Before anything, I have to thank my family. They made my departure from Seattle feel about as sad as it could be, because they flooded me with so much love at my last sunset barbecue. My parents, brother and sister-in-law put in time, money and heart into an event that helped me leave home feeling empowered, because every time I feel inadequate here in my new life, I remember that day at the park, when I saw so many of you. And I think to myself, I can do this, because of you. Also, I miss you Miggy Bear!!!
And Allie and Lauren. Four days into my island adventure, I was feeling pretty depressed. I was dreaming about my family every night, and in every dream, I’d be bawling and feeling a deep sense of regret. Shoot. My subconscious is brutal! But Allie and Lauren (and Bella) came down to Hawaii to be my little bit of ohana and aloha – enough to remind me that love isn’t too far away.
So, long-winded gratitude aside, I had these lofty plans of blogging my transition experience, but instead of intellectual commentary in long form, it turned into a flood of emo Facebook posts. Not what I intended, but c’est la vie. So here it is. Fast forward about two months, and I’m lying in my new bed with three fans pointed at me, here in Napili, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, Planet Earth.
First off, let me tell you that I’m good. There are hard moments, but I’m good. I no longer have those heart-wrenching dreams about my family, at least not on a daily basis. I can say I love everything about where I’m at (in life). So, general well-being: check.
The people at my new school are fantastic. They seem flexible, funny, interesting, driven, idealistic, brilliant, caring about each other and the world, and everything that I could hope for in a new staff (caveat – I miss my OLG family though!!!). My New Teacher Orientation is behind me. The school vision is aligned with my educational philosophy, and that is, the teacher needs to shut up and empower, inspire, and guide the student to discover learning in the world beyond the classroom. I also think that kids should be outdoors more often, and that would be so much easier with school transportation. Lo and behold, we have vans and a bus, and I have very small classes (41 total kids!!!). There are several practices about my new gig that aren’t traditional, but I’ve never been a traditionalist.
Being part of the boarding staff is hands down the greatest change and challenge for me. I had NO idea what I was saying yes to, other than free room and board in Maui and occasional duty after school hours. Well, that’s what it could be. But I’m not a half-assed worker, and the boarding staff has been tasked with building a new program from the ground up. The boarding directors are beyond lovely. They are down to earth, innovative, supportive, understanding, experienced and knowledgeable. I’ve essentially walked into a position where I have no experience, two people who know what they’re doing to guide me, and an opportunity to do something unprecedented and special for a school in Hawaii. I’m going to learn A LOT with this part of my job. On the other hand, my personal life looks like it’s going to take major hit. I’m going from kicking it with friends and family on nearly a daily basis, to essentially parenting 11 teenagers. Yes, parenting. Or maybe more accurately, au pairenting… Driving them to and from school and practices. Making sure they’re eating. Making sure they’re home on time. Making sure they’re doing their homework. Finding them if they don’t come home. But not only that, I’m helping to create a residential life program that involves excursions, service, cultural and geographical immersion, and much more. I am overwhelmed, but I’m not regretting this decision. If anything, I’m excited to add this dimension to my professional career. It’s going to open doors for me to teach internationally, which I’m not even sure I want to do at this point. The idea sounded much more romantic before this reality, but I’m only at the starting point. I can’t judge it till I’ve lived it.
Hawaii is, well, Hawaii. Beautiful. I could literally sleepwalk into the ocean from my bed. But while the beach is glorious, my favorite place is the one spot on the island that reminds me of home. Ten thousand feet in the air at Haleakala, where the temperature dips into the low 40s and green trees line the windy highway. I love bundling up at the summit. I love the sharp cold air and the nostalgic shiver. And best of all, I love being at the top of a mountain. The view below is, well, you see the pictures. Of course, the beach life is all sorts of dreamy as well. So yeah. No problem with Hawaii.
So, I’m good, I’m open, and I’m mostly happy. Will I move back to Seattle in a year? If you really know me, you know I’m a man of percentages. 15% on that one. Maybe less. I really want to make it at least three years at my new school, and last time I said that, I ended up sticking around for 14. If you have any questions, comment. And ask away about life in Hawaii, my new school experience, or my future plan, which could involve being an author. Yep. I finished my novel revisions. Going to self publish on Amazon very soon.
Love you more than you know,
Jace