My City

It has been long time since I posted on here. However as I am less than 24 hours away from the first day of my first teaching job, it seems fitting that I revamp this blog. Though I wasn't always the most faithful blogger, it really was amazing how much this blog served me as self-reflection tool during my student teaching, and I hope it will continue to serve that purpose now.

I have been in North Carolina for roughly three weeks, and it's starting to feel normal. Southern Pines (the town I live in) is a really cool little area with a thriving downtown complete with historic movie theater, ice cream parlor, book store and a plethora of bars, restaurants and coffee shops. It is very close to Pinehurst which is a very wealthy and gorgeous area. I teach in Hamlet which about 32 miles from Southern Pines. My principal like to refer to Hamlet as Mayberry, and perhaps it's comparable, but the poverty level in Hamlet far exceeds what Sheriff Andy had to deal with. Hamlet is an old railroad town that once thrived as a transit and trade town, however as the railroad declines so does the local economy. My school has roughly 600 kids, 86% of whom receive free or reduced lunch due to low income households. The school has very little in terms of resources. Our computers are not cutting edge (nor are they Apples which makes me very sad), the furniture is yard sale quality and when I arrived I had nothing in terms of supplies. I found out I would be given $200 for supplies as well as a case of paper, anything else would come out of pocket.

Your first impression of the school is probably similar to mine. It was a bit disheartening and certainly overwhelming to walk into. But as you walk through the school and talk with teachers, administrators, secretaries and maintenance men you begin to forget the "lack" of anything and begin to see what they have in bulk. Hamlet is a family that functions in the context of a school. Everyone loves and supports everyone. There is no competition or hoarding resources; everyone helps out. The principals are extremely encouraging and constantly advocate for us to think outside of the box and take risks. I have yet to hear the principal address the staff with out saying a"I don't care if you fail, just learn from that failure and try again." Which as a first year teacher is very encouraging.

I really want to get into the habit of posting on here a couple times a week, but for now I need to prepare for our open house tonight. As I have been trying to "fit in" in the south I have realized the emphasis on religion. They still begin school board meetings and staff meeting with prayer, which was shocking but sweet. So I have been trying to go to church and when I did, I heard this verse from Jeremiah that says "Pray for the city which you are in, for if that city prospers, so will you." I think needed that word to see Hamlet not as dilapidated, or hick or even Mayberry; rather to see it as MY city and realize that my success thrives on the success of that city. So pray for me as I go into my first day, and pray for my city too.