Due to some struggles in my personal life and with my own mental health, I haven't been focusing on my professional life with as much zeal as normal. All things considered, and upon relfecting, I am in an entirely different place than I was seven weeks ago.
The school year has started to settle into a nice rhythm, and no one has died - yet. I daresay I even "like" my new site.
I still find that the majority of my work is difficult, and I have the classic scenario of a teacher being "dumped on" at their new site, but I know that I haven't been given a challenge that I cannot handle.
Some of the students are rather endearing. Most of the eighth grade students, however, remind me of the importance of birth control. They are caught between the "I am the oldest student in the school and we are almost adults" and "I am immature and that's cool."
Perhaps the best part of this year is that there is truly and opportunity to make a difference. I am taking my time and making sure that students understand versus "know" what's going on. I don't put up with the same crap, and I will continue to use those peers who care as sounding boards and resources.
If only it were June, I'd sleep more.
