Ahhhh.. a brand new school year started last thursday. And much to my delight, things have run much more focused and efficient. Whether its my experience, kids maturity, both or the cosmos, things have been much better. My classroom management has gotten much better, and my students seem to be much more focused this year.
I am excited and looking forward to a good year. a year to go out with a bang. after long sessions of self conversation, and conversations with family, and my mentor Pablo at mizzou, I have made some pretty large life decsions.
for those of you who may not know, I am applying for a PHD program in Education Leadership and Policy. i'm quite interested in the University of Michigan, University of Ohio, even maybe mizzou.
That means many things. I will not return to markham for a third year of teaching.
In fact, I am returning to Kansas City to possibly work for the KC school district, either as a teacher, or hopefully as an admin office worker. I want to gain knowledge at many levels of a school district so that I will have experience in the many aspects of school/school district management.
why move back? well, economically, I don't want to pay Cali/Hollywood prices if I won't be making money while applying to school. Its much better for me to do this from home. as much as I love LA, I love KC. I don't see my self in KC for very long. As soon as I figure out where I should be going to school, off I go again. I'm already starting a job search so I have something for me when I get back. I prob should work for a year, or even an internship to pay my bills, (loans, car). so yeah, i'm poor

I am also coming back because ,yeah, i'm pretty much in love with this one woman. she's pretty freakin amazing. you probably know her name, but I haven't asked for permission to type her name here yet. being in love is a bit of a risk. you put yourself out there when there are never any guarantees in this world. but, I need to stop running away from my feelings, and do what I feel is right. I feel so much more comfortable, happy, excited etc... whatever happens, I still have a plan.

it feels good having a plan, I don't feel this desperate search for a future, and i'm not being this super anal "10 year plan" kind of guy. I know what I want to be doing, and i'm giving myself freedom within these plans.

I dont see what I'm doing as a step back. I'm not coming back to KC with my tail between my legs. I will finish my 2 year commitment to Teach for america and get on with my life.
this last year of teaching has really affected me. I know that I want to stay in the field of education. and I am comforted that there are many places, outside of the classroom to make a positive impact.
here's to all of you out there, with and without plans. those who are scared and excited about the future. the people in love, out of love. those who are out there making a difference. I salute you all and hope to join your ranks soon.


congrats to mr.dorsett for scoring a great job. you deserve it man. for those who want to get out to LA, please, please, ask me any questions. I've learned alot this past year, and I stand to learn alot more. plus, now I'll have a place to stay when I come back to visit.

i'll be in KC for thanksgiving and xmas break. I can't wait to see you all again. one week this summer was not enough. I didn't realize how much I miss my friends and family. Even though many of you are moving, we will still be connected.

  ¶ 9/15/2004 11:11:00 AM