January, 31st 2015
Anchorage
As a confused college graduate 1 1/2 years ago, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do next. Actually, ‘not entirely sure’ was more like ‘please dear god don’t let me screw this one life up.’
So, why not jump on a plane (or rather a few) and go somewhere I have never been before?
I still remember that day, dazedly getting off the plane in Dillingham- I was ready to turn around and go right back. The feeling of not knowing who I was meeting at the airport had gotten to me. I was all of a sudden in a place that didn’t have regular cell phone reception. I was a lost puppy, in the middle of whack-a-doodle remote bush Alaska, without much of a clue of what I was doing. I still remember the shock of the first night- clinging to a bunch of strangers over overpriced burgers and salads.
Somehow, along the way, that dazed feeling became one of warmth and happiness with a sliver of heartbreak. There is something about Togiak that draws you in and makes it impossible to leave. Maybe it's to do with running downtown and hearing every kid scream your name as you pass by. Or walking into the A.C and having a conversation with half the people in there. Trying to figure out which of the overpriced, scary looking produce is most edible. Riding miles down the beach to first and second creek. Racing your kids (on their bikes) up the hill and crushing them despite being on foot. Star gazing. Being star struck at the sight of the northern lights on a clear night. Basketball. Friday nights at the library watching youtube videos with the kids. Clinging to a random 4wheeler to get a ride uphill. I could go on…
But the things that make it hardest hardest to leave? The community. The people. The kids.
Especially the kids. Listening to them, watching them, learning from them, learning with them. Sitka pen pals, penguins, making pancakes, around the world (well, except the world must come to Devonn!), memorizing those doubles facts, racing outside on a warm day, yoga, dancing, endless games of sparkle, teaching Miss. Keleher how to say Yupik words, book shares and tickets, centers, figuring out i-pads…again, I could go on.. and on. But the absolute best? The random, silly moments that we shared. I mean, in 20 years time if the only thing those kiddos can remember about 2nd grade is there teacher was a hamster killing weird-o, that is good enough for me.
Good byes are so hard.. that’s why I can’t say good bye.. just see you soon! I’ll be back.. to see how my wonderful class of second graders have grown up!
P.S- The worst person to hear the question, "Did anyone else notice what went wrong?" from? -A pilot, right after you land. Yea, I guess electrical failures aren't good, mid flight but at least we got on the ground, right?!
