So, I just got home from the AASSA fair, where as Im sure you read, I accepted an offer. It was crazy, exciting, frustrating, nerve wracking, and neat. It was basically like sorority rush, on steroids. Here is a quick rundown for those of you who want to read on.
Day One: I got to Atlanta before the Orientation session and that is where it all started. I met several nice people who I was able to keep up with during the fair. It was your basic orientation session but surprisingly made me much more calm about the whole situation.
Day Two: It started off with a sign up session. Basically the whole room is full of schools who have positions listed. You go up to a table and have under a minute to show them your resume, explain who you are, what you've done, and what position you are looking for and then they will either say they will meet with you or turn you down. I was waiting for the soup nazi to pop out and say "No job for you!" Then you attend interviews for the rest of the day. It was long and tiring, but after that brief 30 minute period, I knew who I did and did not want. The weird thing was that at the end of the day one of the schools I met with offered me a job. I was shocked and appalled all at the same time. Who knows someone well enough after 30 minutes to offer them a job. I mean this is a two year commitment. The one thing I didnt realize was that the schools I was interested in wanted to know why I would turn down a job. It was a little uncomfortable. But, I thought my reason was valid.
Day Three: I was asked back by several of the schools, two schools did not ask me back. The two schools I was REALLY interested in did ask me back so I cancelled every meeting but them. Risky I know, but I didn't see the point in meeting with someone I wasn't going to take a job with. I first met with Graded, one of my top schools, and had a great meeting with their headmaster, then I met with the American School of Brasilia and had a great meeting with them as well. It was obvious that they were looking at the same 5 candidates and ironically, the headmasters used to work with one another and are great friends. In the end I accepted the job with American School of Brasilia.
The AASSA fair was great and if you are ever looking for a job in South America, I highly recommend them. I spent two days there, but I met lovely people, cried way too much, and changed my life.
Im really excited about my new school, new boss, new city, and new life. Only time will tell how this all turns out!
