Orientation

June 17th is finally here and here I am beyond it.

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul, He that Keepeth Understanding Shall Find Good. 

(Baruch College)

Today I attended orientation for the New York City Teaching Fellowship Cohort 24. It was very inspiring. They started out with a young mens' "step" group from one of the high schools which was extremely powerful and masculine. They talked about how rough the ride is going to be, but I kept hearing the word "impact." They assure me I will make an impact. I hope so.

 I've been saying that a lot, "I hope so." It's my faithful phrase. I have hope.

One current teacher made a great speech that included encouraging us against thinking that "you either have it or you don't." That one stuck with me more than most others. You work to have it. You don't just have it. Teaching is not magic, but hard work.

They also said that the fellowship is harder to get into than NYU. I liked that one because NYU rejected me...a long time ago.


I'm scared. I have hope.

Tomorrow is my first day. I am expected in Queens at 8:30 am. I haven't seen 8:30 am since October. It's going to be difficult. I am going to be tired. Waiting tables, I am used to going to bed at 2am and waking up whenever I want. Sometimes 9:30, sometimes noon. Noon never feels as good as you think it does.

So I am getting up at 6. Leaving my house at 7:30 am to take the F train from 63rd street and Lexington (btw the other school they could have sent me is on 68th and Lexington. I am choosing to ignore this painful fact) and enduring a 56 minute commute to Queens.