For me, it’s usually night when all the feels start hitting
and I get all sorts of nostalgic. August brings so many challenges for me in
many ways. Once August hits it means summer is finally coming to an end and
even though I’m usually ready to go back to work, the stress starts to creep
in. Going into my 4th year seems bizarre. I don’t feel as if I’m a
seasoned teacher, but since I’m not worried about the first day of school I
think that says something. August also is the month where 5 years ago I took a
big risk and moved to Utah. I left the comfort of my sweet southern home and
stepped out on my own. Since 5 years seems like an eternity and a second all at
the same time, I decided to write down the 5 most important things that have happened
to me since I moved here.
1.
Attending and graduating from BYU. I loved my
time at BYU. I ran through my experience and I don’t regret that at all. I
always knew the college lifestyle wasn’t for me, so getting through it fast was
a blessing. I never have been a fan of staying up late, spending hours studying
in the library, or even living off cheap food. BYU taught me a lot about my
spirituality as well as how to view ALL kids as a child of God (which helps a
lot on the hard days with the hard students). I made some wicked good friends
and I also had a million different roommates.
2.
Getting my first salary job. I was hired as an
Intern at Westmore Elementary my senior year of college and I’ve stuck around
ever since. Westmore is my home. My favorite people in the world are there and
I miss my coworkers when I don’t get to see them. They’ve watched me grow and
most importantly they’ve stuck by my side when the days are too hard to bare. I’ve
grown as I’ve watched my tiny kiddos grow. They teach me so much. They are the
best friends I’ll probably ever know. I love my job. I love the love I get to
give so freely as a teacher.
3.
Confronting my anxiety was probably the most
important thing I’ve done since moving to Utah. Coming from a family where
anxiety is apparent on both sides I knew that at one point or another it would
hit me and I’d have to figure it out. It took my mom telling me that I needed
to see a therapist for me to truly come to terms with the lowest point I’ve
ever been at. My therapist is an angel from heaven. I got so lucky to find such
a good one on the first try. One day I’ll share my story on here, but today isn’t
that day. I still see my therapist once a month and I look forward to it so
much.
4.
Watching my cousins become parents and letting
me be an aunt figure to them has been a huge game changer. I’m lucky to go to
my aunt’s house every Sunday for dinner. I miss when I’m not there. There is
something so magical about watching people you’ve loved all your life become
parents. For me, it has set a pretty high standard for my future spouse. I love
every second I get to spend with their kids. They let me hold all the babies I
want, climb on the playset with the older kids, and sometimes even let me
babysit. I will always cherish the moments I get with them.
5.
Being 24 and single in the Utah County
environment is certainly a struggle. The last most important thing I’ve learned
since I moved to Utah is how to truly trust in the Lords timing. I don’t know
the path my life will end up on. All I know is that it’s okay to be okay. I don’t
need all the answers. I just need to trust. My Heavenly Father knows me
perfectly and He knows where I need to be. He knows how I need to grow and
learn. He knows what is best. It’s not always easy to accept this, but it’s
certainly something I’ve learned. I am grateful for the place I am at now. I am
lucky. I am blessed.
When I made the decision to move
to Utah 5 years ago I had no idea how much my life would change. I never knew
how strong I was until I was out on my own and making my own choices. Being
here has been wonderful. Who knows how long I’ll stick around, but for now I am
perfectly happy.
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