It has been exactly 365 days/ 52 weeks/ 12 months since I crossed the graduation stage at Azusa Pacific University. I look back through these twelve months and am reminded of God's continual faithfulness in my life's (trials and triumphs) and to be thankful for the wonderful people that I am surrounded by.
This post is a little different. Instead of writing a long story of the changes in my life over the course of this year, I have decided to pick one of my favorite pictures from each month of this "post grad journey." Maybe some of you are graduating soon and need a reminder that it is going to be okay. Maybe some of you have already graduated and need a reminder that life will work itself out. Or maybe some of you just like to look at pictures and reminisce (I am currently in this category). So here it is, my 12 months of post graduation:
This post is a little different. Instead of writing a long story of the changes in my life over the course of this year, I have decided to pick one of my favorite pictures from each month of this "post grad journey." Maybe some of you are graduating soon and need a reminder that it is going to be okay. Maybe some of you have already graduated and need a reminder that life will work itself out. Or maybe some of you just like to look at pictures and reminisce (I am currently in this category). So here it is, my 12 months of post graduation:
December:
To start this journey, let's go to the jumping off point. Here I am, graduated, and the holder of the most expensive piece of paper I will ever own: my diploma. December was a whirlwind. Graduation, a great graduation party my parents threw for me. Surprise visit from my dear friend, Britt, from YouthWorks. Christmas traditions.
And then it hit me: I HAVE TO GET A JOB. To which my mom so lovingly told me, wait until after the holidays to panic.
To start this journey, let's go to the jumping off point. Here I am, graduated, and the holder of the most expensive piece of paper I will ever own: my diploma. December was a whirlwind. Graduation, a great graduation party my parents threw for me. Surprise visit from my dear friend, Britt, from YouthWorks. Christmas traditions.
And then it hit me: I HAVE TO GET A JOB. To which my mom so lovingly told me, wait until after the holidays to panic.
January:
The first couple weeks of January were weeks of stress. I let my belief that "everything will work out" fly out the door. I panicked. Stared at my phone, waiting to hear back from some job, some where.
And then I broke down. Giving it all to Him, knowing I would be okay, His plan is far greater than mine and I finally trusted that. And just like that, the phone rang from Steele Canyon High School (my alma mater and top 5 favorite places in the world), I came in for an interview to work as a tutor and got the job. That job right there... man little did I know how much it would change my life.
The first couple weeks of January were weeks of stress. I let my belief that "everything will work out" fly out the door. I panicked. Stared at my phone, waiting to hear back from some job, some where.
And then I broke down. Giving it all to Him, knowing I would be okay, His plan is far greater than mine and I finally trusted that. And just like that, the phone rang from Steele Canyon High School (my alma mater and top 5 favorite places in the world), I came in for an interview to work as a tutor and got the job. That job right there... man little did I know how much it would change my life.
February:
I still get excited looking at this picture. For Jenna's and my birthday (the 12th and 17th of February) we went to the Meghan Trainor concert with Cass. After an amazing show at the House of Blues, I was tired and ready to go home (it was a school night after all). But Cass insisted we stay after for a while to try to run in to M- TRAIN. I reluctantly agreed. But after about 45 mins, I could tell I was being a party pooper. And then it happened. Meghan Trainor exited the building! Not only did we get to say "hi" to her, she came over and took a picture with us!
Such an amazing experience and a little life lesson: sometimes you just have be stay out late on a school night and push through the party pooper in you.
I still get excited looking at this picture. For Jenna's and my birthday (the 12th and 17th of February) we went to the Meghan Trainor concert with Cass. After an amazing show at the House of Blues, I was tired and ready to go home (it was a school night after all). But Cass insisted we stay after for a while to try to run in to M- TRAIN. I reluctantly agreed. But after about 45 mins, I could tell I was being a party pooper. And then it happened. Meghan Trainor exited the building! Not only did we get to say "hi" to her, she came over and took a picture with us!
Such an amazing experience and a little life lesson: sometimes you just have be stay out late on a school night and push through the party pooper in you.
March:
March was an interesting month for me. I had finally gotten started on subbing in the Lemon Grove and Grossmont school districts. I was experiencing teaching on my own for the first time. I was getting more and more familiar with my students at Steele and I was getting excited to one day have a classroom of my own. Life was good in March.
