happy summer

Summer is by far my favorite season. I just love the longer days, the hot sun, pulling out the floral dresses, rocking the sunglasses, and just being outside. Sounds of laughter, sunshine, family bbq’s, spontaneous ice cream trips, soaking in the warm breezes, and just the free time, is unmatched. Winter could never.

Life has been very CALM. I finished my student-teaching in June and will be a new first year teacher in September(will write more about this). I am currently on summer vacation(perks of being a teacher), and man has it been delightful. I have just been spending time with friends, family, and myself. It feels so good to just rest and take everything in. I also have taken some summer classes for my masters program in education.

Something cool and new: I was asked to speak in a panel to about 30 high school students about my journey to becoming a teacher. This was my first ever panel. Initially I was a little anxious, but it was so empowering and beautiful to be a part of that. A question that was asked was “What do you wish you knew when you were in high school?” My #1 advice to them was to prioritize learning about themselves, their passions, and desires. Sometimes, we get so caught up in comparison, timing, people-pleasing, titles or the idea of our ideal job, that we lose ourselves in the process, and potentially end up in a career that was never for us in the first place. Your career choice should not be for anyone but yourself and it is okay if it takes you a little longer. I also told them that their identity is not found in their career. With all of the pressure of finding the right job after college, it is easy to get discouraged, and compare yourselves to others who are in their career. It is also easy to put so much energy into applying to a million jobs that you do not feel worthy until you get the job. The reality is even when you do find the right career path, there is still so much growing and lessons to be learned: it is not just this cake walk, and mentally, you need to know who you are, apart from that job, because you will make mistakes and you will be tested. Overall, my main take-away was that they put themselves first and to enjoy the journey that is not a straight line. Start to look at yourself as the prize and opportunities will seek you!

Just a thought: maybe some of you can relate but whenever I am in a calm season, I sometimes tend to feel guilty or uneasy. I do not know why and I had to check myself several times this summer. Learning to just rest is not as easy as it sounds. God gives us rest and calm seasons for a reason, and it is a part of his plan. Learn to enjoy it and rest in His presence. He’s got you in the palm of his hands and nothing will ever separate you from his grasp.There is purpose in the calm and Thank God for the CALM: we all need it.

On a last note, summer needs to slow down just a little haha. I will dedicate the rest of my summer to resting, reading, writing, self-care, spiritual care, spending time with loved ones and preparing for the upcoming year.

Enjoy some of my summer highlights so far. Thanks for reading and see you soon.