The Last Day

In college, I was fortunate enough to have an incredible advisor. She was full of life and energy and wisdom. I was also lucky enough to take a couple of science methods courses with her, and I learned SO much from her! One of the biggest things I took away from my time with her is that the day you wake up and aren’t whistling and excited to go to work, it’s time to move on.

I don’t believe that we are meant to do one thing forever. Maybe it’s that I have a slightly gypsy soul and have a hard time settling down. Maybe it’s just that I feel called to do a LOT of different things. I’ve always wanted to live an unconventional life, and CELEBRATE living with my husband (and soon our child!).

I’ve been a teacher for four years, and I’ve taught at three different schools. I’ve gotten my master’s degree, and I’ve learned a TON about me as a person and as a professional. I’ve met so many incredible people that I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to know! However, these four years have not been easy. Only one of the four years has been a year that I’ve actually enjoyed going to work.

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The art of teaching is something I truly ADORE. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher! I was that kid playing school with my stuffed animals and taking extra things from school so that I could have “curriculum” to share with them. Being a teacher is something that will always be a part of me. I just believe that it’s going to manifest itself in different ways throughout these future years.

I stopped being excited to go to work. My mindset shifted from going to “school” to going to “work” and that was when I knew it was about that time. That time to move on. I didn’t have the courage though. It wasn’t the right time. But seeing that positive pregnancy test in December changed my world. It gave me the courage and the motivation to do what feels absolutely right for me!

I thought about changing schools so that I could work closer to home, but then I realized that I’ve gotten a little jaded about education, and it’s sad that it’s happened so soon for me, but I always told myself that I would not be that teacher. You know – that one you can tell just doesn’t want to be there, but stays there for years and years because it’s the easy thing to do. The grass isn’t greener on the other side and every district has its own issues. Switching schools wouldn’t change things for me. It would still leave me feeling jaded and bitter about my work, and that’s the last thing I want. It also didn’t feel right to go through so much and try to get pregnant for so long, just to have the baby and go back to work. I’ve seen and heard my friends struggle being working mamas while nursing. It’s not fair, and it’s not something that I think I can deal with. The words of my advisor are still playing in my head, and I know it’s time to move on.

Someday, I’ll go back to teaching, I’m sure. Because like I said, it’s so much of who I am. But I need a couple of years to recharge and feel refreshed before I go back. I think I owe it to myself and to any students that I would have to take that time for myself, so that I can someday be the best teacher I can possibly be.

In the meantime, teaching will shine through learning about the world with my baby. Maybe I’ll homeschool. I’ll probably sub in the local school districts.  Maybe I’ll start to host workshops and do mentoring sessions for photography and teach in that way.

The best part is, I have no idea what the future holds for me, and I’m excited, albeit terrified, about all the potential opportunities and changes that are coming my way. Lately I’ve been second-guessing myself, but I’ve heard a lot that if it doesn’t scare you, then it’s probably not something worth fighting for. I’ve had a lot of encouragement and support from the people around me that what I’m about to do is going to be so awesome, and that’s really helped with the transition.

These past three years at Edward Little have been a whirlwind. I sit here in my empty classroom and it’s a little bittersweet. I wasn’t expecting this feeling. I have worked with an incredible group of individuals in the science department and I truly am going to miss seeing them on a regular basis. It’s nice to have a great support system where you work, and these people were just that for me!

Today, I make my last 1-hour commute each way to Auburn. I close this chapter of my life and I start writing the next. I look forward to sharing it all with you!

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  1. Jessica Somers says:

    I am so happy that you are making this step for you and your family! I will miss you but I am so proud of you for making the choices. You must love what you do and should enjoy everyday (at least most of them) or what’s the point. It takes a very strong person to change paths and my friend I know that this is the one you are meant to be on.

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You can usually find me adding books to my never-ending “to read” list; challenging myself to do things like not shop for a year; sneaking crispy m+ms from my secret hiding spot so I don’t have to share them with my daughter; and melting over seeing my children smiling at each other.

Oh and I guess I should mention - I’m a seasoned Portland wedding photographer who provides not only kick-ass wedding photos, but also a meaningful and laid-back experience from the time you book to the delivery of your final images. 

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