9 Things I've Learned How to Do in My First Year of Teaching

Since Christmas Break started today, officially completing the first semester of my first year, I'd like to tell you 9 things I've learned so far during this year.

1. How to maintain my sanity around 75 twelve and thirteen year olds 

After my first day of school

You may or may not have realized this, but living life 8+ hours a day around 12 and 13 year olds is not always fun. I know that may be a shocker, but it isn't.

I have learned that I can't let the small stuff bother me. I can't flip out every time someone flips a water bottle or taps a pen, even if I want to. I choose my battles everyday with these kids and I make minute by minute calls. I might not even make the same calls everyday.

To be a teacher, you've got to figure out your way to maintain your mental health, whether that's exercise, a hobby, or even a nap after work. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

2. How to multi-task 

This is one of my favorite new "teacher skills." I can now simultaneously give a lecture, classroom manage, keep my eye on the most ornery of students, drink my coffee, and sign a pass for a kid to use the bathroom.

This skill translates to all of my life. I now feel like I can do 50 things at once (even though I often find that this isn't true.)

To be a teacher, you've got to keep your mind working 90 miles a minutes all the while making sure you are making sense to your kids and keeping behavior problems to a minimum.

3. How to hold/time my bladder 
This might be TMI, but I give no cares. 

This is a skill I never really knew I needed. I now know (out of necessity) how much liquid I can drink between the beginning of the day and second period, from second period to third, and from third to the end of the day. If I decide one day to go rogue from this routine, I will grow to regret it. 

Extra hydration IS NOT WORTH IT! 

(Okay, that might not be accurate, but whatever.) 

To be a teacher, one must master the art of the bladder. It is very important to your survival.

4. How much of a Drama Queen I used to be 

"OMG, MY BFF, WHO IS TOTALLY NOT MY BFF ANYMORE, JUST TALKED TO MY EX-BOYFRIEND AT LUNCH. HOW COULD SHE BETRAY ME LIKE THAT." 

okay, so this is a dramatic retelling, but seriously middle schoolers are so full of drama. They're constantly dating someone new, fighting about it, breaking up,having their little hearts broken, and then starting the cycle all over again.
It's ridiculous, but it really makes you hold a mirror up to your own life, especially when you were their age. I look at these kids around me and I remember what it was like. And (time for honesty here) I remember in 6th grade crying over a boy who didn't want to ride the bus home with me after a school field trip.

I remember how EVERYTHING feels like it's a big deal, even when it isn't.

To be a teacher, it's important that you don't lose track of what you were like at that age. It's important to sympathize with what they're going through, even if it isn't a big deal to you.

5. How vital personal space is 

I write this one a little sarcastically, but personal space is so important when being in a classroom. I'm all up for hugs, high-fives, and fist bumps, but you do not need to stand 6 inches away from me to greet me at the door. I don't need 5 of your surrounding me in a tight circle asking me about the assignment. Our ears work from 2 feet away just as well.

I often jokingly say, "I hate being touched."  I actually say it so much that the kids chastise each other for touching me repeating, "she hates being touched." I must maintain my sanity, so you must back away.

6. How important relationships with students are 

When I was in college getting my education degree, they kept insisting that the most important aspect of our jobs as educators would be the relationship we built with our students. I can testify to that over and over again.

Truth be told, I don't have the strongest classroom management strategies. I've tried tips and tricks from all over the recesses of the internet, but it still isn't anywhere near perfect. The best aspect of my classroom management is the relationship I have with a kid. I can pull any of my 75 kids into the hallway, look them in the eye, and say, "You know I care about you, but you also know I care about everyone in here. You can't act like that." They will almost always agree with the fact that I care about them and even if they don't get it together, they always know it isn't because I just "don't like them."

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with the "bad kids." These are kids that would never come to a teacher to tell them what is going on in another class, at home, or with their friends, but sometimes they will come to me. That's one of the times I feel most validated as a teacher.

I like being a teacher students can come to to feel heard, important, and loved.

7. How to rely on others for support

I am NOT a person who likes to ask for help, especially when it feels like I'm admitting I can't do something. I have always been independent and head-strong so it's an uncomfortable situation to be in when I have to look at someone and say, "I don't know what to do, I need your help."

