I just finished University. Since 2:30pm on Wednesday I have been trying to come to terms with never having to write a paper, stress out about a test, or try to get together with a group again. It is almost surreal. For the past five years I have worked towards my Bachelor of Education and just have to complete my nine week APT student teaching. Come May, I'll be done everything and be on the other side of the education fence. In May, my life can finally start and sometimes that terrifies me. If you know anything about teaching in Edmonton, it can be difficult to find a job. What if I can't get a job? What if I run out of money? Are we moving somewhere? Do I need to buy a car for substitute teaching? There's all these questions with no answers yet. There's no program sheet to follow for the next 4 years. Sometimes I have to remind myself that everything will be okay. If you're in the same boat as me, here's some thoughts to pick you up.
1. Your Job is NOT Your Life
I picked teaching so that my career could fit nicely into the life I want, not the other way around. With the pressure of finding a teaching job, sometimes I loose sight of this. My life will continue to be great with or without a teaching job. My career will never define the quality of my life. I can be just as happy working elsewhere until I can get my foot in the teaching door.
2. There's Jobs Elsewhere
Even though Edmonton can be tough, there are teaching jobs elsewhere. If you are willing to move, there are positions. As a side note, if you are in a serious relationship like myself, have this talk! Who's moving where when you are trying to find jobs? Are you willing to give up a position to stay with your SO? Are they? It doesn't matter what your answer is, because every couple is different, but you NEED to discuss it!
3. Find What Matters in Your Life
Use this as your motivation. You may not get a call back right away. You may find yourself subbing or working another job for quite some time. You may feel disheartened and feel like you can't do this. It's not meant to be and all that jazz. Stay strong. Use your family, your friends, your love, your hobbies, your passion and remember what you stuck through 4 years of University for.... to have your own classroom. Keep going. It will come.
It takes a certain kind of person to want to be a teacher. It takes someone who understands that times will be tough, but the effort is worth it. It takes someone who understands the balance between discipline and compassion and to know when their students need either, or both. It takes someone who is willing to stay for intramurals, concerts, staff meetings and numerous hours of prepping, and can still come in the next morning with a smile. You chose this degree for a reason. You know you have these qualities and this passion for children. Keep that in mind. Keep that close to your heart. Keep going.
I can't tell if I'm tearing up from this or from Father of the Bride, which is my Netflix choice of the day. I hope if you are having any of the same feelings, this post helped you see more clearly.
-Vanessa xo
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