Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Dear 1st Year Ms. Nichols

Before I start - a little clarification... I did teach in the States for one semester before heading to Africa.  

But since it was considered a long-term sub position, I came in halfway through the year, so wasn't able to truly establish that relationship with the kids like when you have them from the beginning of the year. Plus, I was teaching in someone else's classrooom and using someone else's plans. So while I enjoyed/love my time, it never truly felt mine...

So I'm writing this letter to myself in my first (full) year as a teacher. ...the year I taught 3rd grade General Ed, which also happened to be my first year in Africa.

Now with that said, here's the letter...

Dear 1st Year Ms. Nichols,


You just started your first full year of teaching. Can you believe it's been one whole month?! Even forgetting that you just moved to Africa a few weeks before school started, that'd still be a lot to take in!

So I want you to settle back and prop your feet up, get comfy, and get ready to read this letter. Oh, and go fix yourself a big cup of ice water, because I know it's how ridiculously hot it is there. 

I know your days feel long. You get to work early and you stay late. You even come up and work on one of your weekend days too. You love your kids and DA. But you're tired, and want nothing more than a nap. I do understand.

So here's some advice...

Don't plan too far in advance. Your class this year (and every year after) has a very wide range of ability levels. You'll have to spend time evaluating, monitoring, and tweaking things to find what works best for your crew.

Accept those parents' offers of help. I promise you. Volunteers can be a life saver!

Those little bodies in your class have some really big personalities. They're going to love the projects you have planned for them and will love the chance to shine.

One of your students will move away part of the way through the school year. Her name is Emily and she has the cutest little British accent. Spend more time getting to know her and her family. If you don't, I guarantee you'll regret not doing so later.

Those cute decorations and bulletin board designs? They're great and all. But what the kids will really remember is the time you spent with them, talking with them, getting to know them.

Don't think 3rd graders are too old for a read aloud. Trust me. They'll love it!

Get over your fear of loose, wiggly teeth. You're going to have to pull one this year. It'll involve ice, prayer, and a brave little girl :)

Appreciate your tech person at school. He does a lot that goes unnoticed. One day you'll be back in America and will finally realize how awesome and underappreciated he was.

Savor every moment of teaching kids the Bible and scripture verse memorization and talking about God. One day you'll be back in America and will miss that.

Do you remember that little shy, Saudi Arabian girl who came to you speaking no English whatsoever? Would you believe that in just a few short years they kick her out of ESL and she even ends up helping others with their English?

What about those two little blond girls who love each other to death, but fuss and argue like sisters? They grow up to be best buddies and almost tackle you when you come back for a visit their 8th grade year.

Get ready for visits from lizards and bugs and hedgehogs and other little creatures. The boys in your class love them and will show them to you all year long...whether you're ready or not!

Never stop learning (at least) the greetings in the native languages of each of your students. You'd be surprised how helpful and memorable that will be for them.

Eat lunch with your kids more. I know you like your break time. But trust me. You can find out so much information just from those lunch conversations.

Guess what! In March, you'll get to go to Germany for a conference. It'll be beautiful, even without the snow :) You'll also get to have along layover in Lisbon, Portugal and walk around with some co-workers, exiting the city.

Before you leave Senegal, you'll be able to visit London, England. You'll also get to visit Ivory Coast and Mauritania. 

Get to know your fellow teachers/staff members well. Some of them will become lifelong friends. 

Go to a few more games, plays, etc. Yes, there are other things you could be doing. But trust me. You'll miss stuff like that.

Don't overextend yourself. It's ok to sometimes say no.

Make yourself a schedule. You don't want to fall behind on planning and prepping, grading, etc.

Maximize your planning period. Most teachers in America do not get as much time as you do. 

I'd love to tell you to never bring work home, but I know you. I'm 7th year you. So instead, I'll say, try to not bring a ridiculous amount of work home. 

Find ways to unwind - a movie, dinner with friends, a good book, a walk around the track, something...

Oh and speaking of dinner with friends... You know how you came to Africa not knowing how to cook? Well, you're going to teach yourself and you're going to do very well at it. You'll eventually start hosting people all the time, especially when you have your own apartment.

Now, I'll end with this...

You only have 4 more years, after this one at Dakar Academy. Treasure the little God-breathed moments. One day they'll be gone and you'll miss 'em.

But just an FYI - After being back in the States for about a year and a half, God will call you back and you'll just wait for all the right doors to open up.

You're doing a great job. Don't be so hard on yourself. Love on those kids God has placed in your care. Pray for them. Teach them. And watch them grow.

Love,
7th Year Ms. Nichols

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