3 Great Things About My First Week Off

Cutest pic ever (source)

I've been out of school for about a week and a half, and let me just say, that it has not been dull. Yes, I get to sleep past 5 am (thank you!!!), but I've actually done a lot so far.

1. I got sunburned at Erin Hills. I know this in itself isn't good, but getting sunburned at Erin Hills means I got to go to one of the US Open practice days, spend time with my dad, and enjoy several hours in the sun. I've never been to a golf tournament before, so it was really cool to be immersed in that experience. The course was beautiful, with Holy Hill peaking above the trees in the distance. I can also see why people like to golf (you get to be outside for hours, ride golf carts, wear cute outfits, and enjoy nice weather), and why it's special to actually be at a tournament, rather than watching it on TV. The sunburn sucked, and now it's a really weird looking tan, but definitely worth it! Big thanks to my dad for taking me!

Me at my favorite place-- the Merch Tent (pre-sunburn obviously)

2. I spent time with my grandpas for their birthdays. My grandpas share the same birthday four years apart, which is super awesome. I got to spend time with both of them last week, which probably wouldn't have been possible if I was still in school. I love talking to my grandpas about their lives and childhoods. As I get older, I value my time with them so much more, and am grateful they are both here with me today.

3. I'm planning a trip to Europe!!! The first weekend after school let out, a couple teacher friends and I got together and planned a two week trip to Europe for August! I am so excited-- we're going to the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.

3 Things I Learned This Year

I finished my second year teaching! Though this school year was challenging, I think back at all of the opportunities I've been given and the connections I've made, and feel satisfied.

Last year was a whirlwind-- it was stressful, exhausting, exhilarating, and fun. I honestly remember very little from last year, though, other than frantically making (and changing) lesson plans every night and weekend. It was so much work, but ultimately I feel accomplished as a teacher.

I've learned so much over the last two years, but because this year actually didn't feel like I was constantly in the middle of a tornado, I feel that I can reflect on this year with much more clarity.

Below are three things that I've learned in my second year teaching at Central--

1. I sought out like-minded educators in the building. My first year teaching was so overwhelming that I didn't get to be as social as I would have liked. However, with a year under my belt, and more confidence, I found some people who have similar mindsets and passions, which has made my experience here so much better. They inspire me to be better and remind me why I became a teacher.

2. I said YES to new opportunities. I was definitely a "yes" person this year, and I'm really really happy I did it. First, I said YES to co-advising National Honor Society, then I joined a few book studies, and took COMP training. I said OMG YES to several Professional Development Travel opportunities that changed my life. And finally, I said YES to teaching an AP class next school year. Though some people advise against saying yes to too much, I am so happy I did. My students also pushed me to try new things. I worked on making curriculum more relevant to students, and will continue to do so. Ultimately, I became a teacher to educate students, and I hope that all of the opportunities I take advantage of will help me be a better one.

3. I took care of myself. After my stressful first year (everyone's is stressful, right?), I wanted to make sure that I got some "me" time this school year also. I am a history nerd through and through, so my idea of a good read for pleasure is something like Guns, Germs and Steel. I tried to read for pleasure more this school year, and also make time to watch my fave reality shows once in a while. I also spent a lot more time with my family, which is awesome when you're an adult! Don't tell them, but my parents are actually pretty cool.

All in all, I am pleased with year two at Central High School, and though I don't want summer to go by too fast, I am looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that next year brings!

3 Good Things Outside of School

Last week was a very difficult one in my personal life. School stress, for the first time, took a backseat to life stress. However, school didn't disappear-- it's responsibilities remained, the school year was coming to a close, but not before it ramped up to the busiest time of the entire year.

I started this blog as a way to remind myself how wonderfully inspiring and challenging it is to be a teacher. Those three things reminded me that each day is filled with good-- as is each student who sits in my classroom. But when my life at home took a downturn, I had to turn my positive focus to that. I have to remind myself of the beautiful, unique and formidable my own life is.

1. I bought a bike! It's exactly what I wanted, including the price. I bought an almost-new Electra Townie from a rummage sale, and I couldn't be happier with it. I've taken it on a few rides already, and am loving it. The only problem is where I'm going to store it. I don't want to keep it at my parents' house full-time, but I'm not sure where I can put it in my apartment. #nogarageproblems

2. I got my state park pass for 2017 (and was able to remove all traces of my old one on my windshield). One thing I've committed to doing more is taking advantage of all the beauty Wisconsin has to offer. So many people seem to think Wisco is a boring state, but it's actually pretty amazing, if you're willing to see the beauty. So far, I went to Point Beach State Park, but am planning on going somewhere this weekend-- possibly my trusty Lapham Peak or Pike's Lake, but perhaps Lions Den Gorge. Either way, I can't wait to spend more time off the couch, out of the classroom, and in nature.

3. I bought like 5 books for AP World History (School-related, I know, but I'm just so excited #nerd). I'm teaching AP World History next year, and am super super excited about it. I can't wait to challenge myself and students to be better and learn more. This is really nerdy, but I would like to write the entire year's curriculum by the end of the summer, and I think I can do it!

