Beginnings

My husband is reading Why are all the Good Teachers Crazy by Frank Stepnowski.  I picked it up the other day and started reading the introduction, in which he explains the pretty crazy story of how he got his first teaching job.  It got me to think about my first successful interview, which while not nearly as crazy as his, is pretty interesting in its own way.

I was gallivanting in Germany the summer after college graduation, so my mom actually sent most of my resumes out.  As such, I interviewed for every job for which I was qualified.  I interviewed for in school suspension positions, maternity leave replacements; I impressed one high school principal but looked too young (I was not yet 22) and was referred to the middle school in the district, a job I also did not get.

So, things were looking pretty bleak when September rolled around.  In the midst of a strong economy, I could not find a job with a Bachelor's degree in History Education.  Resigned, I started looking into master's programs (it was too late) and contemplated working at my seasonal summer job and moving back into Mom and Dad's house.

I really had nothing to lose, I guess, when I interviewed for a position far north of my home.  I didn't know what I was getting into and was asked, "Why should I hire you when I have a stack of resumes here from people with master's degrees?"  What are you supposed to say to that when you have no experience and no advanced degree?  With nothing to lose, I replied, "Well, because I'm awesome."

I truly believe it was that answer that got me the job as well as the lasting friendship of the interviewer.  When he called me at that seasonal job, I dropped to the floor screaming with joy.

What I learned from the experience was that sometimes, you just have to throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks.  Sometimes, you just have to wing it.  And sometimes, being serious is not the best course of action.

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