Coping With Questions

It's about two hours until I have to board the first plane of four that will take me to Bethel, Alaska for my introduction to teaching there. Lots of thoughts are swimming through my head: What will the kids be like in Alaska? What will I be required to teach? Will I survive the depressing winter? Are chips and guacamole really worth $3.49 here at the airport? 

It's hard to determine when the questions will end. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've been asking questions, both profound and simple, since I learned to talk. My mother would tell you that, out of her three children, I was the worrier. So it's a wonder how I made it this far in life without most of my hair turning gray, or the need for some kind of medication for anxiety. How did I do it? How am I able to deal with all of these things at once while still being able to put my thoughts to words on a blog that, for once in my life, isn't required for a class I'm taking? The answer is pretty simple, and it's something that I think we all realize at one point or another: I've had a lot of help along the way.

One of the lessons I've learned in both my student teaching and education classes is that your friends and family are indispensable throughout life. I didn't keep in touch with a lot of my peers who graduated with me just because they're awesome and I love them all (that is a big part though), but also because I respect them as educators and can depend on them when I need them the most for advice and material. I've had wonderful professors along the way who've helped me with becoming a better Language Arts teacher as well. It's the same with my family. I have many family members who are great at what they do and can help me with just about anything, and they all love me and support me in what I'm doing.

Now it's pretty simple to say, just as the Beatles did, that we all need a little help from our friends from time to time. But really think about all the different things people do for you for a moment. C'mon, really think. They don't even have to be big favors. As my mother told me when I started dating, "It's the small things that really matter."

So before you go and thank whoever it is you thought of for whatever it is that they did, I'd like to take a moment to thank the people who've helped me along the way:

Mom and Dad: I can't even begin to describe or explain how thankful I am to have two wonderful parents who care for their children so much. You guys have been so supportive of me, and I hope that I continue to make you proud.

Mike and Angela: The amount of research you've done for me on Alaska is sure to put even the best of my research papers to shame. Thank you for your never-ending enthusiasm for my journey, and for providing me with a roof over my head during the summer. Oh, and sorry for the mess in the basement. 

Kent State INLA Class of 2015: You all continue to be models for me for being a great teacher and a great human being. Thank you all for your support and your dedication to improving education the world over.

My past teachers and professors: A lot of educators have told me that this job is worth doing so long as you reach at least one student, that you make a difference in at least one person's life. Well, I'm here to tell you you've done that. You all have inspired me to do what you do, and you all shaped me into the teacher I am. Thank you.

My friends and family: Thank you all for your immediate support in my decision. I will miss you all very much, and I hope to continue hearing from you all.

And thank you, reader, for taking the time to read my thoughts. Sometimes writers forget that it is the reader that we must depend on for our writing to mean something. I hope you will continue to visit and get to know me. Oh, and learn a few things along the way. After all, that is why I'm here.