Saturday, September 1, 2012

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.

25 comments:

  1. Congratulations on three years, Allie! I'm glad you decided to start blogging. I'm only now getting dedicated to it myself, but I already feel a sense of community and support in blogging. I hope you keep blogging for three more years, and beyond. I know I intend to!
    Cheers!
    Jenna

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  2. This post is just lovely. But you need to know that your audience didn't just come. It is your merit to have gathered so many devoted readers! We come because your blog is simply so interesting and you are interesting, not because we think we ought to. And you don't know how glad I am to read that your life is going so well (in relation to your new job, of course). Your blog (and Délaissé) have both inspired me to start my own blog, myself. So, thank YOU.

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  3. I just read your faq and now I read that you did get a permanent "real"'job as a teacher! That is so great! I am relatively new to blogging & found you through the Harry Potter read along.

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  4. congrats on the three years - your content has never failed to amaze me and provide for lots of food for thought. You are currently before a new page in your odyssey - let's see what that brings!

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  5. Your post made me smile. Congratulations on three wonderful years! (I did the same for myself - a personal project and yes, it has "saved" me in many ways too)

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  6. Fantastic achievement, Allie, well done! :D

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  7. Congrats, Allie! Enjoy the new school year!

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  8. Congrats on 3 years! Good luck in your new job!

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  9. Congratulations, Allie!! Thinking of you as you start teaching. You're going to be great!!

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  10. *hugs* You're awesome. Happy 3 years! :)

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  11. My love and best wishes go with you Tuesday!! Congrats on the job, and three years cooking for it. ;-) xx

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  12. Happy three years!! I'm glad you'll be sharing your love of the classics with the upcoming generation!

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  13. Happy blog anniversary! And good luck in the new school year :)

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  14. Congrats on three years, Allie!!! I hope you have a wonderful school year. You're students are going to love you. The best teachers are the ones that are passionate about the subjects they teach.

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  15. Congrats on three years! Here is to many more!!

    <3

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  16. Congrats! I'm so glad you've made it! You should be really proud and never forget what you've accomplished! :)

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  17. Oh, Allie. This is my favorite part of this post: "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." I know EXACTLY what you mean. <3

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  18. Congratulations on three years, Allie! Best wishes for the coming school year and for your continued blogging and bookish endeavors.

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  19. Happy three years, Allie! It's been a pleasure to be on this journey with you. I can't wait to see what changes are ahead because they will be from a good place! :)

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  20. Happy third blogoversary, Allie! Here's to many more years to come :)

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  21. congrats on the full-time job, Allie! So happy for you.

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  22. I know I'm a bit late on this, but I've been playing catch up with my Google Reader since we got back. I can't believe it's been 3 years! You have created something so wonderful here and I'm so glad I found it almost 3 years ago!

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