I have a new job!

pophead2k · Post by **pophead2k** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:35 am

Finally, four months after Katrina, I am a contributing tax payer once again. No more sucking from the government teat for me! Actually, it never got that far, but it would have been a realistic option in the next 60 days or so.......

Anyway, I am a high school teacher by trade, but coming into a district in the middle of the year it is fairly difficult to find a full-time job with benefits, so for the rest of this year I will be working in an elementary school one on one with a 3rd grade boy who is physically disabled. It will be a very interesting challenge. He is fine mentally, but has physical difficulty communicating and has very limited use of arms and no use of his legs. Besides the educational component, I will also have to help with bathroom functions, feeding at lunch, helping in and out of mom's car, etc. I'm fairly daunted, especially because I interviewed yesterday and am starting on Tuesday. Wish me luck, especially in learning the complicated functions of moving his automated chair!

In related news, I am the proud owner of a new car..... the first new car I have ever purchased in my life (in New Orleans I didn't even own a car). Its a Scion XA, cheap and great mileage. What a day! Please return to your regularly scheduled perusings.....

Who Shot Sam? · Post by **Who Shot Sam?** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:39 am

Congratulations pophead! That job sounds challenging.

mood swung · Post by **mood swung** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:24 am

congrats, pophead! that sounds like rewarding work. I hope you like the great state of NC too. It's a favorite of mine.

selfmademug · Post by **selfmademug** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:09 am

That little guy is getting a helluva guy as a teacher. That's all fantastic news, 2K. And you deserve lots more of the same.

oily slick · Post by **oily slick** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 2:58 pm

congratulations and best wishes.

miss buenos aires · Post by **miss buenos aires** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 5:13 pm

Wow, that's really interesting. It will probably give you a whole new perspective on life, although I suppose you've been up to your ears in new perspectives of late. Are you settling down in NC? I would love to know what you think of rebuilding New Orleans, but that's probably a topic for a different thread.

El Vez · Post by **El Vez** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 6:26 pm

Wonderful news and best wishes, Pop.

invisible Pole · Post by **invisible Pole** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:46 pm

Great news, pophead2k. Congratulations !

noiseradio · Post by **noiseradio** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:30 pm

I'm happy for your new opportunity and new car. That kid doesn't know how lucky he is.

bobster · Post by **bobster** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:37 pm

Great news, pop!

Mr. Average · Post by **Mr. Average** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 12:24 am

One chapter ends, and another begins. Something tells me that this story will get better and better as the "Journey of Pophead2K" continues to grow and hold interest for us all.

Prosper through the kindness and giving that only a dedicated teacher can know.

RedShoes · Post by **RedShoes** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:02 am

Congratulations!!! I hope you find this new challenge rewarding and fulfilling.

Goody2Shoes · Post by **Goody2Shoes** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:19 am

Congratulations! That is good news, for both you and your student.

Boy With A Problem · Post by **Boy With A Problem** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:14 pm

Congratulations and more of what Goody said!

Tim(e) · Post by **Tim(e)** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:34 pm

Congrats...

my brother has two step-sons who have a disability that is in some way related to spina biffita but a lot more extreme (mentally as well as severely physically handicapped), and if his development as a person as a result of caring for those kids (now adults) is anything to go by, the rewards will far outweigh any difficulties you might encounter.

Sounds like you are both very lucky people!!

Extreme Honey · Post by **Extreme Honey** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:39 pm

Great job, pophead! It must be nice to know that no matter where your life goes from now on, you have chosen to help a little boy that will no doubt benefit a lot from your help. Good luck, and don't drive drunk!

legman open to offers · Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:03 am

Bless you pophead for taking on such a rewarding challenge!

Post by **spooky girlfriend** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:12 am

Good on you, Pophead. It's nice to finally be establishing some roots again, I'm sure. Thanks for keeping us all posted. Good luck and all the best to you.

so lacklustre · Post by **so lacklustre** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 4:45 pm

Well done Pophead, hope it turns out to be something that is as fulfilling as it could be.

pophead2k · Post by **pophead2k** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 7:41 pm

Hey, thanks all. I really appreciate the sentiments. I had my first day with Stephen today. He has Cerebral palsy, which heavily inhibits his speech ability as well as motor functions. His intellect is outstanding, especially in math and science and his reading comprehension is great. He uses some adavptive technology to communicate, and I'll have to be learning a lot of new stuff. Its going to be hard, but I think very worthwhile. The fact that he's a sweet kid makes it all the easier. Thanks again for the kind words, you are all the best.

Otis Westinghouse · Post by **Otis Westinghouse** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:05 pm

Well done, mate, that's great to read and I'm sure you'll play an important part in his life. My Left Foot revisited. Was thinking of you during the impressive documentary about New Orleans that was shown the other night (wuth contributions from EC). Heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure.

kimmy · Post by **kimmy** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:03 pm

Congrats, 2K! I have worked in the same field for 10 years, am I am currently a job developer/job coach for people with developmental and physical disabilities. The job is challenging at times for sure, but I can also say that it will provide rewards that you cannot put a "wage" on as well. Best of luck!!

verbal gymnastics · Post by **verbal gymnastics** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 10:04 am

Belated congratulations. I can only echo the sentiments already expressed.

Good luck. I suspect it will be difficult but extremely rewarding.

VG