In June 2014, it was ten years since I graduated high
school. Unfortunately, I didn’t go to my reunion. I always thought I would drop
everything and go. Part of me just wants
to verify that I’m not the only one who is ten years older. Logic tells me that
I’m definitely not aging alone, but I’d rather experience that for myself.
While my former classmates celebrated being ten years more
accomplished, I moved across the country and went back to high school. This
time, I’m a French teacher in Colonial Heights Virginia.
I’m in awe that it’s been ten years since I was a high
school student. Some days I don’t feel any older or wiser than I was at 18. The rhythm of time is predictable and mundane. Despite this steady truth, I often forget that years have passed. When I remember, I feel surprised and nostalgic.
I’ve been thinking about what I’ve done and haven’t done in
the last ten years. Some things I planned and worked hard for like getting my
bachelors, teaching in France, teaching in Korea, traveling around, and being
an AmeriCorps volunteer. The best things
that happened were never part of my plan, and make me feel connected to a
higher power, like getting married, living in Utah, and becoming a teacher.
I’m really excited
about my new career. Looking from the perfectness of hindsight, I can see how
every job that I’ve held has prepared me to be a high school teacher. Nothing
could have prepared me for the level of “homework” I currently have though.
