Mike’s Family Blog

Okay, I’m working in a school, I should have expected it. But still… homework? High School homework yet. It’s been 20 years since having high school homework. It’s closing in on 10 years since I had college homework yet.

I’ll say this, at least it’s not homework that I’ll get grading on. LOL In this case, I’ve got to review what’s been going on in a particular class up until now. That way I can better help my students when they have needs and questions. Besides, it’s Geography. I like, geography.

Chemistry on the other hand… I’m glad I won’t be helping out in that class. I sat in on a class today and wow! 22 years since I took high school chem. Ask me how much I remember. Now, there is the odd few things that floated back, but it was an interesting time. I do remember that back in grade 10, I had pretty good marks for chem. I could understand the teacher. Then i got to grade 11… the teacher had a heavy Pakistani accent. I couldn’t understand what he wanted when he asked about the wolume of winegar. I shared that story with the this chem teacher and he got a chuckle out of it. You see, he’s got a good Russian accent. But him I could understand. The material… well, I’d need quite a bit of catching up.

I started a new job today. The official title of my new profession is Paraprofessional. I am, essentially, a teacher’s aide for special needs kids in a high school.

Talk about timing, however. Last Wednesday, I was in a meeting and because a couple of things were said in such a manner, that a conversation got going. My new boss was at the meeting saying that she was hiring a Paraprofessional. I was saying a needed a new position… so we got to talking. Resume went out, interview came up and then Bob’s your Uncle. Well, Stu’s my uncle, but that’s another story. (I have a few other uncles, but Stu’s the comedian, so he gets the punchline.)

What was really interesting about the timing was what was going on at my old job. I was in a seasonal position in a school photography company (Jostens/Lifetouch) and the fall season workload was trailing off rapidly. So much so, that I was probably going to be laid off today or tomorrow. So I get the call yesterday during the workday about the new job. I made it easy for the people at my old job… instead of laying me off, I quit!

So… a new job and some great kids to work with. I’ll keep you posted.