A New Year

     I can't believe that I haven't been on here since September! And now it's 2013! So, first off, Happy New Year everyone :)
     2012 went by so fast, especially from the months of September-December. I was teaching Monday through Friday, till 5:30. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I would take off immediately from work and head to the HEC building in Medford for my grad school classes. Most nights I wouldn't get home until 9:00, 9:30.
     On top of all this, work was stressful. My class is challenging, especially for a first-year teacher who has only had student teaching as her experience. My supervisors were unsure about me and my abilities, and it turned into what I felt like was a battle to prove myself. I found out finally in December, that I had improved significantly and I would remain for the rest of the year. It was a huge relief! My job was tearing me apart, and making me question for a while whether I was a good teacher. I'm thankful to have amazing coworkers that were encouraging during this time and supportive of me. Plus, my parents were incredible. Any time I called at night, crying because I didn't know what to do any more, they always said how proud of me they were. The entire experience has been a huge learning opportunity and even though it has been challenging, I've grown a lot from it.

And what would a New Year's post be without some resolutions?

• Stay organized with grad school and work
• Make time for fun
• Get a workout routine going and stick with it
• Eat healthier (No more fast food, limit sugars)
• Blog more

Fall! :)

     Okay, I realize the actual first day of fall isn't until September 22nd (and how do I know that, you may ask....because it's my baby sister's 18th birthday that day!) but I'm just too excited that it is September. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. And here is reason number 1:

   
     I love the fall colors. The reds, oranges, and yellows. It's always so gorgeous outside!

     Reason number 2:

     Scarves! These are my favorite accessory once it starts to get a little chilly outside. If you are ever wondering what to get me for a present, you can never go wrong with a scarf. I love them!

     Reason number 3:

     Boots! My absolute favorite shoe to wear. And Uggs are so comfortable to wear. Plus, they keep my feet warm, which means I'm warm. And happy :) I don't spend the money on brand name Uggs, but actually have found a brand that is way cheaper, but still just as comfortable....Brumby.

     These are amazing. And I actually just found a similar pair today on Shoedazzle. If you looked in my closet, you would probably think that I have way too many boots. But they're all I wear in the fall and winter!

    And I'm probably a tad extra excited this year because it's my first year teaching! And my preschoolers will be starting school on the 11th! I can't believe it. And even though it has been a little stressful, not having a teacher assistant yet, I'm very lucky to be working with an amazing group of people who all love kids just as much as I do.

I'm Blonde!

     Every once and a while, I like to change things up a little. Which usually means my hair :) I've been burgundy, a redhead (naturally), and a brunette. The one thing I hadn't been yet was blonde. So yesterday that's exactly what I did: my way of celebrating my new job. And I love it! 

Jimmy's

Saturday Market Fun

Amazing News!

     I am so happy to tell everyone that I got the job! I received a call on August 7th, and was fortunate enough to be told that Southern Oregon Head Start would like to offer me a position as a teacher :)
     I started New Hire Orientation on the 13th and that ended up taking the whole week. It was a lot of information to process, but I'm just taking it all in. I realize how lucky and amazing this opportunity is for me. Tomorrow, the 20th, is when I finally start working. I get to set up my classroom and start working with my TA (Teacher's Assistant). I'm excited to see where this will all lead. It's going to keep me very busy, especially when grad school starts back up again at the end of September, but I'm ready to tackle it.

And here it is: I'm official!

Brielle also got me these- I'm sure I'll be making good use of them :)

First Big-Girl Interview

     On August 1, I had my first professional (or as I like to call it: Big-Girl) interview. The process actually started a week before the actual interview. But I'm getting ahead of myself: you're probably wondering where I interviewed at.

     This is where I have been interviewing at: Southern Oregon Head Start. I'm being considered for a preschool teacher position. I love the Head Start program and anything that allows me to work around kids every day is a dream job. The process first started with a 15 minute observation of me coming into one of their classes. They just wanted to see how I interact with the kids. The next step was a "meet and greet". I actually really enjoyed this part. We got to find out more about the position and also ask any questions that we had. And finally, the official interview.

     The experience was awesome. This was the first professional interview that I've had. I've done interviews before with places like Ross and Subway, but nothing that actually related to my degree. And I want this position so much! Working with kids isn't a job to me, it's my passion....as cheesy as that may sound :)

     I was interviewed by four different people and they all took turns asking questions. I should be hopefully finding out tomorrow whether or not they have decided to give me the position. It's so challenging waiting. Part of me wants to be confident and feel like I got the job, but at the same time, I don't want to get my hopes up, so I'm trying to prepare myself for the worst too. I'll breathe a lot easier once I know for sure what is going to be happening. Hopefully I'll be able to report back good news to you all soon! :)