Last Day of School

It is hard to believe that my first year of teaching is almost over (tomorrow!!)!  I never thought I would be where I am, doing what I am doing this time almost a year ago.  So much has happened and I have learned so many things about myself, teaching and life it is difficult to put into words.

This time last year I was on a tiny plane, headed to the northern wilderness for an interview at Maquatua Eeyou School in Wemindji, QC.  It was there that I met Carmen, a friend for life, and Brandi, who showed us the ins and outs of the town and gave us some great advice, and where I saw the school I would soon be spending my days and nights in.  It certainly doesn't feel like only a short year has passed, it feels like I have been here for a decade - in both good and not-so-good ways, but overall this experience has been incredible. 

I can't begin to describe the friendships and bonds I have created while here.  I have made best friends for life with whom I share such a special link, I am sure I will never find the same anywhere else.  We laugh, we cry and we gossip, its the perfect relationship! We annoy each other, we help each other, we are each others family in the North and I couldn't imagine sharing my time with a better bunch of people up here. I am so lucky to have met my friends here and know that no matter what, they support me, they have my back and they would do anything for me.  That is something truly special and I try not to take it for granted!

Some things I have learned living and teaching in isolation is how special and precious the little things we take for granted daily become.  I was explaining this to my mother once on a short trip home a few weeks back. Rather than see the things I miss out on as being deprived of due to my location, I choose to consider them special and a treat when I am finally able to get my hands on them.  For example, sushi - not exactly common fare in Wemindji.  When I get home and get to treat myself to a delicious all-you-can-eat-sushi lunch with friends, it is that much more special than it would be any old day of the week living in the GTA.  Things like a grocery store, a library, MCDONALDS, oil filters, salad dressings, fresh veg and fruit, pad thai, kitchen ware, Dollarama, a movie theatre, Costco, sunlight and warmth - all become fun treats I can experience when I am home for my short visits.  Of course I complain non stop about being "deprived" but its really all jokes.  I love to shop and if it means shopping and stocking up so I can access these things in my pantry at any time then I am game!

Family is also another thing that becomes more precious the more you are away, and I am sure many will agree.  The time you spend when you come home is special and the conversations you hold are more meaningful and deep.  My family has been and endless source of support in every sense and I am very grateful for this.

My friends back home have also been amazing.  Never have I felt more loved and appreciated by my friends who make time to see me in the business of the few weeks I am down south in the year.  This is something I truly appreciate and value. 

Now, I am not going to sit here and act like this year wasn't hard. It was INCREDIBLY hard.  I worked my butt off with a difficult class and there were many, many bumps along the way.  Everything I learned in teacher's college was pretty much immediately thrown out the window and I had to be resourceful and learn a lot on the go.  The kids up here are different.  Special, incredible, spontaneous, smart, funny, inquisitive, crazy individuals.  They make me laugh, they also make me cry!  I has given a smart but needy class but I feel like I tried my hardest and did my best.  I feel prepared to take on any educational situation now that I have spent one year teaching in my class haha. I couldn't have done any of it without the constant support of my amazing teaching partner Stacy and my incredible Cycle team Marsha, Carmen and Monika (honorary Cycle 1 member).  I can truly say I couldn't have made it through without their shoulders to lean on and their sound and valuable advice.  I hope that I provided the same for them!

I can't believe a year is over.  I have spent this year learning about myself as a person, what I need, what I want, what I can offer and what makes me tick.  I have learned about relationships, how to get into and out of trouble, how to be a professional and how to teach.  I have learned what things work in a classroom and what doesn't.  I have learned that I need to be more creative next year, that I need to step waaaaay outside my comfort zone and try new things!  I have learned that I can withstand much more than I ever anticipated and that this life agrees with me.  If only Wemindji wasn't a $2000 plane trip or 18 hour car ride away.  Anyways, there is always an open invitation to anyone willing to make the trek, its a beautiful drive! I can't wait to take a second crack at Grade 2 next year and work to improve on the things I tried this year. 

I am looking forward to a fun-filled and drama-filled year with the best of friends.  I hope you have enjoyed reading! Stay tuned for Part 2, When in Wemindji 2013/2014 ;)



Some highlights!