Saying Goodbye

June 2013

When I was 18 years old I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life. I applied to Salt Lake Community College and was taking my general classes with the idea of going into event planning. I had seen the movie The Wedding Planner and thought that would be my dream job. 

One day, my Mom called to tell me that in a meeting she had attended there were two teachers who announced that they were looking for teaching assistants in a severe classroom. I didn't know what that meant, but both my best friend and I were looking for work so we went ahead and applied. 

A few days later we went in for an interview. The school was located in Rose Park and I hadn't spent much time in that area so I wasn't sure where it was. We got lost and we were probably even late for the interview. The two girls who greeted us were the sweetest and we automatically felt comfortable chatting away with them. They asked us questions like, "would you feel comfortable changing diapers?" questions that we weren't expecting to answer. But we didn't see that it would be too big of a deal. The interview went really well and we left very hopeful.

A little while later we received a phone call from them letting us know that we both got the jobs! One was going to work with the students in kindergarten to second grade and the other third to sixth grade. We immediately ran to D.I. to pick up old T-shirts, because we needed clothes that could get dirty. Like I said, I had no clue.

The first day was hard. I had to learn so much in such a small amount of time. But the teacher I was working with was amazing and so patient with me. After the first week I was hooked. I began building relationships with each of my co-workers, which by the way, was an awesome group. We all got along beautifully and we were instant friends. I began building relationships with each of my students. They were amazing, truly amazing. No matter how difficult it was at times, I loved it, every moment. No matter how many times I was peed on or spit on, I loved it.

I just loved it.

I decided then on that I always wanted a job that I loved waking up and going to. And this was that job for me. I changed my major, dropped out of my internship as an event planner and started taking school seriously. I was a teaching assistant for four years while I went to school. I worked with the most amazing teachers who taught me so much about everything. They both were amazing and I was so lucky to have had them. 

It was my last year in my program at the University of Utah when both teachers decided to take different jobs. I was so sad and couldn't imagine working with anyone else. That's when I got the call. They asked if I would be willing to teach "on a letter". Basically it's a letter from your University stating that you are able to teach even though you are not done with school yet. I was ecstatic! I couldn't believe that I would start teaching in the very room where I learned everything! In the room where all of my beloved students were. I was beyond excited. It was about 3 weeks before school started so I quickly started gathering everything together and started planning! 

School began and I realized I wasn't as prepared as I thought. There were a lot of stressful times. A LOT of paperwork. And even some tears. But isn't that how every first year of teaching goes? 

Luckily, I had the best assistants anyone could have asked for! A few left and new ones came and they were just as great. I was lucky!  My students were adorable and wonderful. There were hard days, days I didn't think I could get through, but somehow we did it. 

I taught in that very classroom (k-2nd) for two full years. My second year I had the opportunity to work with my school colleague who took the teaching job in the connected classroom (3-6th grade). My assistants were two of my closest friends. One who I had basically grown up with and another who I quickly grew close to. They were my other half, seriously though, I couldn't have done it without any of them. Both classrooms were filled with wonderful people who I am honored to have worked with. The school was filled with amazing people that I loved working with.

Our whole team was wonderful.

My 2012-2013 school year was coming to an end and I had just accepted my job in St. George.

I was terrified. I was upset. I was heartbroken. 

I had to say goodbye.

Goodbye to the school where I found myself.

Goodbye to the students who shaped me into the person I am now.

Goodbye to the people who really understood me, the people that got my craziness.

Goodbye to the classroom where I learned it all. 

Goodbye to all those memories.

Those students and people will always have a special place in my heart. They are the reason why I am where I am. They are the reason I chose to do what I am now doing. And for that I am forever thankful.

I wish I could post all of my kiddos, but I will post many of those co-workers who I will forever miss. 

Thank you. Thank you.