It's been a long time

I know it's been a long time and I once again apologize. I've been pretty busy. I've actually been trying to figure out what I want to do, how to do it, and slowly but surely working on getting it done.

Over the past few weeks, I've actually done more thinking and planning and praying, than I've ever done. A few months ago I decided that teaching might be fun. I'm not saying that lightly, just matter of fact. I can see myself enjoying going to work each day. I love my job now. I love going to the school and working with the kids (young adults... lol) and feeling like I can have an effect on their lives.

I've written several recommendations over the past few weeks for some amazing kids, for colleges, scholarships, and even jobs. When I sit down to write them, I think of how each one of those kids has grown. They've developed into people that I respect. The type of people that I would be happy to someday call a friend. I received a call from one of the parents last week; she told me that my letter almost made her cry when she read it. She appreciated my "kind words" and the thought that had gone into the letter.

I didn't know what to say at first. I thought of the time I've spent working with her son as a patient and now an intern; remembering how soft spoken he was during football his freshman year, how timid he was with the coaches. He'll be graduating in a few weeks and he's already accepted a spot at a highly recognized college. I told her to that she should be proud of herself and I thanked her for the opportunity to work with him. I can only hope that someday, my girls will leave such an impression on people.

So I've decided that I want to teach. It's funny because, the thought of teaching Physical Education was what kept me in graduate school. No, not so that I could one day get a job, but because I wanted to avoid it at all costs! I wanted to work as a Head Athletic Trainer at a Division III College and that's all I had ever wanted to do.

After having my daughter, I realized that college wasn't the best setting for an athletic trainer/mommy. I gave my resignation 1 year later and following a brief period of self-employment, applied for and accepted a job as an Athletic Trainer at a High School/Clinic. At first, I second-guessed myself and thought that I was settling. It wasn't long before I realized that it was where I was supposed to be.

Many people think that high school kids, in general, are a bunch of delinquents. I think that many of them are searching for something, whether it be their identity, a future, a friend, or even just a way out. I've found that the "trouble makers" are sometimes big kids looking for any attention they can get, and sometimes the "good kids" are the ones with the biggest secrets.

I have tests to take, calls to make, and obstacles to overcome, but I think that I'm pretty close to figuring out what I want to be when I grow up... and I just turned 34. My little girls are best friends right now, and growing up faster than I ever expected and my husband just passed a test to become a Certified Executive Chef (he's also a culinary instructor at a local vocational high school). I just finished my very first 5K and I'm working to maybe do a 1/2 marathon with some friends next year. I don't know what's going to happen, but at least, for now, I have some things to work towards. Wish me luck!