Oh, what a year 2016 was. From January to May, I overcame my fear and left my former career. Up to that point, I had so much doubt and anxiety; but once the decision was made, it all started to feel right. Ironically, the decision was made between Christmas and New Year’s last year. From January to May, I closed out my former job, trained my replacement and left in such a manner as to keep that door open should I need it. While doing that, I found a volunteer teaching placement in El Salvador, learnt a ton of Spanish and learned how to make some basic lesson plans. Mid-May to mid-July, I spent living and volunteer teaching in El Salvador. While I loved it and it was an incredible experience, it was never easy. But as I enter my new career, I know what it means to get off a plane in a very different culture where they speak a different language and try to make my way in the world. This was followed by a two-month rest, after which came the start of full-time graduate school to work on my Masters of Science in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
My plan is only mid-way through. Over the next eight months, I need to finish graduate school and then begin my new career in earnest. I think it will continue to be an interesting time in my life. In terms of my photography, I have been making so many images this holiday break and have a few surprises for you in the new year.
My thanks to my wife, my family and my friends both here on WordPress and in other realms of my life.
NOTE: This was by far my favorite image of 2016. While made with my camera, the photo credit goes to Joaquin Batres.
All the best!
Thank you, GP. I hope you have an excellent 2017.
Wonderful photo to end the year with. Very few people ever encounter someone who has researched ‘customer service’ like you have and are continuing to do. Your students are lucky people to have you lead them down the road to the English language. 🙂
Thank you so much Judy. Happy New Year.
If you never did any other public service (but you will), whatever those children in El Salvador took from your time with them will have ripples for generations. Really.
Thank you so much. Happy New Year.
All the best to you and yours with lots of love, joy, peace and blessings in store for 2017!
Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful 2017 also. Cheers
Happy 2017!
And Happy 2017 to you also
Thanks!
I wish you every success!! 😊
Thank you so much, Garfield. Happy New Year!
The best photo to tell us your incredible 2016!
And in 2017 we’ll wait for lots of stunning pics 😀
Cheers!
Sid
Thank you, Sid. Happy 2017.
That will be a beautiful and fulfilling career Chris! Good for you! And Happy New Year!!! xoxo 🙂
Thank you so much, Ash. That means a lot. Best wishes to you for a happy 2017. Cheers!
Bravo! The photo speaks volumes and you have much to look forward to in 2017.
Thank you, Annie…Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Chris! I’m so proud of how you went after your dream, it’s so inspiring :).
Thank you so much, Laurie. Happy New Year. Cheers
Oh goodie surprises! Happy New Year, Maestro Calle 😉
Feliz Ano Nuevo, Teri. Cheers!!!
Hurray for stepping out in faith and finding a new direction to head, Chris! Keep us posted and we will continue to cheer every way we can! Happy 2017, to you and yours, as well as those lives you touch. . .
Thank you so much Robin. Cheers!!!
It’s a wonderful photograph of a truly magnificent time of your life! Wish you all the best for your future plans and career, Chris!! And can’t wait to see the surprises! 😄 Cheers!
Thank you so much, Sarah. I hope you have a wonderful 2017. Cheers!
Thank you, Chris! 😄
what a remarkable year you’ve had indeed, Chris!! so 2016 could be said to be the year of changes for you, hope 2017 will be the year of new career beginnings 🙂 stay inspired!!
Thank you Alex. That is my goal!!!
Best of luck in your new career! And I admire your courage in pursuing your dreams….
Thank you so much, Ann. I really appreciate it.
Wow…an amazing decision. Most of us are stuck, you got out and mixed it up a bit. Excellent! May your journey in 2917 be as rich!
Thank you so much. I appreciate your comment. Cheers!
Kudos to your bravery ~ Happy endings,
New Beginnings!
Thank you so much. Have a great day.