The interview that Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy went to a couple of weeks ago at the local American private school has delivered some positive results. Yesterday, I received a phone call asking me if I could come in and substitute teach for some biology (yea!) and physics (eek!) classes. (Let me just say that one the few C’s that I received in college was in physics…and “Physics for Poets” at that!)
While this opportunity does not represent full-time work, the part-time days on/days off schedule actually fits in quite well with my situation at the moment. (I can still schedule my doctors appointments and physical therapy sessions during the afternoon, and my language classes in the evenings.) Though my first steps are small, my goals remain large. They already asked if I would be interested in becoming a permanent math teacher in for the following academic year.
It’s interesting, the path that our lives takes at times.
A few years ago I would have never imagined that I would be teaching. Now, on top of teaching my home-schooled nephew three times a week, I will also be starting to teach these high school classes on a part-time basis. Teaching continues to become a much larger part of my life, and I am enjoying it.
I have a new found respect for my favorite (and most supportive) professor from graduate school. Ten years ago, he told me that I should become a professor. His recommendation at that time would have gone a long way towards placing me in an open faculty position in the architecture department at another university. I passed on the opportunity, deciding instead to wander into the new world of web software design and development. While I never regretted this decision, I always wondered what my life would have been like had I decided to teach. I need not ask myself this question any more.
I knew this phone call might be coming soon…when I interviewed a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I needed a few weeks before I would be able to respond to any requests. Little did I know that my availability would coincide with a major flare. When I got the call yesterday, I hesitated for just a second. Should I, or shouldn’t I? When they told me that my day would end shortly after midday, I accepted.
So today is a big day for me. It’s not so much about what this may or may not mean for my career which continues to span different areas (personally, I’ve never been a big fan of over-specialization). It’s more about my being able to return to work during a major flare, despite my disabilities. This means a lot to me.
The director of the school is fully aware that I live with rheumatoid arthritis, and we spoke of the impact that it has on my life. I applaud him for giving me this opportunity to be a part of his institution. I had hoped to have some news to share for World Arthritis Day, whose theme this year was “Let’s Work Together”. I am two days late, but I am happy to finally be able to share this good news.
Stay tuned…for the next adventure of Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy!
Congrats and best of luck with this new opportunity!
Congratulations. Hope you enjoy this new path.
Thanks for the lovely comments on my blog. This is awesome and obviously, long overdue. You are a good person and you deserve good things.
This is great news. It’s also encouraging to me that the director of the school would not overlook someone based on the fact that they have RA. Best of luck.
Congratulations! You will be awesome in this position. It is amazing where life takes us, isn’t it?
Wonderful news RA Guy!! I trust your adjustment to this job is easy. Teaching is a wonderful profession and it is truly remarkable the effect a teacher has on a students life.
Blessings Mallen
This is fabulous news & will take you into an area where you can reach many young people & their energy can reach you as well! If you think about it, you have been a teacher ever since you started this blog–developing a “curriculum” & sharing your knowledge of & experience with RA. Enjoy the adventure!
Congrats! Sounds perfect! I enjoy my job and even though I have mornings that I can barely get out of bed….work is my motivator and it actually helps me get through the day. There are days my hands hurt so bad that it hurts to even type but it also helps me keep my mind off my aches and pains. All my best to you in your new endeavor! WOO-HOO!
Thanks everyone! It was a great morning, and passed much more quickly than I anticipated. Hopefully this can bring some health benefits down the road (I’m all about getting benefits right now!)
What wonderful news, son!–I’ve already shared them with your Dad and he is equally as happy for you as I am. This new opportunity will enable you to continue touching the lives of others in positive ways. We are both so proud of you! Love you lots, Mom
congrats! keep us posted on your new adventure
This is wonderful news, RA Guy! I believe that stress is also a factor in rheumatoid arthritis. Certainly, dealing with pain and disability each day (along with trying not to worry what the next day will bring) as well as coping with concern over fulfilling work and day-to-day finances doesn’t help. It all counts as stress — low level, perhaps, but always there. I’m glad for you and wish you the best as you move along this new path in your life.
I´m dying to know more details about this new work path of you….please keep us posted. BUENA SUERTE on the next classes…YES!!!!