Last day of school.

Hard to believe that it’s been 2 years with my RBM family.

Yesterday, on my drive home from work, I started thinking about where I was professionally – just a few years ago.

I had my own classroom. I had the best interest of my students in mind. I was pouring 12+ hours into my job every single day. I was making choices that I thought, at the time, were the best decisions for my students.

And I don’t regret them. I don’t regret that ‘first-year-teacher’ experience that we all, naturally, go through.

I am thankful for it.

Because, each day, when I failed at executing a lesson or came home crying out of exhaustion, I knew that these were just small moments that were part of a larger experience. I knew these moments were building me into a stronger educator. 
They were building blocks. Stepping stones. Small hurdles I needed to climb.

And as I continue to climb, step, jump, fall, and skin my knees along this crazy journey, I learn. I grow. And I come out stronger each year. Each day.

When I climb up this mountain of blocks and stones, with a sturdy foundation below me, I often pause for a few moments to look out at my view.

Today, as I stand on this mountain, miles and miles to go until I reach the summit, I stop for a moment to reflect. I stop to soak in this panoramic view of all the special moments we’ve had this year.

I will continue to climb. And continue to grow. But, after many years of struggling and losing grip over and over, I am a little sturdier. A little more confident. A little more content with my view.