I forgot what it feels like to start a new job! Every evening I am beyond exhaustion and even feel too tired to sit on the sofa to watch a movie 😉 I’ve learned so much this week and it’s been wonderful.

In the past I have struggled with the theory/practice divide: I learned so much at school, but found it difficult to connect it to my work with the children/families/coworkers. In my new position I can work on combining the two. The new centre offers so many possibilities! We get to work with researchers, we have a coach to support our work, we’re contributing to a blog together, and I have amazing coworkers! My community of practice comes to life and I couldn’t be more excited!

After 11 years at Pooh Corner I worked my last shift this week. I am glad that I had the last two weeks to revisit my old life, reflect on my work, and spend time with everyone. I can’t believe that I have been gone for two years, I really thought this day wouldn’t come so soon. I am leaving with a wealth of memories and am pleased to give a new teacher the opportunity to work with the toddlers in my favorite daycare.

Yesterday I started in my new position as Senior Educator at a new centre and was welcomed with open arms. The initial job posting that I replied to as well as the interview were lovely. We share the same philosophy and I think I will be a good fit 🙂 I can bring a lot to their centre AND I can learn a lot. Sounds like the perfect challenge at this time. I look forward to this new adventure.

This week was also the official deadline for our thesis. I imagined all my IMEC sisters around the world trying to finish the last few paragraphs and then finally submitting their theses. We’ve been working towards this moment for the last two years and now it’s already behind us. How I would love to see everyone just for a day to talk about the last semester. Perhaps I need to start saving for graduation in Malta in November.

A special thanks to Audrey & her dad who picked up my thesis at the shop in Dublin and saved the day! It was nearly impossible to print and bind my thesis here and submit it on time, so I owe them my degree! Ola sent this fabulous picture of the final product! Feeling delighted!