It’s Amazing Grace

I can’t believe it! I finally have a full-time teaching position! This will be the first full-time job I have ever had…and I’m so happy! On December 18 (exactly one month after my birthday) I got a phone call saying I was selected for the teaching position at UHS Keystone Schools in Rancho Cucamonga. UHS stands for Universal Health Services–the schools in the communities they serve are a part of a larger behavioral health organization. Because I officially have my special education credential now and a Master of Science degree, they bumped me to $45,000 per year. I’m so happy–Curtis is so happy too! If we can barely live off of $25,000 with the struggles went are going through–I know we will be just fine adding my pay to out total yearly. I’m so relieved; a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. Yesterday was my first official day of work. I went in to Human Resources at the Grand Terrace location to sign a lot of paperwork and will get paid for my time their for those couple of hours. They gave me 5 burgundy UHS polo shirts and a picture id badge to wear at all times at work.

UHS Keystone Schools-Rancho Cucamonga is a non-public, non-sectarian private school. They receive students with emotional disabilities from surrounding districts. I look forward to making a difference in their lives. I never would have thought that the bad things that happened to me growing up could help get me a job. It will not be easy teaching these kids, but I’m up for the challenge. I believe I’m working with a classroom of 6-8 elementary boys grades 3 to 6. Again, I’m so excited…I’m going to get health benefits! Tracy, I’m finally a grown up.

I am happy to announce that today was my last day of student-teaching at Moreno Valley High School. The teacher let me go early since it was a “free” day for the kids. I actually hugged several students and adults goodbye. I will take the CSET Multiple Subject Exam January 10, 2009. I’ve already applied to several districts earlier this week. All that hard work is finally done–and yet there is still more to do…I gotta get a job!

Curtis and I had fun seeing old friends at the Family Ministries Christmas Party Extravaganza. There was Mexican food, cookies, lemonade, and Wii for the kids!

I have this stupid pimple on my lip that I’ve been messing with; and now it looks worse…if only I would stop eating stuff and drinking stuff with citric acid that breaks me out. Or perhaps, if I would just stop messing with pimples to prevent them from getting worse. It’s just that, it’s so tempting to squeeze when it’s right there staring me in the face!

Loving the World
12-13 I remind you, my dear children: Your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name. You veterans were in on the ground floor, and know the One who started all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the Evil One.
13-14 And a second reminder, dear children: You know the Father from personal experience. You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers—such vitality and strength! God’s word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One.

15-17 Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.

                                                                              — The Message –

I have been persevering and remaining strong to pound away at the weeks of student-teaching. Now, I can finally say that I only have one more week! I’m excited to be done and am looking forward to applying for jobs. We have been doing a little better financially this month than the past couple of months; partly due to my part-time tutoring job, for which I am grateful.

I got this sharp pain in my side today that put me in a chair! But, I feel better now. I just want to eat a snack before going to the Service Team Christmas Party tonight.