365 Days Of Love. Day 125

I hate being told, "You can't do that, do you know what you're getting into?"

I think it's probably one of the most inconsiderate things to say to a person. I am capable of knowing my limits, I understand the things I can and can't do. Most importantly, though, I'm the one doing it. So, by the rare chance, if I don't accomplish something I set out to do, I'm going to have to live with the consequences, no one else.

A few days ago, I got in touch with Teach For America-South Dakota. The Executive Director was so excited to have an alum, originally from South Dakota, back in the state. He asked for my resume and immediately sent it out to a few organizations. The next day, he sent me an incredibly excited sounding e-mail telling me about a librarian position on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Moments later, the principal of the school e-mailed me as well. Literacy centric conversations soon ensued between the three of us and I was soon overcome with the same excitement I had as a first-time Teach For America corps member two years ago. I felt passion, passion that has been burdened by an unsuccessful job search and sad summer.

This morning, I submitted my 18 page application to Crazy Horse School. On Wednesday, I'm going to visit Pine Ridge and meet the newest TFA inductees as they get ready for their first year teaching. This job, by no means, is "in the bag." My application has to be reviewed, I have to interviewed, and then, I have to be loved and wanted. This process, though, has reminded me of something. I care most about helping the underserved, I feel most passionate when I'm pursuing the empowerment of people and communities. For awhile, I thought about getting a "9-5" job doing anything. My spirit doesn't want, though, my spirit wants to do something that offers a path to independence for others, a journey of self-discovery and identity building.

When I've shared this potential opportunity with some people, they've told me "you can't do that." Ultimately, though, I know I can't can't do it, or something wildly similar to it.