Arriving in Sin City!

Watch out Las Vegas!

Even with the 108 degree scorching heat poking fun at the Miami warmth I am used to, I LOVE IT HERE. Of course, I have not had to work yet, which will be rewarding of course, but I'll lose the vacation lifestyle I am currently living. Mornings at the gym (which is free of charge for the first week), afternoons at the pool, and evenings catching up on reading, movies, and running errands to familiarize myself with the Summerlin area. 

Oh, and did I mention taking time to BUILD MY OWN FURNITURE?! I am renting a furnished apartment so I was lucky to walk in and have all the basics. However, I bought and built a dresser (pause for effect). I wish that sentence was longer, because it sure was a tough task, but alas, I built a dresser (pause for applause!). 

It will take some time to get used to my environment. I am essentially in a fishbowl with glass sides made of picturesque mountains. Sure I grew up in Virginia, a state with EVERY climate imaginable (thanks Dad for reminding me of the beautiful seasons back east whenever I would wish to move West). But something about the browns and greens of the mountains evokes a sense of grounding to the earth I have never felt before. I am constantly whipping out my phone at red lights to snap a picture of the mountains. They are majestic, and I feel lucky to live in such a NATURAL area of a city that is dismissed for being filled with things that are just the opposite. 

As for my apartment, it is perfect! I am still working on my room but I have filled it with pictures of people I love, and that is what makes a house feel like home. I cannot wait for more friends to visit as I have already had one pool date on the strip! If you are heading out to Vegas, please let me know!

I'll sign off for now and leave you with a few photos of my new home, which is a work in progress!

All My Best,

Danielle

Teach For America Institute!

To My FIRST Students,

            Thank you from the bottom of my heart. When you walked in on day one of summer school, I could tell most of you were not "happy" to be spending your days with me. But over the past four weeks I have seen such a shift in attitude and effort that I simply COULD NOT be prouder of you.

            I was so nervous on day one, I nearly lost my breakfast! I was scared I wouldn't connect with you, or you wouldn't think I was qualified to teach. But you welcomed me into your classroom community and challenged me to constantly improve my teaching style. The feedback and encouraging notes did not go unnoticed and will SERIOUSLY help me in my first year of teaching. I know my future students will benefit from the work we did together this summer, so they thank you as well.

            I want to be very clear that this is not the end. My dream has always been to live in Los Angeles. When I was placed in Las Vegas, which was not my first choice, I was upset. But I decided to trust the powers that be and give it a try. And if being placed in Vegas meant getting to meet and teach all of you this summer, than it has already proven to be well worth it. Know that I am not leaving forever. Know that if you put in equal effort, we WILL see each other again. Know that even from another state, I am cheering you on everyday in class and in life.

            High school is an amazing time, don't waste it on things you may regret. Spend time with the friends that make you better. Do things that will help you get to those goals of straight A's, college, and beyond. If I could go back to relive high school I would just spend more time with my friends. They are all over the country now and those moments when we were all together seem to have come to an end, at least until we all start getting married. So savor the joyful moments.

            I'll leave you with a quote from my favorite author and poet, Mary Oliver:                       

                                    “Instructions for living a life.

                                                Pay attention.

                                                Be astonished.

                                                Tell about it.”

            I hope you will live an adventurous life full of joy and love. And I really hope you share your experiences with me. Send me an E-mail every once in a while. Text me a picture of the first A paper you write this year in English class. Show me your poetry and college essays! Above all, be you, because you are...

Wonderful

All My Best,

Ms. Danielle Landau