“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” -T.S. Eliot

I was rushing across the Middle School yard looking for my classroom. This was to be the first day in the classroom of my mentor, of the first semester of my Accelerated Collaborative Teacher ( ACT) Preparation Program. My aim was to obtain a Special Education Teaching Credential. I was returning to college after 35 years and taking 21 units this first semester. It was an accelerated program after all and I was to complete the course work in two semesters. As I rushed along across the school yard, balancing on my narrow high heeled wedge sandals, arms full of binders, and dragging a rolling backpack, my ankle turned.

A school yard like this

Similar to my shoes

I felt a sickening disorientation as I saw the ground rising up toward me. I fell face down on the tarmac. A student came over to ask if I was all right and helped me up. A staff member came over as well to make sure. I felt embarrassed that I was this lady falling down in the middle of the school yard. I said I was OK and was looking for my classroom. He gave me directions and I hurried on. I met my mentor and sat in to observe her class. It wasn’t until the end of the class that I realized I couldn’t put weight on my foot. I had skinned both knees as well. They had to wheel me to the main office in a wheelchair. Later that day I found out I had broken my foot. Maybe this should have been a warning that I might be rushing in the wrong direction with teaching. I went on to complete the semester, with a boot on my foot for a good part of it.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday is hosted by Linda G Hill. Prompt word for today is ‘yard.’ Image ‘Teacher’ via Pixabay.com