Metamorphosis

2009 can be summed up in one word: growth. I grew as a teacher, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a girlfriend, and as a proud mommy of the world’s cutest puppy. It wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, it was more difficult than I could have ever imagined. Trying to balance graduate school with teaching full-time and having a personal life proved to be challenging at times. I didn’t always do it gracefully either. I did learn some important lessons, though.

1) Being able to connect to your students is a gift. Your job is not only to teach them but to encourage them to achieve all of their dreams. Above all, teaching is a service and it is a privilege to serve others.

2) 6th graders are still needy as hell but still cute in their own ways. They are going through a huge transitional period in their lives and insanely insecure. They just need someone to tell them that they are worthy and someone to believe in them.

3) Sometimes, in the midst of your trials, all you can see is the dark tunnel ahead. It’s easy to wallow in self-pity. It’s much more difficult to see the light but the light is there, you just need to remove your shades to see it.

4) True friends are to be cherished. They will stand by your side. Laugh with you until your sides hurt. Let you cry on their shoulder until your tears soak through their shirt. They will be happier than anyone to see you succeed. Most of all, they will love you and believe in you when you don’t have the strength to love and believe in yourself.

5) It’s never too late to rediscover yourself and the things that you are passionate about.

6) Don’t let puppies go near toilet paper or shoelaces. They can chew like nobody’s business.

7) I am incredibly blessed.

Here’s to a happy, healthy and fulfilled 2010. Here’s to following your bliss…

my adorable puppy, goliath and bunny ears. taken with my xmas gift from ali…my new nikon d5000!