The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Wow...where has time gone? It just seems like yesterday where we were wrapping up our wedding and I was settling into my new life as a professional and wife. Now, here we are...six months later with so many more experiences and all I can do is sit back with awe and excitement. I'm in awe of what life has to offer and excited for all that I have to look forward to in the years to come.

It's been amazing, seeing how we can transform into a fuller version of ourselves with still so much to learn and aspire. With every day, whether we find those days to be amazing or dull, we are filling our lives with something that makes life worth it. When you wake up in the morning, do you ever wonder: how can I make today worth it? It's a challenge I hope to take on by the horns, and I hope you all choose to do so as well. Because frankly, life is too short. We hear so many people say, "If only I did this when I was younger..." and you wonder, why didn't you do that or why don't you do it now? It is never too late, right?

The beauty of this time of the year is that we get to open our eyes to that which we always wished for; but beyond that, we get to welcome new ideas and change, because life can only get better from here. I truly believe that!

December is one of my favorite months of the year. I am a total sucker for the holidays and everything it has to offer. I love the warm feeling of Christmas music on the radio, seasonal drinks at Starbucks, the cold (even though I'm a Southern gal through and through, something about being cold in December just feels right and proper); and the kindness that places a smile on everyone's face. While the shopping can be hit or miss, I still feel as though that also contributes to the holiday feeling.

This December is only filled with greater excitement! It is my first Christmas with my husband, which is a blessing in an of itself. Not only that, I GRADUATE with my Master's degree! Something that I can't even fathom right now. So this time of the year is a reminder that we can live our dreams, so matter how big or small they may be.

That is why, this is the most wonderful time of the year...

Inspiration is Everywhere!

Over the past couple of months, I have gotten that blessed opportunity to find inspiration from a plethora of places. The beauty of this is that we are constantly reminded that life isn't always easy and while we have many perspectives to choose from, the ones we least consider always have a way of surprising us. But beyond that, they stick with us and provide us an opportunity to introspect on how people in circumstances different from us and beyond our understanding manage to hold such a positive perspective.

There are two main stories I would like to share with you all today. One is local and the other national. One is defying all odds and becoming a star through his dedication, passion, and commitment to what he loves. The other is a mother sending a message to educators and parents all over. A message we cannot avoid, but one we can embrace and help guide our lives with a purpose.

The first story, comes from ESPN highlighting an Alpharetta high school student who has become a basketball star, but here is the catch...he only has one hand to play with. You can find the story here: One-handed prospect has offer from Florida. What is amazing about this story is that someone could have told him as a child that he would not succeed or get far with this. And even if they did, he didn't seem to take it to heart. But our words can make or break someone's potential. It's amazing that this kid is defying all odds and a school like Florida is looking at what this kid CAN do opposed to what he CANNOT do. As an athlete, he is under much scrutiny and judgement, that is the nature of sports. But what does it take to prevail all odds and to succeed despite what others may believe? Passion? Dedication? Support? Love? A combination of everything? What are we willing to give those kids that don't follow the norm in order for them to succeed? But as Hodskins says, "Passion and love for the sport helps me overcome all obstacles. To this day I haven't come across anything I can't do." 

The second story, is a letter from a mother of a Sandy Hook victim to teachers everywhere. I don't think I can do her letter and message justice by summarizing it for you. But here is her letter and it is something truly worth thinking about, whether you are an educator or not:

As another school year begins and old routines settle back into place, I wanted to share my story in honor of the teachers everywhere who care for our children.

I lost my 6-year-old daughter Ana Grace on Dec. 14, 2012, in the rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School. My son, who was in the building and heard the shooting, survived.

While waiting in the firehouse that day to hear the official news that our daughter was dead, my husband and I made promises to ourselves, to each other, and to our son. We promised to face the future with courage, faith, and love.

As teachers and school employees begin this new year, my wish for you is that same courage, faith, and love.

It takes guts to be a teacher. Six brave women gave their lives trying to protect their students at Sandy Hook. Other teachers were forced to run from the building, stepping over the bodies of their friends and colleagues, and they came right back to work.

Nelba Marquez-Greene's 6-year-old daughter Ana Grace, who was killed in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary on Dec. 14, 2012.

—Courtesy of Nelba Marquez-Greene

When I asked my son’s teacher why she returned, she responded, “Because they are my kids. And my students need me now more than ever.” She sent daily updates on my son’s progress, from his behavior to what he’d eaten for lunch. And four months later, when my son finally smiled one day after school, I asked him about it. His response? “Mom. My teacher is so funny. I had an epic day.”

While I pray you will never find yourself in the position of the teachers at Sandy Hook, your courage will support students like my son, who have lived through traumas no child should have to.

