Feeling Wanted...

So I am in the midst of week #2 of teaching and all is going well. Or at least I think it is. I think some kids are still in a bit of shock that they have a "real teacher"- someone who actually knows what to do in the classroom and is going to hold them accountable for their work, but I'm sure they'll quickly adjust. Or they won't...either way the world will go on.

But, today's blog isn't really about teaching...it's about why I'm happy to be teaching. Yes, it's fun to be back with students, although the same issues that drove me crazy when I had my own classroom continue to do so today. And yes, it's great to work with some really excellent teachers who take the time to check in on me and make sure I'm surviving. But, what really makes me happy is that I got the job - that they picked me for the 7 weeks. That the school wanted me.

When I came to Malaysia I wasn't sure from where I would derive my personal identity. Would being a stay-at-home mom be enough? Would being the wife to Blaine be enough? And, while I love those things, I still sought out something more. I started blogging and then writing pieces for a magazine...and all of those things together started to help improve my feeling of self-worth. (And trust me, I love being a mother, wife and occasional writer.) But, a few months back I needed to know that I still had '"it" when it came to professional endeavours. Every job I've ever wanted, I've got. It's not an extensive list. I find a job I want - and I stick with it. And I give it my best...always. And, I wanted to know that I could still get a job. So I revamped the resume and took a chance.

And I could. I could still get a job. Now, I'll be honest...I don't think they had a huge number of applicants. It may have been a case of picking"the lesser of two evils" - and I won by a slim margin. But, they still chose me. And that feeling of being wanted is important. It's that feeling that encourages me to give it my all and helps to validate my self-worth.

I'm sure lots of "trailing spouses" can relate to that feeling. We have husbands or wives who have excellent careers. Whenever you meet someone new one of the first three questions is, "Who does your husband/wife work for?" Not very often does someone ask what you do. It can be a little discouraging at times. Most of us had fantastic and fulfilling careers...we've just chosen another path right now because the benefits are amazing - for us, for our spouses, for our families.

But, for the next few weeks, if someone does happen to ask, I will proudly say that I'm a teacher - because someone wanted me.