Recent Event Highlights: Grad school - life is good, and 13 more...
Created by janeyb on Jul 18, 2010
Last updated: 07/18/10 at 07:54 PM
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I moved to New Jersey to be with my partner /Another huge risk a lot less scarey than going to The Bahamas. I was not as sure as I had been about moving to The Bahamas and I did not know right away if this was the place for me. The school system was very different and the pace of life took alot of getting used to. I had no friends ( again) and was entirely dependent on my partner, something I had never done. But God had other plans for me, over the course of my first year here the school community I joined nourished and cherished me, I found the place where I could teach the way I had always wanted to. Before the end of the school year The President asked me to join the administration team as the assitant pricniapl and to go to school for my Masters iN Administration.It was a whirlwind expereince, I felt a sense of calling and vocation I had not expereinced befoe. It was an incredibly demanding job personally and professionally. I loved the school , the parents, the community but eventually had to make the decison to leave because of my sexual orienation and desire to be a parent. The Bishop had changed the school policy regarding teachers in Cathoic schools and rather than continue to live a lie I had to leave. It was a bittersweet time.
Sun, sea and sand the cure all. This was the most pivotal moment in my life. Everthing would have been entirely different if I had not done this. It was another risk and I was so excited to go. I made incredible friendships and had two really positive professional expereinces in school and in theatre. I followed my passion onto theatre when a great opportunity arose , only to discover that my passion was not the stage but young people. Great leadership opportunities, learnt alot about my persoal leadership style. My faith journey continued to grow as I struggled with my sexualitny. My decison to leave was not what my Mum wanted and o it was a huge step in our relationship. I went despite it being against her wishes, which was part of why I needed to keave to find my own voice and ability to make my own decisions. I had great roommates and knew I had made the right decision from the moment I stepped onto the island. I had my first long term relationship which although a very painful expereince at times really helped me to grow into my orientation. It as whilst living there that I met my life partner, Ginny.
I began teaching in ahuge public school, it wasn't dangerous but it was big and disorganised and stressful for a new teacher. Lots of misteps on my part, learned alot about good teaching and relationships with kids. Had an excellent mentor who still influences me today. Dated on and off , ame to erms with my sexual orientation and began to come out to people, still not truly happy, looking for excitement and adventure and not sure that teaching was going to work out for me. Applied for a job abroad and landed one in The Bahamas
I went to grad school somewhere new, did not know anyone, huge university and had a great year. Huge risk Huge Reward ! Completed my teacher certification, had great expereinces in student teaching, meet some fantastic people and really gained self- confidence.Entered the adult phase of the life cycle.
Thrilled to graduate, despite having a bad car accident two weeks before finals. friends rallied round, felt very loved and supported....spent the summmer travelling in Eastern Europe, loved travelling but not so much being with 4 other people 24 x7. Learnt alot about myself regarding time and personal space. Planning, control, being spontaneous. FIscal responsibility. Saw some amazing places and fell in love with travelling.
Roommate from hell, huge homesickness, struggled with academics. Withdraw into myself, angry, resentful and not very pleasant to be around. Turn to campus ministry,student politics and christian service. Meet great people and experience a transformation. Do not date or really pay attention to romantic relationships....definitely not a priority.( though have a couple of major crushes on friends which was confusing)!
Oh no , The education system failed me ! I failed one of my A levels and could not get into college, anywhere. Had to renroll in high school and repeat my senior year.... 2 months of humiliation and deperation, friends all gone away, Mum and I at the end of four years of a very accromnious elationship, need to get out, get away. Goto Lourdes on pilgrimage for the second time looking for spiritual relief. Find out whilst I am there tht my teacher had appealed the exam results and my papers had been raded incorrectly, I had not failed at all ! On three days notice have to choose a college, pack my bags, leave home. Such a pivotal moment, started college a month late - missed the freshers week and all the orientation
After a short illness Dad died, at home with all of us there. It was awful, the pain that follwed was excrutiating- Mum was heartbroken, year oled brother bewildered and four teenage girls raging with anger because our super Dad had died. Huge funeral, memorial, sympathies, great son, brother, friend, educator man of faith gone . Lots of faith challenges followed.
I hated high school it was awful, struggled with friends, very negative relationship with nearest sister who was to 'cool' for me and my nerdiness !( or neediness). Grades were great but I hid my academic success to look cool. Met some great adults who really suppported and inspired me. Great expereinces with retreats and youth ministry.
I went to middle school earlier than my sisters, begged and pleaded with my parents. Had a great time,loved the school and teachers. Had great friendships and found my niche. For my last year there My Mum also taught at the school. We drove together 2 hours a day just Mum and me when you are 1 of 5 this was such a blessing and the calm before the storm. Had my first crush - on a girl, but did not know or feel different, didn't think about being gay or different other than being a book nerd! Played sports for the only time in my life and enjoyed it.
I loved school, loved learning, loved books, loved teachers. Did not love other kids, didn't make friends easily, ( had an odd accent). In 1978 my brother was born, we affectinately call him 'boy wonder'. I was no longer the bay of the family and was so happy to have a baby brother. He and I are very close, even though he lives in Australia. I attribute this to my parents doing a great job of being sensitive to the transition for us all, but especially me.
We move south, the journey was long and the car was full ! One of my sisters had the mumps. The Irish Christian Brothers my Dad was going to work with met us half way, they beacme part of the family very quickly. This was a key moment in my childhood, my parents chose a life for us that had opportunites for education and independence. This was not a happy time for Mum, she had four young children, no family or friends for support and a husband as a new Principal in a very demanding school. Dad was the fun one we all wanted to play with when we could !
In thi syear my Dad accepted a job in souther England, 350 miles away from the town we were living in .This was huge step for my parents moving for two reasons. 1) Dad's job.2) Relocating to a place that was more diverse and progressive, away from the mining communities of Lancashire and to a place where four young girls woul.d have more opportunity to flourish.During this time My ad lived away from us, leaving Mum behind to sell the house and keep my sisters in school. I have disticnt memoreis of my Nana living with us - and not being very nice ! My Dad took me with him for a while once. Really became a Daddy's girl !
Youngest of four girls , time to stay at homewith Mummy. Vivid memories of house, neighbourhood, parents, vacations, family, peschool.
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