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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Little Young Lady Who Was Afraid of Everything

I'm a scaredy cat.  Always have been, always will be.

When I was little, Santa came to visit me at my grandparent's house and it was such a terrifying event for me that I would ask, "Ho Ho coming?", anytime I walked past their front door for a long time after that fateful Christmas day.

As a teenager, when all of my friends were getting their driver's licenses, I was bumming rides because I was absolutely petrified of being behind the wheel.  I know, right?  Way weird.  I didn't get my license until I was 18.  Maybe even 19.  I don't remember exactly when.  All I remember is that it took threats of being forced to use city transportation from my parents before I broke down and learned how to drive the route from home to school to work.  I've gotten better about driving, but I still don't drive unfamiliar roads and I definitely don't turn across traffic or drive on the busiest street in town.  I know...the crazy--it runs deep.

My friend Jennifer over at Rowdy in First Grade keeps after me to see the movie Fear because she thinks I need some more exposure to Mark Wahlberg...  Well, I'm afraid to see that movie because it's called Fear.  HELLO?!  I'm afraid.  Why would I want to watch something called Fear?!  That doesn't make any sense!

Today I was packing up my classroom and I came across this book:
  

I should probably start calling myself The Little Young Lady Who Was Afraid of Everything.  My Nana gave it to me when I was in kindergarten. Now, the majority of my classroom library consists of books given to me by my Nana.  She was a kindergarten teacher.  And like any good kindergarten teacher, she gives books for gifts.  And they all have inscriptions.  This is what's inside:


And as I sat there with that book, those words, and the boxes, I realized...

I am brave.

Brave enough to take a risk.

Brave enough to change.

Brave enough to do something for myself.

Brave enough to start a new chapter.

Brave enough to leave teaching.  Which is something I never thought I would do.  I've been a teacher since I was four years old, with stuffed animal students and lessons that were a repeat of whatever my preschool teacher had done that day.

But sometimes things change.  I resigned from my teaching job a couple of weeks ago to take a new position as a behavior therapist.  I'm going to spend my days working one on one with special needs children.  And I couldn't be happier about the change.  I wasn't actively searching for something else.  It just fell in my lap.  In such a way that I couldn't say no.

There is such a bittersweetness to these last few days of school.  I am so excited to start something new.  But I am so sad to leave my babies and the girls who have truly become my family over the past three years.  And I'm probably going to suffer from withdrawals during back to school shopping time.  But like I said, I am excited and it truly was laid out in such a way that saying no would have led to regrets.  And I'm way too young to have any of those.

Ms. Preppy definitely won't be dealing in primary anymore.  But I'm sure I will have plenty of kid stories to share and maybe even some resources that I use with my therapy kiddos.  And I have some other blogging/writing plans in the works right now!  But I couldn't keep you guys in the dark any longer about this big change!  I hope it kind of explains some of my absence around here.  Wrapping up the school year and trying to pack everything up is just wearing me out!  Will you guys come over for a packing party?  I need some help.  Because you see, I'm also afraid of throwing things away...

58 comments:

Unknown said...

That is so sweet! =) Congrats on the new position!!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies

Learning with Mrs. Parker said...

Congratulations on your new path towards helping children. I love the note. Your Nana must have been a great teacher.

Laura said...

Good for you for stepping out there! What a fabulous opportunity! Thoughts and prayers are with you!


Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade

Samantha said...

Congrats on the new job. It's great to hear you are excited about it. I truly believe everythinghappens for a reason! =) While I wish you well on your new journey, I will be sad to see you go! Your blog was one of the very first I started stalking. You are an incredible teacher, and I am sure you will be just as incredible at your new job! As far as a paking party, I just had a co-worker tell me today that she bundles books and manipulatves for theme box and sells them on Ebay. She has done very well with this. Just thought I'd pass this along, in case you are not planning on saving much...you wouldn't be throwing away, but blessing abother set of kids. =)
Samantha
Ms.Smarty Pants

Erin said...

I was afraid to drive too :) Congrats on your new job!

Lohren Nolan said...

So exciting! By the way, I absolutely love that book! It is one of my favorites! I love the little note in it!

totallyterrificteachingtools.blogspot.com

Lohren Nolan

Cupcake said...

Aw, I love what Nana wrote!! Never forget it! Congrats on your new position!!!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher

Jessica Ann Stanford said...

Congrats on the new position :)

Blessings,

Jessica Stanford
Mrs. Stanford's Class Blog
My TpT Store

Mrs. Shelton said...

