Yay for Tub!

I had a 7 month long spiritual experience that finally made sense today. I won't go into it all. But basically, even though ALL of the odds were against me getting into the University of Utah Secondary Education Teacher Licensing Program.... I was prompted many many times to keep trying to apply. And it all paid off because I got my letter of acceptance today! I know this isn't a funny blog. But I'm SO excited! So, starting this Fall I will begin the program, do my student teaching in the Spring and then be done and start teaching! Woo! I'm really excited because it's a cohort program, so I will be with the same group of students through everything. Like a little support team.

The other good news I have had is I started my new job working with troubled teens (12-18 yrs). These teens have numerous possible issues such as depression, suicidal, substance abuse, run-aways. etc etc. My job is basically to hang out with the kids and keep them on task. They live there, have therapy there and go to school there. Also, if they have act-outs (punching, kicking, swearing etc) then it's my job to restrain them and put them into an observation room. So I had to learn this week how to verbally calm them down, as well as how to block punches, kicks, hair pulls, and how to properly restrain them. I'm sore and all bruised up. I asked, "How often does this happen?". Apparently, it happens around 3-4 times a month. A lot more than I thought. So, it's not a matter of IF I have to do that stuff.... it's WHEN. But, I really am SO excited to be working with these kids. I know it will be hard to detach myself emotionally, but it's so rewarding to help them out. I'm so excited! At this point I don't know if I can legally tell stories on here. I'll have to ask what the rules are with that.... but if I can..... Oh man, I already have some interesting ones, and more to come!