Learning to Swim

Well, in just 12 more days of school I will have completed my first year in the USA and my 10th year of professional teaching (or is it my 11th?). I can't believe the year is almost up. I know that there were MANY times at the beginning where I really didn't think I would make it with these kids. I'd never really done a full time Kindergarten program before and I felt like I was drowning. I felt like I was drowning in the US as well. Coming from international private schools where all the teachers live, work and socialize together and where it is easy to meet and make new friends because most everyone is in the same boat that you are to the public system in the US where people have their own families and lives and not much time for the new stranger who arrived out of nowhere... it was hard to say the least. I don't know if I've learned how to swim in society here yet, but I think I've figured out how to float at least... treading water isn't my style so... :) But I do have to say that through all the struggles, through all the tears, the blood, the sweat, the money spent... I've learned, I've grown and I believe I am a better teacher now because of this experience. And I am even excited to do a better job as a Kindergarten teacher next year. Yup, that's right... you read it right, I am signed up for another year of learning to swim in the madness that is living in the US and teaching Kindergarten. :)