Consequences...

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night from a dream and I was crying. I was dreaming about one of my students and in it, my principal interrupted my class to tell me that he had committed suicide. I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep.

Now, this is a student I CARE deeply about, but one whom I am so upset about. He was caught using a teacher's credit card twice-he stole it out of her wallet. I caught him the 2nd time in my classroom. He lied to me about it. He has been suspended for a few days and comes back today-I am not sure the outcome, but I do know the police will be involved.

I just want him to learn and move on from his poor choices. I also want him to graduate in June and have a plan in place for his future so he can live a life he is proud of. He has come a long way and can have an amazing future but he must make it for himself.

Hoping that consequences send a strong message and get this young man back on the right path.

2012

It is amazing to think I am almost half-way through the third year of teaching. I learn something new every single day which keeps me coming back for me. I am thankful for the students I teach and the people I work with-all who keep me on my toes and passionate about what I am doing.

I think I am finally at the point with teaching where I can go out on a week night and not freak out that I am not prepared for the next day. It is an amazing feel! In addition to teaching, I have been teaching a credential class for 1st year teachers and doing phone interviews for the New Teacher Project-both a great experience but also a good way to make some extra $$$.

But I am ready to have some work-life balance. Whether that is fulfilling my New Years Resolution (running a marathon) or hanging out with friends during the week, I am going to do it. Life is too short. I am ready for more. Not to say I don't have my hands full with my current teaching position because I do, but I also want to live my life as FULL as I can surrounded by the people who I love and who love me.

Not sure what the future has in store for me, although I have some ideas....here's to 2012 and making dreams become a reality. One moment I cannot wait for is seeing 5 of the MOST amazing, instrumental students graduate in June. Not only will I miss them, but I am extremely proud of their progress and can't wait to put plans in place for their future....

Sending lots of Oakland love knowing that I am in the right place at the right time.