My first two weeks of teaching went a lot like that. Every time a new situation would arise and I wouldn't know what to do,, I would have to look at my co-workers, principal, or advisor and just admit I had no idea what to do. I've cried over having to contact parents or for mishandling a situation in the room. All along the way every one of my team members has been there for me reassuring me that there was no mistake I could make that they hadn't made and that it would all be okay.

To be a teacher means you must be a team player. You have to have the mindset that you can rely on others to make life easier.

8. How much love I have for "my kids" 

You know what they say, "kids will never care about what you know, till they know how much you care."
This is the best part of being a teacher. My heart has grown 3 sizes (enter The Grinch reference here) since knowing these little suckers. I love each of them, no matter how difficult, needy, or silly they are. Each of them has a special place in my heart. I don't know if this is because I'm a new teacher, but I don't ever want this feeling to go away.

I can't lie, I have my good days and bad days with them, but after I've had enough time to calm down and talk it out, I always go back the next day ready to make progress. I honestly think that's what is important, being willing to try harder with them the next day. Kids see that, they can tell if you're genuine or not, and if you genuinely love them, they will most likely respond to that.

9. How I still have no idea what I'm doing 

Okay, so this post may sound like I actually know something about teaching, but trust me, it's a lie. I know 1% of the 99% of things you need to know. Every single day I find something I should or shouldn't be doing. Each day I walk in not knowing what to expect or how I will deal with it when it arises.

Being in the classroom for half a year so far has taught me more than I ever thought I would know, but I can only imagine what I will say I know in 20 or 30 years.

It's been one of the most rewarding 4 months of my life and I'm so glad I have many more years to come.
-S

My classroom on the first day of school

there's something about being a teacher...

I’m convinced that there is nothing more rewarding than being a teacher.

As many of you might know I am working my way through my last semester of college by completing my student teaching experience. And let me tell you, I have learned more in this past month about myself than I have in my 21 years of life.

I’m in a 6^th grade classroom full of students who look to me for the rules of how to listen to silly stories, behave when I’m bored, and treat members of the opposite sex. I am always being observed and I’m sure criticized. I’ve lost it and given up more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve had little girls try to start drama with me and I’ve had little boys try to make crude jokes about me. But I repeat, I’m convinced there is nothing more rewarding than being a teacher.

There is something about when those kids come up to tell just you something they know you’ll care about that just makes your heart burst. There's something about when that girl who barely speaks out in class gives you a hand-drawn picture just for you. 

There is just something about when you see a kid who has a horrible home life finally get the content and just want to celebrate with a completely silent game of Uno with you. Let me say, I played that game of Uno with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. 

In this month of teaching I have gained more stories than I could ever recount. Each kid is completely unique and needs something different from me. As a people-person, this can be both exhausting and exhilarating. 

Everyday is an adventure and I am blessed to be on it. In the first week of this experience, I knew this is what the Lord has called me to do. Watching His plan unravel before me to give me just a glimpse into what my life might look like has been a humbling and amazing experience. 

I've never been so pleased with my decision to pursue a career in education as I am in this moment, (even if I do need to remind myself this every morning when I get up before sunrise). 

I’m convinced that there is nothing more rewarding than being a teacher.

Christian Worldview of History

In order to be a successful historian, the historian must understand that their worldview affects the way they study history. Holding a Christian worldview is no exception to this principle. A Christian worldview of history is the understanding that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life, but He allows things both in accordance and against His will to happen. 


Having a Christian worldview of history does not mean that we take a Providentialist approach to history.We do not seek to understand what God is doing by describing events as "in God's Will." One example that Fea uses early in Chapter 4 of Why Study History is Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell claimed he was invading Hispaniola to fulfill the will of God, but he was ultimately defeated, therefore proving himself wrong. Historians can attempt to look back and draw multiple conclusions about what God was doing, but all the theories cannot be proven or have any more logic than the others. 

Having a Christian worldview of history means that we understand that the world we live in ultimately belongs to God. We look at the world through the lens of Scripture, and therefore we value the things that God values. Historians with a Christian worldview can look at the figures in history and evaluate whether or not they lived up to the principles of the Bible, but they cannot state whether or not these figures acted in a way that was in accordance with the Will of God. 

All historians, but especially those with a Christian worldview, should resist the temptation to judge figures in history based on the effects of their actions, but evaluate the figure instead on their motivations and intentions. These figures in history were fallen men and women, just as we are today, and should be shown grace when evaluating their actions. No historical figure should be judged as being a "good" or "bad" figure because no one is perfectly good or bad.

