It is safe to say that I have been obsessed with the 2008 Summer Olympics. From the Opening Ceremony I have been watching them every spare moment I have (and even some I don’t). I’ve written lesson plans to the tunes of gymnastics, cut out hall passes as USA worked its way to men’s and women’s volleyball golds (both beach and indoor), and I have finished Sudoku puzzles while men and women ran and swam faster than ever before. I love the competition and the fact that the best athletes from all over the world come together to compete. Of course there have been some less than exciting things about the games: doping, dropped batons, (potentially) underage athletes, un-sportsmanlike conduct, and China’s human rights violations. Regardless, these Olympics have been sensational. And I have loved every minute.

One thing that I will always associate with the 2008 games is preparing for my first year of teaching. In some ways teaching and the Olympics are more closely related than some might think. When I walked into a classroom full of students on the first day I had to be prepared. I had to put my best foot forward and I only had once chance to make a good first impression. My first day was good. I spent a good portion of it trying to get to know each of my students. They are why I teach. They are more important than any concept or subject. I may not win a gold medal for my first year of teaching but I hope to be satisfied at the end that I have given my all, that I have invested in every single student and that I have provided them skills they will be able to use in life. 

The Olympics have inspired me to be a better teacher. I am sad that tonight is the closing ceremony, but I have loved watching it and can’t wait for London. I also can’t wait to walk into my room tomorrow to greet my students.