Your courage will support students who are left out and overlooked, like the isolated young man who killed my daughter. At some point he was a young, impressionable student, often sitting all alone at school. You will have kids facing long odds for whom your smile, your encouraging word, and your willingness to go the extra mile will provide the comfort and security they need to try again tomorrow.

When you Google “hero,” there should be a picture of a principal, a school lunch worker, a custodian, a reading specialist, a teacher, or a bus monitor. Real heroes don’t wear capes. They work in America’s schools.

"When I asked my son’s teacher why she returned, she responded, 'Because they are my kids.' "

Being courageous requires faith. It took faith to go back to work at Sandy Hook after the shooting. Nobody had the answers or knew what would come tomorrow, but they just kept going. Every opportunity you have to create welcoming environments in our schools where parents and students feel connected counts.

Have faith that your hard work is having a profound impact on your students. Of the 15,000 personal letters I received after the shooting, only one stays at my bedside. It’s from my high school English teacher, Robert Buckley.

But you can’t be courageous or step out on faith without a deep love for what you do.

Parents are sending their precious children to you this fall. Some will come fully prepared, and others not. They will come fed and with empty bellies. They will come from intact homes and fractured ones. Love them all.

When my son returned to school in January, I thought I was going to lose my mind. Imagine the difficulty in sending your surviving child into a classroom when you lost your baby in a school shooting. We sent him because we didn’t want him to be afraid.

“Real heroes don’t wear capes. They work in America’s schools.”

We sent him because we wanted him to understand that while our lives would never be the same, our lives still needed to move forward.

According to the 2011-12 National Survey of Children’s Health, nearly half of America’s children will have suffered at least one childhood trauma before the age of 18. They need your love.

A few weeks before the shooting, Ana Grace and I shared a special morning. Lunches were packed and clothes were picked out the night before, so we had extra time to snuggle. And while I lay in bed with my beautiful caramel princess, she sensed that I was distracted and asked, “What’s the matter, Mom?” I remember saying to her, “Nothing, baby. It’s just work.” She looked at me for a very long time with a thoughtful stare, then she told me, “Don’t let them suck your fun circuits dry, Mom.”

As you begin this school year, remember Ana Grace. Walk with courage, with faith, and with love. And don’t let them suck your fun circuits dry.

This letter is self-explanatory, but I must say that in order to truly remember Ana Grace and all of the innocent children and teachers we lost on that on that day, we must make it our mission to not let anyone suck our fun circuits dry. 

There is much we can learn from these two stories. But because of these two stories, I have grown to appreciate those around me and what the power of words and actions have on each and every one of us. Inspiration lies in everything around us. In those moments when our lives feel stressed and there is too much on our plate, we can look towards what these two individuals have taught us. We can find more inspiration from others, whether they are people we know or those we do not, there is so much we can learn from each other. 

Happy Sunday & good luck as you embark on your inspirational journey! 

School Started?? =)

The 2013-2014 school year has started and we are well on our way to quite an exciting and unique school year. What is really exciting is that my role from student teacher to stellar sub has been a wonderful transition. Yes, I miss my days being in the classroom every day, but what I am learning as a stellar is so incredibly valuable. Every day, I am learning something new; whether it is learning to better communicate with others (especially parents) or even understanding how every teacher and staff's role in the school is intertwined. It is such a wonderful feeling to constantly feel as though I am becoming a better teacher understanding every aspect of how a school operates--it's a great gift.

While this is stage in my career is quite different than I ever expected, it has given me the opportunity to explore literature that has been on my nightstand for what feels like ages. I am exploring a plethora of teaching books but even my pleasure books. Being in the school setting reminds you of how important it is to make time for reading. Sitting down and indulging in a book simply because it is fulfilling to do so. As a teacher, I feel that we have to walk the walk and not just preach it. It is so easy to tell our students to read, but we should be able to share what we are reading with them as well--to show how timeless the activity itself is.

Apart from school, which can by somewhat synonymous to life, I have also be able to enjoy married life! It is such a blessing to have so much support, it really makes following your dreams easier yet meaningful. I am blessed to be inspired by my husband and his drive to always be the best at anything he puts his mind to. It is wonderful to see how drive and passion makes everything we do in life purposeful. Not everyone can make such a claim in their lives.

As we delve into August, I am forced to count my blessings and hold on with anticipation and excitement for what my future holds for me. Everyday is a blessing attached with a prayer that no matter what, I see every day, opportunity, and moment as a gift--as a testimony that I am living my dreams. =)

From Miss. to Mrs.

So much has happened since the last time I posted...all of which is amazing and life changing in the most incredible and special way possible.

First of, I finished my student teaching and continued as a long-term substitute to finish out the school year. Mind you school finished one day before all of my wedding events. Crazy, I know, but a blessing in its own way. I could not have asked for a better way to end my school year. I was with an amazing group of teachers and students, who have taught me so much, it is unbelievable.

