I am literally cleaning out my desk at work. I would be doing this at the winter break just for things I want to make sure I take home with me, but this time it is different: I’m not coming back. Many of you already know this, but if you didn’t, I decided to step down from working full-time. I’m not sure if I will be teaching at all in the Spring in the college system, but I will be teaching online workshops. I’d love for you to check out the low introductory rates (I hate to advertise so I cringe as I type that!) for some online services I’ll be offering in 2013 – well really – starting now.
As part of the cleaning out my desk, I’m also thinking of my virtual desk and how much stuff has backlogged that I wanted to tell you about so I am going to get through as many as I can today, and then start fresh.
- I am happily included in the new issue of Eye Socket Journal if you want to take a look-see (pun not intended, but enjoyed).
- Watched Indie Game: The Movie which was a terrific look into the creative side of independent game developers
- I finished the second in a trilogy of graphic novels by Kim Dong Hwa titled The Color of Water. I think I liked the first one a bit better, but I have a feeling I’ll pick up the third so I can finish out the series.
- With the theme of creativity continuing, I also watched Her Master’s Voice which followed a ventriloquist dealing with what to do with her teacher’s dummies after he passed away.
- As we think about reading and watching: What should children be reading? Discuss?
- Another documentary that follows young people is Make Believe. This one follows young magicians. Yes, again, I am fascinated by what people find a passion for, and what they can do with it once they realize they love it.
- I finished another Sherman Alexie book called Flight which was unusual, and moving, and well just well worth a read. It is also a very quick read.
- Another article for discussion is the Demographics of American Poetry. This is long, but really interesting.
- With a few more eyes toward fandom how about Trek Nation where Gene Roddenberry’s (creator of “Star Trek”) son meets with fans and others who worked on the iconic show to learn more about the fans and his father by extension.
- And one more article that had be thinking lately about the situation with education, specifically the type of job I have been doing, in America.
So that takes me pretty full circle and leaves off a couple of books that didn’t blow me away particularly as well as a sundry list of movies and documentaries that served more as time killer than anything else. So here is to starting fresh, finding new opportunities, and reading/watching exciting new things.
And, of course, I’m always here for your questions/discussions 
Jessie,
I find myself both happy and sad while reading your news. I’m happy that you’re venturing out to use your talents in other areas of your interest, but sad that you’re leaving the college scene. I guess I’m being selfish
It’s always hard breaking free from the things one grows accustomed to, but following your heart is the most important thing we all should do. I’m happy for you and I’m honored to of had you as my instructor!
Best Wishes and Good Luck!
It was a pleasure to have you, Kathie. And I will still be around. I may even be back in the college scene, but for now I’m going to help my family out and do what I can freelance to try and get by
You’re proving, yet again, what a wonderful person you are!
Flight? Is it a book on which the recent film starring Denzel Washington is based? It doesn’t seem too Sherman Alexie, but was definitely thought provoking…
Didn’t even think of that. I haven’t seen the movie yet. No connection this is a young adult novel.
Not sure of your reasons why for leaving the job, but in remembering my short lived teaching career years ago, the inspired and wildly motivated teacher and mother of two young kids, I was sadly disappointed and underpaid in the job. Not in the students so much, but some traces there…I did find my own children worthy of my talents. I did enjoy teaching culinary, but it is a luxury nowadays.
I would enjoy being your student, and am in a way already…your discussions and reviews and so much more are so fascinating to me
I know myself was a bit quiet that day we met, I decided to let Theresa talk as she is a teacher like you, but I would enjoy sitting down and having discussions with you, class or no classroom!
There are a variety of reasons I’m stepping back at this time, but a lot of it has to do with my father’s estate. I don’t think I’ll ever stop teaching, in some way or another. Can’t wait to start the freelance classes
OMG!! Jess, I had no idea. I will truly miss working with you. I know it was not regularly, but you being open to have me (and my colleagues) come into your classroom to give students additional information was priceless to us!! Best of luck to you. I will keep this information…about your freelance services…on hand. You never know when it could come in handy! Please stay connected, and don’t hesitate to reach out. It is hard to find good-hearted, fair, real people in our world…you definately are one of them!
Audra Esposito (RCCC)
Thanks, Audra! I truly loved working with student services. I’ve actually considered trying to do some more of that type of work part time while teaching part time. I just need to be more “part-time” for a while
That’s great that you’ve made a choice in which direction your career goes and are venturing to do something new. All the best to you and good luck in clearing out your real desk: I hope you got the virtual one sorted after sharing with us here. Best of luck!
I figured out a lot of things yesterday about setting up paypal links so that I can do my freelance work more efficiently so baby steps!
Thinking of you so much, Jessie, as you decide to step away from full time teaching job for awhile. Praying for the best, always!
I read your poems in Eye Socket . .. WOW! Congratulations and way to WRITE!
I always like to hear what you are reading and watching. I know whatever I read and watch has the ability to inspire me .. .if I let it.
The ‘what should children be reading’ and the ‘situation with education’ were both really good and make me think. To me it feels like quite a responsibility, teaching and deciding what should be taught. I had a smaller look at this, with our special needs daughter, trying to decide what would benefit her the most, to learn.
Thanks, as always, Jessie, for such great thinking posts!
Thanks so much, Debbie
Those poems in Eye Socket are some newer ones that I’ve had a lot of fun with. Glad they found a home.
Part of the reason I need/want to be part-time again is to give me a chance to work more one-on-one with people. I felt stretched a bit too thin as a full-time worker. When I only had a few classes I really had more time to spend with students; I was able to pinpoint my lessons a bit more. I look forward to doing that again.
It can be difficult to change course in life, but I know you will succeed in your new path as you have much to share and much help to provide to your fellow writers, whether in a formal academic or an independent setting. Best of luck that the coming year will be a bright one for you!
thanks, Jim! I hope to be around to more writing events especially