My name is Lisa. My undergraduate degree is in accounting and after about nine years of accounting work, I pursued my teaching career through alternative certification. I have been a teacher for the last 10 years. I am a divorced single mother of a sweet little boy that starts kindergarten in the fall.
I felt a strong calling to become a counselor after my own counseling experience following my divorce and after seeking counseling for my son following the sudden death of my younger sister in October 2010. She lived with us and my son was very close to her. I watch the students where I teach and so many of them need someone to love them and advocate for them. I truly feel that God has placed this call on my life. So, I started a journey to become a professional school counselor.
I have successfully completed the first step - I finished the Introduction to School Counseling course. I start a career counseling class this week. This is a tough journey. The quick and rigorous set up of the masters classes can be grueling at times. An entire semester crammed into five weeks. The week off in between is a welcome respite.
To further complicate my life, I am returning to the regular classroom in the fall teaching a subject and grade level I have not taught before. And that job comes with a new team and a new department. I have spent the last five years in a wonderful pullout program at our campus. I am so thankful that the program can continue at our school despite budget cuts. But I am saddened that the budget cuts are pulling me out of this program and back to the regular classroom. But God will bring me through this journey one day at a time....
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about me. I look forward to sharing more with you as I daily take steps on the journey that God has called me.
Isn't it amazing how we can go from what we thought was our dream job into education? I went to college thinking I would be in the public relations field forever. Then one day I woke up and thought I want to be surrounded by something new.
ReplyDeleteDespite the budget cuts and changes in my school, I cannot put a value on being at home with my kids when school is out.
I love your comment, "But God will be through the journey one day at a time."
I am so proud of you!!! It sounds like you have been through a lot and you are pulling through it!! Congratulations!!! I feel the same as you when you said you felt that God placed this call on you. I have taught many subjects and have seen many adverse situations. I am so excited to touch lives to an even greater and more positive way than teaching!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are off to a great start on your journey! I feel that God also placed a desire in my heart to help others.
ReplyDeleteBeing a single mom is hard. I have been one for 17 years. Trying to find a program that I could complete on-line has been difficult. I think the one we are enrolled in is fantastic. It works with both mine and my daughter's schedule. I never intended to teach, but once I started I loved it. It has also been amazing to be able to be with my daughter as much as I have been. Good luck in all you do. :)
ReplyDeleteI was a single mom for 5 years and I know it is hard but take a deep breath and know it might not be our plan but it is one we can handle. I also think it can also be a blessing to show our children that we can survive and do more no matter what is thrown at us. Just think about all of the life lessons they are learning through our hard times and how much this will help them be stronger and more resourceful adults.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have everything going your way. I think you will do great and good luck
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