I decided before I even left for winter vacation that I was not going to be returning to the school I've been working at next fall. I began thinking about working in Madison and getting my master's degree in bilingual education and I was incredibly excited. I began to work on my applications, find out from friends about the opportunities that were available to me, and research bilingual ed programs that I could take while teaching in Wisconsin. On Sunday afternoon, I had finally finished all of the applications. It felt so good to get it all done and I was genuinely excited about it all. And then I got an email from my coworker from last year.
I had emailed her because she wrote me a letter of recommendation, but I needed her to sign it. So I was trying to make a plan to meet up with her for coffee, catch up on the past six months, and have her sign the form. Well, she emailed me back Sunday evening asking if I had any interest at working at a new school in San Miguel de Allende (45 minutes from here). San Miguel is a cute little town, a lot of American and Canadian people retire there, it's a beautiful city, all that jazz. She didn't say a lot about the school, but said she could definitely send them my email address if I was interested. She mentioned it was dual immersion and project based. All of a sudden, I started flipping out. This school: www.academysanmiguel.org sounded absolutely incredible. So, I found out Wednesday that I got an interview. And I had my interview last night. And they offered me a job teaching fifth grade. And I don't know what to do!!
If anyone has some extra time on their hands and wants to give me some input, I would greatly appreciate it. There are definitely benefits of staying here (not having to leave Mexico, getting a dream job, being a part of a NEW school where my input counts, team teaching, all brand new technology, etc), but there are also many benefits of going home (one of the main ones is that I would be able to actually make money, and of course I would be closer to my parents and be able to get my bilingual license).
Right now, I'm leaning towards yes. I love being in Mexico, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I would get to work with my coworker Dorothy again, this experience can definitely only do positive things for me. BUT, how do I wrap my head around another year or two years in Mexico when, six days ago, I was ready to go home?????
Wow Sarah, congratulations! That school looks interesting, I'll probably send up my resume too. Plus, San Miguel... can't beat the living conditions. It's too bad that decisions like this have to come down to money. True, teacher salaries are pretty damn good in the states these days, and you will make even more with a master's degree. That being said, and you come from cold weather like I do, the quality of life here is good and I think it makes you happy. Despite the dreadfully dismal salaries, that sense of contentment and the opportunity to be immersed in a different culture counts for a lot. The master's program is important- perhaps you could do summer classes in Wisconsin or by internet, while working and living in Mexico. This would probably also help you earn the credits you need to keep your Wisconsin teachers cert current. I was able to do that by taking a few courses offered at the Kennedy through a university program from New York that they had contracted for interested staff. Good luck with the decision, and my only advice would be to think about quality of life along with those important carrer and financial considerations.
ReplyDeleteWow, Sarah! I definitely thought that you were joking when you sent me that link on Facebook. I'm going to send them an email with my resume, etc. Maybe we can be roomies, after all. I don't have any specific advice for your big decision, besides "do what makes you happy." I know it sounds silly, but what fun is life if you're not happy?
ReplyDeleteLove ya' chica!! Keep me posted, and we definitely need another Skype date.
Read your post from October 16th last year. If those reasons for staying in Queretaro are similar for staying in Mexico then go for it. You've got a whole life ahead of you to be teaching in the States. I agree with Mr Will...see if you can start your degree by correspondence. I understand the pull of home and of being with your family. I don't envy your decision. Try flipping a coin and see what your gut reaction is for the decision it gives you. Sliding Doors! Good luck with it all.
ReplyDeletePhillipa xox