loving labels

I'm a teacher.

It is reassuring in these unbelievably uncertain times to know what it is that I do. If nothing else.

To love the label, even if this teacher label could fall off at anytime - or be torn off - OR I may not be given a new label to write teacher on after its off. Or to be the teacher but be labeled a long term substitute instead. You get the idea. What do I tell people when asked? What do I prefer? Teacher.

On Generation Meh, Henderson, sums it up - career labels, like other labels (gender, sexual, political, cultural), could never begin to define a person. But having for once, an easy career label, is a relief. I very much feel her when she says, "You might also be a million other things, but it’s a starting point, a place to hang your hat."

With the new year, starting off not only on a blue moon but a blue note, as it has for me and some of my close friends, I really enjoyed the first day of school and seeing my students. I enjoyed returning to a familiar place and to being around them. In my eyes, they represent pure potential. They inspire me to live life fully and force me, despite it all, to be present.