I am a Teacher! by Inmate #1

So this is cool.. one of the teachers dropped out of wanting to teach an ACE (Adult Continuing Education) class this session and I volunteered. The class is a video class and takes place tomorrow. Its super easy, all I do is grade tests and watch the videos with them. I am teaching an art class - from Monet to Van Gogh! This is super cool since it was one of the ACE classes I actually thought about signing up for before I got my job so the fact that I am going to teach it is a very odd turn of events. Yes I am an overachiever. I don't think they have had many inmates here less than 60 days teaching classes.

I have decided since I am teaching that class this session and another class or two next session - I will not put in the form for camp. I really like my job and it balances out being here. Thank God I do not do it for the pay.. I get paid .12 per hour - I guess I wont be putting that on any applications I fill out when I get back home when they ask pay rate. :)

If I go to camp, I lose my job and will end up being bored and in food service. Its a big trade off to decide to stay in the craziness of unit 1 North but I like my routine.  One of the classes I am going to ask to teach next session is called epidemic. The classes are already picked so its not like I picked the subject but out of all of the next session, that would be my top choice. Yes I have issues - LOL. I don't remember what the other ones are which are being offered.

I was thinking a lot about everyone here and why some of them are so miserable. The bottom line is the only way to get through something like this is what you make out of it. I could have easily taken that assigned job in food service and been absolutely miserable having to get up at 4am to stand around and then wipe tables. I could easily not exercise and let myself go to hell and be depressed. I am choosing NOT to do that. This way is much harder as it requires a lot of work. Sure I want to lay in the bed at night eating oreos and doritos but that will just make me fat. I would rather buy the health bars and good for you snacks. I will survive this and then go home to my much more normal and appreciated life.