Of course, this fantasy world does not come without a few bumps. The midwestern community here has discovered the advantages of heroin and there have been many, many consults at the hospital shooting up all sorts of things with some mixed results. I think I have ticked off about 40% of my students for making them write daunting papers and holding them accountable for their assignments. Passive-aggressive remarks do not accomplish anything. Irrelevant music videos with some cool tunes? I won't try that one again. And e-cigarettes? Cool for bars, not for class.
I know that I am right where I am supposed to be when I have these moments where students have discovered that the in-class assignments are going to help them do things that they have always wanted to do, that I realize that I am teaching them about social skills, to take an honest look at their own issues, and guiding them in career paths. I have helped students strengthen marriages, become healthier, and manage time (I am still learning this skill myself).
My gratitude list could stretch for miles and miles, but I will note a few things here.
632. I am grateful to have time to think, process, and catch up on my classwork.
633. I am grateful that my roommate from college has moved back to Indiana just in time for me to randomly visit her.
634. I am grateful that my sister has found an apartment near her grad school.
635. I am grateful that my sister has found a grad school that allows for her to continue her education exactly how she wants to continue it.
636. I am grateful that I can essentially make my own schedule.
637. I am grateful for those moments with students who let me know that I am in the right field.
638. I am grateful for 6+ years experience as a therapist that has allowed for me to teach and to help people with their problems.
639. I am grateful that I have learned so, so, so much to give back to other people from my own difficult experiences.
640. I am grateful that I was not a young mother. I see girls who struggle so much to balance everything as they are learning about themselves and it is hard.
641. I am grateful to have parents who funded most my post-secondary education.
642. I am grateful to have the experience to intern for the people who I did and to work in the places I did.
643. I am grateful to continue working at the hospital as needed so that I can continue to gain experiences and supplement my income.
644. I am grateful for having time to complete classwork every week.
645. I am grateful for random days off that allow for me to shop when no one else is around.
646. I am grateful that my college roommate and her husband found a job that provided housing for them for a short period of time.
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647. I am grateful to enjoy beautiful sunsets and local scenery with her.
648. I am grateful to have another bestie who works from home and for our continual texts about the experiences.
649. I am grateful for my Thursday nights out with a co-worker after class.
650. I am grateful to almost be all caught up on my grading.
651. I am grateful for all the meetings I have had in the last few weeks that have challenged me, encouraged me, and assisted me in managing a classroom.
652. I am grateful for restitution.
653. I am grateful for the reminder that there are two sides to every story.
654. I am grateful to have a roommate who likes being around me and wants to spend time with me.
655. I am grateful for the growth I see in my roommate and myself.
656. I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue to grow and be employed simultaneously.
657. I am grateful for apologies.
658. I am grateful for a flexible hairdresser.
659. I am grateful for a hairdresser I really like (because I have a lot of hair)
660. I am grateful for more than enough food after a shopping trip two weeks ago.
661. I am grateful that I have parents who live nearby and a supplemental washer/dryer when mine dies.
662. I am grateful to have the opportunity to relieve my dad of some of employment stress.
663. I am grateful to have a unique opportunity to work alongside my dad and to learn from him.
664. I am grateful for the continued praise I get about my dad from people all over the company and hospital.
665. I am grateful for compliments about my outfits...especially when they are from Goodwill.
666. I am grateful for the opportunity to share with and encourage my friends and the energy to do so.
667. I am grateful for Y scholarships.
668. I am grateful to have the opportunity to fix dinner for my parents on a weeknight.
669. I am grateful that God provides, even when I didn't see it coming.
670. I am grateful for much of the summer off so that I would not be as shocked when I started working part time.
671. I am grateful for several hobbies.
672. I am grateful for good books.
673. I am grateful that I have the ability to list this many things.
