Zac posted this lovely clip and I've become obsessed with it.
Enjoy
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
What it is like to live where you work
I posted a little while ago about the fact that I'm living in the boarding part of our school now.
For most people I know, this decision of mine has been met with various degrees of both cynicism and admiration, with one colleague remarking, "It is better you than me."
The role of a boarding supervisor is an interesting one. Overall, there are about 20 of us, across Years 8 to 12 with a mix of teaching staff, Old Boys and other staff. I am rostered on for about 12 hours a week and then, over the course of the Term, will also complete 4 full day shifts (8am-10:30pm).
The most obvious benefit of this arrangement is money. I'm not spending money on rent, fuel to travel to work or most food. I still buy the bread and snacks I like to eat but mostly, I eat in a dining room with the other supervisors every night. My sister said I was the happiest she'd seen me in a long time and we think that has a lot to do with the fact that finally I'm able to do some of the things I've wanted to do, like go overseas. The other benefit is that I get to build on my role at the school. This is the most wonderful job but sometimes just teaching can feel like it is the same thing, over and over. Being in boarding has given me something new to do, a new challenge, a way to test myself and my time.
I have a little ensuited room I call home. It is situated in the oldest building on our campus, a little bit away from the kids' dorms. I have plenty of space for my queen bed, a desk, chest of drawers and bookshelf. Plus there is a TV unit, sink and cupboard in the room. The little ensuite attached is big enough for a shelf, dirty clothes basket and has two cupboards built in. I have plenty of room for all the things I need. The downside of living in a 60+ year old building are that my roof leaked at the start of the year when it poured rain for days. Hot water is hard to get going and is currently not working in the little 'kitchen' sink I have. There are quite a few bugs about as well but plenty of geckos to eat them. I have a beautiful view in the morning and can often watch the sun rise from my windows.
Being a woman in a mostly male environment has its challenges but after working in a boys' school for the last 5 years, there is not much that I can't handle. I work with the Year 8s when I'm on shift. If it is a weekend shift it might involve playing sport for recreation, watching movies, supervising their study time, dealing with any fights or arguments or tears that may take place. We play ping pong and pool a lot and in Summer, spend an hour or so at the pool on the weekend. I do the same things as the male supervisors on shift.
Lately, people have asked me, "How are you going with boarding?" with a very concerned look on their face. The truth is I enjoy it but it is hard at times. This week I've had to really consider where I'm spending my time as I need to get ahead with some of my Masters work and so I'm really testing my time management skills but even that is going okay. Sometimes, it is hard to be on your feet for 15 hours and trying to work out where someone's school diary is while simultaneously answering the phone, letting someone into a computer room and ticking off someone else's homework. But then, when it is done I walk one minute along the road to my little room, put the lights on, have a long shower and wake up for another day at the job that makes me feel like I'm at home.
For most people I know, this decision of mine has been met with various degrees of both cynicism and admiration, with one colleague remarking, "It is better you than me."
The role of a boarding supervisor is an interesting one. Overall, there are about 20 of us, across Years 8 to 12 with a mix of teaching staff, Old Boys and other staff. I am rostered on for about 12 hours a week and then, over the course of the Term, will also complete 4 full day shifts (8am-10:30pm).
The most obvious benefit of this arrangement is money. I'm not spending money on rent, fuel to travel to work or most food. I still buy the bread and snacks I like to eat but mostly, I eat in a dining room with the other supervisors every night. My sister said I was the happiest she'd seen me in a long time and we think that has a lot to do with the fact that finally I'm able to do some of the things I've wanted to do, like go overseas. The other benefit is that I get to build on my role at the school. This is the most wonderful job but sometimes just teaching can feel like it is the same thing, over and over. Being in boarding has given me something new to do, a new challenge, a way to test myself and my time.
I have a little ensuited room I call home. It is situated in the oldest building on our campus, a little bit away from the kids' dorms. I have plenty of space for my queen bed, a desk, chest of drawers and bookshelf. Plus there is a TV unit, sink and cupboard in the room. The little ensuite attached is big enough for a shelf, dirty clothes basket and has two cupboards built in. I have plenty of room for all the things I need. The downside of living in a 60+ year old building are that my roof leaked at the start of the year when it poured rain for days. Hot water is hard to get going and is currently not working in the little 'kitchen' sink I have. There are quite a few bugs about as well but plenty of geckos to eat them. I have a beautiful view in the morning and can often watch the sun rise from my windows.
Being a woman in a mostly male environment has its challenges but after working in a boys' school for the last 5 years, there is not much that I can't handle. I work with the Year 8s when I'm on shift. If it is a weekend shift it might involve playing sport for recreation, watching movies, supervising their study time, dealing with any fights or arguments or tears that may take place. We play ping pong and pool a lot and in Summer, spend an hour or so at the pool on the weekend. I do the same things as the male supervisors on shift.
Lately, people have asked me, "How are you going with boarding?" with a very concerned look on their face. The truth is I enjoy it but it is hard at times. This week I've had to really consider where I'm spending my time as I need to get ahead with some of my Masters work and so I'm really testing my time management skills but even that is going okay. Sometimes, it is hard to be on your feet for 15 hours and trying to work out where someone's school diary is while simultaneously answering the phone, letting someone into a computer room and ticking off someone else's homework. But then, when it is done I walk one minute along the road to my little room, put the lights on, have a long shower and wake up for another day at the job that makes me feel like I'm at home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)