Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow...

This past Monday, I resigned from my teaching position at the Catholic grade school where I have taught for the past 4 years. As I told my principal, it was not an easy decision for me. It was my first experience having my own classroom and it will always be a time I look upon fondly. This decision came at a time when I am trying to financially secure my future, and, unfortunately, I didn't see my future becoming too secure on what I was being paid. It would be nice to eventually be able to move out of my parents' house and buy my own place...but that is an impossibility for me on my current salary with my monthly expenses, including my student loan which doesn't seem to be getting much smaller! I had spent a lot of time thinking about this over the summer and realized this was something I just had to do. I did not feel comfortable starting the school year and then regretting my decision to stay...I could not--I would not--bring that into the classroom. With the help of my sister, Kelli, I finished getting the last of my things from my former classroom today. My former classroom...it is not mine anymore! It was bittersweet leaving my room behind. You don't realize how attached you've become to the people and places in your life until they're gone. Of course it was hard to say good-bye (as a co-worker) to my dearest friends...but we've promised to keep in touch outside of school through our book club and meeting for dinner, etc. Ultimately, I'm mostly upset over the students I'm leaving behind. I will miss the smiles and hugs I receive each day. It breaks my heart to think back on the numerous times students have asked me, "Are you going to be back next year, Miss Foley?" They already understand the rate of turnover in Catholic schools...all they want is some consistency.

Well...anyway...what will I be doing then, you ask?? I will be a per-diem substitute teacher (a day-to-day sub) in a public school district, taking jobs as they come along and, possibly, tutoring at some point. This seems to be the best way to get your foot in the door nowadays...so, I'm going to give it a go. And, who knows...maybe someday I'll end up having to move to get a better job...but I'll cross that bridge when the time comes. Peace.