2014 Thoughts

2014 will probably go down as one of the biggest years of my life. Here are just some of the major things that took place:

• I graduated from college. Took 6 years, but I did it. I have a degree that I'm actually using. It feels like such a huge accomplishment. I did not know exactly where my education would bring me, but it brought me to a place that I continue to learn new things every day--and I love it! Student teaching sucked. I hated it. It was an awkward situation that I wish on no one. I hated having to "be in charge" of another person's classroom. I was supposed to implement my teaching and rules in the middle of the year with a class full of students who still looked at their teacher as the one in charge. I was also recovering from ACL surgery and was on crutches for a good portion of it. It was stressful and my confidence was low. I loved my students, but had mixed feelings if I was to really be a Special Education Teacher. I started to think of a plan B. What could I do with my degree instead of teaching? Then I finished in April and started applying to jobs. I so badly wanted to teach in a High School self-contained class. I applied to over 8 positions. Had about 6 interviews. And got no calls, no offers. I was feeling pretty crushed. Each interview made it harder. Then one day I got a call for an interview for a Charter school in Springville. Wasn't the ideal location, or the ideal job. But I took the interview. They offered me the job on the spot. I was shocked. I went home and prayed. I didn't really want the position, but I needed the job. I was getting married and we needed the income. And so far all the high school positions had been filled. I had the feeling I should take the job. I haven't once regretted that decision. Working at Reagan Academy has been amazing. Everyone talks about how hard the first year of teaching is, but I love it. I love my co-workers, my students and the school. My confidence is back and I feel very good about my decision to become a Special Education teacher.
• As many of you know, in December 2013 I tore my ACL playing soccer. This turned into surgery, that took me out from playing soccer for a whole year. I'm still not back, but am working on playing very soon. Through this experience I have become very grateful for my body. I missed being active and being able to hike, run and do a lot of summer activities this year. Our bodies are amazing. I'm grateful that I get to play soccer again! It has been a very long year without it. 
• I got married. Probably the biggest thing that happened this year by far and the best. The best advice I could give anyone is marry your best friend. Just last night Bryson and I stayed up til 2 am just talking. I felt like a little girl at a sleep over that didn't want to go to sleep because she was having such a fun time talking. I have never laughed so much in my life since Bryson entered into it. We are super poor, and live paycheck to paycheck but we make it just fine. When I think of Christmas this year, I realize I already have gotten the best present and don't feel a need for anything more. Bryson is such a blessing in my life. He listens to my vents of the day, he holds me when I cry for stupid reasons and he is there to make me laugh at any time of the day.

I feel very blessed this year. I know this time of my life is very unique, and I'm trying to enjoy each moment of it!