A year ago today I wrote myself a letter. I was just finishing up my second year of teaching and was preparing to leave my first teaching job. I am so grateful I wrote this letter. I had no idea what my future would hold but I knew I'd need some affirmation. This is just what I needed to read as my third year of teaching comes to a close and my fourth year is just around the corner.
Dear FutureMe,
Your experience with TFA has been over for quite a while now and you're finishing up your third year of teaching. I know your first two years weren't easy and I hope you've had a more positive experience this past year. While I don't want to assume you love teaching completely now, because I know you didn't a year ago, I hope you've found something to love about it and feel more confident as a teacher and educator. But no matter how you feel about being a teacher, I hope you never doubt that you've worked your ass off. You have given your all to this job and you have made it your priority for three years -- that alone is an accomplishment. You care and that matters, more than you'll ever know (and believe). While you've questioned your decision to join TFA more than once, you've never regretted it. TFA has brought you so much in these past two years that will be with you for the rest of your life -- the friendships, the family, the love and passion for a better, more equitable world. TFA has made the mission of One Day seem possible at the darkest of times -- there are people who care and actually give a damn about the kids. Keep following your heart and don't forget that while your experience was challenging in the corps, it has changed you forever and you will carry those sweet, crazy Carver kids in your heart forever. While you feel like you weren't the best teacher for them, they taught you so much and you will use your experience to help guide you in the right direction for the rest of your life. I love you and know you are doing your best because that's what you do.
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