10 Summer Reading Recommendations

Anyone who knows me for more than 30 seconds can tell I'm a book worm.
I will read, and pretty much enjoy, anything, but I tend to stay in the comfort of young adult fiction, dystopian novels, or science fiction.
Also, that's not something I usually tell people, because of the dirty looks I get. 

So here's a list of books/series I would recommend if you've got some time to read this summer, on the beach, on a road trip, or just on your couch.

1. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare 

These are the books in order from top to bottom

Series - 6 books
This is my favorite series of all time and one of the few I've read as the author was publishing them. I had to wait and worry over these books for 5 years till they were finished.
This is the series I recommend to any and every person who asks.
AH, I LOVE THEM!

They take place in modern day New York City, and are about a group of half-angel, half-human people called Shadowhunters. These Shadowhunters fight demons, vampires, werewolves, fairies, and wizards.
The characters are fantastic, the story twists and turns, and it will keep you engaged throughout the 6 books.

2. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Series - 3 books
This is my second favorite series of all time, and it is written by the same author in the same universe. This story takes place about 100 years before the one above, so it's technically a prequel, but not really.
This one will rip out your heart and then make you happier than ever before.

The ID takes place in 19th Century England and has the same kind of angel/human hybrids in it. These characters are just as gripping, but the plot line suffered a bit for me. I still love it though, that's why it's on the list.

3. Paper Towns by John Green 

Okay, so I'm going to be honest, I'm wasn't a huge fan of John Green. I thought he was overrated, and I still haven't seen TFIOS, and I don't plan to.
THAT BEING SAID, this book gives me life. I love it so much that I would read it again (something I don't do very often).

This book is all about our perceptions of people and how sometimes when we have created those perceptions they are completely inaccurate.
It's a love story, a coming of age story, and a "things aren't always what they seem story".
Seriously I love it.

4. The Maze Runner 

Series - 3 books and a prequel
So these books are like the Hunger Games on crack. They kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There is death and danger around every corner from the minute you pick up the first book.
The beginning is a little hard to understand because the main character had his memory wiped, but once you get through the first chapter or so, you won't be able to put it down.

Thomas, the main character, can't remember anything and wakes up in a gigantic maze with a bunch of other young men. They try to find their way out, but with monsters around every corner, it seems something else is going on here.

                     5. The Host by Stephanie Meyer 

Okay, so I know you're thinking, "Syd, why is Stephanie Meyer on your list?" Okay, valid observation, but this book is no joke. I really, really liked it and it has nothing to do with sparkly vampires.
The first couple chapters are rough, but once you get to the meat of the book, it's a wild ride.

This story takes place in a future where aliens have taken over the earth and inhabit human bodies. The main character, who is an alien, gets a human body whose soul doesn't want to be silenced.

                                 6. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen 

I've read this book 3 times, which, again, doesn't happen. It's a feel good book for the ages. It's such an easy read that I can read it in two days. For a teen romance novel, it actually has some pretty developed characters and the love story is just too cute.

The girl is rude, loud, outgoing, and protected and the boy is adorable, honest, and funny. It's a good combination and a story I always come back to.

7. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher 

This is one of the more haunting books on the list.

This is about a girl who has already committed suicide, but leaves behind 13 recorded tapes with the 13 people who brought her to this point. Her last demand is that the tapes get passed around to each of the 13 people so they can know how they've effected her life. It's a tragic story of what "little" things can do to a person who is breaking.

It has you cheering for her to triumph, even when you know the ending, that she is dead.
It makes you think about the way you treat others and it's definitely a good read.

     8. A Woman's Place by Lynn Austin

This is a historical fiction about the social change in America during World War II.
It's a story of 4 women who meet in a weapon's factory who come from all different backgrounds. They are forced to address things they never had to before because of the shifting culture of the 1940's. I really enjoyed it because it kept asking the question, "what was a woman's role in this changing time?" Each woman walks away from this experience with a completely different answer to that question.

It's a great read and it's written by a Christian author so it's overwhelmingly clean, which is something I enjoy.

9. Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver 

Series - 3 books
I just finished up these books a few weeks ago. These are another set of dystopian novels in which the world is screwed up. In this particular world, love is a disease and at the age of 18 you get "cured" from it.

Here comes the classic plot of:
     girl, who is an outsider, meets boy who shows her what love is like. Blah, Blah, Blah. 

