In the Beginning...

Wow! What a new experience! This blog is something completely new for me, so bear with me as I work to figure it out!

Just some background: I am a first year Social Studies teacher. I have been given the privilege of working with 7th grade. This year, my students are going to 'travel' the world, meeting new people, cultures, and places through Geography! Second semester, we get to 'come back home' and study our state's history! It will be a blast!

Tonight, while talking to a friend, the discussion of a blog came up. She mentioned that blogging may be a good idea, and I thought to myself, "Why not?" The year is already going to be full of new experiences, why not add one more on??

I chose to start this blog for a variety of reasons, and I feel it is only fair that I share exactly why I am doing it. First, I chose to do this blog for myself. I am selfish, I know. :) But, I want to be able to look back through the years and laugh at myself. Laugh at the good memories from the first year, laugh at the times I made huge mistakes, laugh at my perspective... Because, if you know me at all, you know I love to laugh. So, for the memories, good and bad, I will write this blog.

Second, I am writing this for some friends in particular who are not close enough to share in the joy of my first classroom. My friends, as well as my family, have been AMAZING when it comes to supporting my dream of becoming an educator, and will continue to be my support team for years to come (I hope!). So, I owe it to them that they partake in my journey, where ever they are, even if they abandoned you for New Orleans ... Michelle... :)

Finally, I am writing this blog because I have chosen the BEST age group to work with. Middle school is truly the group to be with. They are funny, they are crafty, yes, they are even ornery. But the best stories in the world come from a middle school classroom! I figure, how selfish can I be, to keep these stories to myself? Everyone needs a good laugh, so why not share with the world the joy and happiness I experience on a daily basis. So, if you are feeling down, frustrated, or just tired, I hope this blog is the place you will come to in order to get a good story.

So, the question is, are you ready to set out with me on the adventure of a lifetime?