Then, at the end of March, my brother got in to a motorcycle accident. He broke both of the shin bones in his leg. He had to have two surgeries and spent quite some time in the hospital. Honestly, seeing him come out of surgery was hilarious. He looked like a caveman and was moving like a sloth, but inside, my heart broke knowing the suffering he would be going through for quite some time. I am so proud of my brother and the progress he has made in this year too. Maybe this accident was a starting off point for him? Who knows. I can say with full certainty though, God protected Brian and there is nothing more I would ever want.
March was an interesting month for me. I had finally gotten started on subbing in the Lemon Grove and Grossmont school districts. I was experiencing teaching on my own for the first time. I was getting more and more familiar with my students at Steele and I was getting excited to one day have a classroom of my own. Life was good in March.
Then, at the end of March, my brother got in to a motorcycle accident. He broke both of the shin bones in his leg. He had to have two surgeries and spent quite some time in the hospital. Honestly, seeing him come out of surgery was hilarious. He looked like a caveman and was moving like a sloth, but inside, my heart broke knowing the suffering he would be going through for quite some time. I am so proud of my brother and the progress he has made in this year too. Maybe this accident was a starting off point for him? Who knows. I can say with full certainty though, God protected Brian and there is nothing more I would ever want.
April:
Oh boy, April was a fun month. My Dad and I, for Easter break, went up to Helena, MT (another one of my top favorite places in the world). We visited with family, I got to see my mom and dad's old stomping grounds, and I got to see SNOW FALLING FROM THE SKY.
April was a beautiful month. I do not get to see my dad's side of the family as much as I would like. Being up there, celebrating Easter with them, watching old family videos, laughing, crying, feeling every emotion possible. I cherish time with my family. April gave that to me.
Oh boy, April was a fun month. My Dad and I, for Easter break, went up to Helena, MT (another one of my top favorite places in the world). We visited with family, I got to see my mom and dad's old stomping grounds, and I got to see SNOW FALLING FROM THE SKY.
April was a beautiful month. I do not get to see my dad's side of the family as much as I would like. Being up there, celebrating Easter with them, watching old family videos, laughing, crying, feeling every emotion possible. I cherish time with my family. April gave that to me.
May:
Remember in January, I said that the job I had at Steele would change my life? Well here is part one of that change. I was hired on as a long-term sub for a Mild/Moderate teacher until the end of the year, while she was on maternity leave.
The moment I had literally waited my entire conscious life for: my own classroom.
In this classroom, I met and worked with some of the most amazing people and students. I had a class of all seniors that I got to celebrate with as they neared graduation. I had freshman that drove me crazy and that I loved so dearly. In this roomed I cried from frustration and rejoiced over answered prayers. My first classroom.
Remember in January, I said that the job I had at Steele would change my life? Well here is part one of that change. I was hired on as a long-term sub for a Mild/Moderate teacher until the end of the year, while she was on maternity leave.
The moment I had literally waited my entire conscious life for: my own classroom.
In this classroom, I met and worked with some of the most amazing people and students. I had a class of all seniors that I got to celebrate with as they neared graduation. I had freshman that drove me crazy and that I loved so dearly. In this roomed I cried from frustration and rejoiced over answered prayers. My first classroom.
June:
I cannot post pictures of my students, by law, but that's okay, because those pictures will always be in my heart.
This is a picture of my dad and I cheering on graduates of Steele for the Class of 2015. I was the first SCHS alumna that returned as a teacher to the school, who crossed the graduation stage as a student and was back at graduation as part of the staff. I hold that honor dear.
Part 2 of my job at Steele forever changing my life: I got to teach summer school at Steele! How amazing, It was a great couple of weeks! Even some of my tutorial students that I had not seen in a while crossed my path during that time.
I cannot post pictures of my students, by law, but that's okay, because those pictures will always be in my heart.
This is a picture of my dad and I cheering on graduates of Steele for the Class of 2015. I was the first SCHS alumna that returned as a teacher to the school, who crossed the graduation stage as a student and was back at graduation as part of the staff. I hold that honor dear.
Part 2 of my job at Steele forever changing my life: I got to teach summer school at Steele! How amazing, It was a great couple of weeks! Even some of my tutorial students that I had not seen in a while crossed my path during that time.