I know it's an overused plot, but the books are actually very interesting and entertaining. The world its set in is exactly the same as ours, but with no love. They weave in old stories from the Bible and from our country   and use them to teach "lessons". Each book follows the same main character, but they each have a different feel to them so the character develops very nicely throughout.

10. Vampire Academy 

Series - 6 books

I read these books sophomore year of high school, and when I think of books I loved, these ones are always at the top of the list.

Yeah they're vampire books, but it's a completely new take on them. Add a compelling set of main characters, a love story for the books, and lots of actions, it's a great read.

The story is about a boarding school for high school vampires but more is going on than what can be seen on the surface. The "good" vampires are wimps and rely on their half-human, half-vampire bodyguards to fight the "bad" vampires, who are extremely strong, fast and vicious.
There's also magic, two amazing male characters, and lots of twist and turns.

There are my 10 recommendations for the summer,or anytime, reading. 

I have many more that I've loved, and many more that I've hated.
But each were worth the journey.

-S

My Summer So Far

Well currently I am listening to some country music and chilling on a couch at my Aunt and Uncle's house.

I know that doesn't sound all that exciting, but it actually is. I've been moving more this summer than in most of my summers.

Earlier in May, I got to visit my family in West Virginia and have a blast with them, doing absolutely nothing. They are the greatest people to be around and I love that feeling of traveling, but still feeling at home. Ah, can't wait to see them again.




Last week, I had the privilege of going to OBX with one of my very best friends and her wonderful family. The week was filled with so much laughter, reading, chocolate, water, and late nights watching Supernatural. We saw lighthouses and the Lost Colony and took way too many pictures. We chased (or in my case, ran from) crabs on the beach at night and found a whole hoard of seashells.

The Lord has blessed me tremendously with people in my life that understand me and want to live life with me. The week at Outer Banks with them allowed me to appreciate that all over again.
















Well I got home from the beach, packed up my things, slept in my own bed for one night, and left for my internship in Richmond the next day.

Currently I am finishing up my first of two weeks interning at the Virginia Capitol Foundation. Anyone who knows me well knows I love museums and all things history (and no I don't do reenactments). This internship is a really fascinating way to see what all has to go into keeping a historical sight, artifacts, and monuments relevant and maintained. This foundation does most of the fundraising for the Capitol building, Capitol Square, and the Governor's Mansion.



As an intern, I do what I can to help the VCF by setting up social media, transcribing their visitor movie script and assigning Virginia Standards of Learning to it, and brainstorming ways to bring new people into the Capitol.

I have truly enjoyed working with them and, honestly, seeing what being a real adult might look like for me. Haha. University is ending soon, so I am happy to get this experience under my belt.

(To the left is the inside of the building I work in, it is the Old City Hall for Richmond. To the right is a picture, 18 stories high on the building a work in. The gray castle building is where the office is and the white building is the Virginia Capitol.)







I am spending the rest of these two weeks with my Aunt and Uncle as they show me what Richmond really has to offer. I get to experience a city and see the museums, visit old buildings, and eat at new restaurants. In the middle of next week, I am even going to some guy's political party that is running for the VA Senate.

It's all very new, but I am loving every second of it.
This summer has been awesome so far, and I know I have been truly blessed.

-S

Summer Playlist

So summer is right around the corner.

Here's what I'll be listening to while I drive around with my windows down jamming out with my favorite girls:

1. Biscuits - Kacey Musgraves
The perfect summer/sass song that is full of old southern sayings telling someone to get out of your business.
Best Lyric: "Mind your own biscuits, and life will be gravy."
Bless your heart. 

2. Maps - Maroon 5
Maroon 5 is always a solid choice, but this song is exceptionally catchy. 
Best Lyric: "Following, Following, Following, to you, the maps that lead to you."

3. She's so Mean - Matchbox Twenty
Minus the one curse word in this song, it is one of those songs you could listen to over and over again. 


4. Want to Want Me - Jason Derulo
SO SO CATCHY! THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY. 
Best Lyric: "Girl, you're the one I want to want me, and if you want, baby girl you got me."

5. Jackson - Johnny Cash
This isn't just a summer song, it is an all the time song. 
ps. I like this song so much that one of my qualifications for a potential date is that he has to be willing to sing this song with me. 

6. Runaway Train - Cam
Solid country song with a strong beat. Perfect for driving and singing. 
Best Lyric: "There's no slowing down, now I'm a runaway train."

