I arrived this morning and checked my mailbox at school. There was my normal attendance folder, a few notices informing me of things happening around our school, and a letter from the chancellor. For some reason I began reading this letter as I ascended the stairs to my classroom. This letter was filled with information stating that there was a large budget problem and that many teachers would be losing their jobs. Notification would be sent out by September 30, 2009. Teachers who then have lost their jobs would be expected to work for another month.

At first, all of my thoughts began racing. I started thinking maybe I should go downstairs to the principals office and ask if my job was safe, and how they would make the determination for who they would lose.

Then, I began thinking about how I had just given up everything...my entire life in Colorado, to come here. To be closer to family, to try out something new and have a support system, to be able to take short weekend excursions, or even travel overseas once again.