July:
Sweet Summer time. July reminded me constantly of my Summer in South Dakota for YouthWorks. My heart continued to desire to be serving through this great ministry. Though I could not be a staff member this year, I had the privilege of being the San Diego team's prayer partner. July was the month that I truly got to spend time getting to know these individuals and how much they had done to serve this great city. Though I only got to know them for a very short amount of time, I could see love and faithfulness in each of them. My Summer would have not been the same if I was not gifted the chance to have dinners/ talks/ breakfasts with these wonderful people.
Every time I drive by that exit on the 94, I think of you all.
Sweet Summer time. July reminded me constantly of my Summer in South Dakota for YouthWorks. My heart continued to desire to be serving through this great ministry. Though I could not be a staff member this year, I had the privilege of being the San Diego team's prayer partner. July was the month that I truly got to spend time getting to know these individuals and how much they had done to serve this great city. Though I only got to know them for a very short amount of time, I could see love and faithfulness in each of them. My Summer would have not been the same if I was not gifted the chance to have dinners/ talks/ breakfasts with these wonderful people.
Every time I drive by that exit on the 94, I think of you all.
August:
Part 3 of my life being forever changed by my job at Steele:
In August, I cried many tears of gratefulness and joy. I was hired as a FULL TIME TEACHER.
Everyone said that it would be impossible, but let me tell you, my tears proved otherwise. Being an intern (a teacher working on their credential) was "so unlikely," but let me tell you God knows no bounds!!
Because of my job at Steele, I made connections, got experience, and learned so much. Starting at the "bottom" and now here I am, feeling at the very top! Thank you, Lord.
Also, LOL at the fact that I got hired at my rival high school! God is quite the comedian.
PS. At this point, I had not quite adjusted to wearing orange.
Part 3 of my life being forever changed by my job at Steele:
In August, I cried many tears of gratefulness and joy. I was hired as a FULL TIME TEACHER.
Everyone said that it would be impossible, but let me tell you, my tears proved otherwise. Being an intern (a teacher working on their credential) was "so unlikely," but let me tell you God knows no bounds!!
Because of my job at Steele, I made connections, got experience, and learned so much. Starting at the "bottom" and now here I am, feeling at the very top! Thank you, Lord.
Also, LOL at the fact that I got hired at my rival high school! God is quite the comedian.
PS. At this point, I had not quite adjusted to wearing orange.
September:
Okay, so I am getting used to the orange. In this photo, the new teachers and freshman went through "Odin's Processional" (formerly "Odin's March"), a tradition at VHS.
I have met some wonderful people at this school. Usually it takes me about three months to get acclimated to a new job, but not this one, this one just felt right. Wonderful people, students that I love and adore (even when I don't like them), and faith that this is where I am supposed to be.
I am blessed to have people like Shauni, also a SCHS alum, by my side, letting me know that it is now okay to wear orange and cheer for Valhalla. People like Marilee and Steena constantly encouraging me, answering my never ending questions, and just being there for me. And people like Jessica who goes to new teacher trainings with me and understands how weird I am (ie: getting super stoked about online ordering for Panera during meetings).
Orange Nation.
Okay, so I am getting used to the orange. In this photo, the new teachers and freshman went through "Odin's Processional" (formerly "Odin's March"), a tradition at VHS.
I have met some wonderful people at this school. Usually it takes me about three months to get acclimated to a new job, but not this one, this one just felt right. Wonderful people, students that I love and adore (even when I don't like them), and faith that this is where I am supposed to be.
I am blessed to have people like Shauni, also a SCHS alum, by my side, letting me know that it is now okay to wear orange and cheer for Valhalla. People like Marilee and Steena constantly encouraging me, answering my never ending questions, and just being there for me. And people like Jessica who goes to new teacher trainings with me and understands how weird I am (ie: getting super stoked about online ordering for Panera during meetings).
Orange Nation.
October:
I am nervous writing this, I don't know why. Maybe nervous about crying again, for the hundredth time. October was a very hard month. I was dealing with a car accident I was in, Marissa moved up to WA,but even harder, even worse, I lost my childhood best friend.
And here the tears come.
