New to Who

Around 3-4 months ago, I began watching a new tv series on Netflix. It's actually an old show that has been revamped, but it's totally new to me. And I instantly loved it! Why in the world had I not watched Doctor Who before then? Of course I went on benge watch all the episodes available. I'm still trying to catch up on the latest season which is not on Netflix. I have to research and record all the episodes on Directv, but I'm determined to do it before next month! I'm excited because on 11/23/13, Doctor Who celebrates it's 50th anniversary and we will get to see the 10th and 11th Doctors together in the same episode, "The Day of the Doctor". And I get to once again see my favorite Doctor, David Tennant. Can't you tell how nerdy this has made me? And I can't get enough. I never would have imagined myself liking, no loving, a tv show like this. I guess I am now a Whovian. In fact, my Halloween costume is the Tardis, and I bought a Tardis phone cover. Next, I'll probably get a sonic screwdriver. Anyway, I'm just excited to tell you about my new passion. The countdown begins to Season 8.

Hug a Teacher

About one year ago, I started on a path that would take me on a journey towards a different future. I was tired of my job and wanted out so badly. So, I enrolled in graduate night classes at my local university getting a degree in teaching. I worked hard and received my alternate route teacher's license. By the end of January, I was set to teach 7-12 grade English. I had a long wait before I actually got the teaching job. All summer long I put my applications and resumes out to schools and school districts; I covered all the surrounding areas. I had several interviews, but no offers. Finally, one week before school started back, I was offered a job. I want to be as tactful as I can so I will not say the name of the school or school district. Instead, I will give it an alias. Let's see... Hell. Yes, "hell" seems to be a very appropriate name. I'll stick with that. Now, I didn't know Hell was going to be that bad when I accepted the position. I was just so excited to leave my old job and start on a new journey. I was under the illusion that I was actually going to make a difference in other people's lives. Day one approaches: piece of cake. I went in, not too nice, not to mean. I sent several kids to the office from the start to show I meant business. Day two rolls around: The later in the day it got, the worse the kids got. I get to 7th period. What the heck happened? These quiet kids from the day before had turned into rotten little demons! Day three: Reality sinks in really fast. Many of these students are disrespectful, bullying, rude, careless, little monsters. I go home and have my first meltdown. Day four: Survival mode. Discuss with principal that I need help! Promises that they will help and have someone come in to observe and give feedback that will help. Seventh period rolls around-- a living nightmare. Students leave classroom, I immediately go into breakdown #2. Day 5-- get me outta here! Listen, I know that it is not easy for ANY first year teacher, but I knew that I did not want to put up with that crap all year long. I started questioning my mental health; I had so many insecurities about being able to do this thing called teaching; I was realizing the real obstacles that I was facing; I was fighting a spiritual battle inside the classroom against the darkness and Hell seemed like it was winning. There were so many obstacles that I was facing. By the end of week two, I had already tried to quit. Of course the warden tried talking me out of it. He needed his correctional officer, I mean teacher, there because he had seen "confidence" in me during my interview. If that is true, I promise I had none left. Finally, at week 5 I decided to call it quits and for real this time; no one could talk me out of it. I had prayed and prayed about it, and I felt at peace about my decision. I stayed until the end of week 7, and, boy, was that hard! I am trying to forget a lot of my experiences in Hell, but there are some things that I will never be able to forget.

I know that my experiences are very similar to what other teacher suffer through every day. Some have more tolerance than I do; some have caved in just as I did. It takes a special person to handle these students. So, please please hug a teacher today and tell them that you appreciate the hard work that they do. It really is a thankless job sometimes. You don't realize that some newbie teachers go home and work until midnight just preparing for the next day or grade papers all weekend. You don't realize the battles that they are facing in the classroom. You don't realize that they are not only teachers but also counselors, correctional officers, moms, dads, coaches, cheerleaders, etc. to these students and are expected to work miracles at some times. They deserve better paychecks and more respect. And they NEED your prayers and support.

Hug a teacher today and tell them that they are making a difference!