I graduated college 3 weeks ago and am still in disbelief. How could I, Miranda Olsen, possibly be old enough to have a college degree, pay for my own bills, hand over my parents credit card, wake up 5 days a week at 4:45 AM (still makes me queasy thinking about it) and say good bye to all of the college memories I so desperately want to never let go of. Well, this is all happening. I graduated with that little piece of paper they call a degree, I am moving to a new city with two incredible girls, and did I mention I am the newest ABA/Autism teacher for Cobb County? YES. All of the times I found myself praying, believing, and knowing I belonged in a classroom with special needs classroom. I would find myself just starring at those classrooms as I walked through schools, playgrounds, or even in the halls I student taught at. While I love all children, I knew that little tug at my heart was something I just couldn't ignore anymore. For years I knew that was my tick. I had people question me over and over, "Are you sure Miranda?" "Are you going to be able to handle it?" "That's your envision of your future classroom?" Actually, yes. That was my place. My purpose. My passion. My joy. Everything. I prayed that although I would be graduating with a degree in Early Childhood, I could somehow be placed into a Special Education classroom. I had no idea how it would happen, but for the first time in my life I let it go and let God. God has completely wrecked my heart for the past several months, and I know He would come through with whatever was come my way. And He prevailed once again. I was offered my dream job at my first interview two weeks to the day I graduated from college. How awesome is HE? I guess that is why I am writing this blog. I had a friend approach me and say, "You know Miranda, you should blog about your first year teaching in an ABA/Autism room. You're going to learn so much." She was exactly right. I should blog and share stories, mistakes, ideas, struggles, moments of happiness, moments of pure exhaustion with everyone. While I do know I probably won't have many readers, because let's be honest, who wants to read a teacher blog? It doesn't hurt my feelings, so don't you worry. But I hope I can eventually help someone out there, struggle with someone, cry with someone, laugh with someone, scream with someone, or maybe just even look back in a few years and see how much I have grown as a teacher and just a woman in general. So go ahead- won't sweat it if this is the only post you'll read, but I will ask you for one thing. Pray. Could you pray for my classroom, my kids, and myself? Pray that I can reach these kids who I already know are going to be such a huge part of my life, heart, and purpose in life. Pray that I pour Jesus in them, pray that I am able to understand and communicate with them in a way that just makes them feel at ease. While legally I do have to keep all my kids names anonymously and would love for you to pray for them by name, that just isn't an option. The good news is-- we all know that Jesus knows our hearts and our prayers before we even speak them. So no worries, the big man upstairs knows exactly who you will be talking about. My Dad sent me this prayer both he and my Mom have for me and I really just think it sums up my prayer perfectly:
..."Please help Miranda as she strengthens her students voices bodies and minds, to express their feelings and control them sometimes. To explore what's near and venture afar, but most important we know Miranda will love who they are."....
Honestly brings tears to my eyes. That I serve a King who knew from the day I was born that this is what I was called to do. To love on children with special needs and make them feel so incredibly loved.
So you are more than welcome to come on this journey with me. I hope it is somewhat enjoyable, and if anything you can come and just get a good laugh at my first year mistakes that are bound to bring someone some joy.
