So I've happened upon another long-term sub job as a parapro. I'm working with kindergarteners (again) in a school district that has a distinctively lower general income level than the kind I got used to working in last year. My role is that of a one-on-one, with a young man who has yet to be classified and is awaiting an IEP.

It's hard work, but I'm so glad that I am out of the routine of last year and experiencing a school with challenges that I can really learn from. The staff conversations are completely different. And the students offer an entirely different dynamic to work with.

I am so thankful for six weeks of work. I can come home and relax for a bit knowing that I've worked hard, and the student I'm working with is making baby steps every day. It's nice to feel like my effort is worth something.