So it begins!

Before I even begin, just know that I feel like I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to teach right out of college. With the way the job market is right now, especially in the educational world, I am very lucky to have landed a Kindergarten position. Spending all summer filling out 200+ applications has definitely paid off.

The chaos is starting to settle and I am beginning to finally get into the swing of things at my school. Sometimes I still sit at my desk in the morning and can't believe that the classroom is "mine". It's strange to see my name on the door and to know that there are 19 children that belong to Miss O's class in room 25.

I wanted to start a blog to make sure I write down all of the good memories, the not so good memories, and of course the funny little things that can happen each day. Whenever I meet a teacher, they always recommend keeping a journal. There are so many things that can happen in just one day that can be inspirational or something that can be taken as a great learning experience. Because I am already a week in, I figured it would probably be a good time to start!

Making a move from New York to North Carolina was a huge change. Not to mention, I was given barely any time to prepare or even think about it. Maybe it was better that way, though. I had less time to psych myself out.

I work with amazing, generous people. Everyone is so friendly down here. The entire staff is so kind and they are willing to help whenever possible. It's a very welcoming environment and I feel like I am very lucky to work in such a wonderful place, especially for my very first "grown up" job.

I have 19 students and they are definitely a handful. But I have a wonderful assistant that helps me out tremendously. The kids are really sweet, and a lot of them really enjoy being there and want to learn. Of course, I have a small handful who are resistant to the new changes. It's understandable. Kindergarten is a huge adjustment and I am hoping that by October, all of the students will feel more comfortable in the classroom.

I feel as though I have adapted to my new lifestyle quite easily. However waking up at 5am is something I don't think I will ever enjoy. Teaching is a lot of work and I am realizing that waking up at 5...being to school by 6:30 and leaving around 6:00 pm is what my life will consist of for quite some time. It's exhausting...but I am so thankful for this opportunity.

Unfortunately, it's almost 9:30...and that's the time I start getting pretty sleepy...so I must end my first entry tonight. I will return and I'm hoping with some laughs and uplifting stories.

Miss O =]