Hiking the Appalachian Trail had a profound impact on my outlook on life. I've learned that happiness comes in many forms, and that the only goal I need to be pursuing is my own happiness. And today I am thrilled to report that I am in a very happy place.
After several months of searching for a job that would be a good fit, I finally was offered the ideal position. Starting on Friday I will be working as the 7th grade science teacher at a fantastic school in the suburbs of Indianapolis. This will be my first time teaching as Ms. Fryska, and I feel it is an outstanding rebirth for me. I am starting a fresh new life, and following the path I should have always been on.
Throughout my job search, I knew that I couldn't settle for just any job. One thing that became clear to me along my thru-hike, is that working just to make a paycheck is no way to go through life. So as I prepared to re-enter the workforce, I was determined to find a position that allows me to channel my true passions and interests.
In addition to finding a position that matched my interests, it was also really important for me to work on a team with like-minded people. After interviewing for several positions where the bosses and staff seemed like mindless drones, I was thrilled to speak with a team where everyone was enthusiastic, dedicated, and progressive about their beliefs concerning education. Being surrounded by people who take their jobs seriously is going to be an awesome experience that will help me grow as an educator and as an individual. I am really excited to join a team where everyone will be as dedicated to their work as I am.
I am also thrilled about my new living situation. After living in a tiny rural town where I never truly felt at home, I am now living in an upscale urban oasis at the heart of downtown. My new accommodations include a plethora of amenities including a coffee bar, pool, gym, lounge, and dog park. All of my neighbors are clean, quiet, and polite individuals. I don't have to worry about seeing dogs chained up outside, hearing my neighbors scream at their children, or be paranoid about druggies wandering around outside my door (all things I dealt with when I was a home-owner). Obviously Indianapolis is not a perfect city and there will be crime and dreadful people, but in my current living situation I will be sheltered from it. I feel exponentially safer and more secure here than I ever did living in a rural community.
Another major benefit of living in the city is the walkability. Living in the country, I couldn't do anything without first getting my car and driving somewhere. Here in Indianapolis I have everything I need within walking distance. My car is stowed away in a parking garage, and I can reach everything I need by foot. A brand new Whole Foods is being built across the street, but for the time being I have a Marsh Supermarket 2 blocks away. White River State Park and an abundance of running paths are less than a mile away, coffee shops are on every corner, and the city itself is just fantastic to wander around.
Although I do not have mountains nearby, my new job allows me to still travel and see the world on a regular basis. Because of a balanced calendar, I will have 2 weeks off after each quarter and a lengthy summer vacation as well. I am not at all worried about missing the mountains, because I will have plenty of time to go adventuring.
After stumbling along for awhile and not following my own dreams, I know that I am finally on the right path. As Ms. Fryska, I am finally going to live my life, not someone else's. I've been given a fantastic opportunity to lead the life I have always imagined, and I know this path will continue to inspire and excite me. The new me is fulfilling all the dreams I've always wanted to achieve, and I can't wait to see what new adventures the future brings.
