Yesterday I attended one of my Fellowship program's monthly meetings. These meeting can tend to be dreadful because at 5:30pm I have no more brain cells left to discuss "The Art of Cryptology". The meeting yesterday however got the 2006 Cohort together to reflect on the past 4 years. At the meeting an envelope with my hand writing and dated 6/3/06 was handed to me. Apparently four years ago on the 1st day my cohort assembled together we were given the task of writing letters to yourself about what we anticipate professionally in the years to come. My letter read as follow:
6/3/06
Dear S********,
This has been a very interesting day to say the least. I am very excited to see what the year ahead holds (God permitting). During this period I hope for great things. Outside of MfA and school I hope to have a "special someone", but enough about that. In reference to my professional life I hope I acquire the confidence I know I will need to be an exquisite teacher. I hope to get good grades in all of my classes and build and maintain a network of friends t o last a lifetime ( regardless of how little we have in common).
Within a year I hope to be very optimistic about the path I have chosen. I need to feel that I can do this. I know that the training and support I receive from MfA and Columbia's Teacher's College will help with this so I welcome it.
Lastly, I hope to teach at a school that I am proud to say I teach at. I hope to be excited and eager to start the educating process.
Kisses
S***********
[ Oh Lord, Please let the 1st one come true]
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After reading my letter I couldn't stop laughing. There was definitely a sense of uncertainty about the career path I had chosen and I really wanted to excel in it. I also love how I added that I wanted a "special someone". Thankfully four years later He has answered my prayers....lol.
As funny as this letter was it really helped me question my goals and reevaluate my career over the past 4 years. I have definitely achieved all that I set out to do, but there are new things I need to work on. At the end of this school year I will complete another reflection letter which I will open at the end of the school year next year.
Have you ever written yourself a reflection letter? If so how was the experience? If you haven't I challenge you to do so. It allows us to see how we have grown in our personal and professional lives. Take the time and write about where you are now and where you would like to be in a set time frame. Maybe it is something you can do with your family or friends. It really is an eye opening experience.
Lots Of Love
~Black Orchid~
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My old writings crack me up too LOL! I can't say that I've written a reflection letter (I'm fairly confident in saying that because I still have my journals from 3rd grade); but I've recently thought about doing something of the sort. Birthday weekend is as good a time as any to think about it. Great post :-)
ReplyDeleteThat was very, very bubbly, not something I always get from you in person, lol. Its also amazing how cool and calm people can seem in public and how uncertain they are on the inside. When you left PSU I was debating on the Ph.D program given that I really am a "teacher" at heart and not a prolific researcher. You seemed so cool and cocksure about MFA you had me questioning if I should leave academe as well. It's a bit reassuring when the calmest people have moments of doubt, I can't explain why, but it is. Its good to reflect and perhaps I will follow suit and write my own letter.
ReplyDeleteWow- thank you for sharing! It's great to look back at the goals you've set for yourself and to know that you've accomplished them is even better! I will take you up on your challenge - let's see what happens!
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