The Life of the Unemployed... not for long
Here are some basic facts about life after college for the majority of education majors. Number one, most of us do not have jobs and most of us want jobs very badly. Number two; the licensing process is very slow which makes applying out of state very tricky. Number three, we don't have any money, and so buying the numerous plane tickets and filling the many gas tanks is a expense no one tells you about when trying to become employed. My dad, the businessman, doesn't understand why schools wouldn't pay those expenses for you. Obviously, this is why he is in business and not in education. Welcome to the world of schools. Number four, you lose your health insurance after graduation which means you better not get sick until you find a job, making the job search even more stressful. Number five, sometimes school districts make decisions very quickly requiring you to fly home on a Wednesday and get back in the car Thursday with your life in your trunk. Number six, anxiety attacks should be expected but can easily be cured with a box of ice cream and a bottle of Tylenol PM which can make six hour naps very rewarding. Number seven, figure out what to do when you are given a job on Tuesday, your class list and curriculum Friday, and expected to teach the minds of the future Monday. When you figure it out, let me know what to do. Number eight, waitressing with a college degree is not a bad idea. Number nine, make as many friends as you can. Number ten, your college degree and credentials play a huge role in the process of helping you find a job, however, they can only take you so far. The thing that will get you a job is the people you know and the sweat and hours of phone calling you are willing to put into becoming an adult. Finally, when did I get old enough to have to start investing in my retirement??
PHEW! So, after graduation I planned on heading straight to Daytona Beach. However, the flu struck me hard and we had to postpone that trip a few days. After my Daytona experience, which included losing luggage and burning every inch of bared skin, I met my mom and sister at the Detroit airport and we went to Mackinaw Island, Michigan for a few days.
On our trip up a principal from a school district in St. Louis called requesting an interview for that Thursday. So, I called the airlines, got a flight out of Pelston, Michigan. This airport looked more like a hunting lodge than an airport. Apparently, only three flights fly in and out of the airport daily. The interview went well Thursday and then Friday my boyfriend's parents and brother came to visit for the weekend and then graciously offered to drive me home on Sunday. I was home for only a week and the next Friday got back on a plane to go to St. Louis for another interview that afternoon.
This interview was with the Rockwood School District on Friday, May 26. On my way in I said hello to a few people walking by and asked to be directed to the principal's office. These two people led me in the right direction and then asked if I had an interview. I said, "yes".
They asked if I was math certified. I said, "yes". They asked if I was interested in teaching summer school. I said, "yes". And that ladies and gentlemen is what you call the work of a guardian angel. I soon learned that the two people I ran into were in charge of the hiring for summer school staff. The assistant principal joined me for the interview and then asked if I could come back Tuesday, May 30 for an interview. My flight was scheduled to leave Sunday, May 28th, but what's a hundred dollar flight cancellation fee when we're talking the end of unemployment. So I called my friends at the airline and went in Tuesday for the interview.
The assistant principal took a chance and hired me. Turns out he had a few connections in human resources and I'll have a certificate Monday to start teaching. I flew home Wednesday, packed and drove back to St. Louis Thursday. We had orientation this morning. Phew, it's been quite a circus.
I just went into my classroom today. I'm a real grown-up now. My name is on the outside of my classroom, Miss "C". I'm teaching eighth grade mathematics starting Monday. Wow! I had to go to the Central Office and fill out tax forms and liability papers. They mean what they say by, "After college, welcome to the real world". All these gibberish papers have such great power over your life. Needless to say, I am very excited and plan on spending the weekend sifting through resource after resource to plan for the upcoming weeks.
You'll hear back from me shortly. There's so much more to tell.
P.S. Somewhere in all of this moving I lost the cord that connects my camera to the computer, so as soon as I find it I'll post some pictures.
Jun 3, 2006 1:13 AM
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