Week 3- Patience

I was told a couple days ago by a friend and former intern in my district that I would learn a lot of patience this year, and this week was definitely a lesson. It was the week after intern orientation but before school starts, the week all staff return to work for meetings and preparation. It started out pretty exciting, as most of the department had still been on vacation, so we got to meet everyone and get a real feel for the office environment. Our office, full of school psychologists and social workers, is lively and friendly, and I felt comfortable immediately. As the week went on, our days were mixed with meetings/trainings and down time to get work done. For the veterans, there was a lot of organization, paperwork, and contacting to do. For the interns... well, we made the best use of our time that we could. I wanted to be busy, be either in workshops or at schools, but I realized it was all temporary. Thursday and Friday I finally got to visit my schools, as well as those of my supervisors. I met people who will be instant allies and people who will become allies given time (it amazes me that there are people who question the need to give psychological help to their students, but I will work on them :) ). It was exciting to be in the energy of back-to-school preparation, although I am nervous for some schools that are still finishing construction and other projects. There was nothing like watching teachers and staff go into their new building for the first time- smiles and gasps over their new spaces, and the pride of the principal for what he could give his teachers and children.

So now, after resting this weekend, I will be part of a first day of school for the first time in five years. Even though these first days and weeks will be slow, and I will have to have more patience, I am just happy to be in the schools and working with teachers and children. Let the fun begin! :)