Summer's End Brings New Beginnings

While I am, of course, enjoying my summer time off with my family, I am a bit ready to see what this new school year has in store for us. There is something refreshing about starting over each year with a new class and new possibilities. While it's very sad for me to leave my little munchkin each day for work, I can go knowing that I am helping other children, while providing good insurance for her and a second income for our family. I was worried for a while about how much the budget will affect us this year. With more students in the classroom, it makes it so hard to do what we need to do for these kids as individuals. I had around 25 last year, and will have 27 this year, but 'that's just the way it is', as the song goes. Teaching isn't the easiest job, but there are so many opportunities to just be a positive force in a young life each day. I think that is what keeps me going, when I am burned out, tired and frustrated with things. It makes all the hard work worth it when you see the impact you can have on a child, whether it is big or small. I try my best to see myself as a parent in the classroom, and to think about how I would handle things if it were my child sitting in that desk. I pray for my new group of students this year, that I will be what they need me to be, and that I will be patient when I don't feel like being patient. I hope I will be kind and understanding when I have reached my limits. I want to be who God created me to be for these kids. Whether I love it one day or hate it another, this is what I know I am supposed to be doing. So with all the ups and downs that will come with this year, I am looking up and having faith for the best outcome. So with the end of this summer, I am excited about the new beginnings this year will bring. Hopefully, we will make it through this year with a healthy family, and less struggle!
May God bless all of our school staff and students, and the surrounding schools and administration throughout this year...keeping us safe, helping and encouraging us to learn, and instilling within us all hearts of love for those around us.