Things that should be known:
1. I teach middle school, specifically 7th grade.
2. I am lazy (hence the two months since last posting).
3. I have gotten progressively worse in my outfit choices since becoming a teacher five years ago.
I used to get up at 5:30 am to get ready, do my hair, pick out awesome clothes. Then it was 5:50 and, as of September, I’ve been rolling out of bed at 6:10 to rush around and try to look presentable at my job. Most mornings, I walk in at 7:20 (my contract day starts at 7:15) and turn on the lights just as kids are walking in. This, honestly, doesn’t bother me. I have the majority of my stuff ready the day before and I have a first period prep to do any last minute things.
Years ago, students adored my clothes. Before my students had to wear uniforms, they would sometimes go out to Target or Old Navy and buy what I was wearing to be like me. I had one student who would come to school every day with stars drawn on her left foot just like mine. Fast forward a couple years and now my students are more likely to ask me what’s wrong with my hair or if I know my sweater has a hole in it (YES, I know, I bought it that way without knowing it).
I still dress professionally, sort of. Most days I’m wearing some kind of knit shirt, a sweater, and black or brown pants. And depending on the shirt, I’ll either wear flats or my (trusty)Chucks. And my hair is pulled back in a pony tail (after it has finished air drying which is around 9:00 am). I have to admit, I’ve let my style go a little. Or a lot, depending on how long you’ve known me.
So here’s the plan: we have one week of school until Christmas break. For the next five days, I’m dressing up. Looking professional. Using a blow dryer. Maybe even a little eye shadow. And I’m going to document it. I’m going to take a picture of my look each day and record any and all comments from my students about said outfit. Because if you know anything about 12 year olds, it’s that they will say exactly what they think of you. And they do, often.
I’m not telling anyone of my “week of fancy” but I’m sure everyone will notice quickly. And I’m sure I’ll get the most comments from two specific male co-workers who tease me daily about my clothing choices. I’ll also document their comments because I’m sure they’ll be especially kind.
So here goes, a week of dressing up and looking professional. I’m already uncomfortable. Ugg.
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