Young adult artist ready to take on the world.

Sorry I haven't been as active this summer as I initially felt I would be. I haven't been doing very much art (though I've started some things), and I still have two pictures that I need to take pictures of (since neither of them fit in the scanner).

The thing is, I've had a lot to think about lately. Don't worry, it's nothing bad, just a lot to think about. Current events, people around me, and where I'm going to go from here.

And here's the thing: I'm not just thinking. I'm acting.
I have had a fire lit under my ass. My mother was worried that all of this would leave me unsure and depressed, but while I did feel a tad lost earlier in the month, I sure as heck am not depressed.

So here's a snapshot of where I am right now. I was taken on as an intern at an art museum summer program for children, where I do various jobs for art teachers and students, mostly involving working with children. I'm also trying to start a summer tutoring service so I can make a little money doing what I love and helping people. Even beyond that, I've still got student teaching to do, but I'm starting to think about where I will take my education next. After all, I will be becoming a teacher, and even after I get my certification I will have to get my masters degree. I plan on getting it in special education, but I am not entirely sure where I will go for the degree. Likely at the same school, but there are other potential places where I might have a chance. And I am in a position where this avenue of learning is open to me.

Here's the thing. I was born into a great living situation. I have a pair of great parents and two great brothers, though of course we have our disagreements and tiffs, like any family. We are financially stable, and I can go from day to day knowing that there are a ton things that I don't need to worry about. I have friends in very good places, too. I don't want to just sit here and live in this situation. I want to use my situation to become the best I can be for myself, my family, and for everyone I come into contact with. I want to help people, which is why I became a teacher. Even for someone in my position, though, the future is not going to be easy. I do not expect finding a teaching job to be easy, especially in this economy. It's not the best time for up-and-coming teachers. Again, this information could have gotten me very depressed, but instead it has made me more determined.  I now see that even if I don't get a conventional education job, there are many avenues that are open for me that might not be readily seen. I have friends and relatives and teachers that I see doing such great work, and even if it can be thankless at times, Teachers generally love teaching. It is absolutely amazing what an impact a great teacher can have on the lives of so many people. I know this from first hand experience. That's what keeps them in the profession. I feel I have this spark, and I want to use it and my background to help people who need it. A quality education is one of the best things you could give someone.

There will always be people trying to work against you and go backwards. But at the same time, there are always people that are fighting for your rights and your well-being. Do not ignore those who are doing good just because those who do bad are that much louder. Always acknowledge those that do good and work with them. Do your research. After all, the world would be a far bleaker place without them. People can be rotten, but people can also be amazing. Let's be amazing.

Spoken like a true optimist, right?