April 18, 2007

I thought I would post an update since it's been awhile.

My job has been interesting. There is a lot to learn when you start working in a prison. All of the "normal" rules do not apply there. For instance, the first few weeks I had to walk around holding my arms down as you are not allowed to touch offenders there. It makes teaching them interesting. You have students who do not want to be there and make that very clear to you. It's part of my job to convince (conjole, bring along, etc.) that they not only need a GED, but they really want one. (They just don't know it yet.) Some are won over, some not. We had a graduation in April and it was really wonderful to see people who did not believe in themselves, earn their GED.

I have not given up on my ongoing passion for endangered species and wildlife. I will not be returning to the zoo, but that is not the only way to be involved. I have become a member of Northwest Conservation (a local conservation group). I also continue to investigate educational, volunteer and working positions in wildlife conservation. I am certain I will pursue this area in one form or another. I'm just not sure how yet.

My life here is settling in. It's still a little wierd to be a permanent resident here. It's quite beautiful. The air is so clean and cool. It's getting to those temperatures where you can sit on the front porch and relax. Bliss.