If you didn't know, now you know.

     I have spent most of 2014 working toward becoming a teacher. 

     In the spring after much searching, I found an organization called 'Teach Tomorrow in Oakland'. I applied and was accepted, better late than never.  They have helped me through the process in ways I can't explain with words.  The CBEST, CSET's, fingerprints, TB tests, professional developments, and signing my name like a thousand times are only the tip of what this summer has been for me.  The three women, who are the entire program, have helped me with advice, words of wisdom, and kindness through it all.  I feel like I owe them so much already. They saw in me the qualities of what could become a great teacher.  Don't worry ladies, I'm working on it.
     Today I start my credentialing program/masters program.  I am going to National University, which offers an online program.  It's not going to be easy, that's for sure, but I will be able to be a teacher on record in 3 months through an internship credential.  I have already been offered a job, that I have accepted.  So, in a few months I will be an 8th grade Math teacher.  
     I have been lucky enough to be subbing in the school I will be teaching in.  I already feel at home there, and the staff is amazing.  Edna Brewer Middle School, I hope that I show you I'm worth a permanent job after this year.
      Through it all, I've been lucky to have the love and encouragement of my girlfriend.  She has sacrificed doing some of her favorite things to be by my side during this process.  I've never really known what its like to have this kind of support.  It's amazing.  She has pushed me when I felt like things were too difficult.  She cared for me when I needed to cry.  She let me use her car without question and whenever I asked.  I'm not sure I could have done this without her. 
     My best friend checks in to make sure I'm doing okay and has made sure I go to yoga regularly.  I miss the fun nights out we used to have, but it feels good to know that our friendship was more than that.  My housemates are lovely and they cheer me on every day.  I feel very lucky to have found such great people in California.  I hope they feel the same about me.  It's also been really nice to get phone calls and texts from my friends far away.  It's good to know you are still there for me as much as I am for you.  I also have a few pen pals, you have no idea how much I look forward to your letters.  Snail mail is where it's at!
     I have found time for fun.  I played softball in the SFGSL and my team ended the season in 1st place.  Again, my housemates cheered me on and came to most of my games.  I was voted team MVP, which was humbling.  My girlfriend was MVP last year, so...  The team is going to Las Vegas in October for the ASANA Women's Slowpitch Softball World Series.  I'm pretty excited about it, especially since I get to go.
     I'm also excited to see Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, and Slayer for my birthday.  The 2nd annual metal show for my birthday is pretty awesome. 
    Anyway, maybe nobody cares or this is just some rambling done by me, I just wanted to let everyone know what I have been up to.  At least let you all know why you haven't heard from me.  I love all of my people and I hope you are doing well.  Drop me a line, send me a card, or better yet one of those mix tapes you're making.
Love 'n' stuff,
Audrey
    
“Dreams are what guide us, art is what defines us, math is what makes it all possible, and love is what lights our way.”
― Mike Norton

Today is the first day of the rest of my life...

I was offered a teaching job yesterday.  I think I'm going to take it.  It's an 8th grade math teacher job that would start in November and end in June.  If they like me, it could turn into something permanent.  It actually works out perfect since I won't be eligible to take a teaching job until I finish a good part of my credentialing program.  Until then the school will hire me on a substitute teacher so I can get familiar with the school and students.  Including the students in the classroom I will eventually take over.

It took effort to get to this point.  In October I quit smoking.  It was hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be.  I had the support of my sister and my girlfriend.  Well, and everyone who knew about it really.  After I felt like that was a success I also quit drinking.  The year leading up to this was rough.  I had a pretty bad break-up and I was drinking more that I should.  I was not the person I wanted to be while I was drinking.  I had ceased to be able to control myself, so I quit.  It was hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be.  I had the support of my girlfriend, and pretty much everyone else.

It was shortly after this that I began the process of figuring out what I needed to do to become a teacher.  There were many nights spent on the computer trying to figure out documents, procedures, and all kinds of stuff.  In the midst I found an organization called "Teach Tomorrow in Oakland."  I had found my savior, now if only I'm not too late to join.

I was too late.  Fuck.  Back to the grind.

Then I got an email and they gave me a chance.  I will never forget how relieved I was to get that chance.  I needed help, and I wasn't afraid to say it.  Once I interviewed and was accepted, I was in.  They helped me with everything I was struggling with.

Now, I am slowly, but surely getting all the paperwork done and getting enrolled in my credentialing program.  Pretty excited to being so close to the goal I set for myself 3 years ago.