Waiting. In a world of instant gratification, waiting has become difficult for us as a whole. It seems like not long ago it took an entire day to download songs from the brand-new Internet. Now it takes less than a few seconds. My students struggle with the concept of waiting. From the time they were infants, everything was instantly given to them.
Waiting is even hard for me at times. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to interview for a different position at my school. I was devastated by the results. Over time I accepted their decision and I was to be the best damn computer teacher at my school.
Two years later, our assistant principal informed me that my dream position in the STEM lab was open for me. At that moment I was surprised, excited, and conflicted. Did I really want the position now? I had about 10 more years left before I retired. Do I want to switch now?
My oldest son was the one who helped me with my decision. He told me that I should jump at the chance and be able to choose where I want to be for the rest of my career. Another middle school in our district does not have computers as an Encore class so, there was a risk of my position would be dissolved in the future. I took the position. It was scary and exciting, but I have never been happier as a teacher to be where I am today.
May 2022, on the last day of school, I’m not gonna lie, was difficult for me. Walking away from a classroom and computer class I built over the last 9 years was very emotional. Before I locked my door and shut off the lights one last time, I took a moment, staring into an empty room. I listened to the quiet. Only hearing the sounds of my breath as my mind wandered into the memories of all I experienced in that room. With tears trickling down my face, I closed my door for one last time.
The waiting was difficult during those two years. I slipped into mediocrity and complacency. I was going through the motions, just repeating the same lessons over and over each year. The assignments and projects I developed were engaging and educational. My students enjoyed the lessons so I never changed them.
Being in my new position has brought excitement and joy into my career. There is always something new to experience and in turn, I am learning new things right along with my students. It has been challenging at times but my happiness in my new room far outweighs those challenges. I thank God every day for this opportunity.
All good things take time. We have to let God do his divine work so that everything needed for our lives falls into a perfect time and place. This time of waiting is an opportunity for us to keep an open dialog with God, pray about our needs, and thank Him for all He has done for us….even for the waiting.