I have managed to run from "the bug" this whole school year....until now. Turns out...I need to work on my speed, because it caught up with me. I had extensive plans to finish lesson plans, unit plans, and grading for many of my classes this weekend. My hopes were dashed as I felt the tickle in my throat begin to works its way up as my energy drained from my every pore. I knew that it was only a matter of time.
This past week took every ounce of energy that I had worked so hard to store up. I had many tough conversations with administrators, fellow staff, and students. I continue to beat myself over to head as I try to find a balance between being a friend, a parent, a teacher, an advocate, and, most importantly, still me.
One day during lunch, I was talking to a few staff members in the teacher's lounge as I, somehow still nervously, prepared to meet with my principal. Meanwhile, my assistant principal stormed into the teacher's lounge, exclaiming, " Shannon! I just found out something about you that I am NOT pleased about." Shocked, confused, and scared outside of my mind, I stared blankly and managed to say, "Oh?!" He quickly continued, "Yea, I just found out that you are younger than my son....this whole time I thought we were peers?!" he joked. "We are," I replied, "just peers from a different generation..." This joke seems to be a popular one with the staff, as they continue to shared their disbelief that I am as young of a professional as I am. Though I never fail to blush, I am honored and take the compliment...as hidden as it may be at times.
I continue to take each day, one at a time. Some days are easier than others, but yet each somehow manages to provide a lesson of some sort....a little victory of some sort!
Ready for a rest,
Ms. Phillips
