The Song is Over

Welp, here I am, writing a blog post from the other side of the finish line of my first year of teaching. I'm not sure what the date is, I haven't done anything productive today, and I have not a care in the world. The craziest thing is that I seriously never thought I would feel this way or even willingly sign up for another year of teaching. However, the end of the first year was completely anticlimactic, and it most certainly wasn't an end, but rather a beginning to the rest of my life. Let's recap, shall we?

The last two months were insane. I had fun chairing the Beginning Honor Band, which is probably the easiest, most chill event one can chair, but it allowed me to meet several awesome people and test my organizational skills. Chris and I spent a whirlwind 48 hours on the Big Island and loved every second of it! Things got pretty rocky at school with some controversial comings and goings. Nothing to do with me, but it was rough for a while. Concert prep pulled together and it was a fantastic night, but not nearly as adrenaline-laden as the first concert. Graduation, the eighth grade song, the seventh grade song and mass, came and went. I was offered a position at another school. I was offered two more positions at other schools. I took a good long look at what I was doing with my life and what I wanted, and it dawned on me: I'm happy! There was no reason to change positions. I thought I would run away kicking and screaming if I ever got the chance, and when I got several chances, realized that I have built a home and have big plans for next year.

I must say: I'm glad I'm taking the month of June off to relax and prep - I have so many ideas for next year after surviving this one that I'm genuinely excited to spend time brainstorming and planning for next year. I have never appreciated a summer so much, and am able to be productive while still relaxing, strengthening friendships, building and enjoying a fantastic relationship, and working out! I'm really starting to think that the 2013 Honolulu Marathon is going to happen. I credit so much of my motivation and results to Chris showing me that you can always go a little harder and run a little longer. I've even registered for my first triathalon!

As far as being stoked for next year goes, I'm proud of what I've started and know exactly what I need to do to improve it without feeling stressed or anxious. I also was made to feel extremely valued by the administration and the faculty for the work I've done this year and was given the opportunity to make my schedule look the way I want. I loved every second of Honors Literature, but it added hours upon hours of prep, correcting, and reading every week, so I won't be teaching it next year. I'm so excited about finally being strictly a music teacher and to have the beginnings of a real program. I'm also very, very proud of the graduating class and already miss those kids a ton. They have taught me so much and will always be my first class. They're off to great things and I'm humbled that I could play a small role in their lives.

Ah, summer. Ah, first year - complete! I won't be changing the name of this blog anytime soon, but I think I will refocus it to chronicle the unique experience of teaching at a small school. I must admit - this year was frickin' nuts, but it taught me so much, whether I was ready to learn it or not. I'm no longer timid and insecure, and I'm suuuuuper excited for what lies ahead. Now, it's time for me to sit back, relax, and enjoy summer. Cheers!