7th graders, 8th graders & me....Oh My!

I only have one favorite 7th grader in the whole world. You guessed it - Shania! Well, this favorite 7th grader, along with her teacher Ms. Kendrick, invited me to visit Republic Middle School yesterday to speak to the 7th & 8th grade Career Path class about my job. It was odd to re-enter the musty hallways that I once hung out in many years ago. The pictures on the wall are still the same, the front office where I was an office aide looks the same, the ancient letter board in the hallway showing who holds records in sports was still there - and no my name is not on it. But one thing has changed - I have gotten much older.

It seemed weird cruising the halls in my work attire as a visitor that was just about to answer to a class about my career choices and accomplishments over the past....well....uh....many years ago (there is no need to out how many years it was that I was a student in those hallways.)

I had planned ahead for this career class. I knew that I had to suddenly become the "rock star," the "awesome older sister" and the "best thing to visit class." I brought some beef stick snacks from work AND, more imporantly, I stopped at Walgreen's on the way and bought candy. I knew they would love me!

I was quite shocked that the little critters asked me hard questions: why did it take you 6 years to graduate college? has there ever been a time where you made a mistake in your career? how much do you make? Geesh...I thought I was entering a middle school class not the witness stand!
Ms. Kendrick asked me who I was married to and when I replied with "Blaine" she let out a big ole, "awwwww....Blaine is so adorable. I just adore Blaine!" I guess the hubby knew how to schmooze the ladies even back in 5th grade when he was a student of Ms. Kendrick's. I assured Ms. Kendrick that my Blainer had grown up, was still adorable and had grown in to those ears that he had back then. (Sorry honey - you couldn't avoid those things much like you couldn't avoid telling me how I walked like a horse! Nay! )

But all in all it was a fabulous time. Ms. Kendrick's Career Path class treated me well, participated in my conversations and I even heard, "that's the best one we have had yet!!" I keep trying to convince myself that "best one" was me instead of the candy that I took - but I am not convinced yet.

Thanks Shania for reintroducing me to the halls of RMS - the home of the mighty Tigers!