I'm a big chicken too if that makes you feel any better. I am WAY to chicken to take chances so GO YOU!!! You will love it I am sure! Best of luck to ya! I'll keep you posted on the drama's of the school system!

Sarah
Kindergarten Korner

Anonymous said...

I remember reading that book to you for the first time. I also remember the first days of school, the first days driving and all the other fears you have conquered!! You sure have made me proud and I know you are going to be awesome in your latest adventure!

Love,
Mom

April Walker said...

Good luck on new opportunities. Change is scary, but often helps us grow. Saying hello from the giveaway at A Teacher's Treasure.

~April @ ideabackpack.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Congratulations on being brave enough to dare to do something new. Three years ago I changed from 20 years in architecture to teaching. And now I am changing from teaching first grade for the last 3 years to middle school science. God always gives us enough bravery for what we need to do. I will follow your journey.
Pamela
pfulk@cox.net
First Class Teacher

Allie @ The Gypsy Teacher said...

That's awesome! Change is hard, but definitely worth it!! Saying hi from the giveaway at A Teacher's Treasure!

Allie
the-gypsy-teacher.blogspot.com

Jennifer said...

Who in their right mind would leave a comment link that "Anonymous" ?!

You are cruel and ridiculous....and clearly JEALOUS of Caitlin and her success! PS: Karma will get you.

Rowdy in First Grade

Jennifer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Congratulations on your new adventure. Thank you for sharing your ideas and classroom. You are a joy!

Unknown said...

I was the first to comment and I stand by my comment. Caitlin is a sweetheart and I love her blog!
SOmetimes you just have to ignore negative comments and move on! =)
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies

Cynthia said...

I have enjoyed your blog and will miss your ideas! Congratulations on making such a big, brave decision! (P.S. That nasty comment was obviously a random, non-teacher. It means nothing!)
Best of luck in your next exciting chapter!!! :)

Holly said...

Oh my ...781+ people think you are the best ever {I'm one of them}. Keep on keepin' on my dear!!!!!

Bloggy hugs and thanks to everything you so willingly share to make us all better teachers!!!!

Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

Lisa R. said...

Congratulations on the newest endeavour in your life! That sounds wonderful! :)

Best of luck!
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure

Patricia C. said...

Love your blog and your counting books!

Heidi said...

Good luck on your new endeavor Caitlin. Congrats on the new job :)

Heidi
My (Not So) Elementary Life

Jen R said...

aw - I love your blog girl!!! Keep it up!! Bloggy hugs!!!!

♥ Jen
The Teacher's Cauldron

Tanya said...

How exciting to be making a change like that. Good luck to you!
☺ Tanya
First Grade is Fantabulous!

Anonymous said...

I'm here via Rowdy in First Grade and am your newest follower :) I'm a special education teacher and think behavior therapists are the best! Congratulations on your new venture!

Kara
Spedventures

Lorena said...

Congrats on the new position! Don't forget you are fabulous!

Lorena
Little Treasures

Gladys said...

Congratulations on your new adventure! I'm so excited for you..I'm sure you'll do fabulous things!

Gladys
http://teachinginhighheels.blogspot.com

Diane O said...

Found your site from Rowdy in First Grade. Congratulations on your new bold venture in life! I look forward to future posts about your experiences. Dealing with physical and verbal behaviors is often a challenge. ( I didn't learn how to drive until I was 24!) Best of luck to you.

Barbara said...

Ignore the mean comment, Caitlin. It's not from any of your bloggy friends!

Congratulations on your new job!! That's super exciting and you'll do an amazing job.

Take care.


❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

Rachelle said...

Love your blog! And how cute is it that your mom commented on your blog! Love that!!!!

And to that meanie that left a really horrible comment..... ignore it! I've had a horrible comment on my blog and guess what I did, I deleted it! It was gone just as fast as you could say... Screw you! :)


You are adorable and fabulous!!!

Unknown said...

Just found your blog, and I love it. Congrats on your new position.

I award you with the One Lovely Blog Award. If you haven't received it yet you can check out my link to pick up your award.

http://secondgradelockerroom.blogspot.com/2012/05/lovely-award.html

Good luck!

Jen said...

I just found your blog from Rowdy in First. It looks awesome. I wish I would have followed it before you were changing out of the primary grades.

Tanya said...

Good luck in your new position! You are brave for posting about your fears:) I don't know that many other people would be willing to do that!

