I arrived late last night, around midnight. A word of advice if you fly Jetblue . . . bring food cuz ya ain't gettin' none! (And a pillow sets a weary traveler back 7 bucks!) A bag of chips had to last me from 2:00 p.m. until I arrive here at the hotel. Thank goodness for room service!
I awoke this morning to a beautiful day in Boston. Clear skies, yet very cold temperatures and an even colder wind chill factor. As I made my way down to register for the fair, there were many people with ISS badges scattered about busily interviewing or intent on their lap tops. You could feel the excitement and tension in the air. After registering, I checked my "mail box." (Each candidate and recruiter has a file where we pick up and leave messages for each other.) I stood there in utter amazement as I read notes from heads of school in Bombay, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Munich, New Delhi, Bahrain and Turkey who were interested in interviewing me for positions at their school. You could have blown me over with a feather! It was really happening! I was standing at an international job fair in Boston reading notes from people around the world! Holy cow!
One of the first things I did was head to the local CVS Pharmacy to buy some thank you notes in order to write to each school with appreciation and let them know I had already accepted a position at DAIS. Even after reading the information given to me about each school, there is no doubt in my mind that I have made the right decision.
I then spent the rest of the day exploring Boston. Boy, was it chilly out there! I even bought and wore a hat! We're supposed to get 6-12 inches of snow (Thanks for the loan of the boots, Ali!) on Wednesday. The first place I headed for was Chinatown. : ) I went into this incredible Chinese market and the moment I stepped in the door, the sights and sounds transported me directly to China. No kidding! It was one of the many magical moments of this day.
I then let the kid in me slip and slide across the frozen swan pond in Boston Common and watched the ever hungry squirrels beg for food.
Just a half a block from the hotel is the Trinity Church. I was drawn inside by the beautiful architecture and warmth, but it turned into this incredible opportunity to sit in the serenity of this breathtakingly beautiful church and say a prayer of gratitude. Mom was with me, too. : )
Tonight I listened to a panel of Heads of School from around the world share what it is like to teach and work overseas. One of the words I heard tonight was vibrant . . . that's exactly how I'm feeling . . vibrant and very alive! I am meeting an amazing community of people! I am in awe.
I had drinks and dinner with Joe Rosevear, Head of Secondary School at DalianAmerican International School, and two of his friends, John and Mike, who are principal and vice principal at an international school in Israel. What insight they gave me into the recruiter's side of this journey! I am gaining a world (pun intended) of knowledge.
I meet with Dr. Kurt Nordness, my new boss, and Joe Rosevear tomorrow at 1:00 to sign my official contract. WOW!
Now it's time to sleep and soak in this most incredible day. I love and appreciate you all so very much!
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