With two whole weeks of being able to be back with my babies(students). I can honestly say I really feel like this year is going to be different. On September 4th, 2019, I walked into 2 years as a paraprofessional(Teaching Assistant). 1 year as sub -Para and 1 year as full-time para. I can honestly say that I never felt more full than I do now. Stepping into this purpose I call love means more to me than anything in this world. What I’m feeling is gratitude and humbleness to my core.

I do almost the same things as a teacher but with fewer bells and whistles. If you understand what I’m saying. 🙂 As well as learning to work with multiple age groups and different personalities. Let me tell you, all my babies(Students) have one heck of personality in them. Every day you never know what to expect but just know that you will learn just as much from them as they will learn from you.

You take on a whole new meaning of love and dedication as you work with these amazing babies. I have to honestly say my favorite is working with the babies (K-2- the group I work with now) I love getting a chance to watch them as they flourish on so many levels. The level of smartness that you see in them will have you wondering what took you so long to take the leap of faith in this thing called education.

Let’s do a bit of reflecting!

When you was younger what did you dream about the most? It would be what you wanted to be when you grew up. Then it would be, what your future would be like Ie. How many kids, your wedding, your house, etc. I’ll tell you the two things I wanted to be when I grew up, The very first thing I wanted to be was a paralegal because I saw all the cute suits on the different lawyers I came in contact with. I loved the idea of riding on cool elevators with my mother to the top of these shiny floors. Getting off and waiting in these quiet areas then walking into this beautiful office space with these grand desks and someone so important sitting behind it. How has life changed? Then reality hit, you had to go to school for a lot of years and take the bar that would kill your brain cells, you don’t get a break or time off. As much as I thought you did. You don’t get to set your own hours. basically, you’re always on call. I like vacations, I came to that realizations. 🙂

The second thing I wanted to be was a teacher. Tada! I saw how awesome my teachers was and wanted to be just like them. I realized they were making a difference in my life so I wanted to make a difference as well. I would come home after school and pretend that I was standing in front of my class in my room, Of course. Take out my textbook and pace back and forth teaching my pretend class. Then I would give out homework, just like my teacher. Lol. I would close down for the day and find something else to do. Like my actual homework. lol!

Let’s talk about my real job!

Monday – Friday I go to a place that feels like hope. I get up every morning and feel grateful for the chance to make that difference that many moons ago, my teachers did for me. When it doesn’t feel like a job you know you found something special. Though in the beginning, challenging because not know what to expect can be a bit scary for anyone. Now being 2 years in and knowing what’s expected and required of me. I take it as a beautiful chance to learn new ways of doing things. Like I said in the previous blog, I just make sure my students are safe and everything else will have to just figure it self out.

No more stressing over the things I have no control over. You learn to move the way you suppose to move and stick to what you know. You learn to figure out what works for you and do that with everything in you. Every now and again you have to change it a little but you never move away from what you know. You stick to the fundamentals and focus on getting these babies to the finish line. You lead by example and find your own pace and fight that good fight. You learn to have tunnel vision and be the change you want to see. You learn to not allow others to be in your ear because not everyone knows what works for you. They only know what works for them. You learn to only ask for people’s advice when it’s really needed because not everyone is going to give you the best advice. The harsh reality is they will keep that for themselves. In a world full of competition, it is very real and no one wants the newbie to win.

Words of Encouragement….. shall we!

As you find what works for you, do it with love. Always remember you will get love if you give love. Stay focus on your path and you will do just fine.

With Love,

Cynethia!