I am struggling with wanting to write about my job, but also knowing that it is entirely inappropriate for me to write about my job in a public blog. Even if I changed names and details it feels like an invasion of privacy.

It’s too bad, because the students, teachers, and staff at my school are a true cast of characters. So many fascinating backgrounds and personal interests! So many strange and wonderful proclivities! Such random moments throughout the day!

I will attempt to share a small anecdote without revealing too much information.

One of the teachers has prearranged for one of her students to carry heavy books back and forth to the office when he needs a break. This means that I often look up from whatever I’m doing (filing email, making a very long telephone call with an interpreter, printing attendance letters) to see a child standing right next to my desk presenting me with a very heavy book.

“Thank you!” I always say, as I take his book and hand him the other large book which sits behind my desk. “And can you take this one back to your teacher? Thank you so much!” It’s very unclear to me if he realizes that this whole endeavor is without purpose, but he keeps coming back.

The constant interruptions are sometimes stunning. I spent all day trying to print out fifteen attendance letters (they have to be printed one-by-one) and only managed to get through ten. Small tasks take forever. I often walk in at 6:45 AM and the phone immediately starts ringing and feels like it doesn’t ever stop. Some days the calls for behavior support start before the bell even sounds. Those are the days I end up further behind than I started.

I like it busy so far, but I wonder if it gets much harder as one gets older and more tired. Or the constant interruptions just erode your will to work hard over time?

Anyway, as of now I am still delighted by 99% of my coworkers and… well, let’s say a smaller percentage of the students but still. The kids are, if nothing else, extremely entertaining.