New Beginnings

As I alternate watching the Olympics and napping a few hours at a time, on my last official day of Summer Vacation, I have had lots of time to reflect on where my life is, along with the excitement of what's to come.

Most of you know that Russell and I decided to move to New Braunfels. We've been here for 12 days, and we can already tell this was the best decision for both of us. The peace that comes with that is unexplainable.

I've learned so much over the last four years, personally and professionally. Professionally, I've learned that change is scary, but usually works out for the best. I learned that being surplused isn't the end of the world, even that at the time it may feel like it is. For me, it turned out to be for the best. I learned that best practice is always best, even if it's not the most popular decision/more work. I've learned that your relationships with your teammates are some of the most important things, and I have been so fortunate. I've learned that all children can learn. I've learned the kids that require the most attention are the ones you miss the most. I've learned that opening a new school is as hard as everyone said it would be, but I wouldn't change the experience for the world. I've learned that I still have so much to learn.

Personally, I've learned that life keeps going even when you want it to stop. I've learned that making decisions that are best for Russell and me, doesn't make me selfish; it makes me a good wife. I've learned that mistakes are okay, as long as you use them as a learning experience. I've learned that being a grown up is harder than I thought. I've learned that being a good listener is just as, if not more, important than sharing my thoughts. I've learned that the timeline for my life isn't the one that I chose for myself by is the one that God has decided for me, and I'm perfectly okay with that. I've learned that PERSPECTIVE is EVERYTHING.

I could keep going, but in honor of the new school year I wanted to share some pictures from the last four years. Pictures of my classrooms and my teammates. :) Every year, has been a learning experience, which is exactly the way it should be.

Year 1, I had two teams and two classrooms in Round Rock ISD. I was surplused the week before school started. I can't tell you how grateful I still am to have had the support of both teams throughout my first year.

You wouldn't know that I only got to work with these precious people for six days the way that they supported me through my first year. I'm so grateful for each of them. 

These two had no idea what they were getting when the district surprised them with a first year teacher the Friday before school started, but I am so grateful it worked out for all three of us. 

Year 2, provided the stability that I needed to make me want to continue teaching. Same school, same grade, different classroom. :)

We were the shortest team on campus, no doubt, but these two made Year 2 so wonderful. It was a pretty challenging year, professionally and personally, but these two were there through it all. 

Year 3-I took a leap of faith and applied to Lake Travis ISD for the opportunity to open a new school. It was very challenging, but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I loved FNE and very few districts compare to RRISD, but the relationships that I've developed over the last two years, made the move worth it. 

I loved working with these sweet ladies. 

Year 4-I decided that professionally it was time for a change. I asked my principal if I could move to first grade if the opportunity presented itself, and it did. This year was one of the most challenging years of my life personally, but I was surrounded by the most loving families and coworkers and made it through. 

There aren't enough words to explain my love for these ladies. It's hard to believe none of us will be on the same team this year. I wish all four you the very best!!

Year 5-I made it here. I always said that I'd stay in teaching for at least as long as I was in college for it. I'm so glad that now that I've arrived here, leaving isn't even on my brain anymore. Russell and I decided that it was time for a change...a change that would lead to more permanence in our lives. Where do we want to put down roots? Where do we want to start a family? We landed on New Braunfels, and 12 days in, we have such peace about this decision. Along with this move, came a new school and district, and I could not be more excited!

 ((Photos of Year 5 classroom and team to come!!))

I'm obviously going to end this post with an inspirational quote...well, two of them because I love them both. Dr. Rita Pierson said both of them. If you haven't watched her TED talk, I highly recommend it. :)

“Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”

“I gave [my students] a saying to say: ‘I am somebody. I was somebody when I came. I’ll be a better somebody when I leave. I am powerful, and I am strong. I deserve the education that I get here.’”

Have a great year,

APB