I think that before anyone can move forward, they have to look back and see where they have been. For me, that comes in my annual year in review.
1.) 2011 was the year that I got fired for the first time. At this point, I am completely over it. Mainly, because I see how many people have quit the program. Do I think that I would have made significant gains in the classroom? Absolutely. Do I think that I would have helped close the achievement gap? I wouldn't have slept or talked to anyone until I did. But, would I have consistently challenged the teachers around and my administration? Also, true. I didn't realize how many egos there are in education and how little people actually want change. I don't mind being let-go, and I think that I did the entire process well.
2.) I got a job 13 days later. Suck it, Denver Teaching Fellows.
3.) I applied to Harvard for the first time, and that is a really big accomplishment for me. Harvard has been my dream for years, and it's tough to start the process for those dreams to come true.
4.) I actually moved back to America and started to live an American grown-up life. This means going on dates, talking about retirement plans, and thinking about long-term careers. It's not something I am thrilled about, but it is something that I am managing.
5.) I visited a great deal of new places around Central and Eastern Europe (with my final total being 17 countries). One of my favorite places was in Istanbul. I am going to go back to Turkey at some point; I think that I'd like to spend a month there....because the culture is so giving, the food is so good, and everything is so damn cheap.
6.) I finished my first marathon. Was it the time that I wanted? hell to the no. BUT! I finished it and completed one of 88 life goals.
7.) I successfully completed the Fulbright program. How crazy is it that I am a Fulbright alumnus from now on? It is amazing that I have it on my resume, and that I was able to have such a great experience.
8.) I learned to read for pleasure, dance for fun, and buy fresh produce. I also learned that I never, ever want to live alone. Especially in Eastern fucking Europe.
For a yinzer, I've done a lot of really cool things. I'm proud of 2011, and I'm excited to see all that 2012 will unfold. Truth be told, I'd like to have some more travel adventures this year...but that will come with time. After all, my longterm life goal is to get one new passport stamp each year. And I'll be damned if I don't complete or exceed my goals.
1.) 2011 was the year that I got fired for the first time. At this point, I am completely over it. Mainly, because I see how many people have quit the program. Do I think that I would have made significant gains in the classroom? Absolutely. Do I think that I would have helped close the achievement gap? I wouldn't have slept or talked to anyone until I did. But, would I have consistently challenged the teachers around and my administration? Also, true. I didn't realize how many egos there are in education and how little people actually want change. I don't mind being let-go, and I think that I did the entire process well.
2.) I got a job 13 days later. Suck it, Denver Teaching Fellows.
3.) I applied to Harvard for the first time, and that is a really big accomplishment for me. Harvard has been my dream for years, and it's tough to start the process for those dreams to come true.
4.) I actually moved back to America and started to live an American grown-up life. This means going on dates, talking about retirement plans, and thinking about long-term careers. It's not something I am thrilled about, but it is something that I am managing.
5.) I visited a great deal of new places around Central and Eastern Europe (with my final total being 17 countries). One of my favorite places was in Istanbul. I am going to go back to Turkey at some point; I think that I'd like to spend a month there....because the culture is so giving, the food is so good, and everything is so damn cheap.
6.) I finished my first marathon. Was it the time that I wanted? hell to the no. BUT! I finished it and completed one of 88 life goals.
7.) I successfully completed the Fulbright program. How crazy is it that I am a Fulbright alumnus from now on? It is amazing that I have it on my resume, and that I was able to have such a great experience.
8.) I learned to read for pleasure, dance for fun, and buy fresh produce. I also learned that I never, ever want to live alone. Especially in Eastern fucking Europe.
For a yinzer, I've done a lot of really cool things. I'm proud of 2011, and I'm excited to see all that 2012 will unfold. Truth be told, I'd like to have some more travel adventures this year...but that will come with time. After all, my longterm life goal is to get one new passport stamp each year. And I'll be damned if I don't complete or exceed my goals.
I'm going to Turkey over Semana Santa! Suggestions, please.
ReplyDeleteAlso, here's the plan: you come do the olive oil masters with me and we import it to America and get rich. Harvard, smharverd.
Cat---Turkey is amazing! The people aren't attractive, but they are so, so kind that it is overwhelming. Everything is free, you can frolic and live life. I love, love, love it.
ReplyDeleteCoolest thing I did was the Hagia Sofia. I thought the blue mosque was a bit overrated, but it was free....soooo...ended up positive.