Winter Break...

It is 11:30 p.m. and as I sit here on my couch, lavishing in my vacation, my thoughts seemingly drifted towards work. A job as an educator seems to be a huge responsibility for the person standing in the front of the classroom. As I type this statement the realization hit me that our students do not see us as people, they see us as aliens. We are completely foreign to them. We do not use the restroom, we do not drive or drink tea, we definitely do not eat, and God forbid they see us walking around a mall being 'normal.' Teachers are foreign, mysterious, and sometimes the bane of their existence. Most educators try to desperately connect with their students in order to humanize the relationship we conduct. Others 'get off' on the idea of being the dictator, telling them what to do and how to do it. These educators know that they will listen.

I am enjoying my vacation from my life of acting, teaching, and learning. Let's face it, in front of the class we put on a happy face, act as if everything is great and divulge a world of knowledge. In my classroom the students are invited into this wonderful world of learning, but to be engaging all of the time is exhausting! It is wonderful to know that I am getting across and the students are enjoying the process, yet a break seems to be refreshing. I find myself more and more tired day after day and I know that this is not how I want to be forever.

During my break I was given a cake order for a surprise birthday party and it was amazing to immerse myself into this passion. I haven't had a cake order in a long time and it was refreshing not to be putting on a show in front of wide-eyed students. I wish vacation lasted forever.. sadly it won't and I will continue my life teaching and putting on an entertaining and enlightening show. In the meantime, let's continue the vacation and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Playa del Carmen.