"No one's life is a smooth sail; we all come into stormy weather. But it's this adversity - and more specifically our resilience - that makes us strong and successful." - Tony Robbins

This quote really resonates with me in so many ways. This past calendar year, we have seen so many ups and downs, but I have so many reasons to be thankful. Despite COVID and virtual learning, I experienced a lot of joyous life events. Being named Teacher of the Year was one of those amazing events that echoes and brings me happiness!

In addition, I bought my dream house, I begrudgingly earned new techniques to use in the classroom that I now love, I was awarded a grant for my eighth grade students to use an expensive online lab program, I have two wonderful new dogs to add to my already overcrowded collection of pets, and the clubs I help to advise in school have so many incredibly smart and kind members.

Each day, I am confronted with some kind of stress or anxiety. It’s not easy to face new challenges and obstacles, but I take a deep breath and think of ways to make it the best day. There is always something small to be thankful for and I try to remind myself of that every day. I don’t know that I would be as appreciative of these happy events if it had happened to me at another time in my life. “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... Life is about learning to dance in the rain." - Vivian Greene