I already had so much respect for teachers and all that they do, but after being here at the school and seeing all the extra time to get their room ready, (lesson plans ready, tables, supplies, ect, ect.) it has grown ten-fold. It is unreal everything that they do. So, please, hug a teacher and say thank you! Even if you are not a student .... because you had teacher too who may not have felt appreciated.
All in all today was a great first day. I learned a lot more about my student and that my expectations for this year are not unrealistic. I am very excited for everything that we will accomplish. Our teacher is amazing and being in class will be an added adventure. When I accepted this job, I knew that with it being a combo-class, and a small village, and community, that people wore several different hats with several different responsibilities. Today just confirmed my suspicions that I would be no different. I welcomed the challenge. I am not JUST the interpreter... I am a teacher, a tutor, an aid, a nurse, and someone to make a joke when the day seems impossible. During school, I learned that this multi-task hat wearer is not appropriate and does not fall in our job description, but seriously: what interpreter has been able to JUST be the interpreter... there is always so many more dynamics to our job. We are constantly having to switch hats between message conveyer, cultural mediator, and advocate. Today, though, was different ...and, so far , I love all the hats I have to wear. More hats, I am sure, will be added, but that is the benefit to living in the school... I have shoes to go with everything and I quickly change. :)Thank you again to family and friends who are teachers...you ladies and gentlemen are superheroes in my eyes!
Hope everyone is still along on this ride with their seat belts fastened!
