system (that is longer than I actually worked there, weird it seemed like an eternity at the time). This is the first of the three years that I have actually thought maybe I could possible think about teaching again someday, in the VERY, VERY distant future.Recently, I have been thinking about the education path that I choose and at times I think-Chemistry Education...What was I thinking???
I have been trying to come up with some way of making a little extra cash each month. I have been thinking things like... Why didn't I just go to beauty school, then I could be the typical stay at home mom that cuts the hair of all the ladies in the ward for a little extra income, but I would have been REALLY bad at that. Or, why didn't I become a nurse where my skills would at least have come in handy in an emergency? Well with the school year finally starting my skills are needed by a few high school students. I am tutoring a few students the few nights and weekends Rick is not on call, and in some cases where the students are especially desperate they will be coming over while Wyatt is sleeping. Anyway this whole post has made no sense at all. Here is the point I am finally trying to get to... Tonight I tutored my first student in 3 years. It was SOOOO good for me! I now remember why I went into Chemistry Education-I know I am nerd, but I really do love the subject and maybe even more, I LOVE teaching. I have been pretty stressed lately with closing on a house in less than 3 weeks, and then trying to plan so Rick and I can remodel the entire kitchen in the following 2 weeks. This experience has given me peace.
It is weird, I am really emotional over it, I didn't realize I was missing it so much, or even at all for that matter. It was so comforting to see that everything came back to me so easily. And it was so nice to feel intelligent, something that doesn't happen everyday when you are singing the 'itsy bitsy spider' for the millionth time or cleaning up an 'accident' when a certain someone was just a little too late to the potty. I am so excited for next time. Perhaps this feeling will wear off with time, but for now my well has been filled, and I am happy!
12 comments:
I too wonder if I could stop teaching or when I will if I'll miss it. It's a love hate relationship. The fulfilling moments do do something to you personally...make your remember what you're doing. The hard stuff is easy to overshadow that sometimes. It was good for me to read at the beginning of my school year. I'm glad you felt that rush of purpose again!
Janae I am so happy you are tutoring. I always knew that your education choice was a very good one. One that you excelled in. I am so glad that you have the opportunity to branch out and not only be a wonderful mom to a two year old. It is great to have other outs to fulfil your life. Keep up the good work of being a great mom and teacher.
Mrs. Shamo, congrats on the new tutoring job. We are so glad you love it! You are a great teacher, mom and wife! You definitely are a nerd (jk)...but that's okay we love you anyway nerdness and all.
I really like this post. I've had those same feelings. I've wondered so many times why I didn't go to nursing school or hair school. Sometimes I've wondered why I didn't become an engineer or something else. I think that what it comes down to is that I really really like teaching. I don't ever want to teach for LA unified. I think I'll look for an easier job, but I like teaching, and I loved the subjects that I taught. I'm so glad that you've found some tutoring jobs. I'm not tutoring any math students right now, but I really have enjoyed doing that as well.
I love this post! Thanks for sharing! It just reminds me and inspires me to do the things that I love that bring me joy. I love it! I'm so glad that you have found something that you love doing. It may not be like being a hairdresser or nurse, in that it isn't easy to do that while being a stay-at-home mom, but I love that you have found a way to use your incredible talents to bring yourself happiness.
Anyway, thanks for sharing this! What a great post!
You have a great message in understanding of the importance of education.
I've wondered the same thing so many times. I'm glad that you found a way to put your education to use and still be at home with Wyatt. Hopefully someday I'll be able to figure something out and have a breakthrough moment like yours. That was a really good post, thank you.
I'm so happy for you!!! It's nice to feel like a person with an intelligent brain every once in awhile! I'm glad that this is bringing you joy and money! Good luck!
I knew you had been a teacher, but I had no idea it was in chemistry! That just added a whole new level of respect. I think chemistry and statistics are the two hardest subjects, hands down!
I think it's awesome that you are able to tutor. I did become a nurse, and while it has its moments of handiness, I, too, wonder why I didn't study something I could keep doing while staying at home full-time. But it's good to do what you love, and yes, it's wonderful to feel intelligent sometimes!
Hurray for you Janae! I'm sure you're skills are well needed. I completely understand your feelings of fulfillment with tutoring. I enjoy teaching piano and do it for the same reason, but I get to tutor Kylee in math sometimes and that's when I feel really good. That's great you let people know of your skills. You might have to watch out, once word gets out just how good you are- you may have more clients than you know what to do with.
all the teachers out there feel you, Janae! I have an elementary school out my backyard window and it was sad to see all the kids going to school this year knowing that someone else would be their teacher while I am just hanging out in this little house...but then I smiled when i realized I was in my pajamas still and could take a nap while Lucy sleeps!
I am so happy for you. Sometimes it is easy to not feel as valued or your talents are going to waste, but I think you are like the BEST mom and it is so great you get to help other people now too!
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