When people ask me about my job I tend to break out into a giant grin. It's as if I have a secret that the rest of the world doesn't know. I have two answers to this question. The short version is "I love it!" The longer version however takes a little more time to explain.
When I was 25 years old I reached a point in my life when I decided that I needed to figure out how I'd be spending the rest of it. I had dabbled in many jobs from barista to dog rescuing and while I had learned a lot about the world I had learned virtually nothing about myself. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, where I wanted to live, what inspired me, I didn't even know what my favorite color was.
When I saw the post on Craigslist for a part time assistant teacher I answered on a whim. I was in my first semester of an online school trying to test the waters of going into education. I didn't think in a million years that this school would hire someone with ZERO classroom experience. I sent an email expressing this along with my resume. Imagine my surprise when an interview was scheduled. I was nervous and excited.
When I arrived at Abeona I was not prepared at all for the interview. I was prepared for an interview just not the one I received. I had my initial interview with Emmy and was immediately ushered into the infant room. I was terrified. Miss Gladys saw my nervous and told me to relax. I took a deep breath and started my journey. I walked into all four classrooms and was awe inspired by the walls of all things. When I started reading the documentation I immediately realized this was unlike any place I had ever been. Who were these little people who had so much power over their surroundings. As my interview ended I realized that this was where I belonged.
My first year was a whirlwind of growth and love. I had never been so scared of anything in my life. I was just sure I was doing everything wrong and ruining these precious little lives. (I was a smidge dramatic then. :) ) I had managed to become a full time teacher and was so proud of myself and my classroom.
Time went by and I was constantly amazed at the power of children. On my worst days I walked into my classroom worrying about a deadline or a bad interaction with an adult I walk in and a room full of the most forgiving, loving people in the world yell my name and clamor at my legs. On my best days I sit quietly while they are sleeping and dream of who they are and what they will become. I spend my weeknights tucking them in and my weekends at their soccer games. I have found family here while mine is so far away.
I could give you a million reasons why I love my job. The projects have made me into a better person. I realized that when we spent a summer exploring The Beatles that I was learning right along with the kids. The power of my own vulnerability shines in their eyes as they sit in circle and sing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" For those of you who don't know Abeona is the Goddess that protects children by holding their hands as they take first steps. The very first steps, the first steps out of the home, and the first steps into a world that isn't always kind. The power of holding a hand as protector, friend, supporter, and teacher.
Teaching is the hardest and most wonderful thing I have ever done. I have worked harder at this than anything else in my life. I live and breathe this organization not because I feel that I am indebted but because this is what you do for your community.
Now as I take my first steps into furthering my education Abeona is holding my hand. By supporting this wondrous place you support me. You support children and this community. Please find it in your heart to donate at www.abeonahouse.org We are embarking on our largest fundraiser of the year and just like every year I promise I won't ask again.
My name is Nicole Foster, I want to help support children, I want to live in New Orleans, I am inspired daily by my community and the power of children, and my favorite color is blue.
