Buckle up!

The beginning of a new year holds so much promise. Of course, most of us usually come in with a mix of nerves and excitement or even dread. Yes, even your teachers still feel that way each and every first year of school believe it or not.

Even though I dread having to get up early every day, and it takes me a while to get used to not being able to do things when I want and only getting 20 minutes to eat lunch, once I get into the swing of things, I love my job.

As dorky as it sounds, it is really cool to see all my students grow and change throughout their freshman year. You come in all scared and quiet and leave a little more confident. Don't get me wrong, you are still a little idiotic (I claim - from personal experience and observation, as well as confirmation from others that everyone is really a moron until they are 25, so don't take that personally). But you know a little more about yourself and you can understand Shakespeare (trust me on that - you won't leave my classroom until you can I'm mean like that because I assure you that it makes you a better person).

I do dislike that I can only remember about 10 of your names for the first week. I do learn them but it does take longer than I'd like. And, it also stinks because I don't know you as a person. So the year is really a journey as we get to know each other. And other teachers should be jealous because thanks to all the writing you do in here ( it's OK, you can go ahead and groan), I get to know more about you than they do. Don't worry ... I don't share any of that with any one unless you tell me to or give me permission. You have to trust me to give me the best writing you can, and I won't do anything to damage or jeopardize that.

So buckle up, keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times, and enjoy the ride! (Although be forewarned there may be some big detours with sharp corners, lots of ups and downs, and different routes for different people.)