I've been toying with the idea of what to blog about. I've thought about writing about education...all the "reforms" going through the legislature...but since the laws are already passed, what's the point in getting on my soapbox? If you want my opinions, just ask. Also I've been bouncing around since Monday a new idea/paradigm for justice...but that's not developed enough and again too long and complex for this format.
So that leaves me with the only other idea I have: a countdown list. Not original, but here it is:
Top 5 things I WON'T miss about Big Public School life:
5. the conflict. constant conflict broiling between students, constant conflict between me and students.
4. the stress. so much to do, so little time, so many unmeetable expectations. Sometimes it gets to the point where I'm so stressed with all the expectations that I struggle with insomnia, and that's just not cool.
3. the impersonality. my wonderful department aside (because they do care) no one cares about anyone. I hate just being a cob in the machine.
2. the dreaded uncertainty. Never knowing what bad/unexpected thing will happen. Often I drive in the next day after a bad day, dreading the next day, but all that dread is wasted, since most of the things I dread never come to be, but when I don't see it coming, that's where the dreaded thing happens.
1. the pain. I know this is something that won't change when I get to China, but seeing lives shattered by evil is something I hate being involved in, seeing all the reflected pain in my students' eyes.
Top 5 things I WILL miss about Big Public School life:
5. the pop culture awareness. working at this school, I hear about new trends in music sooner than a lot of people, and find myself more well-versed in pop culture than I have been.
4. the fashions. I'm still mesmerized every day by the hair styles, constantly changing and elaborate clothing styles, and the general "swag" I see on display daily.
3. my inspiring students. some of my students who overcome so many obstacles and succeed just are amazing, and I am so thankful to know them.
2. understanding everything that's going on around me. I'm finally comfortable with the lingo, and while some of it still amuses me, I know everything they be sayin' and can respond in kind. I won't be able to do this in my Chinese classroom, and I will miss this.
1. the Deeper lessons about Him He's had me learn. I'm so glad for all the opportunities to learn to depend on Him, to Ask for people, to learn to stand on my own feet of faith. These lessons will continue lifelong, into China and beyond, but this time of refining has been unique and I am thankful for it.
