For
the past two years, I have thrown myself into a pool of information. Every part of the
journey to become an effective teacher has been insightful and educational.
When
I reflect on the journey, I realise just how much I have changed, and learnt
and grown from the experience. Having come this far, I know that I can make a
difference in my classroom and at the school where I teach. Sadly, I have exhausted myself in
the process. There have been times where I have reached levels of mental satiety and I just
couldn’t carry on. It made me reflect on my life as a teacher.
My life as a teacher has been one
of great dedication. At every school I have ever taught, I sacrificed all my
energy to be committed in my endeavours for the children. In November, I will
be finalising this educational journey. I will be completing my last two exams and my research assignment,
and then I will receive my Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Honours degree in Teaching and
Learning. So far I have passed five of the eight completed modules with
distinction. I gave my best and I have achieved what I set out to do.
As October
approaches, I consider how I have spent my years in self-sacrificial
workaholism. I’m turning 50 this year and more than ever the question lingers:
Is this really what I plan to do for the next fifteen years until retirement?
Surely
there is more to life than working myself into a stupor? There’s joy and
satisfaction in what I do, but at the expense of my family and my health. I’ve never
travelled anywhere and holidays away from home are a luxury I cannot afford.
So, I spend the school holidays preparing for the next term. Do I rest? No.
Does it matter? It never did.
Suddenly I find myself contemplating all the adventures of life on which I am missing out. I’m at a crossroad.
Where to from here?
