Orange Sky

Kind-hearted readers, please pardon my unplanned hiatus (unplanned being the operative word here).  July & August were a chaotic mess of summer classes, job hunting, and peddling vintage. Up until the very end of the summer, I was uncertain that I would find employment. 

But then, unexpectedly, just a few days before the school year would begin, right when I was beginning to give up hope, I was hired as full-time permanent substitute teacher in a local high school.  

When I was first offered this job, I must admit I was a little terrified. Being the chronic nervous nelly that I am, I worried that the students would routinely mutiny against me, that the teachers would regard me as a glorified babysitter, and that I would have no actual opportunities to teach a class.

Needless to say, I was extremely relieved when I found none of my predictions to be true. It's hard to keep track of all the wonderful things about my job. I love the fact that I everyday I'm surrounded by fantastic teachers who genuinely care about their students and about making learning engaging and meaningful for them. I love that I work in a school where the administration helps me practice my skills by placing me in English classes whenever possible. I love how candid and insightful the kids I work with can be; every day, I marvel at their ability to keep me laughing (even when they are trying my patience!). 

In truth, this is the happiest I have ever been. Admittedly, some days are harder than others, and I know I'm no old pro, but I'm always learning, and always trying. Every challenge is an opportunity to be a better teacher than I was the day before. Even on the tough days, all it takes is a kid to say "Hi Ms. Stevens!" and my mood reverses itself pretty quickly. 

I also find that dressing the way I do makes me somehow more approachable. Students come up to me just to ask me about my glasses or my shoes. Truth be told, being "the vintage sub" (a title I'm not entirely unfound of) has it's advantages: my clothes do the ice breaking for me!

I wore this dress for Decades Day, a day when faculty and students dress up as their favorite decade. Of course, I couldn't resist the chance to rock the 1960s in this fabulous bronze floral dress.

It's always fun to see the look on a kid's face when they ask me where my dress is from and I say, "Well, this one is from a second-hand store, and it's between 40 and 50 years old."  

Outfit Details:

1960s Bronze Floral Dress ~ Buffalo Exchange (Allston)

Ann Taylor Cream Cardigan ~ a gift from my mother

Black Suede Belt ~ Goodwill (Davis)

Brown Cut-out Heels ~ Raspberry Beret (Porter Sq)

1950s White Handbag ~ Vintage Revenge (closed)

Photography by Nicolle Saylor