Cooper, my dear, I did not post you passing away on social media, because it was too much for me to handle. As I talked to you those last moments, I was flooded with memories of you lying on my bed, listening to my crushes, my fears, my excitements. You always cuddled with me, even when you probably did not want to. From the moment I saw you at the pound, I knew you were the one. There are few words strong enough to say how much I miss you. I know Rambo and Bentley and the rest of the family miss you too, but I know, without a doubt in my mind, I miss you the most. You were my fur best friend and my life was so much better because of you. I will always love you, Coopy. Love, Sarah
I am nervous writing this, I don't know why. Maybe nervous about crying again, for the hundredth time. October was a very hard month. I was dealing with a car accident I was in, Marissa moved up to WA,but even harder, even worse, I lost my childhood best friend.
And here the tears come.
Cooper, my dear, I did not post you passing away on social media, because it was too much for me to handle. As I talked to you those last moments, I was flooded with memories of you lying on my bed, listening to my crushes, my fears, my excitements. You always cuddled with me, even when you probably did not want to. From the moment I saw you at the pound, I knew you were the one. There are few words strong enough to say how much I miss you. I know Rambo and Bentley and the rest of the family miss you too, but I know, without a doubt in my mind, I miss you the most. You were my fur best friend and my life was so much better because of you. I will always love you, Coopy. Love, Sarah
November:
November brought happiness back in to my heart. School flew by, i moved out in to a beautiful home, and I finished another grad class and started my final two classes for my credential!
I also got to visit Marissa in Seattle! We explored the city, drank lots of coffee, took pictures, went to Pike's, and I was just so thankful to be with my best friend again. I miss her every day she isn't down here in our little Rancho bubble, but I am so proud of all she is doing and will be doing.
Traveling back from Seattle was one heck of an experience. My plane landed in Ontario (rather than SD), but luckily I have Sam in my life, who will come pick me up at 1 am and let me spend the night at her apartment, spend the next day with me, and be with my as I tried Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles for the first time. Then, I boarded the train with Donovan to head down to SD for Thanksgiving. Well, the train got delayed due to a car being stuck on the tracks, but it was okay because an elderly man bought me wine and we chatted for a while.
Thanksgiving and time spent with family brought tears, but the good kind, the kind that come when you are laughing so hard, the only thing left to do is shed some tears.
November brought happiness back in to my heart. School flew by, i moved out in to a beautiful home, and I finished another grad class and started my final two classes for my credential!
I also got to visit Marissa in Seattle! We explored the city, drank lots of coffee, took pictures, went to Pike's, and I was just so thankful to be with my best friend again. I miss her every day she isn't down here in our little Rancho bubble, but I am so proud of all she is doing and will be doing.
Traveling back from Seattle was one heck of an experience. My plane landed in Ontario (rather than SD), but luckily I have Sam in my life, who will come pick me up at 1 am and let me spend the night at her apartment, spend the next day with me, and be with my as I tried Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles for the first time. Then, I boarded the train with Donovan to head down to SD for Thanksgiving. Well, the train got delayed due to a car being stuck on the tracks, but it was okay because an elderly man bought me wine and we chatted for a while.
Thanksgiving and time spent with family brought tears, but the good kind, the kind that come when you are laughing so hard, the only thing left to do is shed some tears.
December:
So, here we are, one full year later. December has been great, so far. Christmas decorations, a new Church to call home, family time, and the excitement of Christmas break right around the corner (perks of being a teacher, can I get an AMEN!).
I did my best to put in to words the journey I went on this year, some of the most exciting memories for me to hold dearly and some of the greatest challenges (some defeated, others still in play). My God has fulfilled my dreams for this post grad life. I cannot express my thankfulness enough, the best I can do is tell of the amazing work He has done in my life and share it with the world.
Cheers to a New Year right around the corner!
So, here we are, one full year later. December has been great, so far. Christmas decorations, a new Church to call home, family time, and the excitement of Christmas break right around the corner (perks of being a teacher, can I get an AMEN!).
I did my best to put in to words the journey I went on this year, some of the most exciting memories for me to hold dearly and some of the greatest challenges (some defeated, others still in play). My God has fulfilled my dreams for this post grad life. I cannot express my thankfulness enough, the best I can do is tell of the amazing work He has done in my life and share it with the world.
Cheers to a New Year right around the corner!