Thief!

I am stealing this from my friend Hope, who stole this from her friend Liz... (if you get the picture)...

What are some of the things that you need to leave behind you as you enter into a new season? What are some of the things that you have learned this last season that you can take with you on your journey?

dietsinreview

This actually reminds me of something that we do at my school. The first day of class students are asked to work on a 101-long Wishlist. From the wishlist we accumulate goals, which some are applied to the school year (I hope to finish my math course by December) or future goals (I hope to graduate college by the age of 21).  In order for the goals to work they must be specific and time sensitive. Otherwise the goal just gets pushed back and pushed back... (you get the idea, been there done that right?) 

So in light of this new topic I thought I would share with you some of my current goals and what I have learned this season.

onemoneydesign

1. Buy a house in the year 2010

***Hubby and I are getting ready to close on a home at the end of October! Be prepared for many exciting home posts in the future.

wired2theworld

2. Go to Paris in the year 2011.

 ***Hoping to go for our anniversary next year <3

tellcity

3. Run a marathon by 2010.

***Hopefully that Disney Marathon I posted about awhile back. Hubby & I have been getting up 2-3 times a week to run.

So now for what I have learned this season…

I spent this summer working with kids who suffer from social and cognitive disorders such as Asperger’s, Autism, Tourette’s and Mental Retardation. Our classes involved discussing appropriate social skills & how to treat one another. We also talked about how to deal with bullies. I am overwhelmed by the amount of bullying that kids experience at schools today. I remember elementary school being this fun, “happy” place where everyone got along. Today it’s just a regular torture chamber for kids to develop complexes even earlier than middle school. In fact here are 2 recent stories on bullying:

One boy stands up to bullies 9-29-10

Bullies lead one teen to suicide 9-29-10

I love my job, and I wouldn't trade it for anything but don't get me wrong: this is a stressful job. It takes 100% patience and 100% calm spirit. Some of the kids I work with have been so hurt by bullies (and don't just think it's from other kids, teachers are a HUGE part of the bully problem sometimes, whether it's ignoring the problem or flat out being rude to a kid) that even using the wrong tone of voice can be upsetting to them. I have to be very particular and very specific which these guys.... sometimes I feel like I am losing my mind! In fact I start to feel all the ADHD and OCD in the room is contagious!

But the thing that I have learned/had to remind myself is that I am here to make a difference. These guys don't only come to us because they have disorders. They come to receive the attention and respect a public school (and some private) would not give them. I am constantly learning something new every day with this job!

So... now it is your turn! Pass it on!