New Job, New Adventures

Exactly one year ago today, I graduated from college and began my big adventure. In exactly three weeks, I will begin the next leg of that big adventure called life. So many things have changed dramatically for me in the last year, and I can't even fathom what might be to come this next year!

For those of you who have kept up with my blogs and posts, you're pretty well up to date. But for those of you who haven't checked in in a while, here's the scoop. In one year, I have left Auburn to move to Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, a town that went from completely unknown territory to a place I will forever hold dear in my heart. I overcame my fears there; I healed and grew stronger there; I learned to surf there; I grew tremendously as a young teacher there; I lived the good life as a dolphin tour guide there; I applied to more jobs than I can count there; I met my wonderful boyfriend and many friends there; and I found a quiet place for my soul there, surrounded by the raw beauty of Mother Nature.

At the end of May, I moved back to the States, knowing that I only had 6 weeks of camp to figure out what I was going to do next. At this point, I had been so all over the place and flying by the seat of my pants for a year. I was used to the uncertainty, but that didn't make it easier. I JUST WANTED A JOB, and of course, not just any job...one that would allow me to do what I was passionate about and break the educational mold that so many students are forced into. I never felt that I naturally fit into the cooker cutter education system that is so overridden with standardized testing, so I wanted a job that would let me teach what I actually believed in. Our world is changing, and our education system needs to catch up! Despite pressures from others and my finances, I was more than determined not to settle.

And now, here I am, three weeks away from starting a job that will allow me to follow those dreams. It will open so many doors, and the experience in a learning environment like this one will be priceless.

So what IS this exciting new opportunity, you ask?!?

I WILL BE THE NEW FARM TO TABLE INTERN AT WOOLMAN SEMESTER SCHOOL IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA!!!!!
(Here's the link: http://semester.woolman.org/ )

Ok, now let me explain the FAQs.

1. How did you find this job?!
Paco (the aforementioned wonderful boyfriend) works at a Quaker camp during the summers, and one of his former coworkers now works at Woolman. Back in the spring, Paco recommended that I look at Woolman because he thought I would like it and be a good fit, but alas, there were no job openings! I friended Paco's friend on Facebook, and a few weeks ago, he posted something about a new internship that was open at Woolman! I simply emailed the Farm to Table contact person for more info, and we talked for an hour and a half on the phone! Needless to say, we got along well, and she offered me the internship a few days later.

2. Wait a minute...You're going to be teaching at a QUAKER school? Don't they wear blue smocks and shun electricity and the modern world?!?!?
No silly, those are the Amish you're thinking of. Quakers are quite open to the ideas from the modern world actually, and yes, I will have electricity, and no, I will not have to wear a smock. Basically, the Quakers believe in spreading good and love, non-violent communication/conflict-resolution, and cooperation with nature. In fact, several of the teachers and staff (like me) do not consider themselves Quaker, and that's perfectly okay.

3. So what will you be doing as a Farm to Table Intern?
I will assist the Farm to Table Teacher, Maggie, in teaching Farm to Table classes to 11th and 12th graders, planting/harvesting/managing a one acre, organic garden plot, learning to tend to the orchards, taking seed inventory and preserving harvest for the winter, writing and developing curriculum, and possibly even attempting to write some grants. As an intern, I will also be required to take Non-Violent Communications class, and I will be in charge of cooking one of the dinners each week for the staff and students (all meals are provided on campus, and most of the produce that we use will come right from my garden! They're also completely vegetarian....). Maggie's background is in farming and mine is in education, so we should make a great team!

4. You keep saying "Farm to Table"...what is that?!
Farm to Table is a rapidly growing movement that encourages people to buy fresh produce locally from small farmers, or better yet, grow their own food! The idea is that the closer you are (in the supply chain) to your food, the better it is for everyone. Small farmers (opposed to large-scale corporate farms) and the economy benefit, and since food has to travel shorter distances, it is fresher and has less environmental impact. I will be an advocate for this movement as I teach students how to work in our garden and cook the produce we harvest. We will also discuss topics related to this movement or gardening or cooking in our class. The best part? No standardized testing, and students are encouraged to explore their own interests instead!

5. Have you found a place to live yet?
Interns are not paid (GASP), but the school does provide on-campus housing and all (vegetarian) meals. Therefore, I pretty much just need to pack my bags and show up! I will have my own A-frame cabin on the edge of campus, tucked up by the evergreens in the mountains.  I will not have any roommates (unless Paco decides to come!!! But that's a whole different story for later ha). My A-frame will be tiny, with two twin beds and two desks, and it is heated entirely with a wood-burning fireplace. Yes, I have to chop my own firewood! Haha! The bathroom will be a shared bath house, and I will have access to the school kitchen whenever I need it. I will even have my very own patio that I am free to decorate and use as I please. Home sweet home.

6. How long will you be there?
I leave on Sunday, August 24th for a 9-12 month placement. I am required to stay until May, with the option to stay for the summer quarter if I choose to. I will get big breaks to come home around Thanksgiving and Easter.

Whew. Well that just about covers the major points I think! I am so relieved to have a plan and excited to see what's next! I am a happy camper.

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES! Can you keep up? :)