so it begins
Remember that scene in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, when King Theoden is staring down the storming armies of Uruk Hai soldiers, as the dark clouds cover the night, rain pours down from above, the tension on the edge of a knife?
This scene perfectly encapsulates every teacher’s mood on that first day back after summer break.
We've been hauled up in our castles. We’ve prepared for the oncoming fight. The days grow dark and the weather grows foul.
The children come charging at us like a mad army, and we stand alone at the front line.
As it does every school year, the battle will finally end, but it’s a long one.
It’s a long ass hike to the summit. It looks terrifying to look up at it from Day 1 of school.
But I’ll be damned if it’s not an incredible journey to that top.
It will feel like a grueling hike. It will be an all out war many days.
And there are some of the best moments you will ever experience all in between.
Best of luck to all my fellow teachers out there. Enjoy the trails.
“Not all those who wander are lost” - JRR Tolkien