I remember when one of the girls who passed my class by the skin of her teeth came back and told me that she still remembered Avogadro's number. That day I was elated. I've come upon the conclusion that teaching is one of those professions from which you get "delayed satisfaction." However, when the students return and they tell you that they actually learned a lot from you (even life skills) you get the satisfaction. It's a truly rewarding feeling.
In my school, I found that many of the students came from broken homes. At times, they just needed someone to talk to. I saw quickly how my life as a child was so much more sheltered by the mere fact that I had both my parents in my home. The discussions were about everything including which kind of birth control pill was better to take or which acne medication would work better. You do get humbled quickly and you learn just as much from these students even though you think you are the teacher. It's a mutual relationship.
In January I got married as well. It was a full three-day wedding that turned out even more traditional than even my parents thought. In the end, it turned out really well. We even had a second Sunday and all. All the planning was really done in two weeks and the fact that people showed up in their numbers to help, made it even more traditional.
It felt as if my wedding was a village affair even in these times in South Florida. I loved it and looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way. Everything was home-cooked, even the sweets! Every time I looked out in my backyard since the Thursday before the wedding, there was always a bunch of people standing below the tent cooking or preparing something. My decorations were hand-made, thanks to Furgie and my cousin's creativity. Furgie was my hairstylist, make-up artist, dancer, entertainer, decorator, and overseer of the event. In addition, she even trained herself to cry on cue!!! To say the least, it's been an eventful six months since my last blog......
