The first half of my 2nd year has been full of highs and lows. It managed to drag on and feel like it would never end while simultaneously rushing by me!
I moved down to 3rd grade this year. I went back early to set up my new classroom and ended up getting weathered in the village instead of making it back to Anchorage for district in-service! It gave me a much needed extra couple of days to work in my room while I participated in our back to school meetings via video conference.
Unfortunately, the year started off with multiple tragedies. Three high school seniors committed suicide between August and November, plus a stepfather of one of those boys. We've spent a good bit of time and energy on trauma response. The village was emotionally exhausted trying to heal.
I ended up with strep throat the first weekend of November. I can't remember the last time I felt so physically terrible. A week later, my roommate came down with it. The house, and my classroom, got a good bit of disinfecting after that!
My little learners and I have been blessed this year, as well. At the end of the summer I posted on Facebook about getting sponsors for monthly chapter books from our Scholastic book orders. Not only did every child in my class get sponsored, but people donated money beyond that for whatever they might need during the year as well as others purchasing items off our class Amazon wish list. My grandmother sewed pillowcases for all of my students as well as two quilts for the top graduates this year. My uncle sent each of my students a pack of colored pencils plus some science experiment kits.
Luckily, all of the stars and planets aligned for my trip home for Christmas this time around! I got on a flight out of the village that went directly to Bethel instead of stopping at two other villages. After a planned 8 hour layover and the best takeout food I've had there, we were on the Alaska jet to Anchorage. I had about an hour there before my plane took off for Denver. For the first time ever, I managed to sleep for that entire 5 hour flight! I spent about 2 hours in Denver before heading to Houston for an hour then finally home. I can only hope my return to Hooper Bay is as smooth!!
It's hard to believe I'm halfway through my 2nd year out here. My students made some amazing growth on their math benchmark tests. There are some positive programs starting at the school with our new administration. I'm working with 4th and 5th grade students during after-school tutoring 2-3 days a week, and they are so excited to come work with me.
I plan on enjoying my short break with my family and relaxing a bit. The spring semester will be here before I know it!
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Year 2, Fall Semester
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
There's this thing that happens when people find out about your plans to move to Alaska. You will be bombarded with a million questions/comments. All from a place of love and curiosity...also because they think you've totally lost your mind.
1. Alaska!?! But it's so cold there!
Yes, and that's why people make winter clothing. Cold is also exciting (for now, at least) considering I live in a state that prides itself on extended summer. I'm currently looking forward to 7.5 months with snow, but I'll be sure to let you know when I'm over it :)
2. But what will you do there?
I will be teaching elementary, just as I do now.
3. Are you sure? Like, how sure?
Yes, I'm sure. Really sure. I signed a contract. This is happening!
4a. Is your mom moving with you? What about your sister?
No, neither of them are coming with me. They will, however, visit. (Side note: No one seems to ask if my father will be following me there, even though he'd love nothing more!)
4b. Are your parents okay with this?! They're going to let you go??
My parents have known about Alaska longer than anyone. Three years ago when I started talking about it, they didn't think I was serious. They have since realized I've thoroughly thought this out and and are on board with my adventurous nature. As for the 2nd question, those who really know me already realize how funny that question is. Sure, I value their opinion and would prefer their blessing. But I'm a grown woman, fully capable of making life decisions.
5a. Is there a man waiting for you there?
No, there is no man. I promise.
5b. You'll probably meet someone up there, though!
It's possible. I'm not moving to Alaska to find a husband, however. If it happens, it happens.
6. How long will it take you to drive there?
You cannot drive to where I'm moving to. Hooper Bay is right on the Bering Sea, in the middle of the bush. I will be flying. The average total travel time to Anchorage is 13-15 hours depending on layovers. I'm not sure how long the flight out to my village is but probably another 1-2 hours in a smaller plane.
7. How are you going to deal with 6 months of NO sun??
I never have no sun, even in the winter. The shortest day of the year is in December and has about 5.5 hours of light. The longest day is in June with 19.5 hours of light.
The following is a Q&A I had with a student from another class. It's too funny not to share.
1. Alaska!?! But it's so cold there!
Yes, and that's why people make winter clothing. Cold is also exciting (for now, at least) considering I live in a state that prides itself on extended summer. I'm currently looking forward to 7.5 months with snow, but I'll be sure to let you know when I'm over it :)
2. But what will you do there?
I will be teaching elementary, just as I do now.
3. Are you sure? Like, how sure?
Yes, I'm sure. Really sure. I signed a contract. This is happening!
4a. Is your mom moving with you? What about your sister?
No, neither of them are coming with me. They will, however, visit. (Side note: No one seems to ask if my father will be following me there, even though he'd love nothing more!)
4b. Are your parents okay with this?! They're going to let you go??
