Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

I've decided to take a break from Mackenzy updates to provide everyone with an update on me!  This story begins on a cold December evening....

As some of you know, I got a call in his past December from my "boss" telling me that Guilford County Schools was going to implement the RIFF Policy (reduction in force) and that my job was in jeopardy for next year.  She informed me that the RIFF would mean that 7 out of the 13 teachers in my specialty area would be cut and that the cuts would be based on seniority and years in service.  Naturally I freaked out because I was the last one hired and that meant that I would be the first one to go...

So I went in to panic mode, freak out mode, cried, yelled, prayed, and thought of everything that could go wrong if I were to be let go for next year.  My mom offered comforting words, my coworkers tried to be positive, but it was my husband that kept me together.  He allowed me to cry, yell, and mope around the house for a few days and then he looked at me and said, "I know this sucks, but you kind of knew it would happen sometime in the future.  The state has no money and budget cuts have to be made.  Crying about it isn't going to make it better, so you've got to get tough and make a plan babe!"  Althought I didn't appreciate his words at the moment I made a plan!

I believe everything in my life happens for a reason, so this obstacle was God's way of testing my faith and letting me know that things will not always go according to my plan.  I've been wanting to go back to school for a while, but in the past the timing wasn't right and financially we weren't able to take a paycut.  I've thought about transitioning to a classroom instead of "just being a specialist," but I was afraid of stepping out of my confort zone.  Well the thought of not having a job finally gave me the courage to step out of my box!  So to prepare for next year I:

1. Took and Passed the Praxis II tests in core content knowledge and severe and profound applications which means that I can teach in a classroom... 

2. I applied and was admitted to The University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Doctoral Studies Program in Special Education

 

3.  I've cut my spending, begun to pay off unnecessary debt, and I even manage to save a little money each month...



4.  I got a part time job that I absolutely love!

Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that every element of my plan would become a reality.  I prayed that He would give me strength and enable my heart to trust that He would provide for us.  Because of Him I am no long asking "What will we do?" but I am evaluating my options and asking for guidance as we make the best decision for our family.  This experience has taught me that He is in control, not me.

My future is still unclear for next year, but either way I have a plan...

You'll have to stay tuned to read about my decision!