It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone, and it seems that the time passes faster and faster with each year. It seems like we were just barely celebrating Christmas 2010 and ringing in the New Year. This year has been a busy one for me and full of some unique adventures along the way.
I continue to teach Medical Anatomy and Physiology at Woods Cross High School, and really do enjoy my job. The students that take my class are most often working toward becoming professionals in the Medical field. They are motivated and enjoy learning about the human body. I can safely say that when there are 20-35 high school students in a classroom there is rarely a dull moment.
In April I graduated from Weber State University with a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA.) It took me 2.5 years to complete my degree while teaching full time and coaching some, too. It was definitely a huge time commitment but worth every bit of the work and struggle. Now, to decide if I want to stay in the teaching profession or look into moving into the business world.
As a way to celebrate graduating I was able to take another trip to Japan. I spent 16 days in the country and was able to go see and do a few things that I’ve never done. The most memorable part of the trip was getting to go up to the Sendai area and participate in a service project helping clean up from the Tsunami that occurred on March 3rd. It was very humbling and sobering to see all of the destruction that the ocean did to the countryside of Japan. It is also very uplifting to see how resilient the Japanese people are and how hard they are working to take care of themselves and their country. I also got to spend time with some of the eternal friends I met while serving my mission there 7 years ago. I love you guys!
This December I was able to go visit a friend that has moved to Brooklyn, New York. I spent the days sight-seeing by myself and then met up with friends in the evening. It was kind of nice to go at my pace and see and do the things I wanted to. Some highlights of the trip include: Wicked (Broadway musical,) 9/11 Memorial, Staten Island Ferry, FAO Schwarz, Ice Skating in Central Park, Manhattan LDS Temple, good food, Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, Christmas windows at Macy’s department store, and a lot more. I’m grateful for good friends that welcome me into their home. Thanks!!!
Upon returning from Japan I was asked to work with the 12-18 year old young women at Church. It is a fun, rewarding, fulfilling assignment. I work with some incredible women and young women that teach me new things on a regular basis. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this calling right now.
Life is good. I have an amazing family and incredible friends that enrich my life. I am blessed to have so many things in my life. Thank you for being an influence for good in my life. Hopefully next year will bring me to some of your hometowns.
May the Lord’s choicest blessings come to you and your family during this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.
Love,
Rachel
Gone Fishing
Graduation
Helping Hands-Sendai, Japan
Tokyo Temple
Tsunami Clean-up
The Big Piano at FAO Schwartz, NYC
Ice Skating in Central Park
