What Have I Been Up To?

It has most certainly been a long time since my last post. I have been extremely busy in the past few months. There have been bad times but fortunately I have been very blessed with some wonderful things. So, without further ado, let's get you caught up with something I like to call - What have I been up to?

IUK Graduation - After six years, hundreds of papers, and countless majors, I graduated from Indiana University Kokomo in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History & Political Science. Along with my degree, I was able to complete my Secondary Education certification program as well. The ceremony was much better than I had anticipated especially since I was seated in the first row of my graduating class. My friend Chad gave an excellent address and it was wonderful hearing people in the crowd yell when my name was called to receive my diploma. I was so excited that I hugged the Chancellor on the stage! Not my finest moment but I didn't care. After the pictures and handshakes, I was off to begin searching for a teaching job.

Finding a job - Often times, new teaching graduates have a difficult time in finding a job. Many times, it is the select few who are able to find a one right away. I became one of those select few when I was able to get a job teaching at the same school that I did my student teaching - Tri-Central. This year, I will be teaching 10th grade World History and 7th grade Geography. To say the least, I am very excited to be apart of the school and community. My favorite moment had to have been when I was given a TC baseball cap by the athletic director. I think I've worn it most of the summer!

Becoming a Tri-Central Trojan - Since becoming a Tri-Central Trojan (and making my "I am a Blue Devil" post obsolete), I have become very involved with the boys soccer and girls basketball programs. Along with being an assistant for the team during their summer league games, I got the opportunity to work the girls basketball camp over the summer. The camp was for girls in 1st grade through freshman. Words do not describe how fun it is to watch young kids play basketball. No matter how good they are, it is neat to see them work has hard as some of them did. It was an awesome experience especially because I'm working with some wonderful people whom I have known for quite sometime.

The boys soccer team is also looking to be a fun experience as I am looking forward to working with the coaches and players. Our first practice is quickly approaching and I can't wait! Simply put, it's going to be an exciting year of coaching!

My First Place - Along with getting my first job, I moved out of my parent's place into my own apartment just outside of Kokomo. I think I am closer to my parents since I have moved out than when I was living with them so both parties have done exceptionally well since the move. The biggest pain of having my own place had to have been the move. Many thanks go to my folks, my brother, and my buddy Mike for helping me with all the heaving lifting that day. My arms still hurt! The next time I move, I'm hiring someone!

Well, hopefully that gets you caught up. It has been an exciting summer to say the least. I am so lucky to have been blessed with such good fortune over the past few months. It's interesting to look back on how bad things seemed to be going only a few months ago. As I wrap up this post and turn out my office lamp, I am reminded of God's grace and how all of this has helped me realize that our questions are answered in his time. This year is going to be a great ride and you're all apart of it!