As soon as school finished, my wedding weekend started! It was such an amazing weekend filled with family, friends, and tradition. Words cannot express how amazing it was, but I can say that it was a dream come true. From my mendhi to the reception, everything was perfect in its own way and that is all you could possibly ask for. While I could probably go on for longer, but I think some pictures would be better! Here are some that our friends and family shared with us! Enjoy!!

And We are Counting Down!

So much to update y'all on and not even time to do so, but that is why my sporadic posts are so exciting, right? I thought I would use the beginning of my spring break to catch up on my blog, but also update all of you out there. This week is relaxing but extremely busy as well, catching up on school work and wedding stuff and so much more. But this is much needed and well worth it! So here I go, hopefully I cover everything.

I have accomplished a lot lately, and hit some major milestones academically and some things to look forward to at the same time:

• I finally took the GACE and now I am awaiting my scores, but taking it is an accomplishment in and of itself. I am praying I passed with flying colors and I am closer to being a teacher on paper!
• I then started my two weeks of lead teaching and that was phenomenal! I have such a unique group of kids and each one has a different personality. While they are not the easiest batch of kids, they have taught me so much about myself, my teaching practices, and what makes me the teacher I strive to be. While the two weeks had their ups and downs, I wouldn't have had them any other way!
• Also, I am only 2 weeks away from officially finishing my student teaching, but it'll probably take a lot more for me to stop going (as if my wedding itself is not enough, haha). I just can't see myself leaving so soon! The kids mean so much to me and the school is simply amazing, how can you leave such a wonderful combination of goodness??
• Next big step is completing my certification portfolio, which looks like it'll be a lot of work, but at this rate, I feel like I can handle anything. I surely have some higher power working in my favor right now, because without Him, I wouldn't be able to get done a fraction of what I do daily. He is wonderful to me and I am forever grateful.

On the other hand, wedding planning is in full force. There are many ups and downs that come with that experience as well. I think the one that I am struggling with the most, but learning to manage at the same time is pleasing everyone and not giving up on what is important to us. But sometimes you can't help but feeling "well hey, isn't it my wedding after all"? But then you have moments like Saturday, when Sohum and I took our pre-wedding photos and you are reminded of what this wedding is all about. We had a lot of fun, from almost getting attacked by nesting geese to dancing in the middle of Atlantic Station, and being silly at a country club. Those moments remind us that in between all of the craziness with planning, there is still that love and happiness that bring us all together to celebrate our marriage. I can't believe we are coming so close to the big day. We have so many countdowns to look forward to, but the biggest of all is our wedding day! Time is flying, but every moment teaches me so much about myself, my family, and our life.

It is such a beautiful thing to be experiencing. I can't wait to share some of our pre-wedding pictures with you all! We took so many, it'll be very exciting to go through them all. =)  

Teaching...

Oh How Time Flies!

On my day off today, I had to take the opportunity to write. Although the day has been filled with catching up on errands and housekeeping, I think I need this time to write down everything that has happened thus far and update you all.

First of, I think it is extremely important to first celebrate the engagement of two very dear friends! It is amazing to see a couple take this step in their lives! Karishma and Shashwat, I am so happy for you both and am extremely excited for you as you start this new journey together. You never know what life will throw you, but together you can accomplish and tackle anything--that will help you conquer the world together! Love you both!

You know it's funny because you never really know where the time goes when you are happy and enjoying life. At this moment, I am trying to be superwoman and although I know I am not, it is quite a task managing everything at once. With the wedding coming up (only about 2 1/2 months left, eek!), there is so much to do which can get overwhelming at times, but somehow manages to get done. Partner that with school and studying for the GACE and you have a very busy schedule--but it all works itself out. Some days you wake up wondering where to start, and other days you have a very thorough plan. But with everything comes patience and team work. What I have learned is that I cannot conquer everything at once, I am allowed to use those around me to help me accomplish those things I truly want to do and they won't mind it either. Coming to that realization alone is difficult, because you aren't really sure how you'll do it or when, but just that you should.

So to sum it up: the wedding is right around the corner, I have been a student teacher for 9 complete weeks now, and after this semester, I am only one class shy of graduating with my Master's. That is pretty awesome, right? Who would have thought that I'd be so close to living my dream? I not only get to marry the man of my dreams but I also get to be a teacher all at the same time. 2013 is surely my year and I can only hope to celebrate and honor it as it should be!

Lastly, I have come to understand that not everything goes your way and THAT IS OKAY. How many times have you heard this? It is so easy to say, but so hard to do. But there have been many times where I question why things are happening now and not when they are convenient for me. Well, that can't always be the way things go--they can't always be your way or the high way. That's not fun nor fair. But you can learn to adapt to whatever does happen, good or bad, and be happy either way. This is  the simplest way to put it and the most genuine. But it is something very valuable to learn indeed. =)