Reflections & New Beginnings: The Antidote for The End-of-Summer Sadness
By: Jennifer DaSilva
It’s the last weeks of Summer, and on days like these I am comforted by the cool, slightly crisp feel of a light breeze. Some nights, like tonight, the weather has the right amount of “cool” to turn off the air conditioning and open up my windows — a much needed respite for my electricity bill. I do have some of that summertime sadness, but I’m actually not super sad about summer ending. I look forward to endings because they present themselves with new beginnings. Dunkin Donuts started advertising the return of the pumpkin flavored coffee. Walmart and Target have already gone ham on their back to school aisles and commercials, but those ads have been haunting our social media platforms and TV screens since July. While on a walk this week, I noticed that some of the leaves have turned a bright yellow or light brown, making their spiraling descent to the ground below. These little whispers from the universe remind me of three things:
Summer is ending.
Fall is on its way. And…
WE ‘BOUT TO START A BRAND NEW SCHOOL YEAR (insert your favorite hype back-to-school Target commercial).
This transition from summer to fall always presents itself with a lot of reflection time. It never fails. I can’t help but do a lot of thinking before a brand new school year commences. (1) I think back on how I spent my summer. (2) I think about how I want to end my summer. (3) I think about what I want to do next summer. And (4) I think about how I want the school year to go. I have done this type of “end of summer reflecting” since my first year of teaching in 2012. So, what are my reflections at the end of summer 2019? Here we go!
My Summer 2019 Reflections:
I’m pretty pleased with how my summer went. Summertime can get tight financially as a school teacher, so I was grateful to be able to do some part-time editing work. I’m all about tapping into some side hustles because it’s a good thing to get compensated for your skills and talents. I never want to identify myself as one thing. I’m not just a teacher; I’m an editor. I’m not just a teacher; I’m a mentor to tween girls. I’m not just a teacher; I’m a chef! I’m multifaceted and multi-talented, and it’s a good thing to put ALL of my skills to use. Amen to that! Aside from working, I traveled to GA to visit my dad and we explored Atlanta for a couple of days and ventured out to Gibbs Gardens at the end of my trip (which I highly recommend you visit next time you are in GA). Back home in NJ, I was able to go on some pretty cool day trips to Philly, NYC, and the beach. And I did a lot of walking and working out at Orangetheory. Summer allows me to be more flexible about how I spend my time, and I am always grateful for that. This summer has left me feeling fulfilled.
2. How do I want to end my summer? Well, by the time you read this blog post, I’ve already participated in my end of summer festivities (lol). During the last week of summer, I spend a decent amount of time setting up my classroom, preparing back-to-school documents, and putting lesson plans in order. But, I spend the majority of my time ending every summer with family and relaxation. Labor Day will be spent with my family in Hillsborough - barbecuing included. My intention is to keep a slow pace to help me gear up for the school year. It’s like preparing for a long-distance run, or any rigorous, long workout. You can’t go all out right at the beginning. You gotta ease your way into the work so that you can properly distribute your energy. I approach my work, and life, like I approach my workouts. I call it burnout prevention.
3. What am I doing next summer? It’s already been decided! I’m either renting a beach house or traveling to England. I’d love to get your feedback in the comments below! Which option would you choose - the beach or England? If I rent a beach house, where? If I travel to England, what sightseeing/activities do you recommend? Help a sistah out!
Final Thoughts
It’s year 8, baby! That’s right. I’m walking into the 2019-2020 school year like, YEAR EIGHT! Every time we head back to school, colleagues will exclaim how summer always flies by. I have to be honest, I’m guilty of making this comment, but I try to make it my intention to abstain from saying it. We get the same amount of time off every summer, and it always goes by with the same rapidity. While it does seem like we just left school yesterday, I’m ready to get back into teaching, get back into mentoring, and get back into being an advisor to the Diversity Club.
I’m adding a new element to my plate! A couple of years ago, I was about to begin a principal/supervisor certification program at NJEXCEL. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the right time. My grandmother had passed away, I was dealing with some relationship issues, and I was about to change grade levels at school. A lot of change was happening. I’m a HUGE proponent of pushing through when things feel uncomfortable, but when I attended orientation at NJEXCEL, I had a deep, guttural feeling that that program wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing at that particular time. And listen, it’s absolutely amazing how life will prepare you for better circumstances and you don’t even know it! Back then, I had no idea that “the right time” would be now. Back then, I had no idea that I should be attending Rutgers again. Now, I have gained some peace with the loss of my grandmother and a relationship, and I’m going into my third year of teaching a new grade level. I feel more with it. This time, I’m joining Rutgers University in their principal endorsement program. And I’m definitely excited (a bit nervous, too)! I’m not trying to get it twisted, I did have a freak out moment one night. I got cold feet and thought I shouldn’t follow through with the program. I was ready to drop all of my classes, but thank God for insightful family and friends who calmed my fears and put things into proper perspective. The devil will try to trick you in these moments by masking great blessings with fear. Not today Satan! That fear is an indication of the greatness to come. Opposition arises when something great is about to happen. Don’t let it fool you. This year, I’m hoping to balance being an extraordinary teacher, an extraordinary student, and an extraordinary person overall.
These are my summertime reflections, y’all! I challenge you to do the same kind of reflecting whenever you transition into something new — whether it be a new job, relationship, position, degree, mentality, etc. Ask yourself these questions: How did I spend my time in the past? How do I want to close out this chapter of my life? What do I want this next stage to look like? How am I going to make that change happen? Reflect on these questions and then enjoy the experience of your new beginning!
With Gratitude,
Jen
Jen DaSilva is a tenured educator in the East Windsor New Jersey Regional School District. She has taught Middle School Language Arts for seven years and gained the title of Teacher of the Year in the 2017/2018 school year. As an educator, Jen embraces her additional roles as a Diversity Club Advisor, Tween Girl Empowerment Mentor, and Editor.