Summer has come and gone and it was definitely a whirlwind of a ride.

We began the journey with a trip to Portland, Maine, followed by an RV trek to Asheville, North Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, Albany, Georgia, and then returned home. What’s ahead for the next 180 days is the real whirlwind in my life right now.

So, why the title “Chapter:Next”?  I have been fortunate for many years with a job I lovingly refer to as hosting “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” This summer I was asked to move up to 6th grade and teach science. Uncertain, I agreed to at least interview for the position. This would require me to change schools and leave my friends behind. I love  my colleagues and believe they are some of the most passionate educators I have ever known. However, I will now have the opportunity to teach a subject that unfortunately gets pushed to the back because of the heavy emphasis on reading and math.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to miss teaching those subjects, especially 5th grade math.  Coming from a fractured math childhood, I committed to never allow a child to leave my class at the end of the year with the same holes I never had filled through my childhood education.

So what’s next? An exciting time teaching earth and space science!  Will it be easy? I’m not sure. I will have nearly 160 students pass through my doors every day. That is the most exciting part for me. In the past, I normally had 25-30 students each year. I believe God has opened this “next” door to allow me a greater impact. What better way than to teach about His creation?

This is going to be a great year! Am I nervous? Who isn’t when you step out of your normal routine and into uncharted waters?  Sure, many have gone before me, but leaving a comfort zone can be, well…..uncomfortable. Surely there is a scientific term for it, but for now I will just refer to it as, “NEXT!”

Turning the page with excitement.