November 19, 2013

Checking In

I just read 17 entries from this blog, circa January 2010. Not coincidentally, that was the time when I was adjusting to Cambodia. Those entries are some of my most valuable possessions. I am so glad that I took the time to write detailed accounts of the many interesting things that happened during that time.

If you are wondering what's been going on since May, here it is:

1. I graduated with an MA-TESL (teaching English as a second language)

2. I taught ESL full time over the summer in Flagstaff, AZ--my home for past three years.

3. I accepted and began my first real job as an instructor in the English department at Northern Arizona University. I teach freshman composition--two sections of native speakers and one section for language learners. I also coordinate the language learner classes with the Writing Program. It's a new position, created for me because I know some of the ins and outs of both programs

4. I went to Mexico with my boyfriend, a fellow MA-TESLer. Mazatlan was great, and Mexico reminded me of Cambodia in so many ways. Smell, heat, language barrier--to name a few.

5. I got engaged to my boyfriend. Yeah, BIG news! The ring is fantastic.

6. I found a wedding dress with my mom and aunt. The dress is also fantastic. May 31st, 2014 is the big day.

7. Maintained my kick-ass volleyball program for international students. It's pretty much my favorite thing ever.

That brings us up to now. The time when I'm at work, but I need a little creative brain break. I teach writing, so I think it's ok for me to occasionally write while at work.

The future is wide open! Here are things I'm thinking about:

1. A return abroad. Georgetown's ELF program (less Santa, more English Language Fellow)--these are prestigious fellowships abroad. They assign you a country! EEK! I'd love to get a spot in that program. However, there are plenty, and I mean TONS of other opportunities to go abroad.

2. The wedding. There is a lot to plan, but luckily, I've got the world's most awesome mother to help me out with that.

3. Adult stuff: retirement plans, buying a house, buying a new car...it's all about the money, I guess.

Ok, I hope that clears my head enough to get back to work. I've got a pack of writers to guide!