Holley Murchison

This past Friday, I wrapped up my second week at my new school and I have to say that I’m incredibly grateful for a job that I’m passionate about. 6th and 7th graders are a handful but not a day has passed where I’ve left the school building without feeling fulfilled. My co-workers are cool, the program model is effective with the right execution, the work we do is extremely challenging but it MEANS something. And I’m happy. Really happy.

(There’s a lot more brewing that I’ll discuss in later posts)

The highlight (and conclusion) of each semester is a project called a WOW! where students creatively demonstrate what they’ve learned during a 10-week apprenticeship. Each of us co-teaches two per week (Tuesday/Thursday) and this semester, there’s a strong possibility that I’ll get the opportunity to teach my own. I’m amped about that - and about having the full freedom to create.

If you’re interested in volunteering as a Citizen Teacher, teaching your passion to middle-schoolers in a 10-week apprenticeship, I encourage you to apply here. If you’re seeking employment in the realm of education, learn more about the organization and their mission; Citizen Schools.

Posted up in a Starbucks off Wall St. and had a few minutes to think and just let life marinate a bit. I’m learning to be more careful and more certain when asking for things I want - particularly because God has a helluva sense of humor.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about moving out of New York and attracting a career in another state. All that thinking resulted in a job offer…in New Jersey (see what I meant about God’s sense of humor?). Since Monday, I’ve accepted said job, started it, been offered a more fitting position (ironically enough, in the community I was raised in - Harlem) at another organization and submitted a resignation letter for the out of state role. An interesting week, to say the least. I’m excited about the new gig, especially because it was the one I really gunning for (I just got a little impatient with the recruitment/hiring process and moved onto something else). Like a lot of folks, I’m sure - I want what I want when I want, when I want it. BUT, when life puts up signs for me to cool out, slow down and be patient - I take heed. Always. 

I say all this to say - choose your thoughts carefully (because they have a tendency to manifest), be patient (everything doesn’t work on our time) and never be afraid to make the BEST decision for YOU. In the end, you’re the one who has to live with that decision, no one else (unless you’re deciding what you and your significant other are having for dinner - that’s a different story).

May you live every day of your life. - Jonathan Swift

Thank you 2010 for all the memories, accomplishments, ideas that came to fruition, allowing me to fall in love again, and giving me the courage to give up a comfortable living to see a dream fulfilled.

As I’m sure many of us have declared over the course of the past few days, I’m not really into resolutions for the new year. I will, however, stay committed to my daily aim - making sure that I am better than I was the day before (whether it’s by learning something new, helping someone, creating an opportunity or embracing one).

Here’s to the start of another 365. Wishing you guys all the best.