More Monday

My wonderful sister asked a few weeks ago how the blog was going. Oh, my silence was a little painful.

So, we're back.
Summer is here, the living is easy and cosy and nice and a little caffeinated. A great mix.

The year ended well- the yearbook was a success, made $5k in a down economy (yay!) and the paper was well received, even after the sex survey debacle (waiting to hear more on that, I suppose). the kids were very happy with their product, I am very proud of them, and it all came together. Even when it seemed like it may not, it did. Amazing.

And tomorrow I start with the first of my architecture classes at the community college. Exciting.

So, that's what has happened, but here's the crux of this whole thing. My sister recommended themes for the days. She's pretty bright, that one. Writing prompts. Like, I dunno, maybe as an English teacher I could have come up with these? Maybe. Sigh.

More Mondays- what would YOU like more of? what would I like more of?
I'd like a few more days like the last day of school, and graduation. It's a GREAT day for most. Smiles all around. The students stomp their way through the ceremony, I get to photograph the whole thing and make the photos available at the school website (VenturaHS.com). So, more of that, please.

I'd like more less neck. Odd? Well, I had neck surgery in December to reduce the swelling from the exploded lymph node years back, and it seems the neck swelling it back. Not as bad, but dang. It happens, I guess, but losing weight and having a size 19 neck, well. Not so fun. So more less neck please.

I'd love more sunny and overcast days. LOVE these summer days of doing very little, fog burning off in the mornings just as the caffeine kicks in. THAT's nice.

More jobs for new teachers, if possible. It's funny, this year for the first time in a while I realize I'm just as concerned for the new teachers in our district as I am for the graduating seniors. Talking to Robbie last night, it became ever more clear that I am in a great mid-point of my teaching career. I love what has brought me here, and am looking forward to the next 15 years until I retire. Thinking of all the things I can accomplish, all the things my students will be teaching me in the coming years- it's exciting.

However (but can be such an ugly word), I realized that because I spent the first 18 years of my life being ignored, I have spent the last 18 years of my life paying attention. I had little voice, so I have made it my priority to provide a voice to the students. For years, I had to listen to them, and give them the forum to speak out. I'm thinking maybe I couldn't help it.

Times change, and we change with them. At this point for me, I have spent so much time listening and forcing others to listen to students that it has become fundamental to my life. So, while I may not support student press for the same reasons, I think I'm entering a point in my life where I support it more vehemently for better reasons. Instead of having to because of my personal history, now I want to because of the value it provides. weird.

Doing the right thing for a personal reason leads to doing the right things for the right reason. A friend's comment floats through all of this- "fake it 'til you make it.'

One of the other advisers in the district commented on how much I trust the students to make the right decision. I realized the error in that. I don't trust the students too much, but I may trust the educators too little. More thinking on that, please.

Launching an investigation into Architecture gives me a little more distance. That'll be nice. Let's see where that goes.

Well, that's a lot for a Monday!