Life begins at the end of your comfort zone

It is hard to believe that in a week from now I will be on a plane, starting my 13 hour flight on a journey that will certainly change my life in many ways. I never in a million years thought my first full time teaching job would be at an international school in Qatar. It was the end of April that this opportunity presented itself- which was only 4 months ago.

My beautiful new home in a week Doha, Qatar

Running around getting everything I needed for my work visa was definitely one of the most stressful things I have ever had to do in my life- just ask any of my coworkers from the library! I remember while I was substitute teaching for a teacher for 5 days in a row (and I actually knew her so I was able to actually teach a unit) and during my lunch breaks and prep periods I was making trips to the post office to get money orders made or making calls to make sure my visa would be available in time. A big shout out to the awesome team of Debra and Adam at ASAP Document Services. They took a ton of stress out of the ordeal. I pictured them like my team racing around DC and NYC getting the signatures and everything that I needed. It was well worth the extra fees and I was so relieved to have it all completed and sent to the school secretary in Qatar by the beginning of July.

The official stamp of approval from the Department of State and
signature from current Secretary of State John Kerry. 

It still feels unreal sometimes, but it definitely felt real when I got my flight information the other day. It really is happening! Each day I get a little more contact from the school, e-mails telling us who will be picking us up from the airport, what our schedule will be like, what we are doing for our orientation- it is all starting to come together.

A 2 year teaching contract with GEMS American Academy Qatar. GEMS stands for Global Education Management Systems, and they are an international education company. It is the largest operator of kindergarten to grade 12 schools in the world, with over 70 schools in a dozen countries (including Qatar!). I plan to do as much traveling as I can during these 2 years. Not many people are provided an opportunity like this. I plan to take full advantage by filling my passport with stamps and seeing as much of the world as I can.

All packed up and ready to go!

As you can see I've got my Barbie pink suitcases all loaded up (with some children's books as well as my clothes). I couldn't help but pack up some school supplies. I feel like it will make it feel more like my classroom if I bring along some of my own supplies. After my student teaching I got so much free posters, calendars, etc. to hang in my classroom, and now I finally have a chance to use them! I just have to make sure my bags don't weigh over 50 lbs, otherwise I pay a fun hefty fee.

I absolutely feel ready to take on this adventure. This opportunity has presented itself at an ideal time in my life. It is a chance for me to meet new people, get some experience under my belt, see the world, and get to know myself even more. I've lived in New Jersey all of my life. I am ready to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself, and see the world. Experience is the best teacher and I am eager to learn!