One of my favorite quotes from Pastor Hart Ramsey;
I am grateful for this job. My Tamaki College experience for 2018, saw me experience and explore different teaching methods in my own practice. Using blogging as a part of my writing program for my Year 9 students has been one area that I am excited about. This was something that I always wanted to pursue but I the excuses became a wall that I was comfortable to sit behind - I am scared what people will think, what if it does not look/sound right? Or my personal favorite - I don't have time to do this.
I was immediately excited by the idea of students reflecting on what they learnt, liked and disliked, sharing what they have created - without any formal assessment criteria to measure it by. It was complete freedom in writing. I hope to continue blogging - not just with my students - but for my own reflection and review. As Pastor Hart Ramsey states, "Someone took a chance", I believe that I took a chance on myself to do things that I wouldn't normally do. I look forward in making blogging a important and natural part in my teaching.
I am grateful for the students I get to lead and work alongside with. This job can be frustrating and fulfilling all at the same time. It can almost feel like you are walking down a never ending road of disappointment, regurgitating the same expectations or concerns that seem to fall on deaf ears.But it can also feel like a road where even the smallest breakthrough in your student's attitude towards learning or even just making it school, can give you hope. A hope that keeps you going and gives you a real sense of promise and purpose, making you reflect and really believe that this is why you are a teacher.
This overwhelming sense of gratitude is planted in something that is deep and goes way beyond anything that I have done in the classroom with my students. My 'thanks' is rooted in my faith. My faith journey is exactly that, a journey, that is full of incredible highs and scary lows. But I know that I am not alone. My wife and I were blessed with our first born, Faith Tu'uga Stevenson, who was born on May 1 2018. She is now living in the arms of God. My heart is full, I am grateful for my daughter. She has changed my life forever and has restored my faith in myself and what I can do. Thank you God for an amazing 2018. I look forward to what 2019 has in store.
I dedicate this post and the year of 2018 to my beautiful daughter Faith Tu'uga Stevenson.
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