Kiwileaks

I am beyond ecstatic to announce that yesterday I was offered a six week contract position teaching Grade 7 Core French! I am extremely fortunate to have had the support of so many intelligent and enthusiastic people during the time since I’ve been home from England.  Searching for jobs, editing resumés, rehearsing interview questions, talking me off ledges . . . I wouldn’t have made it here without all of your encouragement.  

One of the first questions in any interview is “Why are you the best for this position?”  In my interview I took a second to breathe in deep and I chuckled a little before I said, “This is exactly where I want to be.”  As soon as the words left my mouth they echoed in my head.  I continued on with a description of my experiences in England and my passion for teaching but in that moment I realized that I was getting another opportunity to make one of my dreams come true.  I remembered all those awesome students I left behind in England and thought “It can’t end there!” I’m just getting started! 

When the VP called to offer me the position I’m sure I damaged his hearing and then I got all squeaky and started doing my happy dance . . . which by the way is not safe to do while driving . . . But after I hung up the phone I was quickly reminded of my colleagues and students in England.  What if these kids aren’t as awesome? I think just like your first love, your first students will always have a hold on your heart.  

So for now I am exactly where I want to be and I can’t wait to see where I’m going to go!

Recently I ran into, (I’ll call her my sister because that’s who she is), and she mentioned to me that she appreciated that I always took advantage of every opportunity that came my way.  I was a bit surprised to hear that since I always remember how nervous I was before I took on a new adventure.  I don’t want to be so bold as to say that I may have inspired her but it is worth mentioning how proud I am of her.  She is braving the world and chasing her dreams as I type.  She has such an awesome heart and so much to offer the world.  

I’ve been home from England now for six going on seven weeks and let’s just say there has been an adjustment period.  It’s hard to come to terms with being away for two years.  A lot changes and life goes on without you sometimes.  I had never even heard of “Border Security” until the last week of April! I started to become homesick for England.  I didn’t understand it especially after some very wise year 11s told me last week, “England is great but you’re not missing much.”  Maybe but the people are something else! 

There was a point in my life where I had to decide if I was going to let my fear get the better of me or if I was going to soak up everything life had to offer me.  Good and bad.  The bad because it forces you to grow and makes you stronger and the good because it makes you whole again and frankly it’s exhilarating! Eating crêpes and drinking cider in Place Plumereau. Drinking wine and champagne all afternoon in Orléans.  Carefully manoeuvring downstairs to the dance floor at Café Chaud and absolutely throwing yourself into the music.  Walking in the footsteps of French royalty in some of the most breathtaking castles and cathedrals I’ve ever seen.  Taking on my dream job and conquering my fears at the same time. Riding Thunder Mountain in Paris with a group of 11 year olds and screaming like a teenage girl.  Laughing until I hit the floor with the some of the most talented teachers and fabulous friends I will likely ever meet.  I did it all. Not without consequence but I have to thank my sister for reminding me of what’s important to me.  It can be easy to lose sight of that when life throws you curve balls.  Seize every moment.  Take it all in.  Laugh at everything.  Love even if it hurts.  Live.