A job goes by the wayside...another one pops up!

Today, was a very interesting day (to say the least). I still have no idea where God is leading me after graduation. The stress is really getting to me. I am learning that I have to trust the Lord and not count on my own ways. Easier said than done, right!

Today, while teaching, I checked my email. A school had sent me a message, that said, "Thanks, but no thanks!" I was crushed! My first rejection. The rest of the day was spent wondering if teaching was the career I should pursue. Obviously, something must be wrong with me to not have been hired on the spot.

Stepping back, I realized that the rejection was actually an answer to prayer. I have been praying that I would have a clearer idea of where to go after graduation. I now know one place that I won't be going :) It isn't necessarily a reflection on me. To prove this, I received a call a few minutes ago. Someone from Wyoming called and offered me a job! What!?!?! She said that she loved me resume. It was the confidence boost that I needed. Sadly, I turned the job down because I really want to stay in Kansas. The job was to be the lead teacher in early childhood...not really what I was looking for.

Do I have room to be picky? Probably not, but I am!

Ms. Mason is a fashionista!

As you all already know, I'm not the most fashionable person in the world. In fact, I feel like I dress fairly drab and low key. My clothes don't make a statement. There has been no exception while I've been student teaching either. Brown pants and plain shirts are my favorites. I might throw in a necklace or something, but don't watch me for fashion ideas!

It was quite surprising when a student came up to me today while teaching. She looked at me with a straight face and told me she loved the way I dress. "You are always wearing the latest fashions Ms. Mason. When I grow up, I hope that I am as fashionable as you."

What?!?!?! I tried so hard not to laugh. She proceeded to ask where I did my shopping and told me that she would love to go shopping with me anytime I was available. Her mom, apparently, isn't up on the latest trends and makes her buy 11 year old clothes when she is 12. (again, tried not to laugh). "Don't you agree that I should be able to wear 12 year old clothes now that I'm twelve? I keep telling my mom that I want to dress like you someday and that I need to practice now."

I couldn't believe it! I always wanted to make a difference in my students lives, didn't know I was doing with the clothes I wore :)

God Bless!

Positive Words of Encouragement

One thing that I have found is that it is easy to get down while teaching. I see my students not succeeding or have a run in with an attitude problem and think that I am not doing a great job. My trust in the Lord has definitely been tested.

When I finished up my Block B experience, my teacher made each of her students a smile folder. She included several pieces of motivational papers and encouraged us to each to continue to add to this. When I have had tough days, I have been reassured by these words of encouragement. I have teacher poems, stories, and words of praise/encouragement from teachers, friends, and even my parents. If you are a beginning teacher, please start your own folder! It will help you so much, I promise! It definitely helps me to keep on keepin' on!

Here's some of my favorites (that I am honored to have received):

• you are awesome! I believe you are a teacher at heart and I know that you will go out and do great things with your students. (Mrs. Apodaca)
• You are such a kind person. I know you are going to be a great teacher (friend)
• What if you are the one, the only one, with the chance to do it? What if this is the critical year for even one child. Read to them. Before the time, before the chance, is gone (Steven L. Layne)
• You have been one of my favorite people to watch on ths trip. The way father (God) has used you and charmed you, and the way that you have responded in faithfulness You had a lot thrown at you in a short period of time, and you really relied on God's strength to deal with that. He has really used you on this trip in a lot of ways.

As you can see, these words really help me to get through the tough days and even the good ones!