7. Bless My Heart - Leah Turner
Ditto what I said for #6 but this has more sass. 

8. Nobody Love - Tori Kelly
As much as I love country, I have to switch it up with some pop, and Tori Kelly is a good way to go.
Best Lyric: "I should be more cynical and tell myself it's not okay to feel this good when I'm with you."  

9. Southern Style - Darius Rucker
Perfect cruise song. 
Best Lyric: "She said she don't believe in strangers, only sinners with a Savior, because her mom and daddy raised her Southern Style."

10. Half Broke Heart - Cam
Cam is my new favorite artist, so she's on here again.
This song is about a girl not being into a guy enough to be completely heartbroken, but that it still hurts when he leaves. The sass is real. 

11. Break Up With Him - Old Dominion
Eh, I just like it. 
12. Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams
CLASSIC! NEED ALWAYS! 

13. Love Me Like You Mean It - Kelsea Ballerini
So good. So good. Jam. Always. 

14. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon 
One of the best songs on the radio right now. 
Best Lyric: "Don't you dare look back, just keep your eyes on me, I said you're holding back, she said Shut Up and Dance with me."

15. Games - Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan is a must for all summer time fun. 

16. 500 Miles - The Proclaimers
CLASSIC! 
Best Lyric:You should know this song, I don't need to write a lyric here.

17. You and I - Johnny Swim'
Best Lyric: "You and I are fire and water, You and I are rain and thunder. You and I. There is no other, You and I." 

18. Mercy - Duffy
 I could listen to this song forever. It's just too fun. 

19. Cowboy Side of You - Clare Dunn
When the beat and the country kicks in, you can't help but drive faster. 

20. I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You) - Aretha Franklin
My GIRL Aretha. Always and forever. 

21. Trouble (Edited)- Iggy Azalea and Jennifer Hudson
Best Lyric: "I should've known you were bad news, from the bad boy demeanor and the tattoos."

Honorable Mentions: 
Watermelon Crawl - Tracy Byrd
If all else fails, old country has to get your summer going.

There's Hope

So I was sitting here angrily typing away at a blog about symptoms of a horrible relationship, but I decided to write this one instead.
Instead of wallowing in my anger, I want to encourage all you ladies and gents, I ain't sexist in a bad long-term relationship.  I am talking about a long-term dating relationship, not marriage. 

I just want to tell you, there's hope.
Not for your relationship, but for you as an individual.
You have to decide whether working it out is plausible or not. 

What I'm talking about is that there is hope outside of this toxic relationship. There is hope when you finally kick off that chain that is tying you down.

I know you may not see it now, but there is a whole life out there waiting for you, without that person in it.
You can travel, meet new people, fall in love all over again, move to NYC, get a puppy, ANYTHING. 
Life opened up for me when I realized that that relationship was doomed.

I know it's scary to "be alone" but you won't be.
You have friends, family, and most importantly, a God who cares so much about you.

The Lord often brings us closer to him when we are at our weakest. I know it isn't a fun option to open yourself up to a time alone, but it's worth it.
Your walk with the Lord will be stronger than it ever was when you're leaning on Him alone.

I know it's frightening to not know what is coming next, but it's okay not to know. 
When I broke up with my long-term boyfriend, I couldn't stand people asking me questions. I promptly started answering every "are you guys getting back together?" "what happened?" "how are you doing?" with "I don't know."
and I don't know is OKAY! I know it's easy to get bogged down in the life you had planned, but plans change.

When I finally got up the nerve to break up with my ex, my Dad dropped some wisdom on me that I will never ever forget.
After telling him how my ex had made me feel like unwanted garbage for months, my Daddy, with nothing but love in his wrinkled blue eyes, looked at me and said "You deserve so much better. You do not deserve to get [emotionally] punched in the stomach for 20 years and if he doesn't want you now, he won't treat you any better 30 years down the road."

This has changed my life and I distinctly remember telling this to two of my best friends going through similar situations. I don't think I can do it justice, but I hope the concept seeped through. 

You deserve better than that.
You can do better than crying on the phone at 2 am to your friend/mom/sister/brother/dad.
You deserve better than being someone's second choice.
You deserve someone who is going to love you unashamedly for the rest of your life.
You deserve to be happy in your relationship.
You're stronger than you think you are. 

And I just thought someone should tell you. 

-S

And because I love my Mom and Dad, there's a beautiful picture of them from their anniversary.