To Inspire

inspire |inˈspīr|

verb [ with obj. ]

1 fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative: [ with obj. and infinitive ] : his passion for romantic literature inspired him to begin writing.

• create (a feeling, esp. a positive one) in a person: their past record does not inspire confidence.

(definition courtesy of Apple Dictionary)

Inspiration can come from many different places.  Every single day we are surrounded by incredible people who do amazing things.  My friend, Livi, has a blog all about the little things that motivate her.   After reading a few of her posts, I realized that even the smallest things can really change how a person operates.

You're probably wondering why I am writing about inspiration.  The reason is that in order to be remember by anyone, you have to inspire.  This relates to being a babysitter because you will get NOWHERE if you aren't liked/admired by parents and children.  I want to be the babysitter that the kids remember having fun with and enjoying their time.  

Below is a list of things that inspire/motive me (not all of the things, and certainly not in order):

Marta, Emma, Me, Samantha
Photo Courtesy of Claire

1. My friends 
2. "The Hunger Games"
3. My teachers
4. The song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
5. My lacrosse coaches
6. The Biggest Loser (tv show)

Also, you're probably thinking I am a weirdo with that list... Especially with "The Hunger Games."  The reason it's included is because Katniss pushes aside every obstacle and makes her situation work.  I want to be like that, and I want to inspire people like she has.  

Overall, inspiration can be found anywhere, and I personally want to be someone who can inspire others.  The main reason I want to be a teacher is to make a difference in lives. In my case, I remember every teacher I've had because of all the things they taught me to do.  Each of them inspired me to want to be a great person.  The little things are the ones that we remember, and I have great memories of my teachers teaching me about life and school.

So, next time you're about to do something, little or big, remember that you have to power to make a difference.  

My Babysitters

Growing up I had lots of great babysitters.  Some were great, others not so much.  Here in Park City parents pay the big bucks for a sitter.  However, at the Breiholz household, my parents were a little more tight with their rates.  Often times, I wonder if that discouraged them from watching us... That's aside from the point; I'm going to share some of my favorite memories of hanging with my babysitters.

My most frequent sitter was Ashley.  I used to idolize her, and I honestly wanted to be her BFFL.

Here is a list of a few memories of our experiences:

This is Ashley and Me many years ago on July 4th
Photo Courtesy of Ms. Breiholz

1. Mimi lost her tooth. 
2. I spilled the mac n' cheese on the floor. 
3. I dumped a bucket of tiny beads on the floor after the mac n' cheese incident. 
4. My dog, Rubie, bit my face and Ashley laughed at me. 
5. Trying on Ashley's hand-me-down clothes. 
6. Jumping on her trampoline. 
7. Dancing in my family room. 
8. Begging her to stay up thirty more minutes.
9. Playing Littlest Pet Shops. 

There are many more things I could recall from her watching me, but I am going to leave it at that.  Ashley experienced the best and the worst of Mimi and me.  I must admit that I was the pleasant child to watch... My sister was quite the nightmare.  I remember that Mimi bit another one of our babysitters and then sat in the corner of her room screaming for the evening.  Yet, when my mom would arrive home, she would tattle on me. AS IF I DID ANYTHING!!!

Thinking about my past babysitters makes me wonder what the kids I watch think of me.  I hope that when they're my age they remember the pleasant teenage girl who would spend her "free" evenings watching them play video games or (pretend to be) enjoying a quick round of UNO.  For now, I will act as nice as possible to ensure that I am remembered in a positive way.

Ideas for next weeks post?  Please comment below.

A Teacher in Training

This week, I wanted to write a post about my dream/hope for my future.

Not a day goes by that I don't want to be a teacher.  Ever since childhood, I've wanted to be in the field of education.  I guess you could say it runs in the family as my grammie, my uncle, and my mom are all teachers.  I appreciate my personal teachers because they put so much work into their jobs.  Not only is it one of the most rewarding jobs, but it requires so much energy and love.

A common remark I get when expressing this is that I won't make any money.  To me, this is so stupid to say.  I don't care about money as much as I care about making a difference.  With this being said, I do think that teachers are extremely underpaid for all of the work they do.  After all, they're the ones who supply the workforce with knowledgeable, well-rounded, hard-working workers.  Money may make some people happy, but it is not what makes my world go round.

On another note, I am so lucky to know Kathy Anderson.  She is the Park City School District Preschool Coordinator and also teaches three year old preschool at McPolin Elementary.  In eighth grade, I was able to be her "TA" (teacher aid).  I spent 130 minutes on every white day in her classroom, and I would eat lunch during their snack; it was the best time I can remember.  

It was practically project based learning because I was able to have a look on what it's like to be a real teacher.  Kathy taught me so much about patience, differentiating, and most importantly love.  She loves her job so much, and it's so obvious because the kids adore her.  During my elementary years, I had Kathy as a reading teacher and to this day I remember how much fun it was.

McPolin 3 yr. old class '11-'12
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Anderson

Myself and "L" during recess
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Anderson

As you can see above, I LOVE these children.  I invested my whole heart in their wellbeing and understanding of the lessons, games, etc.  This led me to take online PE this year so I could have an open period...  You can already guess what I did with that; TA for Kathy!!  Unfortunately, I am there for fifteen minutes of the morning class and twenty-five minutes with the afternoon.  Yet, I have decided to look on the bright side and remember how much I want this to be my future job.

Overall, I cannot wait until the day that I can make a difference in the lives of children.  What more is there to life?