I love this picture because it reminds me how much I love NYC and how much the experience of going there for 3 weeks created in me a sense of belonging. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to live there. Three weeks felt like putting down roots.
For a moment in time I was a New Yorker. I even was told by one of the women in my cohort, that she thought I was from the Village. High complement to me.
Now that I am home, I have had the realization that New York will never leave me. I am New York. Second generation daughter of Norwegian immigrants, New York stands for the ideals of new beginnings and reinventing oneself. And in that sense, I feel my whole life has been about reinvention. I am not fearful of change; only stagnation.
So in the moment of being a New Yorker, I played with reinvention every morning when I got up and walked to the train. I can use this in the moment of my work or leisure, all year long. If I keep myself true, I will be a more authentic and exacting educator. It will help me remember how important it is to keep true to oneself, when dealing with adolescents. There is no fear visible in most children, and that is what I want to channel to be the most confident teacher I can be. Who knows...I may find reinvention is a tool that will keep me happy as well.