I have been using the same essay for a while, and the time seems right to switch things up. Here goes ...
I am a good guy and a good catch. I spent one year teaching fifth grade before beginning my tenure as a seventh grade social studies teacher. I have also taught writing, reading, a bit of math, and a slew of electives. I coach our girls' soccer team in the fall, and I pitch in here and there to help other clubs and sports whenever I can. I just finished my Master's degree in Educational Leadership by taking courses online through Grand Canyon University. It was a lot of work, but I learned quite a bit. I will still strive to refine my craft and become a better teacher. I do not want -- at least not right now -- to become a principal. I like being in the classroom and on the ball field (and on stage -- I was a terrific Mad Hatter!) too much to sit in an office and distance myself from the students. My job is different every day, and I am very proud (and grateful) of the way I am able to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. There is nothing more rewarding than sharing that moment with a student when they finally "get it" -- unless it's having those kids come back to visit years after they leave my school to tell me how well they are doing in the next phase of their lives.
So, that's the teacher thing. Still reading? Good!
I spend my free time doing all sorts of normal stuff. I exercise, read (a lot), spend time with my family, go to the movies, and catch up on TV on DVD. I have travelled a little bit but want to get out on the road more often. I am not a fan of heights, so ziplining through Costa Rica is out -- sorry. But there is so much I want to do now that my career affords me the time and money to experience new things. Such as:
1) I want to learn how to surf.
2) I want to learn how to cook. I can follow a recipe, but I want to develop my instincts in the kitchen.
3) I want to visit Australia, Tokyo, Italy, London, Moscow, and all of the states I have not been to yet (which is most of them).
4) I want to learn how to play guitar.
5) I want to learn how to play tennis.
And that's just the start! I am on Match because I believe there is someone out there to take that journey with me. Maybe you have already done some of those things, maybe you haven't but you want to -- either way, let's team up and tackle those challenges together. I took a while to figure out who I am and where I am going. Now it's time to move forward with somebody special. Is it you?
Thanks for stopping by -- send me a note and say hello. Every journey begins with one small step.