And leaving posts like that nasty one is evidence of someone having a life...right? UHHH...no!

Ignore it....you have lots of followers that obviously love you!

Angie said...

I love, love, love your blog! I have been following for almost 2 months now! Good luck in your adventure! I sure you will be great! I just awarded you the One Lovely Blog Award. Check out my blog for more details.

:D Angie

http://timeoutsandtootsierolls.blogspot.com

Ashley said...

Congrats on the new job! How exciting and scary at the same time! Good for you, being brave! Follow your heart and you always win:>.

Ashley
Live2Learn

Kathy said...

Delete that comment from the Anonymous _________! Congrats on the new job!

Kathy
First Grade a la Carte

Journey of a Substitute Teacher (Ms. T) said...

Congrats on the new job!

And obviously Anonymous is trying to get a rise which won't happen.

You have so many bloggy buddies and followers that one piddly person/bad comment shouldn't ruin it :)
Journey of a Substitute Teacher

Miss Squirrels said...

Congratulations on your new position! Our lives are all a little richer in the long run bc of kind hearted loving peeps like you!
Tell anonymous to hate the game - not the playa!
Staci

Going Nutty!

misssquirrels@yahoo.com

Sarah said...

Congrats Caitlin! I'm sure you will be fantastic in your new job helping those kiddos! :) Don't be afraid, fear makes us stronger people. Best of luck to you!

Sarah
funintitlemath.blogspot.com

hsamuelson said...

Congratulations and Kudos!
Enjoy life and rise above as anonymous stays in the pit....You might want to put a spam block on for awhile or even go to monitored comments...I had to do the same thing...sadly, some people need a real life :)
You're great!

Chrissy said...

Your Nana sounds like a great lady. And that comment from your Mom is so sweet! As hard as it must be, I hope you don't take that nasty comment to heart. I've enjoyed your blog and the exchanges you've organized. I wish you much happiness in your new adventure and look forward to hearing sone of your stories.
Take care,
Chrissy
Http://firstgradefoundme.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

You are an amazing person with a kind heart! Congrats on your newest adventure - you will be wonderful at it! :)
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls

luckeyfrog said...

I love the courage you are having to take on a new position. Good luck and I hope you LOVE every minute of it! :)

Jenny
Luckeyfrog's Lilypad

Amber O. said...

Taking a risk and job switching..stepping away from the comfortable to the unknown...is one of the bravest things I can think of:) Best of luck to you, and cling to the support of true friendship! In the words of the great Dr. Seuss, "those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Clearly, the person who left that horrible comment truly doesn't matter to anyone but her/his horrible self...

Maureen said...

Not sure why anyone would leave a comment so mean! I hope you were able to brush it off as you are clearly quite talented. Keep up the great work!

Maureen
The First Grade Splash

meadowt said...

I follow and love your blog!! This person is clearly insecure and is the one that does not have a life!! Keep up the good work and congratulations on your new position!!
Barbara
happyteachingfirst.blogspot.com

Amanda said...

Just found your blog! Cant wait to start following all your adventures! Keep up the great work!

Amanda

Mrs. Wheeler said...

Sounds awesome! I am sure you will love it! You will always have a place in your heart for teaching, though!

And to the nerd that left a nasty comment: get a life, dude! For real!

www.mrswheelerfirst.blogspot.com

❋Karen❋ said...

I am very happy for you, but sad for us that we are losing a very talented teacher! Best of luck to you and please keep blogging, I really enjoy reading your posts!


Farming the First Grade Crop

Michelle said...

What an amazing Nana! Good luck in your new adventure.

Michelle
Teach123

Amy C said...

Good luck to you in your new adventure!

PS- Karma will get Anonymous so don't worry about it!

Hi Bye said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
zputty said...

You may be leaving the front of the classroom but behavior therapy is so important for so many kiddos. You will be touching children in ways that will make them feel more successful in their everyday interactions.

You are amazing to attempt this - not many would. Good luck - and don't waste time with negative people.

A friendly blog stalker who loves your sharing here.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your new change! It sounds like you are very excited to do something that I believe you will be very successful at!

PS That inscription is pretty cool! I would save that book forever. :) ~Heidi V.

Monica said...

Your blog has been so inspiring to me. Congrats on the next chapter in your life! Your new students will be blessed with a fabulous teacher :)

Treasures for Teaching

Bobby said...

Congrats on the new position! Don't forget you are fabulous! Lorena Little Treasures

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