My little brother. One of my earliest memories is the day he came home from the hospital. He had our mom on bed-rest for a long time, so I believe we were all ready for his arrival. I remember being in the family room, and mom was holding him low so I could see him. He held my little finger with his tiny hand, and I immediately fell in love. Continue reading “My Brother, My Heart”
Stress & Anxiety Leave Me Speechless
In 2001, I thought I was handling my recent stress and anxiety well. I was a 6th grade teacher in a low-economic, drug and gang-ridden community. The job equated stress. However, I loved my students, even the ones who challenged me to do so.
Over a couple of days that fall, I lost my ability to speak. I had recently been under the weather, so I wasn’t surprised that my doctor treated me for laryngitis. However, my voice never returned. Nearly a month had passed when my doctor finally recommended I see an otolaryngologist. Continue reading “Stress & Anxiety Leave Me Speechless”
The Cast of The Big Bang Theory are My People
Nerd Pride
I have seen nearly every episode a half dozen times or more.
Before the pilot episode aired, the commercial trailers had already piqued my interest. I was concerned, however, because I thought they must be showing all the funny parts now and leaving nothing new for the premier. How wrong I was!
Continue reading “The Cast of The Big Bang Theory are My People”
Why I went from a twenty-year career in education to working as a barista…
Teacher burnout is real, yo!
“More than 41% of teachers leave the profession within five years of starting…” I can tell you that I wanted out of the profession before my five-year mark. Instead, I continued to teach, trying to find loopholes to have a reprieve in order to mentally and physically recuperate. I continued the fight day after day, year after year, always hoping things would get better.
“Teachers who do an excellent job are often working in unsustainable conditions (e.g., 60 hours per week, relentless stress, inadequate resources, lack of support or time, etc.) (Herman, 2014).”
I resigned in February.
I needed time to take care of myself and my family. Teaching wasn’t allowing that. Continue reading “Why I went from a twenty-year career in education to working as a barista…”