First 4 Weeks...Has it really been THAT long?!?

It's been a while since I last wrote in this blog. I should be working on other things on my To-Do List...but maybe I should take a break. Yeah, I'll do that. At least for a few minutes or so. Just to catch you up on what's been going on with life.

So I've been here 4 weeks already -- and BOY it does not feel like it. I feel like I just started a week ago, but in reality I haven't. There's been so much to learn every week and I'm learning a lot about myself at the same time. New simulations, new classes, new kids names to memorize, new information in general...the list goes on and on. Every week has been different, yet somewhat similar. It's kind of exciting. To never know what your week will be like. And at the end of the week, it's just a big WOW. Literally. A big WOW.

It's very hard to tell you on paper (or in this case, online). The minute the students get out of those buses, you never know how much of an effect you'll have on them...or they on you. I mean, how could you EVER know? The dynamics of the groups are different, and so are the ages, and so are their state of mind. The group has individuals in it that are in each and every way unique. And it's also amazing how they can hold up and just go with the flow. Of course you have those complaints, but those turn into stories and those turn into legends. Or just ridiculousness.

I've been learning bits and pieces about how much I can handle and how much I can push myself. This past week was Land Lab and it was in some ways similar to Crex, yet in some ways different. There was no direct guidance -- everything is indirect. It's challenging to have the students figure out for themselves instead of just telling them. But if they don't figure it out themselves, then they wouldn't be a mentally strong individual; there would be one that would have to rely on others instead of relying on himself or herself. It's really interesting.

I'm just starting to understand things. Just starting to open my eyes and open my mind and to GET it. It's taken me 4 weeks to just start getting it. It's incredible. It also helps to try new things each week to see what works best. I can't always get things right the first time, and I have to accept that. It's okay. I can't be mad at myself, I can't look back and regret. I have to push forward, and have to change it for the better.

It's a life-long lesson. It's a life-long process. It's a life-long way of living.

Welcome to life and it's amazing-ness.

End of Training, Start of Teaching

This week has been about training for my new job. I will be working as an Environmental Educator for Nature's Classroom out in Mukwonago. It is an amazing place that holds a lot of opportunity, and I'm excited for all the things that I will be learning. This week has improved my knowledge IMMENSELY, but I have a feeling that this week is just the start.

The people that I will be working with are pretty awesome. We're more comfortable around each other since the start of the week (which obviously happens through time). We each have something to contribute to the group and we've all had different experiences, which will bring out different ideas.

I'm probably not going to write as often as I should on this blog after today. But, I don't know for sure. I might.