You can call me Miss Bolander...

I spent the last four days in St. Paul, Minnesota, visiting my friend Erin. Erin and I went to New Zealand through the same study abroad program and we have been lucky enough to spend quite a few mini vacations together.

This is Erin and I enjoying the Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis yesterday:

Following our adventures in the garden and a delicious meal of hot dogs and mac & cheese, we were about to settle down for the night. Remembering that I needed to sign up for a 5k that I will be running on the 25^th, I got online, registered for the race, and then checked my email. I was not expecting to see this: American Samoa 2011-2012 Teaching Placements. My reaction was instantaneous. My jaw dropped, I started shaking (truth), and I felt like I was about to lose my mind.

THIS WAS IT! Would I be teaching Geometry? Or a lab involving chemicals? Just thinking about this makes me cringe. I had never been more nervous in my life. All I wanted was to be an English teacher.

I opened the document with Erin by my side and Mom on the phone…and then I screeched because my dream came true. For the 2011-2012 school year, I will be teaching English at Faga’itua High School in Faga’itua, American Samoa. I could not have asked for a better placement. I will be on the big island, Tutuila, but I will be in a rural village, something that I had asked for on my preference form.

I think the village is pronounced Fahnguh-ai-too-ah.  Upon my arrival in AmSam, anything can happen. I could be transferred to another school, village, or island, but for now, I am beyond ecstatic with my placement. 

My happy dance was definitely necessary:

The countdown is 24 DAYS! Soon to come: what and how I am packing (oh how difficult that will be), last adventures in the USA, and prepping to be a high school teacher!