Summer Plans

I think this goes without saying, but I am so excited for summer! I enjoy the much-needed mental break from academics, as well as the chance to improve my own life by traveling and taking time for myself.

Some of my travel plans for this summer include:
- Detroit, MI to visit Chris when he's working there
- New York, NY for a vacation with Chris
- Philadelphia, PA-- a quick trip to learn some American history!
- Washington D.C. for a few summer institutes to learn more American history!
- Eagle River, WI to spend a week up at the family cottage on the water
- Kansas City, MO to visit Chris when he is home

Those are my big plans for this summer! I don't include too many Wisconsin plans/trips, but I'm sure there will be a few day and weekend trips in places around the state (I'd really love to go to Door County and Lake Superior this year!). I am so excited to stay busy by traveling and experiencing more of what our great country has to offer.

When I'm not traveling this summer, I hope to do several things around my apartment and to improve myself.
- Start listing some of my lesson plans and worksheets on Teachers Pay Teachers
- Organize all of the bins full of stuff in my closet
- Purge my place of all of the stuff I don't need (my apartment is small, and I really need to start living more minimally)
- Decorate my living space into something that fits my style
- Read at least a few of the books that have been on my summer reading lists over the years
- Plan a few units of my courses, including my new AP class
- Get-- and ride-- a bike around the city!!

And those are some of the "improvement" things I hope to accomplish this summer! Looking forward to a relaxing and productive summer!

Monday Inspiration #2

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Tomorrow my school is getting teachers pizza for lunch, and I am very excited! It's definitely the little things in life sometimes.

I enjoyed some of my own "appreciation" time this weekend in northern Wisconsin with my family and friends. Our cabin for the weekend was right on the rushing river, and in the middle of the woods-- such an amazing weekend getaway. Though the weather was cool, we rafted down the Peshtigo River, which was exhilarating. I'd only gone rafting once before, so I was a little bit nervous this time. However, it was amazing! It also gave me a greater appreciation for my state. Though Wisconsin doesn't seem interesting, it is so full of hidden gems and natural beauty that sometimes I can't imagine ever leaving.

I pretty much made this face the entire time...

My motivation for today is to enjoy the simpler things in life-- a weekend away with the people you love, a nice glass of wine with dinner, stopping at a local cheese shop to get a few treats. This weekend truly made me appreciate all of the great things and people I have in my life, even if I don't always value them as much as I should.

One way to discover what your state has to offer is to go to the website "Only In Your State." I like to look at potential destinations, activities and restaurants here.

Monday Inspiration #1

I think I was probably the last person to discover TED Talks on the internet. But I love watching them. Sometimes I'll put on a TED Talk and then another, and then another... until my whole evening is gone! I watch TED Talks to learn about topics on which I know little, and on topics I want to broaden knowledge I already have. I highly recommend watching TED Talks that interest you.

I've decided that on Mondays I'm going to post something that inspired me from the week before. I hope that by sharing my "Monday Inspiration" you will be inspired to learn more about a topic that you're passionate about.

Today's Inspiration is a TED Talk that I found about the longest study on happiness, by Robert Waldinger. The study began in 1938 (he is not a founder of the study...), and follows the subjects' lives for 75 years.

- The first lesson of the survey is that loneliness is toxic-- and fostering connection leads to longer lives.
- The second lesson is that the quality of your relationships does matter. Having good relationships has a major positive impact. "The people who were most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80." Wow.
- Finally the third lesson is that good relationships protect our brains. Being in a secure relationship with someone you trust leads to stronger brains and greater brain health.

Sure, these results aren't that groundbreaking, but they're proven to be true. While fame and wealth are what we strive for, building our relationships leads to strong positive results that chasing money does not.

This TED Talk inspired me to continue working at the relationships I have with my family and friends, since it will lead to a better life and greater happiness as I get older. It reminded me of what's important in life-- not money, not fame, but happiness and positive relationships.

How One Nice Comment Changed My Day

Thursday marked the fourth day back from spring break. I love teaching school in spring because the weather is so nice, and it really puts everyone in a good mood, I think. One challenge about teaching school in the spring is that students are just itching to get out of the classroom-- the weather is nice, summer break is within reach. I can't blame them, though. I, too, am looking forward to some time off to read for fun, and prepare for next year :)

Anyway, my students have been a little squirrely this week, so keeping them focused has been a challenge. I've worked to pack each hour full from bell to bell in order to keep the kids focused on a task. Overall, it went pretty well.

One student, though, said something very nice about me on Thursday during class, that I haven't forgotten (and it's now Sunday night). He was talking to another student about the assignment we were working on-- a DBQ and argumentative paragraph about the effects of the Industrial Revolution. He said to the classmate, "This assignment is easy because I know how to do it. Ms. G's been showing us how to do this all year. I wish more teachers would be like her. She's the best."

My heart burst! I don't think the student knows I heard him say it, and it really turned around my day for the better. I'm always working to be the best teacher I can be, and I often question my teaching methods, wondering if there is a better way to teach something. Well, I can now rest assured that with that particular student I am doing the right thing. And it feels really good.

I will never again underestimate the impact a positive comment can have on someone.