2006 Year in Review

January-Still in Poland, visiting friends and family. Flight back to Ohio was rather interesting because my mother unfortunately sprained her ankle the last day we were there, while we were visiting my grandfather's grave. Once I returned to Poland, I found out that I was accepted to MIIS' TESOL program. Was interviewed by one of the faculty members of SIT. For awhile, I was not sure if I was going to be accepted or not by SIT, but eventually, received the great news. Started tutoring ESL adult students at a local Adult Education Center.

February-Lots of job applications for summer jobs; thought I was going to teach in Chicago over the summer, but it didn't work out.

March-Visited SIT; fell in love with the campus; unconsciously made a decision to go there. Sent application for teaching internship position at Putney.

April-Visited MIIS; confirmed my decision to attend SIT.

May-Almost accepted summer teaching job at another adult education center, but was offered the Putney teaching position at the last minute. Decided to go to Putney because I wanted to work with teenagers and it was nearby SIT.

June/July-Started my teaching position at Putney. Experienced life at a boarding school, leading camping trips, coaching volleyball, teaching theater improvisation, and working with the wonderful PIE students. Dealt with homesick campers and attitude adjustments. Learned a lot about myself and my teaching capabilities; had a lot of teaching/leadership opportunities!

August-Went back home to Ohio for one month; my two friends from Poland were there and I showed them around Cleveland, Ohio, and Canada. Switched from Internationalist track to public school track @SIT because I want to work with young people.

September-Started my experience at SIT. Met the most amazing people there--former Peace Corps volunteers, human rights workers, leaders from other countries. Fell in love with my classes and my work. For the first time in a long time, I was happy to go to class. Tried things that I have never done before. Unforutunately, sprained my ankle, which took a while to recover. Despite that, September was the best month of the year!

October-Started PACE with my fellow peers, joined other organizations, such as Immigrant Rights Group. Started to feel overwhelmed with the task of public school teaching as we visited different public school sites--where should I teach? Should I only focus on poorer areas or should I be open to teach anywhere? I want to teach where I am needed and wanted, to help any student who needs my help. So much tension during that time.

November-Democrats took control! Became really ill during the beginning of the month; took awhile for me to recover. Missed local conference, even though I paid money for it. Went home for Thanksgiving. Reconnected with friends that I haven't talked to since the beginning of the semester. Found out my practicum placement--Fort River Elementary School, working with Kindergardeners!

December-Feelings of exhaustion and overwhelmed. Felt I am too idealistic for teaching and concerns if I can do it. Had a blast performing for my Spanish class. Controversy surrounding our program, as students are leaving and no one is explaining why. Relieved to go home to recharge my batteries and determined to face the new year with confidence.

2006 was a great, challenging year. I hope and I pray that I will have the necessary strength to get through 2007.

I am all packed--ready to return to Vermont to start the new year!