Changes

In April, Lindsay and I flew to the West Coast over my school's spring break. We visited Eamonn in San Francisco for a weekend, then rented a car and drove Northern California's scenic highway 101 up the coast. We wove along the ocean, through Redwood Forests, marveling at the simple beauty of the Pacific Northwest. A refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the Big City.

After two days of driving, we arrived in Aloha, OR (a suburb of Portland) to surprise Lindsay's parents. They were indeed surprised! Later that evening, we broke some rather big news: we'd be moving to Portland in the fall.

Lindsay grew up in the Portland area and went to the University of Oregon for undergrad. After graduating, she packed up her belongings, shipped a plethora of boxes, bought a one-way flight, and moved to New York City to begin a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Columbia.

Fast forward five years.

I was teaching English for a third year in a South Bronx high school. I had lost my previous teaching position due to budget cuts, was hired shortly after at a high-performing middle school in the process of adding a high school (a very ambitious goal), and began teaching the first cohort of 9th graders in September. Although I felt significantly more confident as a teacher, within a month, I felt like a first year teacher all over again. A new school to navigate, new kids, new administration. Our 9th grade was experiencing serious growing pains, and I felt in over my head.

It was around then that Lindsay and I began seriously discussing a possible move. I had never considered moving to the West coast (it's so far!!!!), but then again, before joining Teach For America, I had never considered moving to New York City. (Thanks, Kristin, for embarking on that journey with me!)

Both Lindsay and I yearned for something different: a slower-paced city, easier access to the outdoors and activities we love (hiking and camping), and, in general, a more sustainable lifestyle. Portland seemed to be that change we desired.

So, somewhere in between San Francisco and Portland on a misty April morning--despite my fear of change and being so far from my family and friends--we made a decision. We'd leave our jobs, our friends, our apartments, my family, and move.

Onto a new coast, a new city, a new adventure.