Foreword

 I realized something after making and then immediately breaking a commitment to myself (and Aunt Jane) to get back to writing: The only times in my life when I have been able to write with any consistency are when I've written for an audience (that's you) on a blog (like this.) Looking back at some of the moments I chose to remember in writing, it makes me aware of the many other moments I have most definitely forgotten since then. Weird how so much of your life can evaporate like that. But neat that you can preserve some of your brainwaves by writing them down. 


A lot has happened since the missives I sent from my couch on the 11th floor of my first apartment in Quito.  

I found an awesome roommate and friend in Quito and moved into his apartment, where I spent more time laughing and talking and consuming passionfruit margaritas than writing about what I was doing with my time.

Donald Trump completed a full term as president that was both more and less disastrous than predicted.

I moved back to New York City and found a job teaching Spanish (!) at a public progressive school on the lower east side. I met the greatest colleagues I could imagine and experienced what it was like to be a part of a school that not only functions well, but has a common vision that prioritizes social justice and activism and the well-being of the whole child. I learned what it's like to be allowed to see students first as human beings, not cogs and widgets, and to be treated like a human being in kind. 

I also discovered that even under the best of circumstances, being a teacher (at least, trying to be a good one) is exhausting and all-consuming. 

The entire world was brought to a halt by the global pandemic that we are still trying to claw our way out of a year and a half later.

I experienced deep, aching loneliness during lockdown the likes of which I had never known before, and hope to never know again.

I realized that the pull of my life in New York was diminishing compared to the pull of being with family in Philadelphia. 

I became more aware of my unwilling, unwitting role in the perpetuation of the injustices of white supremacy and vowed to do better.

I quit my job and decided to wait a while before trying to find another one.

I moved to Philadelphia. Which is where I am now, sitting on my couch (as well as on a huge pile of privilege that allowed me to be here in this way, at this time.)

So now I offer this to you - moments, thoughts and impressions from the year of my unschooling. 




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