My parents have known about Alaska longer than anyone. Three years ago when I started talking about it, they didn't think I was serious. They have since realized I've thoroughly thought this out and and are on board with my adventurous nature. As for the 2nd question, those who really know me already realize how funny that question is. Sure, I value their opinion and would prefer their blessing. But I'm a grown woman, fully capable of making life decisions.
5a. Is there a man waiting for you there?
No, there is no man. I promise.
5b. You'll probably meet someone up there, though!
It's possible. I'm not moving to Alaska to find a husband, however. If it happens, it happens.
6. How long will it take you to drive there?
You cannot drive to where I'm moving to. Hooper Bay is right on the Bering Sea, in the middle of the bush. I will be flying. The average total travel time to Anchorage is 13-15 hours depending on layovers. I'm not sure how long the flight out to my village is but probably another 1-2 hours in a smaller plane.
7. How are you going to deal with 6 months of NO sun??
I never have no sun, even in the winter. The shortest day of the year is in December and has about 5.5 hours of light. The longest day is in June with 19.5 hours of light.
The following is a Q&A I had with a student from another class. It's too funny not to share.
- Student: Miss Taraba, are you really moving to Nebraska?
- Me (giggling): No, sweetie, I'm moving to AH-laska.
- Student: Oh, that's much better!
- Me (giggling harder): Yes, I think so, too!
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Exactly 2 weeks from today I will be headed home from Anchorage and the ATP Job Fair. When I looked at my calendar Thursday and realized just how close I am to jumping into this adventure, I got a bit nervous. Okay, "a bit" is an understatement.
I have a love/hate relationship with change and big decisions. I am thrilled by new things but am also quite happy with a normal routine. I'm a Taurus, and we avoid change at all costs. Big decisions are a whole different beast. When I'm faced with a life-changing decision, everything goes wonky for me. When I went away to boarding school: exciting change but lots of anxiety. When I had to pick a college: I mentally shut down for a bit with how overwhelming it was. Picking a career path: total nerves.
I've done LOADS of research. I've studied Alaska climate regions. I've researched school districts. I've read negotiated agreements, studied school websites, and followed news reports. I've found dozens of Alaskan teacher blogs and read every post on every one of them. I've reached out to current Alaska teachers and fellow LSMSA alumni for advice and opinions. I even have a current coworker who used to teach in Alaska who I've chatted with.
I know this is what I want to do. Do you ever feel like God and the Universe are dropping hints all over the place? I went to a local book sale yesterday and found a young adult book from the perspective of a Yup'ik girl. I later stumbled upon an Alaskan alphabet book with a Girdwood, Alaska sticker on it. I've spent the last couple of weeks teaching about Arctic animal adaptations, highlighting Alaska frequently.
Right now, my nerves are about whether I'll make the right choice. I've been told districts offer contracts at the Anchorage Fair, and that I should be prepared to accept one. It's not totally uncommon to be offered more than one contract. The "what ifs" running through my head about potentially having to choose between multiple offers are numerous.
All I can do now is finish preparing my portfolio, getting my resumes printed, and decide what I want to wear. My gut instincts have never led me wrong before, and I'll just have to trust them when the time comes!
I have a love/hate relationship with change and big decisions. I am thrilled by new things but am also quite happy with a normal routine. I'm a Taurus, and we avoid change at all costs. Big decisions are a whole different beast. When I'm faced with a life-changing decision, everything goes wonky for me. When I went away to boarding school: exciting change but lots of anxiety. When I had to pick a college: I mentally shut down for a bit with how overwhelming it was. Picking a career path: total nerves.
I've done LOADS of research. I've studied Alaska climate regions. I've researched school districts. I've read negotiated agreements, studied school websites, and followed news reports. I've found dozens of Alaskan teacher blogs and read every post on every one of them. I've reached out to current Alaska teachers and fellow LSMSA alumni for advice and opinions. I even have a current coworker who used to teach in Alaska who I've chatted with.
I know this is what I want to do. Do you ever feel like God and the Universe are dropping hints all over the place? I went to a local book sale yesterday and found a young adult book from the perspective of a Yup'ik girl. I later stumbled upon an Alaskan alphabet book with a Girdwood, Alaska sticker on it. I've spent the last couple of weeks teaching about Arctic animal adaptations, highlighting Alaska frequently.
Right now, my nerves are about whether I'll make the right choice. I've been told districts offer contracts at the Anchorage Fair, and that I should be prepared to accept one. It's not totally uncommon to be offered more than one contract. The "what ifs" running through my head about potentially having to choose between multiple offers are numerous.
All I can do now is finish preparing my portfolio, getting my resumes printed, and decide what I want to wear. My gut instincts have never led me wrong before, and I'll just have to trust them when the time comes!
