Back to School and Work 2010

A new academic year starts up tomorrow at my college, and I can’t wait! I actually thought about why I’m so looking forward to this Fall quarter, and I came up with several reasons.

Reason #1: Teaching a Subject I’m Passionate About

I’m excited about getting the opportunity to again teach career planning classes. Students primarily take these classes because either they’re interested in trying to figure out a college major and career path, or they’re interested in confirming that the major and career path that they already have in mind is, in fact, a solid one. And I enjoy being able to assist students in their career planning endeavors.

I’m starting my sixth year as a full-time college instructor and counselor, and I’ve had the good fortune of teaching these career planning courses since my very first quarter. It’s a wonderful challenge to continually try to improve my classes every quarter. I’m always on the look out for new, relevant information to share with my classes.

One would think that preparing for classes gets easier and shorter over time, but I’m finding that I get busier. The more experience I get teaching these career classes, the more I find myself trying out different things to fine-tune my classes. It’s always worth it though, as I like teaching in general and teaching about career planning and development in particular.

Reason #2: A Summer of Wellness

This summer was quite satisfying and relaxing. It was one of those summers where a lot of things seemed to work out very nicely.

During the summer, I also took a much needed technology break, as Andrea has written about previously on this blog. I actually took several mini breaks from most things technological because quite frankly, I felt like I had to. Another of Andrea’s posts dealing with the importance of being mindful about rest also helped immensely.

These breaks, in addition to explaining the infrequent posts, did wonders by recharging my batteries and allowing me to refocus on the priorities in my life – my health, my family and work. In that order but all interrelated.

Reason #3: Something New

Come to think of it, maybe the biggest reason that I’m looking forward to this new school year so much is that I like the new office location that I moved into recently. Sometimes, it’s the little things in life, right?