1. I signed up and took a 4 credit course at the local community college. It took a lot of time and energy. It was Anatomy and Physiology I and my final was May 6th, the first day of my summer job.
2. I also worked 5 days a week until April at Pico, which kept me pretty busy. Especially during President's week when I didn't have enough staff and my hair turned MUCH grayer. Then I worked sporadically until State Park season as a substitute.
3. May 6th, I began my career as Assistant Park Ranger at DAR State Park. I went through ranger training, and began cleaning up the park until opening day, Memorial Day weekend.
4. When I wasn't working or studying the functions of the central and peripheral nervous system, I was thinking whether or not I wanted to indeed go into nursing. I applied and got accepted in Castleton State College's 4 year nursing program, but would have to take 2 more years. To me that seemed like an eternity, so I started to question whether or not I really wanted to be a nurse. The fact that my A&P professor was biased (he had a favorite and wasn't shy about letting it be known), helped push me over the edge of not pursuing nursing. That and the fact that Castleton's 4 year program isn't accredited helped seal the deal.
5. So, I decided to make sure I got my teaching license again- get all my ducks in a row and start applying for teaching jobs like crazy. The state of Vermont still hasn't found my fingerprints that they issued for my initial license that all the schools I've worked at used for reference. But they're working on it.
6. Oh, and in the middle/end of April, I was going to dog sit, (because at least that was some kind of income). I got to the house, the lady went over what I needed to know- they left and not a half hour after they left, I gave their 14 year old deaf dumb and blind dog a treat and instead he decided to bite my hand. (and it was the 2nd time the same dog has bitten me...) Luckily, I got in touch with the people and they were able to race home. My mom came and brought me to the ER (I have a 6 speed standard... driving myself wasn't going to happen). If it wasn't a dog bite, I'm sure I would have needed stitches. They cleaned it out and gave me an antibiotic and sent me on my way. The pain went away after a day, but the swelling didn't. After 2 days, I went back to the ER like they told me to, and they admitted me because the infection was spreading and the antibiotic wasn't working. 3 days later, I was much better and ready to run out of the hospital home. And now I only have a 1/4 inch scar as a war wound.
I hope that's enough excuses for me not to have written since January. So now for some better news!
*I got a B as my final grade for Anatomy and Physiology! I was thinking I was only going to get a C, so I'm very happy. I might even take A&P II at some point soon just to finish it up. But we'll see.
And now, I have saved the best for last....
I GOT A TEACHING JOB!!!!!!!
I know, right? All this patience stuff has really paid off! Alright. Let me tell the story from the beginning. It's short. I promise.
So, I apply for teaching jobs through this website, SchoolSpring.com like I've been doing for years. I apply for this elementary teaching position (didn't say what grade) and it's in East Corinth, Vermont. I thought the name sounded familiar, but I didn't think much of it. Well, I got a call at home (while I was working in the park and have no cell phone reception- wait, I was supposed to make this short- sorry). My mom comes to tell me to call a school and I do and they want to interview me. Ok ok so I drive up to East Corinth (with my insistent mother who has to come) and when I drive into the parking lot, I have a deja vu experience. I've been there before- had an interview there before. Come to find out, at least 2 of the people on the interview committee interviewed me before! Whoah. Now I'm not great at interviewing- I get nervous, look down a lot, etc. I made an effort not to do that and tried to make my best eye contact and say the best things (but not phony things- I'm not the phony type). The position is for a second grade teacher that in a few years would be moved up to upper grades- which is fine because I just want a teaching job!! Long story sort of short- Interview done- principal walking me out telling me she loves St. Mike's -where I got my BA and apparently where she got one of her master's- and told me with a firm handshake (with 2 hands on my one) that I will be hearing from them soon. 2+ hours later, I walk in the door and the message on the phone (that we had just missed) told me to call the school back as soon as possible. I did and she told me that I was the only candidate that the interview committee was presenting to the school board! So it's not final final, but I got it! Monday I have an appointment to meet the superintendent, and then I meet the school board on the 13th. I was asked yesterday by the other second grade teacher to come to school on the 12 for the step up program- where the kids meet their next year teacher, so that will be fun.
It hasn't quite sunk in yet. I don't know if it's because it hasn't been finalized completely, but I know it will sink in soon. It's just amazing. On the drive up, I felt at ease- not really worried about the interview (though I was running late....grrr) I felt- REALLY felt- if this is what I'm supposed to do, God will make it happen. If not, something else would come up, because I know that he will provide me with something. He always does.
My faith was certainly tested. And it will continue to be tested. I thank everyone who has prayed for me throughout the years and I ask that you continue to pray for me!
I'm a teacher again. How about that!
