The combined school where I taught really opened my eyes. I learned more about different religions and it opened my eyes to different cultures. South Africa is not called the rainbow nation for nothing. I enjoyed my time at the school despite the religious issues. My focus was on the children and I wasn't there to win awards but to make a difference in children's lives.
I still have contact with a few students from that time, and I knew I didn't just make a difference in their lives, but they changed my life as well. I am far more open minded after that experience and I learned things that I will remember for the rest of my life.
I received a call from the school where my father was principal for many years, and they offered me a post. My father always believed that family should never work together, so even though I previously tried to get in, I never did. I knew most of the teachers at this school and I was extremely happy for this opportunity. I grabbed it with open arms and started teaching there within a month.
It was a totally new experience for me as I was now at a school where I knew most of the people and they knew me. It felt like I came home. For the first time in many many years, there were no issues, and I could focus on myself as a teacher and didn't have to worry about saying something that might offend someone or their religion.
The best of all was that my own kids were in the school so I had them with me the whole day. After school I didn't have to rush to fetch my kids as they were used to sitting in my class doing their homework.
I really enjoyed teaching there and build a lot of relationships with parents and teachers and kids. It is a time in my life that I will never forget and I will cherish forever. Unfortunately after eight years teaching there, we had to move as my husband was transferred and I tried everything in my power to get a post where we moved to.
At first we decided that I was going to take a year off teaching to settle in to our new environment, but it seemed as if I am not the housewife type and I felt absolutely lost. I was bored out of my mind and I couldn't stand not working. I decided to try a few different options and applied for non- teaching jobs in the area, but there was nothing I was interested in. I found an online school and applied there. I went for an interview and I got the job. Teaching is in my blood, and this is where I belong.
I am quite fond of the school where I work now, and I have the freedom to work my own hours, but I still have direct contact with the kids via an online class. Believe it or not but even though these kids should only count as virtual students because they don't sit in front of me, but they are so much more! I have a personal relationship with most of the students, and I love them dearly.
I know that I am in the right place in my life, and I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Life has a way of preparing us and shoving us into places where we are needed most, and I believe that I cannot be in a better place right now.
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