One Year On
Exactly two years ago, I stepped on a plane in Sydney, crossed the ditch, and disembarked to make a new life in what quickly came to be my favourite country in the entire universe (sorry, USA). Then, exactly a year ago, my visa told me that if I ever wanted to come back to New Zealand, I'd have to leave. So now it's been a year since I ended my traveling adventure and came back "home."
Oh Kiwistan, how I miss you. I constantly dream about your breathtaking scenery, your unbelievably kind residents, and your generally awesome national self-image. When I'm not checking airfare prices, I'm counting down the days until the end of my five year comittment to teaching in the US. I listen to the podcast of Prime News everyday, and try to read the the New Zealand Herald when possible. I'm trying my best to maintain my connection, but life seems to get in the way.
This is not to say that I'm unhappy with where I am now or that the past year has been inferior to the previous one. This year in STEP has been just as--if not more--life-changing than any other. I've made amazing friends, learned more than I could ever imagine, and I don't plan on leaving any time soon. I love it here. So what do I do about the fact that two places I love so much are so far away, both geographically and emotionally? Do I really have to choose between the Bay Area and the Bay of Plenty?
5 comments:
who says you have to choose? if you think about it, the bay area is a lot closer to new zealand than any other place. besides zew zealand. and vice versa. lol.
i know you'll figure out the right place to be. good luck!
The NZ secondary teachers' union just pushed through a decent pay scale increase last year and they're hard up for math teachers at the moment nation wide (and that's before the recent baby boom hits the schools in 2012).
If you choose to come down the job prospects will look very good for you. That being said, the pay scale in California tops out at a very higher level, I believe. And it's California, where you can get Mexican food at pretty much any time of the day. Ah, mexican food...how I miss thee.
Oh, and we miss you too, cuz!
Dave and I are looking to possibly move there after Con is done with Community. Apparently both teachers and computer folks are needed.
Who knows where you will be in five years? Five years ago New Zealand was barely on your radar. You will make an impact wherever you go. I am glad you are choosing great places for the old folks to visit you.
You've definitely chosen better weather than your big sister has!
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