You have a wonderful way of bringing humor to an impossible situation (I believe you are familiar with it–trying to keep my boss happy, while trying to keep my staff happy–HA!). I get discouraged about the “hush-hush” of libraries, and librarians, also.

Most people, I believe, know that library atmospheres are changing rapidly, however, with the influx of new generations of librarians and patrons. Outgoing librarians are just one of the much-needed changes!

Thank you for bringing a joyous atmosphere to our little local library. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, keep your own little, unique light shinin’! You are the only “you” in the world, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Missy”

I’ve loved it, even the bad days (like yesterday when the teacher was sick, and I spent the day helping the sub out with the class - the kids were rotten, and the sub had absolutely NO backbone in telling them no…It was insane. Oh, and to top it all off, there was a new kid in the class that morning, who I had no clue how to help, because of course he had no books, he had no desk, he had no supplies - NIGHTMARE!)

But even in the midst of that chaos, I still enjoyed myself and loved what I was doing. I look around the classroom and see myself exactly where I need to be. I just love it.

I told the sub that yesterday, and she looked at me as if I was insane. She looked as if she had lived through World War III by the end of the day, and had just barely survived. She was a brand-new sub and WAAAY over her head.

Anyway, thanks again for the push in the right direction, Diane - I truly do appreciate it.

Hava

If you think about it, it only makes sense: Librarians and teachers both usually love learning, love books, and have a drive for knowledge. In the end, it’s just how you apply that knowledge and love.

And Amy, I was thinking about you as I wrote this post. I know that I’m going just the opposite direction that you did, and I thought, “I hope I’m not making a mistake here!” And if I did go through the library program, get a Masters in Library Science, and work at a library for the rest of my life, I’m sure I would enjoy it. But it wouldn’t be quite where I could be. Does that make sense?

Good, better, best.

Good = Working as a clerk at Barnes and Noble
Better = Working as a reference librarian at the public library
Best = Working as a teacher at an elementary school

I would like all of those jobs, but I’d like one the most. I guess it’s time I actually follow my instincts and stopped being afraid. That’s really what it comes down to - I’m afraid I won’t be a good teacher. I need to stop letting that fear keep me from trying…

Hava

PS Amy, Just that alone (not liking Jane Austen) should have clued me in that I’m in the wrong profession! That should have been on the Meyers-Brigg test for librarians - do you like Jane Austen or not? If you don’t, why are you working here? LOL!