Saturday, July 23, 2011
Going Away Party
Last night I had a going away party at McFaddens in downtown Providence. Over 30 people were there to send me off and I had a great time. It made me think of how much I'm going to miss all my friends here. It also reminded me of all the good times I've had with these people over the years. Thanks to everyone that came out! I will miss you all.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Leaving
In less than three short weeks, I will be leaving. I'm going alone to teach in a small village in Alaska, called Tuntutuliak, almost 4,000 miles away from my home in Providence, Rhode Island. Ever since I've taken this job, people have asked me all kinds of questions. The questions progress from very broad topics and they gradually narrow down to questions about obscure details. Most of these sequences start with a similar sentiment:
"Are you Effing nuts?!"
At least that's the first question most people have asked me. Or they've just given me a blank stare, or they've laughed, or they've shrugged my declaration off as some kind of bizarre prank I'm pulling (and I do have a reputation for stupid pranks). But in all honesty, I can't really blame anyone for having these types of reactions. Who the hell drops everything they know to move across the country to Alaska? I suppose you have to be a little crazy to do what I'm doing. I'm starting to accept that.
So why am I leaving?
There's really not one answer. The idea of leaving Rhode Island to teach somewhere far away has been manifesting itself in me for quite a while. I've had an adventurous itch that I can't satisfy by staying in New England. I've explored a number of options. Alaska became one of those options along the process. Those who know me well have heard me vent about wanting to get away and they've been patient with my, oftentimes, annoying rants about changing things up. I certainly appreciate the continuous support and encouragement of these people (they know who they are). Other than needing an adventure, I needed to teach. I couldn't bear with the prospect of being a substitute teacher (among other things) for another long school year. I'm good at teaching. I'm passionate about teaching. An opportunity to teach presented itself. The decision became clearer and clearer.
Along with my desire to become an adventure-seeking educator, I also have my own personal reasons for leaving. I'm relatively young (25), I'm single, I don't have kids (probably not anytime soon). But life happens fast. Things change. I'm not sure if I'd be able to do something like this a few years down the road. Internally, it just felt right.
I probably should be freaking out right about now. I have unanswered questions. I don't fully know what to expect. I'm leaving my parents behind, my brother, my close friends, and all the comforts of home to throw myself into an Arctic culture-shock. I should be upset, and nervous, and confused, and fearful, but I'm not. I'm actually rather relaxed. Why worry? I'd rather just enjoy my time in Providence and when the time comes, jump right into this new world of mine.
Oh, and teaching English in Alaska gives me a reason to write a blog! I've always wanted to, but never had a legitimate reason. This blog will chronicle my life as a teacher in Tuntutuliak. I will write about my life, my school, my home, my teaching, my students, and any other random things I decide are worth sharing. Please feel free to post comments, ask questions, and share your thoughts. I hope you enjoy!
"Are you Effing nuts?!"
At least that's the first question most people have asked me. Or they've just given me a blank stare, or they've laughed, or they've shrugged my declaration off as some kind of bizarre prank I'm pulling (and I do have a reputation for stupid pranks). But in all honesty, I can't really blame anyone for having these types of reactions. Who the hell drops everything they know to move across the country to Alaska? I suppose you have to be a little crazy to do what I'm doing. I'm starting to accept that.
So why am I leaving?
There's really not one answer. The idea of leaving Rhode Island to teach somewhere far away has been manifesting itself in me for quite a while. I've had an adventurous itch that I can't satisfy by staying in New England. I've explored a number of options. Alaska became one of those options along the process. Those who know me well have heard me vent about wanting to get away and they've been patient with my, oftentimes, annoying rants about changing things up. I certainly appreciate the continuous support and encouragement of these people (they know who they are). Other than needing an adventure, I needed to teach. I couldn't bear with the prospect of being a substitute teacher (among other things) for another long school year. I'm good at teaching. I'm passionate about teaching. An opportunity to teach presented itself. The decision became clearer and clearer.
Along with my desire to become an adventure-seeking educator, I also have my own personal reasons for leaving. I'm relatively young (25), I'm single, I don't have kids (probably not anytime soon). But life happens fast. Things change. I'm not sure if I'd be able to do something like this a few years down the road. Internally, it just felt right.
I probably should be freaking out right about now. I have unanswered questions. I don't fully know what to expect. I'm leaving my parents behind, my brother, my close friends, and all the comforts of home to throw myself into an Arctic culture-shock. I should be upset, and nervous, and confused, and fearful, but I'm not. I'm actually rather relaxed. Why worry? I'd rather just enjoy my time in Providence and when the time comes, jump right into this new world of mine.
Oh, and teaching English in Alaska gives me a reason to write a blog! I've always wanted to, but never had a legitimate reason. This blog will chronicle my life as a teacher in Tuntutuliak. I will write about my life, my school, my home, my teaching, my students, and any other random things I decide are worth sharing. Please feel free to post comments, ask questions, and share your thoughts. I hope you enjoy!
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