Embracing the New [Summer]

Okakura Kakuzo was a Japanese scholar & art critic from the late 1800s who constantly sought out critical & reflective views of traditional customs & beliefs. During the westernization of Japan, Kakuzo worked hard to maintain the heritage and history of traditional, Japanese art forms, while also adapting to a more modern, civilized nation. The idea of readjusting to one's world and it's changing surroundings encouraged Kakuzo to seek out perspectives & find deeper meaning in his life's work. While the western influences of the world trickled their way throughout Japan's rich culture, Kakuzo transformed his art to reflect a blend of past and future cultural perspective.

I loved Kakuzo's approach to embracing life, as he truly emphasized how we as humans adapt and change while the world continues to shift. If we don't allow ourselves to readjust to the new, how can we expect ourselves to experience it? This ideology seemed reflective of my "what's next" chapter of my life. Feeling intrigued? Keep reading to find out!

Last week, I shared that I would be tackling something new this summer instead of my usual "no work" vibe. I hinted that it would still involve working with children and would play into the education world without being in a classroom setting. Are you stumped!? Want to know!? Well, I'll tell you! I'm excited to share that I have taken on a summer job!

Yes, I know what you must be thinking right now. You're probably thinking, why is she excited about this? Why on earth would you take a summer job when you get summers off? Why are you thrilled about working even more? Believe me, I had all these thoughts running through my mind at first too, but I came around to the idea. Let me elaborate:

This summer, I will be a summer camp counselor for children with exceptionalities, or disabilities, at an organization called Embracing Abilities. This organization provides services & programming to kids with disabilities. Kids who participate in this programing are able to partake in extra-curricular activities, life/social skill learning, and of course, summer camp! I will work 1:1 each day of summer camp with a kiddo between the ages of 5-10. I'm so excited to take on this new role and try something different than my normal "7-4," or 9-5 as non-teachers like to say. While the hours for this job may be the same in terms of daily work, the work approach will be much different from teaching a classroom of students.

What is so intriguing about this summer opportunity, you might ask? Check out my reasoning for why this summer job opportunity checks all my boxes:

1. We get to take kids to community-based programs around the city, whether that's a children's museum, the zoo, water park, pool, nature observatory, you name it! That is the true definition of a fun, summer camp!

2. I have the option to work part time, so I'll only be working a few days of the week rather than all five. Talk about flexible scheduling!

3. I'm licensed in special education, so I'll be able to put much of my education and practice into action when working with these campers.

4. I'm a teacher, and although I do have my contract structured to pay me year-round, a little additional income is never a bad thing. I've got bills to pay, after all!

5. One of my teacher besties is also working alongside me, so that's not a bad gig, now is it?

The biggest reason of all?

This opportunity will constantly push me to readjust to my surroundings. Taking on a summer job is a readjustment all on it's own, as I normally would not work in the summers. Tackling each day, sometimes with a new camper each time, will bring forth it's new experiences and challenges. Building new relationships & community will encourage social-emotional growth not just for the camper,s but for myself as well.

Like Kakuzo shared, the beauty of life around us comes from our ability and willingness to readjust. Trying something new and adapting to a change in our regular routine or pattern enhances our reactions to our experiences and pushes us to respond, think and grow. Personally, I can't wait to start this new chapter and see how it pushes me. I hope to gain more insight into 1:1 special education support, as well as how to better support all learners with various impairments. I'm thrilled by the idea of connecting with more learners of all backgrounds, upbringings, cultures & lifestyles. Finally, the chance to bring excitement and joy to a child's life motivates me to EMBRACE this new opportunity with an open mind and a humble spirit. I look forward to sharing my experiences and adventures with you, as well as the knowledge and insight I gain. Until then, EMBRACE this new [Summer] with me and readjust yourself to what's around you! You never know what might happen!

Sharing Perspective. Encouraging Perseverance.

~Kendall