I recently just watched the third episode of "My Generation" (you can tell how behind I've been on my DVR). In those three episodes, I became obsessed. And then I found out that ABC cancelled the show because viewership was low. This really bummed me out because they only showed three episodes. I felt like they barely gave the show a chance to survive!
Anyway, that is not the point of this post. Watching "My Generation" really made me think about my life and my future. The show is supposed to be a documentary about a group of nine students. At the end of their senior year, a film crew comes in to interview the students and see where they want to be in 10 years. The show starts 10 years later. The viewer is able to see where the students wanted to be versus where they actually were.
I remember during high school and college always mentally making a ten year plan. Graduate college by the time I'm 22. Hopefully find a job a few months after I turn 23. Move into my own apartment with my best friend while I'm 23. Get married by XX age (leaving out the part about finding a boyfriend). I did successfully graduate college by 22, however the rest of my 10 year plan did not work out so well. Instead of finding a job, I'm now in grad school. I live at home (and surprisingly love it). And instead of wanting to be married by XX age, I want to explore the world.
At the ages of 17 and 22, it seems so hard to create a concrete 10 year plan. I look back to the Sammy from high school, the Sammy from college, and the Sammy in 2010, and I see major differences. I have changed so much in the past 7 years. I am not as shy as I used to be. I have found friends that will be my friends for the rest of my life, surviving through college and adulthood. I'm also finally standing up for what I want to do, rather than trying to please my parents. If I had stuck to any of my 10 year plans I would be miserable.
If you remember, my first post had a list of 10 things I wanted to do before turning 30. I wrote that list six months ago, and I already want to change some things on it. I also know that I cannot do all of that by the time I'm 30 because there are other things I would like to do hopefully in the near future. Rather than making a 10 year plan, or an 8 year plan, I am going to focus on what I would like to accomplish in general. It always seemed so hard when coming up with a 10 year plan, because it seemed like I had an outline to follow. Society has dictated that we graduate college, maybe go to grad school/law school/medical school. After that find a job, get married, and have children. Once all this is accomplished, you should have a complete life. We all know what to put on our plan; everyone choses their own order. I'm done with this order. I am stepping out of the box, and finding my own way to a complete life.
Below I have a revised list of what I would like to accomplish. Some of the tasks will be difficult, and some will be scary, but I know that with the support of friends and family I will be able to accomplish everything.
1. Teach in Africa for a year or two- One reason why I want to go away and teach is because I'm tired of New Jersey, and I'm ready to get away and explore the world. The second reason why is because it is something I have always wanted to do. I want to learn about different cultures, beliefs and languages. I don't want to go there to brainwash them about the "American Way", but rather interact and see what it is they really want and need. If anyone knows of programs that sends American's to help in schools, please let me know. I am finding the search to be a little overwhelming!
2. Become a Behavior Specialist- Right now I am in graduate school to become a prek-3rd grade teacher with a degree in special education. I have always loved working with kids, and I am excited to become a teacher. As I continue through my program, I realized that my teachers do not really address how to handle the behavior of certain students. This bothers me because I want to help my students as best as I can, rather than get frustrated with them constantly. I know that this degree will really help when I am in the classroom.
3. Learn Sign Language- In my special education classes, I have realized how important it is to learn sign language. People/students that do not have verbal communication may use sign language to communicate. When I was in elementary school, I learned some sign language, and I thought it was so interesting. I am also in a preschool disabled class at the moment. We try to teach our students some sign language. It is amazing to see that students are able to connect words with objects, even when they cannot verbalize it. I am hoping to take a sign language class in the spring!
4. Start a Non-Profit Organization- I have always wanted to start my own non-profit. I am still not sure what kind of Non-Profit organization I would like to start, but I have been doing some thinking. Since I love summer and camp, I was thinking about starting a camp program in a low socio-economic area. The camp would have fun activities, but it would also be educational. No one wants to be in school during the summer, but it is also important for students to review everything they learned during the school year so they don't fall behind. I think taking two of my interests, and combing them together would be so much fun, and make me so happy.
5. Continue to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer- Okay, so honestly while doing the walk, I kept thinking "I'm never doing this again". I got a little bored while walking, and the people weren't extremely social, which made me upset. However, when we got to the closing ceremonies, I realized that I will be doing the Avon walk until I'm in a wheel chair. Seeing all the survivors and all the money we raised going to places was amazing. Next year I will be walking in New York, but I plan on traveling with this walk. I would like to walk in Houston, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Charlotte. I know people in most of those locations, so hopefully they will walk with me, or I will just have a nice visit. Doing the walk in other cities also allows you to explore. So where should I go after New York?
6. Continue my Annual BBQ for a Cause- This summer I had a BBQ to raise money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. While creating the invitations, I realized that I want to keep this going every year. The proceeds to not always have to go to Avon Breast Cancer, they can go to other places. I also realized that I want to have two fundraisers a year. I am planning on having something in January as well! Whats better than raising money for a good cause, spending time with your friends, meeting new people and getting to drink??
7. Be Published- Senior year of college, I took a creative writing class. I loved it! It was so much fun to write about whatever, and then to discuss my writing. After that class ended, I didn't have anyone to edit my work, and give me criticism, so I became frustrated. However, with this blog, I have started to love writing again. My goal is to publish either a short story, or maybe even a novel. Any ideas on what I should write about?
8. Work in Newark Public Schools- I am currently student teaching in a school in Newark. I love the school I am in. I have also spoken to other people in Newark schools, and they are enjoying their time as well. I would love to work there. I am ready to dedicate great amounts of my time before and after school, helping students with any problems they have in the classroom. I would like to be in a school district that appreciates my efforts. Let's just hope I can find a job there.
So here is my list. These are the things I would like to do. These 8 actions will make me happy and feel fulfilled. What are some things you would like to do with your life?
No comments:
Post a Comment