Month 49. Just over 4 years of life abroad.
When I initially left the states, I thought it was to find myself. I thought it was just to clear my head before heading back to where I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life. But is life ever what is seems?
It’s been about a year since I’ve written about life over here, so I thought it was high time for a little bit of an update.
Since the last time I wrote, I have started my second year of teaching, two of my good friends have moved to Chiang Mai to work at my school, I went to Sri Lanka and Bali (again), I tore my ACL and got major surgery in Thailand, I mostly recovered from said surgery, I spent the summer directing another English camp, and I moved into a new apartment!
This is officially my second year as a full time teacher. This year, I’m teaching 8th, 9th, and a small class of a 11th and 12th graders. Even though my load is technically lighter, I’d be lying if I said the pressure didn’t feel incredibly more significant than in years past. I’m can no longer use the excuse that I’m a newbie teacher who doesn’t know what I’m doing, but I am so far away from being an expert that I’d might as well still be a newbie.
I’m also the Student Council Advisor and that is by far one of the best things about this year. I basically get to tap into the potential of all these young people and teach them what it means to be a good leader.
All of it, however, has made me start to dream of what life is going to look like in the future. I’m more sure than ever that life abroad is the life for me and I can’t wait to pursue more teaching positions in the future. Right now, I’m the 11th grade advisor and I’ve decided, somewhat unofficially, that I would stay until my little chickies graduate. Then, would be the most fitting time to leave.
On the travel side of things, I’m going to cap off this month with a mini reunion trip to MOROCCO to see some of the people who are responsible for changing some of my perspective.
When I come back, I’ll be sure to give y’all all the delicious deets.
Until next time,
xo
-Ari
