Three Years.

Three years ago, I decided to start a blog because I didn't have a job. On some level, I thought that reading the classics, then writing about them, would fill a hole in my life.

When I think back on that decision, I want to reach back in my memories and give myself a hug. It was one of the best ideas I've ever had. It has brought me here, to this point, and I will be forever grateful for that decision.

I think that creating a reading list and devoting myself to a project made for self-improvement has led me to this point. In some very low points over the last three years, knowing that I had an audience waiting kept me sane. It allowed me to gain confidence in myself and my goals. I knew that I had support.

All of the comments, insights, questions, e-mails, tweets, and posts by all of you have helped me become more confident. I think that knowing I was worth more than I told myself made me a better person, and a better teacher.

Now I am staring down a brand new school year (starting on Tuesday), with my first real teaching job. And because of everything that has happened-the interviews, the depression, the experiences, and my blog-I have a lot more to offer those kids. I cannot wait to meet them, share my love of literature, and hopefully, inspire them to great things.

All I want to do is say thank you-for all of the encouragement and support. I know the blog is going through some changes as I transition to teaching full-time. But I won't stop reading, especially the classics. Because as cheesy as it sounds, they saved me in many ways.

Thank you.