It's a Ninja Turtles Name

Blog Dilemma.

I can't remember the name of my old password and it's connected to my old Baylor email that doesn't exists anymore so here's to a new blog! Hopefully I will be better at composing on it.

Today, my students tackled the infamous taks test (or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) for you non-Texans out there. I went to the office this morning to pick up my tub of taks essentials from my school counselor and our principal, Mr. Gonzales stopped by to tell her that a 4th grader was going to be late today. Mrs. Smith asked him what his name was and he said, "Leonardo." She replied, "There are no Leonardo's in fourth grade." Mr. G then said, "His name is like a Ninja Turtle, that's how I remembered it." I spoke up and said, "Is it Rafael?" They both looked at me and said, "YES!" I think explained how at Baylor, I had dressed up as Rafael with a homemade shell, wristbands and all, and they both burst out laughing. I've learned that my random adventures of the past have helped throughout my life, such as this moment.

While my students worked diligently on their test, I took the time to think and reflect over the year. Prior to signing the contract with Frisco, Mr. Gonzales, my soon to be principal, called me to have an interview for a possible opening that he might have at Christie. I excitedly practiced interview questions, wore a killer dress, brought a dozen resumes, my teacher work sample, confidence and a dash of hope to the interview. After I left, Mr. Gonzales got the okay from the district that he could hire someone for his 4th grade team, called me, I screamed, thanked him a few dozen times, arrived the following Monday too excited for words and here I am, sitting in my classroom with my kids. God's fingertips were all over this journey. He has taught me so much about myself and my ability to persevere when I stubbornly don't want to. His plan has always far exceeds what my mind could wrap around thinks is best. What a miraculous thing. I should not be so stubborn more often. :)