Chapter Closed ....

-Niagara Falls, Canada - picture I took on one of the many trips Ian and I have taken there



Today is a bitter sweet day for me- today was my last day working for the online high school that I have worked at for the past three years. This job has allowed to grow both professionally and personally. Professionally, it was my first full time teaching position as an English teacher, and I was able to learn not only more about teaching writing, but also strategies to teach and communicate with a very diverse population of students - through mostly virtually contact. Professionally, I know that I was able to make a huge different in the lives of many students- many of which made sure to send me final messages of kind words today -letting me know just how much I helped them, and how I never allowed them to fail. I'm starting to tear up just thinking about the difference that I made for so many of them.

Second, only to helping/seeing student success are the personal gains that came from this job. Not only did I  personally learn how to better budget my time and learn that, in addition to History, teaching English is truly a passion of mine, and something that I am good at - I have made some of the most amazing friends. - And, from now on that is what I will refer to them as, not former co-workers, but friends. Each one of them has shown love and support in many different ways over the past three years, and especially in the last month. I know I have told some of you - but for those of you who have not heard it directly- your kind words and support have made all of the difference for me, so thank you again for being there. From mentoring me through my first year of teaching to hanging out at the Columbia airport during flight delays - and everything in between, you all have been there.

It is amazing just how close you can become with individuals even if you only see them three or four times a year. I became friends with many of them before I even met them, each one of them has a unique personality - and without this job none of our paths would have crossed, nor would we be as close as we are. I believe teaching at a virtual school has really pushed as all together- since actual contact with students is limited- we heavily relied on one another to get through the day - through facebook music video links, silly e-mails, and of course the occasional (or not so occasional) phone call to vent. I'm starting to tear up again thinking of the memories. I know that I will stay close with and in contact with those who have made the biggest impact on me - because again they are not just co-workers, but they are my friends who I love and respect, not just because they are amazing teachers, but because they are amazing individuals.

I know that in my emotional state that I may start to ramble (or begin discussing inside jokes that are mostly likely not appropriate, or won't make any sense to the general population anyhow)- so I will simply end with - thank you for making this chapter of my life amazing, wonderful, and a darn good time.