Where It All Started…

My love of teaching, that is. I’m not the girl who grew up playing school or pretending that my stuffed animals were my students. I didn’t know from the first day of kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher. I’m the daughter of a teacher, so I spent more than enough time in my mom’s classroom. When the school bell rang at the end of the day I wandered down to my mom’s room and spent time there long after the other students had gone home. There were lots of summer days that I accompanied her to school to help her prepare for the next year. I quickly became a pro at die-cuts, laminations, bulletin boards, etc. I saw how hard teachers worked first hand, and I didn’t want to go into that. So I thought. 

Now, fast forward to my senior year of high school. I had the opportunity to complete an externship. A certain number of seniors were allowed to leave school early each day to spend time in a job field that interested them. I liked the idea of leaving earlier each day so I applied and was accepted. I thought I wanted to extern at a non-profit organization, but I had trouble finding one. My mom had lots of connections with other teachers in the district, so I decided I would extern in a second grade class.

When August rolled around I contacted my mentor teacher to see if I could help out during the teacher work week. I spent a few afternoons getting to know her while we put the finishing touches on her classroom. I was even able to stay during orientation to meet “our” new second graders. The moment I met my first student, I was smitten. Their nervous and excited smiles warmed my heart, and I had no idea at the time how much these kids would become a part of my life.

When the school year started, I left half-way through the day and drove to the elementary school. Each day that I arrived I was welcomed by a chorus of “Miss Samanthas!” These lasted all year long and I loved it. I helped in any way that was needed whether that was stapling, grading, working with individuals or small groups, and so on. I also went on all the field trips throughout the year. I really treasured those days we were able to get out of the normal school environment.

Each afternoon that I spent with these second graders I learned more and more about them. I learned about their academic strengths and weaknesses. I learned what their favorite subjects were. I learned about who played soccer and who took dance classes. I learned about their family dynamics. It’s cliché to say, but the relationships I developed with these kids were priceless. I felt so privileged to watch them grown and change over the course of an entire school year. 

Slowly, education wedged a way into my heart that couldn’t be ignored. I NEVER thought that I would want to be a teacher, and I started to ask God whether He wanted me to pursue elementary education. I distinctly remember writing in my journal my hesitancy as to whether this was His plan or mine. Over the year, He confirmed multiple times that He was calling me to be a teacher. I just knew that this passion was from Him. I talked about my kids all. the. time. My friends heard more than enough stories and I came home every day to tell my parents about the world of second grade. One afternoon, my mom told me that my face lit up every time I talked about my kids and teaching. Her observation meant the world to me.

Throughout my first year in college, I was able to spend time in first, fourth, and sixth grade classrooms. My passion for education has continued to grow stronger and I genuinely love being the classroom. Everything within me knows that teaching will be one of the hardest things I ever do, but I’m meant to fulfill this calling. I’m so thankful that God chose me.

My sweet second graders...the first class to ever steal my heart.

Reading Recap {July}

Book: Front of the Class
Brad Cohen relates what it was like to grow up with Tourette Syndrome during a time when most people weren't familiar with it. He was bullied and mocked by other kids and even his own family was unsure how to act around him. At the time, people didn't understand that he had no control over the tics and twitches that he made. These "disruptions" made school a constant struggle for him and his outbursts frustrated teachers. In middle school, he was given the opportunity to teach his classmates about Tourette Syndrome and realized the power of education. He decided he wanted to become a teacher to provide his students with the encouragement and acceptance he failed to receive from his teachers. I loved this book from the very start! Cohen's passion for teaching is evident and was an inspiration. I would recommend this memoir...especially if you're in the education field.

They made a Hallmark movie about Brad Cohen's life that was phenomenal! It's apart of the Hallmark Hall of Fame and I highly recommend it.

Book: Mama's Bank Account
This a tale of a Norwegian immigrant family living in San Francisco at the beginning of the 20th century. The story is centered around "mama" as her character is developed through family anecdotes. It's difficult to describe "mama" to someone who hasn't read the book, but you'll grow to love this resourceful matriarch. She raises her family with love and wisdom and the book is an ode to old-fashioned family values. The book is reminiscent of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which may be why I enjoyed it so much. It's a quick read and I would recommend it.

Book: Mentor Texts
If you're a teacher or a future teacher this book is a must read! The premise of this book is to utilize classic children's literature as mentor texts to teach students how to write. In order for students to develop their writing they need to be immersed in children's literature that models the strategies you want them to grasp.  Each chapter contains plenty of strategies and ideas on how to implement them. I know that I'll refer to this book many times in the future! I would highly recommend this one to elementary school teachers.

Any book suggestions for August?

I’m a Dreamer.

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I believe there is something powerful about putting pen to paper to write our dreams down. Often times a dream may pass away if it's not recorded. I never want to let my dreams slip away because I know that God has placed them in my heart for a purpose. I want my dreams to become visions...

 

I dream of being an elementary school teacher.

