We arrived home yesterday to a mess. A newlywed mess.
There’s not really a better term to describe everything right now – from all the empty boxes and gift paper scattered in our now-more-than-way-too-small living room to the fact that we’re seriously contemplating giving our 3 month notice on our apartment in about ten days.
Neither of us have jobs. I made some mistakes and got an email saying they had terminated my contract as I was about to dive into the warm Carribean waters on our snorkeling trip Thursday. Not the end of the world.
After the dive ended and we treked out to the second Island, I sat, I thought, and I realized I was putting off what I ultimately REALLY wanted to do.
I want to teach. I’ve always wanted to teach, but after I decided not to pursue admission in the school of Education at NU because of a slightly lackluster GPA, I never really thought I was good enough to pursue it.
I’m over that. I’m done accepting jobs I know I won’t be happy in because I think that’s the best I can do.
I don’t want to be in politics anymore – I don’t want to be near it, I don’t want to work in it. I just don’t. It’s not for me.
So. I’m taking the Praxis exam. I’m applying for MAT programs up in CT. I’m applying for TFA. I want to teach high school social studies and by golly, I’m not going to take NO for an answer. Originally, I wanted to teach history to high schoolers. For the longest time, then I got involved in the Dems, politics, interned on the hill and everything stumbled to where I am now. I’ve learned a lot, but mostly, with each position I’ve had in the past three years, at the end of them I keep finding myself wanting to teach but being too scared to pursue it. Now’s my chance. I’m pursuing it.
Hubs is pursuing jobs up in CT. Leads. Networking. We were told by the parents of one of our groomsmen that “it’s better to be jobless somewhere you’re happy as opposed to being unemployed somewhere you hate.” We’re kind of in a unique spot where we CAN leave if we want to. Its just going to take a lot of work. A lot of me not shopping. A lot of studying, and pushing for this. This is what we want, and me? I long for season tickets to NU hockey games, weekly dinners with my in-laws, monthly trips up to visit the parents/grandparents…especially before my grandparents stop recognizing us.
Life is going to be crazy for a bit, and if ANYONE has any advice to teaching certification in CT then well…please share. I know I need to take the praxis exam but that’s about it….
Wedding pictures and recaps to come this week – I PROMISE!!!!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Welcome home! I know the newlywed mess you speak of. It took us at least a week to unpack all our gifts and find a home for them in our teeny tiny apartment. Let me know when you are ready for one more gift and I will drop it off or we can meet up and I can give it to you
I’m not sure about beginning a teaching career in CT, but some states have lateral entry programs. You may want to look into that. When you are ready to look for jobs, schoolspring.com is a great website. Hope that helps!
I’m not sure where you want to live and if you think you can afford a year without a salary, but there are many schools (U of Bridgeport, U of New Haven, Sacred Heart, etc.) that offer a student teaching/internship program that essentially allows you to get your grad. degree for free in exchange for a year’s work in a school. If you want me to explain more, just email me.
Welcome home! I hope y’all had a fantastic honeymoon, minus the hiccup with the job situation.
I love what one of the groomsmens parents told you. I might take that advice to heart because, let’s be honest, there is more to life than living in Mississippi and working a dead-end job. I hope y’all can both land jobs you love, and HOW EXCITING that you want to be a teacher! A lot of my coworkers are going through the process right now, and it sounds exciting. And encouraging.
You’re going to be a fantastic teacher!
Congrats on your marriage and taking the leap to do what you want to do. There is no time like the present and life is too short! I’m sure you will be a wonderful teacher and I can’t can’t wait to see the wedding recaps!
Congrats on getting married! Just so you know, our kitchen/ sun room is full of wrapping paper, ribbon, boxes, etc from registry gifts—-and our wedding isn’t for another two weeks! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!
Sounds like a plan, miss Heidi. Looking forward to see where this all takes you!
Can’t wait to hear about the wedding
I do NOT support a move to CT, as much as I do love CT
You know how I feel about teaching though, always back and forth and can’t make up my mind. I’m still thinking about the Teach DC program, where you get certified as you go along teaching in DC. I can imagine how crazy teaching is here…but think, if you can survive two years in the DCPS, you can survive anywhere!
PS. I do think you’d be a super good teacher.
Congrats on being newlyweds!!! Settling down is a welcome change from wedding planning. I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful teacher and, you’re right, now’s the perfect time to start anew.
Congrats on the marriage and good luck with everything!
Congrats on this decision and good luck! I recently started taking classes for my middle school history certification. I’ve received mixed feedback (why are you going to school AGAIN? middle schoolers are horrible!) and then some really encouraging words.
I’m just ready to be done and in a classroom!
I know you have a gazillion readers, but if you get a chance, check out my blog. I think I posted a few weeks back about this big decision.
That ROCKS! I say pursue thy dreams and the happy heart will follow. You know I’d adore seeing you in CT. I know you have family up there, but if you need a place to stay while you apartment hunt or just want to hang out or whatever, let me know. I’d love to see you again and meet your hubs! <——ok, I think that makes it pretty clear how I feel on this!
First of all, AHCongrats! Secondly, go for it. You and I are at the same place with our political careers, as we’ve talked about. And I am all for fleeing DC. Seriously, this is super super exciting and I couldn’t be happier. You just better be ready to come see me in Boston- I’m gonna need some Yankees backup if I end up there!
But that is a very, very wise quote and advice you got there. Can’t wait to hear more about this move! (And see wedding pictures)
oh i’m so excited for you guys! good luck on the job hunt and i think you’ll be a fabulous teacher
Girl, I’ve been thinking about you the past few weeks and noticing your updates on Facebook and such. Congrats on the wedding, and I can’t wait to hear more! Sorry to hear about your job, but hey… you’re right! Go after what you really want! That’s my game plan.
We are the same person. I entered college as an Elem Ed major and changed it to PR/Journalism. I regret it so much. I’ve been told by so many people that I’d be a great teacher. I want to go back to school to be a teacher w/in the next 3 years. THat’s awesome that you’ve decided to do it. Def keep us posted on your progress and have a good weekend!!!!!