Shooting for the Moon

In the beginning of this school year, I had the idea that this would be my last year at SIS. I had spent the summer updating my resume, revising my personal and professional statements and creating an online portfolio. When I got back to China, I collected letters of reference and signed up with an online international teaching organization.Yup! I was ready to get the heck out of Dodge.

Then, some things happened.

First, I began working with a new principal. Ask any teacher and they will tell you how much an administrator can affect the atmosphere and feel of a school. I was cautiously optimistic about our new principal. What I have found is a principal who is fair, patient, empowering and genuine. He has continued to foster the already wonderful community that was in place at SIS. I truly enjoy working with him. Professionally, this is a reason to stay in Shekou.

Then, I realized that the international teaching organization with which I signed up was not exactly a high quality group. I was only getting notifications for job openings from second and third tier schools. I was contacted by a school from Chengdu, and when I went to their website to investigate, I saw pictures of teachers who looked like they were being held against their will. Yikes. Clearly, this would not be a source of high quality teaching opportunities. A setback, indicating a future in Shekou.

But, alas! While researching some top tier Asian schools, I found an opening at an amazing school. Literally, this was my dream job. United World College Southeast Asia in Singapore posted an opening for a middle school humanities teacher. I jumped! I wrote one heck of a cover letter. I spiffed up my CV and sent it off.

I feel like I need to give some background on UWCSEA so you have some idea of what a long shot this was for me. UWC has schools all over the world. Their students are globally minded, justice oriented, and have a habit of becoming internationally recognized movers and shakers. They are adventure seekers who are stewards of their world. Literally THOUSANDS seek employment there every year. Last year, they had 41 positions open and over 21,000 applicants... You do the math.

So, I shot for the moon. And waited...

Meanwhile... I met someone.

For those of you who said I would meet someone in China, and I scoffed at you, I humbly submit my apology.

Facebook friends may remember a post about a certain handsome German man who I met in the elevator. The elevator led to an exchange of business cards (I live in China), cards led to coffee, which led to wine, which led to dinner, which led to... a pretty happy Andrea. He is a wonderful man: Thoughtful, chivalrous, honest, funny and best of all, he likes and appreciates me. I am quite smitten. Personally... A reason to stay in Shekou? Sadly, no.

The week before our first coffee, he signed a contract with a new company in Germany. He leaves on Dec. 22.

I will leave on the 18th for Aruba for my sister's wedding. And while I am very excited to celebrate this happy occasion, I am not, as per usual, counting down the days until I get to come home. The 18th will be a hard day for me.

Against all odds, I did get an interview with UWC. It went well. I very much enjoyed my conversation with them. At the end of the interview, he mentioned that I was on the "short list." To be short listed at UWC is a huge deal. Other candidates were needing interview, so I waited.  Again.

I recently found out that I did not get the job.  I was in the final three, out of over a thousand applicants. They chose to hire a "known entity." They strongly encouraged me to apply again.  Really, I feel good about this. Still... Another reason to stay in Shekou.

This is a very long story to say I will, in all likelihood, stay in Shekou for one more year.

I am not sad about this decision. I really love my students. Everyday, I am amazed by their kindness, responsibility, and sweet senses of humour. SIS is amazing. If you could see what we are accomplishing with technology, literacy, advisory, and service learning it would blow your mind.  SIS has completely redefined my definition of "school." We are so much more than a school. And I love being a part of it.

This was my autumn of shooting for the moon, personally and professionally. I dared to try for what I perceived was impossible. The outcome certainly was not what I had intended, but man did it feel good to take some risks.