It energizes me so much to think about the day that I'll have my own classroom. I have no idea what grade I'll end up teaching because I have such a love for each grade. Although, I'm especially fond of the primary grades (K-2). I want my passion for teaching to translate into a love of learning that is tangible in my classroom. I want my kids to know that when they walk into my classroom they walk into my heart as well.

 

I dream of being a leader to other teachers.

I want to combine my love of public speaking and passion for education by working with other teachers. I'm not sure how this one will come to pass...maybe I'll lead a workshop on curriculum or work with other teachers on improving a certain aspect of our school. This is a dream that will be many years in the making, but I know that I want to encourage teachers to love and find joy in teaching.

 

I dream of being a mama.

I realize that this is a dream ingrained in the heart of most women, but it's a dream of mine none the less. When I take a moment to think about the day I'll become a mama, I'm already overwhelmed with love for my future children. I can only imagine how much my heart will expand on that day. 

 

I dream of being an encourager.

I want to invest in people...specifically I want to invest in high school girls. I remember how much it meant and influenced me when "older" women invested in me during that time. I want for young women to know that God has beautifully gifted and that there is great value in being a woman. I want for them to know that God wants to script their love stories, and even more so wants them to have a love story with HIM.

 

I dream of marrying my best friend.

I desire for my marriage to be a testimony to God and that people will see Him through our relationship. There will be plenty of bumps on the road, but I want to grow in love as our lives intertwine in a way only a husband and wife can.

 

What are your dreams? I would love to know what's in your heart.

You’re Gonna Make It After All

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It was this time a year ago that the reality of my moving away to college started to become a reality. I started to get emails from my school about confirming enrollment and housing assignments. I spent way too much money at Target and Walmart. I was slowly starting to pack up my room. My emotions were similar to many other college freshmen…a mixture of anxiousness and excitement. However, I wasn't staying in the comfort of my hometown, but moving to a small town in Tennessee where I didn't know a soul. I was going to Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Most people had never heard of this place where I would spend the next four years. But, I knew that God had called me to Lee and I was secure in that.

As summer began to wind down, my excitement nearly doubled, but so did my nervousness. I didn't know what to expect as I transitioned from the familiarity of Tallahassee to the unknown of Cleveland. The morning came when it was time to leave. My bedroom was stripped and every square inch of my car was packed. My mom was a teacher and couldn’t come because move-in weekend coincided with orientation and the first day of school in our county (she couldn’t miss those). It nearly ripped my heart to leave without her. I was thankful my dad and I were in separate cars on the way up because I cried for the first 15 miles. Slowly, the tears were replaced by a smile. I was overwhelmed with joy for my journey...God was with me.

We arrived at school and parked our cars in order to get in the line to check in at my residence hall. There were dozens of girls in line with their parents and we all empathized with each other. It was in that moment, that I felt a part of a community. Time passed so quickly that day and surely enough I had to say another “goodbye.” This time I kissed my dad on the cheek as tears welled in his eyes and told him I’d call him the next day. I felt my heart beat faster as I watched his car pull out of the parking lot…I was officially on my own.

The few days before classes started were filled with adjusting to campus life and getting to know the girls on my hall. Although, those days were overflowing with life, I wasn’t quite at home in my new place. Here’s an excerpt from my journal…

{August 23, 2011}

“Homesickness is hitting me hard tonight. I miss being in a place that is familiar and where I’m known in a sense. I just feel out of place right now. When I called mom tonight I just broke down…the tears started to pour out. Oh Lord, You brought me to Lee and You will be faithful to provide a “place” for me. But, it’s hard not knowing while I wait…”So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. {Hebrews 10:35}”

I can't help but smile when I think about how faithful the Lord has been over the past year. Many of the expectations I had were surpassed, some unfulfilled, and others transpired differently. I can truthfully say that I've grown to love this school and I can see His hand on every part.  Here's one of my journal excerpts from the end of the year...

{April 14, 2012}

“I have so many words I want to fill this page with. I’m sitting in Alumni Park on this gorgeous afternoon. It’s Lee Day weekend and prospective students and parents have taken the campus over. You have been so faithful over this past year. I remember crying the first week here because I felt so out of place. You have provided and far exceeded my expectations. The people You have placed in my life and the passions You have stirred in my heart are astounding…Your love for me is beyond my comprehension.”

Once again I'm filled with emotions as I get ready to go back in a few weeks. But, my feelings are different this year. There isn't an ounce of nervousness in me. I'm just eager and excited for this second year. I know that I'm going to make it after all.

Side note: I listened to this song and this song on repeat while I wrote this post. They both make me get up and dance before the Lord with so much joy in my soul. {2 Samuel 6:14} Just wanted to share so you could dance too! 

Evening Walk

My mom and I have spent the past two days in Waynesville, North Carolina visiting her sister and mom. I’ve fallen in love with this town that’s surrounded with mountains over the short time that we’ve been here. On Wednesday evening, we set out on a walk at dusk. We walked through the small mountain community and soaked in the sights. There were rows upon rows of corn and sweeping pastures and mountains on the other. We stopped at a river before turning around to walk back. I was in awe of my Creator and the photos from my phone don’t do the scenes justice, but I wanted to share anyway...

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