Another very important part of TeamTracy is my work family: Trish, fellow colleagues, the administration and the students. This is my fourth year being a teacher. Not only was I super nervous about being a good teacher, trying to do everything right, earn the respect of my fellow colleagues and principals, learn from veteran teachers, love and foster the education of my charge, I was also trying to catch my breath and stay afloat with my health and independence. After leaving real estate, I moved back in with my parents and went back to school to earn my teaching credential and master's in education. I was single, broke, and the weight was coming on FAST!!! Fast forward a few years...two credentials, a masters and a total weight gain of 280 lbs. I was ready to start my new career but I was so unhappy and my health was at risk. I was afraid I was not even going to be hired. As teachers, we need to be good role models to students and teach the importance of healthy living and I was a fraud. Thankfully I was hired, and I told myself that the next priority was my health. As a special education teacher working with students with mild disabilities, a team is formed for each student (Resource specialist, the general education teachers, the student, the parent/s, and support staff). Everyone is equally important but as the resource specialist, I really rely on the support staff that works directly with the students on my caseload. A person who I work directly with is Trish! When Trish started working with me this year, it was as if I had another person I could 100% rely on to support our students!! I am so impressed with her initiative, intelligence, drive, passion, and caring for our students, staff and myself. When I left for Fitness Ridge Resort in September, she totally stepped up and took charge. I honestly don't know how I got by without Trish in my life!!! The students are so lucky to have her and SO AM I!! I am also very lucky that the staff and administration support me and are encouraging me 100%. My job is very important to me but I was starting to get fearful that my health was such an issue that is was impacting my job performance and ultimately shorten my life. A job at that point doesn't matter if you are dead. I already feel so much happier and healthier in my day to day, and that translates to my students and staff. My fellow work compadres....we spend so much time together...you are like a second family. Thank you very much!! Happy Birthday Trish!!!!
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