I wish I could say that I've always wanted to be a teacher. But that's not really true. Rather, I was the kind of kid who wanted to be something different every day.
At various times, throughout my life, I wanted to be a writer, a cartoonist, a violinist, a drummer, a folk singer, a photographer, an astronomer, a veterinarian, an architect, a roller-coaster designer, a disk jockey, a news broadcaster, a journalist and (because I grew up near Seattle) a barista.
But not a teacher.
The truth is, I came to teaching accidentally. Or perhaps I should say it came to me.
By the time I'd reached my 3rd year in college, I'd yet to declare a major. I was sitting on the fence - trying to decide between marketing and communications. (I know, right?) Then I was asked to write a paper about my journey to college - a narrative map of how I'd gotten from there to here and where I thought the next year or so would take me.
When the papers were due, I heard my classmates share their stories about how their parents had scrimped and saved to send them to school or how, because they felt compelled to be one thing or another, NOT going to college just wasn't an option.
My journey was different and clearly began in the 10th grade, when (for the first time) a teacher took an interest in me. That's not to say the rest of my schooling was full of bad teachers (although I had my share) but I moved around a lot and had become adept at being the kind of kid who knew were the cracks were and just how to fall between them. In the 10th grade, however, I had a teacher who wouldn't let me get away with being invisible and it's no exaggeration to say that my life was indelibly changed as a result.
It's almost embarrassing to admit that it took reflecting on my journey and sharing that story with others to make me realize where I needed to be, but truly, it was like the proverbial light bulb going on over my head. A true "Aha!" moment.
Sixteen years later, I cannot imagine having made another choice. Teaching is what I was meant to do and I have loved (almost) every minute of it. Which could explain why it's taken 10 paragraphs to get to the point of this post which is that I've accepted a new position with the state of North Carolina that will take me out of my own classroom/library and into those being cultivated by others.
Starting October 1st I will be teaching librarians instead of kids. My new position will take me from district to district where I will share and learn and lead.
To say that this was a difficult decision to make would be an understatement. But thanks to good advice from trusted friends and the falling of several cosmic dominoes, I believe that right now, this is the right decision for me.
So... will this blog continue? Of course! Because as I said before, I believe this is the start of a new adventure - as opposed to the end of one.
Am I still Library Girl?? Without question. Seriously, you'll have to pry this cape out of my cold dead hand. :)
Am I nervous?? More than I can possibly put into words, but I'm also equally excited to work with my colleagues to support great, 21st century library programs across the state. If nothing else, I know this is going to be fun.
So... wish me luck!
Comments