Jeff for America

It’s not that I haven’t been inspired to reflect or to get on here and post about this or that. I’m usually inspired on a daily basis. In fact, I just looked up and saw this and felt pretty motivated. I think I just needed a break. A break from anticipating the next day, from catching up with to-do lists and scrounging for time to run or cook or clean. I’ve mostly decompressed from the school year, and it’s time to redirect a few things.

I haven’t taken a true summer break since the two months following my high school graduation. I’ve either been abroad or interning or researching or learning how to be a teacher. So six years later, I’ve decided to take two months to myself. No supervisors, no schedules, and, yes, no money. But being a teacher means a continuous paycheck and thus the ability to have a little fun on my school’s dime.

But my true summer break wasn’t a concerted effort to actually take a break. In fact, I tried to fill these 8 weeks with something more meaningful and productive. I applied to four different programs or internships and to no avail. Deflating my ego is one thing, but seriously – nothing? Did I not just teach in urban Philadelphia for two years? Did I not also simultaneously take classes and earn a teaching certificate and M.S. in Education? Did I not just work my ass off proving to myself that I was capable of just about anything? Yes, I think I did. But only to find, apparently, all that experience was not quite what they’re looking for.

Bitter? Me? No…not at all. Just wondering what all this means and where I’ll end up next. So in the spirit of being self-made, I’m taking this summer to myself. And don’t go thinking I’m just gonna do yoga and watch movies and eat all summer. I’ve got a few plans that might just make this a more meaningful and productive summer than any internship or office job could offer. And trust me, you’ll be hearing all about it.

It feels good to be back.

- Jeff