STORY TIME!
Am I the only one who wants to have an adult slumber party at some point in their life? I think it would be fun: telling stories, watching movies, opening up about life, judge-free, going to bed at a reasonable time (because we’re adults who are getting older and we can’t stay up until 4am like we did when we were kids). Anyway, this post isn’t about an adult slumber party… it’s about my new job.
Okay, I started a part time job working the morning shift at a new school with students on credit recovery. (If you don’t know what that is, it’s helping students to receive their credits from a math class that they’ve failed, or they co-op during the day and they’re taking their classes online.) If you haven’t read my last blog, then you should because it’ll make a bit more sense when you read this one… especially if you really know me. [Click HERE] I made a deal with the Human Resources department be a substitute teacher the whole week to get a feel of the job and to make a decision of whether or not I wanted to keep the job, which is not a bad thing. They also wanted me to talk to the afternoon instructor for the same class about what we could do for the students and what he has learned.
So Day One – September 18th – Many thoughts were running through my head as I arrived at the school. I was a little nervous, not sure why. I got paranoid that I was going to be late during my commute to the school. (I wasn’t btw and I had 10 minutes to spare.) I wore makeup to the interview and on the first day so I won’t blend in too much with the students (foundation included – Fenty beauty was clutch on those days). Additionally I hoped that the students weren’t going to be too much of a hand-full on my first day. (They weren’t.) I was a bit overwhelmed before the school started because I had to remember so many things, like how to work the online program (because students do their course work online)… okay it wasn’t that much to remember, but it felt like it! I had a lot of questions, good ones, but I figured they were going to be answered each day of that week (and they were). The counselor/program coordinator was my go-to for questions and help. He was very nice and welcoming. I also met other teachers who were doing the same thing, but in a different subject, and they were welcoming and nice. Overall, it wasn’t too bad.
Day two was even better and I was trying to get the hang of the online program. I also met the principal this day and she was very nice and welcoming. On the fifth day, during a pep rally for homecoming, I figured that I might like it there and kept the job. The job isn’t hard at all – help students with their work or the online program, monitor them, guide them, and grade things if necessary. Now don’t get it twisted – it isn’t a babysitting job at all; rather I think of it as a mentoring opportunity, a chance to connect with students so that they can pass their class with positive support… which is hard for an introvert like me.
It’s not always easy for an introvert to open up. I honestly believe we’re better listeners than conversation-starters. When we’re comfortable with you or in an environment, there’s a strong change that we may talk your ear off or talk more than usual. I learned that going into the field of education calls for a little bit of extroverted-ness (yes I made that word up, but you get the point), something that could be difficult for an introvert. We have to talk to our colleagues, students, parents, guardians, and administration… just to name a few. A lot of talking is involved and opening up is essential. We’re not use to being so vocal; rather being alone is comfortable. Not talking to anyone is fine with us unless we have to. It can also be frustrating because we may not know what to say. I could say more but I don’t want this blog post to come off as making excuses to not speak to people.
Let’s fast-forward to today! I like my job and I know that I’m suppose to do these things (connect with students), but I don’t know what to say most of the time. My go-to question is, “So… how was your day/weekend?” and then the conversation is over when they answer it. I know I should say more at that point, but I get silent. Sometimes I envy those who can talk at will to a colleague or a student.
Making a connection with people can help a lot in their career, but it’s hard for an introvert. If we have to, then we have to, but I’m sure we want to be sincere when it happens. *lol* What? I’m being honest!
Nevertheless, I am trying to connect with the students at my job by asking questions like, “Is everything alright?” “Are you okay so far?” “How was your weekend?” “How was the ___?” or saying things like “Let me know if you have any questions.” It’s a process, but I’m trying!
So, yea, that’s my story! What are ways you connect with people? I’d love to now!
Take care!
~Live Laugh Love~