"Miss...Miss...Miss Carly"

About one week ago, I sat in a friends classroom as we scrambled to put our finishing touches on our classrooms when I came across my favorite book, Oh the Places You'll Go! by the one and only Dr. Seuss. There was not a more needed moment in my life for that book to come back into my life! If you have not read that book anytime soon, go pick a copy up and read it real quick...talk about a pick-me-up. As I read the book again, as I always do when I am down, worried, stressed, or just want some motivation in my life, a few lines from the book stuck out to me more than usual. It said:

 "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know and YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."

This is practically the theme for these children in this school, they are the sole deciders of what, where, when, and how they are going in their future. So as the days closed in and the nerves began to overwhelm me, the first day of school was about to start whether I was ready for it or not. I wasn't scared about the teaching or behavior management aspect but to be honest the language barrier was the scariest, enough to make me feel sick. However, like mentioned before the first day was set in stone and the time was not about to stop because I was a little nervous. So first day began and there it was, I was the teacher to 17 beautiful children and this time I was no longer the student! I was officially: Miss Carly! Miss! Miss! Miss Carly, all the kids welcomed me with wide open arms and huge smiles on their faces! I was shocked at how welcoming, loving, and touchy the kids are here; however, I reminded myself that it was a cultural thing and definitely a cultural thing I could get used to.
    So after the first day and the first "real" day filled with work (second day) came to an end, I sat in my classroom waiting for some of my kids parents to pick them up, I was reminded of why I came here in the first place! All the fears, nerves, and anxiety I had prior to school starting, left. It was such a sign of relief to know that the kids are excepting of this crazy blonde headed girl coming into their classroom and speaking only in English! It was such a sign of relief to know that my kids are smart, talented, and so much fun! It was a relief to know that my co-workers are so supportive and all so creative. It has been a crazy ride to get to this point but it finally hit me on my beautiful walk home today, I am living my dream (as of now) and it feels awesome!
    So there is my first day (and second day) update. School has started and things are very different than when and where I went to school but none of it is in no way shape or form bad. Change is good. Change and difference is something that everyone should try! I cannot wait to see what the school year has to offer, how much I will learn and grow, but most importantly see how much my kiddos grow and learn! I know the year is early and there is still a lot to come but I have a great feeling and I am happy with everything right now!

Attached below are a few pictures of my classroom! 

xoxo,

Miss Carly