Less Than a Week Away...

Since I finalized my move to China back in June, I have been counting down the weeks until my August 24th flight out. Now, I am simply counting down the days. With just 5 days left, all I am is a vessel of anticipation for the journey ahead of me. This anticipation is filled with hope, wonder, and of course, nerves. I spent the past four years since graduating from Rutgers trying to build a sense of stability. I have a lot to be proud of, especially a job where I learned so much about myself and worked with many inspiring students and teachers. I feel like a stronger and better person for having worked in the Newark Public School system, but I found myself increasingly wanting to escape working for the American public school system. I found it stifling, with its growing emphasis on standardized tests, deemphasis of teaching social studies, unfair teacher evaluation practices, and its disconnect at the top level from the longterm needs of the communities in which it serves. Even more so, I had been desiring more adventure in my life. Long story short, this new venture in China will hopefully fill these aspirations. Working with middle class students and teaching them a foreign language, may not be work in the field of educational justice nor revolutionary, but I know I will gain so many skills, so much knowledge, and especially, a stronger understanding of myself in relation to the world. I hope to bring back home what I learned. I will miss my NYC/NJ community, but I will be back in June! Until then, I promise to keep you posted.

For those interested, here's my flight info.