I got a job! I got my dream job! I got a job that I didn't even know was my dream job!
It was a beautiful Thursday afternoon and I was heading home from spending some time in the city with my friend, Jami. I was pulling off onto the exit towards Huntley when my cellphone rang. I saw that it was an "(847) 659" number (the beginning digits to the phone numbers in the Huntley School District) and instantly blacked out. I answered and spoke to the assistant Principal, Karen Rowe, who asked me to come in the following Thursday for an interview. I was so excited, agreed, and hung up the phone.
OHHH MYY GOODNESSS - after months of applying to any and all teaching positions in the greater Chicago-land area, I had a real life interview... IN HUNTLEY - the place I had dreamed of working since I was in 5th grade. I would go to my mom's classroom and beg her to let me go to school in Huntley. I had wanted to be part of the the tight-knit community full of successful athletics and intriguing individuals.
After I hung up, I called my mom and we both FREAKED. But... then I realized, WHAT WAS I INTERVIEWING FOR? I honestly had no clue! I never even asked which position this interview was for, I could have been heading in to interview for the janitorial staff, but I didn't care! I would clean those floors with the biggest smile on my face!
The interview day came and I knew I was in the right place. After spending hours preparing and perfecting my questions and tech presentation, God had brought this wonderful sense of peace and calm over me. I felt so confident and relaxed walking into the building. As I walked up to the front doors of Conley Elementary School, I took in every sight and smell. It was so new, big, and beautiful. The rotunda smelled like I remember elementary schools smelling like - lunchroom scents and gymnasium floors. I had somehow not gotten that same scent in all of the 5 years I taught in Arizona - it is weird how powerful scent triggers your memory!
I sat before the same woman who has known me since I was 10 (the Principal), Assistant Principal, and two 4th grade teachers (okay, so this interview was for 4th grade, whew!). I was nothing but honest and exuded my best self. I knew that no matter the outcome, I was true to myself.
They told me it would be up to two weeks before I heard anything... so... I was prepared to wait...
THE NEXT DAY, the VERY NEXT DAY - that same "(847) 659" number appeared on my phone! I answered and got THE BEST NEWS OF MY LIFE (or so I thought). I was being offered the 4th grade teaching position at Conley Elementary School in Algonquin, IL! As scared as I was for 4th grade, (such a jump from teaching 1st grade) I had faith that God was putting me right where I needed to be - plus, having my mom to bounce ideas off didn't sound like a bad idea.
BUT THEN... THE REAL BEST NEWS OF MY LIFE...
After getting into the school...setting up my room... I got a call that there was a 3rd grade position available and it was mine if I wanted it! I instantly said yes and when we hung up the phone, LOST MY MIND! I could not even think straight! 3rd grade was a younger grade, so I felt a wave of relief come over me. I went into the school the next day and began moving all of my stuff to my brand new 3rd grade room. It was a lot to haul and I sweat a lot but I never regretted that choice for one second.
I have never felt more welcomed into a school. Everyone accepted me with open arms and offered up more tips and helping hands than I could ever imagine. It was like someone was going to win a prize for "Most Helpful Co-Worker" :) How many people can say that about their place of employment!?
That was the day that I KNEW moving back to Illinois was another step towards the path to my future.
