February almost seems to have come and gone...

Our post office.

The hills in the distance... a beautiful day in Chevak.

The time seems to be flying by more quickly than I had anticipated. The end of the school year is only three months away and I can hardly believe it. This month my students have to complete Terra Nova tests, LEP testing, AND DRAs... it sounds like a lot, but as we go through the testing one step at a time I am realizing that it is manageable (though it does take away from time that could be spent on more learning).

It's been awhile since I've been able to actually sit down and write about how I am feeling about the whole experience of teaching in rural Alaska aka "the bush." I have been trying to scrapbook, blog, and journal since the date of my arrival; however, time does still seem to get the best of me.

I am enjoying it here. I have read over and over again that the first year is the hardest and it pulls you in many directions, yet I honestly feel that I have had such a pleasant first year. My circumstances are different for many reasons, which is a huge part of why I chose to teach in Chevak as a first year teacher. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity.

Don't get me wrong; there are struggles. Many days our tub will get backed up and will refuse to drain... the other day I had to stand in a bucket to shower. Quite frequently our toilet will not flush and things get disgusting over a period of days before the problem is fixed. My friends are my co-workers and also my neighbors (you can never really step away from work). And I miss friends and family functions.

But, the experiences I have had, the friendships I have made, the learnings I have come to, and the difference I hope I have made makes it all worth it. There really isn't a day where I go to work and feel like I am at work. I wonder if that makes sense... I do feel like I am putting in effort and time, but I enjoy it... it is a passion.

I am continuing to take courses through UAA online and find that I am amazed at how well educators can network all over the state of Alaska. And I recognize that I will probably always be a student because I really do love learning and growing, especially when it involves delving into my passion.

Anyway, it is late and I need to get some rest. Madeleine (my bestfriend since the 5th grade) is coming to visit me on Sunday and I cannot wait! The weather has been a bit windy and stormy so have hopeful thoughts that the weather will allow for her to make the flights on time and that we will be able to visit as planned! As always, thanks for keeping an interest (:
Quyana,
Misty

My new kuspuk made by Ms. Laura Atcherian... don't you love it?!


Chris, Emily and I at Hoopfest 2009... GO COMETS!!!