Last spring I was blessed to be able to attend one of the “Seeds of Compassion” events in which the Dalai Lama spoke during his visit to Seattle. It was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. One of the things that I took away from the experience is that people, relationships and the entire world is nurtured by compassion and in this global community, it is essential that we not only learn to practice compassion ourselves but that we teach it to our children.
2008 has been an important year for me in the fact that I completed my year-long studies at Seattle University, which included three months of student teaching, and ended in July when I earned my Masters in Teaching. My student teaching experience turned out to be a very challenging experience, but one with many important lessons (mostly ones that I learned myself). I had a wonderful cooperating teacher who practiced compassion, not only with her students but with me as well and I am grateful to her for that.
Since last spring and throughout summer and fall, I have been applying for teaching jobs. As we all know, it is a tough economy at the moment, and so, I have not been able to find a full time teaching job. I am currently subbing in Edmonds, Mukilteo and the Shoreline school district (areas around Seattle). Subbing has its pros and cons but the bottom line is that I am getting more experience and hopefully it will lead to a long-term sub job.
My family is doing well. My sister Heidi and her husband Rick moved to Indiana in August, which was a mixed blessing. Rick got accepted to Purdue University (a full ride!) to pursue a PhD in Chemical Education and when he is finished will be a Chemistry professor. We are happy for this advancement in his career, but were sorry to see them go. They do plan to return to the Pacific Northwest after he graduates. My brother David and his long-time girlfriend Natalie are still living over in Maui and soaking up the sun and surf. My parents are doing well, my Dad enjoys retirement and my mom continues to care for my grandmother.
I plan to stay in the Seattle area for now, and hopefully will find a teaching job next year. I plan to go to Nebraska in June because one of my Peace Corps buddies is getting married. I also hope to go to Japan for another friend’s wedding, but much will depend on the job situation.
I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah & Chreken Bozheek!
If you want to learn more about the Seeds of Compassion tour, check out: http://www.seedsofcompassion.org/
Love,
Jesse
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