Thankful

I have just returned from a week long trip to Chicago and back to be with family for Thanksgiving. I'm grateful that I have a teaching job that allows me this privilege. Vacation time, time to be with family, is a big reason I saught out this job and I am thankful I was given the opportunity to get this type of job. I also had to bring papers to grade and I really put it off to the last moment. I first graded my level ones and unfortunately their work was not great. It made me feel aggravated and stressed. Then I began to grade my level 2 papers. What a difference. Format was great, content was excellent. I'm not sure, but I may be seeing the fruits of my labor. The level two students know my expectations, have written papers for me before, and it appears that learning has occurred. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to be helpful to someone. That is what I have always wanted to do. It was easier to see the help I was doing when I was working as a nurse. Teaching is very challenging to me in many aspects and I admit that I am still struggling with this age group and whether it is right for me. I am thankful for a job that works best for my family, which was my main goal. I am thankful for the opportunities teaching has given me to expand my experience and to share the knowledge I am passionate about. I am thankful for the great mentors who have gotten me this far. I do believe that all things happen for a reason so I know that there is a purpose in me teaching this age group. I am thankful for this experience and I just need to be patient to see how it will all play out.