That August Feeling

15 days ago, when the calendar turned to August, I had the typical "wow, summer is flying by" feeling in the pit of my stomach. 

But, this year, the feeling is so, so different than the one I had last year around this time. 

Last year, when August arrived, the panic set in and so did the fear. Time was ticking down, would I find a job, would I get to teach? Every day, I felt more and more gutted.

But we all know that the stars aligned and I had an amazing and rewarding year last year. Amazing to look back now, from where I stand, and see how far I have come.

I've spent the summer planning and finding new and fun ways to teach rather than submitting resumes and applications and sitting on my hands waiting.

It's amazing. I count my blessings every time I pin an educational idea or when I respond to an email from school.

Two very different summers of effort towards the same dream.  Last summer, the determination and belief something would come along has resulted in spending this summer getting my classroom prepared for a whole new crop of 3rd graders.

I'm so grateful to be in this position, here's to a marvelous year ahead!