Started the year dating a wonderful girl. Erin and I were engaged around the first week of February (officially, that is). I turned 29 in April and
Right around March I started looking for full time work. Working for the church was great, but it was not full time and as marriage loomed on the horizon, I wanted to venture into something new. Little did I know that it would be a 6 month drought on finding work.
Near the end of June, Erin and I got married :-) We spent 10 days in St. Lucia and about 5 days in July camping in Michigan. Summers off is not a bad gig, let me tell you.
But alas, our summer fun had to come to end sooner or later. Erin started work not too long ago (end of August) and I was still searching. In June, a week before our wedding I took a test to be state certified as a Paraprofessional (a teaching assistant is the job I was shooting for).
So as Erin started work, I was looking at just about any suburban school district that would take a "green" teacher's assistant. Little did I know that something was stirring in a bit of a familiar location.
I've been to Erin's school a few times to see her class (special education, really great kids). Just a few days ago, the other special ed class at Erin's school called us to say they need a male teacher assistant to come help the class. I didn't think too long on whether or not to take the job :-)
I started today. A full day in the class assisting the teacher, checking the work, and relating to young children with special needs. It was even picture day at school, so I got to take one of the children to get his picture taken. The young lady who took his picture was so patient with him. I don't know how, but she knew the exact moment to snap his big grin and great pose.
But all this is really interesting for me. Let me explain:
I was home schooled. I don't mean a year or two here or there, it was all the way through. I sat at home in Elementary school and high school. I didn't really set foot into a classroom until I was 21
So for me this is almost all new. And it hit me this evening. I've been a bit insecure about the job. Can I learn it? am I going to be what the class needs? But really, I'm insecure because on some level, I feel like I'm learning it all for the first time. That's crazy for me. a 29 year old elementary kid? wow.
All in all, I am confident that it's going to work out. I am excited because Erin and I get to eat lunch together. We get the same holidays off. We get to go to work together and come home at the same time (most days that is).
I am happy that tomorrow is Friday, because then I get two days away from the class to let what I'm learning settle in. We'll see how it goes, but like I said, I'm confident it will work out. It's a great school, a really good district, and Erin and I are on the same schedule. I really can't complain at this rate.
Till next time,
~Paul
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