Coming to an End *tear

So, you know how I said I was going to try and write more often? Well, I clearly lied. Therefore, I apologize to my faithful fans for sparse blog posts. I also apologize for being pretty bad at keeping in touch with everyone! The very little free time I get, I usually just want to spend it quietly, curled up in my bed with book in hand, escaping from people. I know, I know, no excuses. But I'm doing it anyway. So sue me.

Now, I said in the last blog that I have changed my attitude, and you know what? It's actually working. Maybe it's the fact that this project will be over next Thursday, or the fact that I get to see Dan (who I haven't seen in 3 months) next Friday, but I really think I'm feeling much better about AmeriCorps. I decided to search hard for the personal benefits I am receiving from the program. I'm feeling much more confident about my academic abilities as I tutor geometry, algebra 1, and now, a little algebra 2. Also, I know that as long as I put in effort, I think I excel in many areas. Or at least I think I can pull off most of the tasks given to me. (Now, if only I could get a full-time job...) Along with confidence, I think I'm becoming much more adaptable. I'm not as scared of change. I'm not afraid that "things aren't going to work out" in the future. I try not to think about it very much anymore. Because, you know what? Nothing ever goes as planned. As my teammate Andrew (aka Jersey) said to me, so poetically "Life is like surfing. The wave will toss you all around, and keep changing, but there's no way you can stop the wave, you just need to adjust your board and body position and roll with it." Nice, Andrew, nice.

I think I've really, really enjoyed this project. Much more than expected. (I've also learned, if you go into anything with terribly low expectations, it can only get better!) The kids really are great, and thoroughly entertaining. It feels really good to help them. I get very excited when they are able to do a math problem on their own (or, not to flatter myself, when they say that I teach it better than their teacher, and they want me to be their permanent teacher. Oh, how I love that!) Victory!

I'm going to miss all the kids and fellow tutors I met. Talking to someone everyday, five days a week, really gets you attached. This will probably be the most difficult project to end. But hey, I have two more left! So who knows. New Orleans is going to be AWESOME!

Hope all is well with everyone! And don't take it too personally if I have been bad at returning phone calls/emails. I still like you!! I've just never been this busy in my life. Crazy times these AmeriCorps.

<3 anne