When Michael and I started teaching eleven years ago, it meant enduring not only a huge career change but a big life change as well. We were starting fresh in a new state with no family or friends to fall back on. We were facing two mortgage payments, lots of bills and some major financial strain from the move. New job stress would have been enough for our little brood but our kids were also faced with leaving the only home they had ever known. Fortunately we had some wonderful people to help ease us through that difficult transition.
One of the teachers at work went out of her way to help. She sat in on our classes and offered good sound advice on everything from classroom control to organizational tips. She patiently answered questions and listened to our fears. She assured me that I could do this and encouraged me daily not to give up. She took Michael under wing and helped him tremendously with his coaching duties. She was an excellent teacher that cared enough to show a couple of newbys the ropes. To top it off, at the end of that initial month when we were flat broke before our first paycheck, she even went so far as to buy us our weekly groceries. We tried to tell her no, but she simply wouldn't have it. We were so grateful for her ridiculous kindness. She was one of those wonderful people that inspired us to help others when we got the chance.
This week I have been given one such opportunity. We have a new teacher onboard at our school and my boss asked me and several others to look out for her as this will be her first time ever in a classroom. For my pay it forward project this week I am going to put some small goodies in her box each day along with an inspirational quote or note. I am going to stop by and check on my buddy and make sure that she has everything that she needs and I'll be looking for any opportunity to make her transition just a little bit easier. It feels good to finally be on the giving end. Receiving is nice but giving is a thousand times better. :)
Laurie
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