My parents were young in the 80′s and huge fans of the band Talking Heads. Currently I am reminded of one of their most popular songs “Once in a Lifetime” which features a lost and confused main character. The song begins:
And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful Wife
And you may ask yourself-well…how did I get here?
While I would change most of the lyrics to fit my situation the last one still fits. It is weird to be back in high school. It is weird to have bells and announcements over the loud speaker, to use hall passes, and read boring books that all the students loathe. Currently I’m only observing, so I kind of feel like I’ve gone back in time. Suddenly I’m 16 and overly worried about my clothes, awkward, and secretly shy. I have to keep reminding myself that I am almost a college graduate and just because I don’t have friends to eat lunch with doesn’t make me a loser. Interestingly the theme of my high school Prom was “Once in a Lifetime” and I was on the committee that chose it. Hopefully beginning to teach will chase away all of the weird reminiscing I’m experiencing.
Life is quirky, isn’t it? At least these feelings help you to relate to the students you are there to assist. I hope it goes marvelously for you.
Don’t we all wish we could have a do-over with the wisdom and insight we acquire over the years?
p.s. I need a lesson on how to use who, whom, which, and all that jazz!
I know how you feel. Love you.