Author Archives: Jennifer Raybon

Yanks out for a run in Killarney, Ireland

I love to grab my phone and go out for an early morning run while on tour with my students.  Unfortunately, exhaustion tends to take over and the rest becomes more important as we move through our 14 hour days of walking and sight-seeing while traveling abroad.   Still, when I am able to doContinue reading “Yanks out for a run in Killarney, Ireland”

“I Am Woman”

Released in 1971 – I was merely 2 years old when this song was originally released, but it found its way into my life through my mother.  After my parents divorced I heard this often – maybe because I was finally old enough to listen.  It has become my personal anthem, as well.  Any adversity that IContinue reading ““I Am Woman””

the wrong kind of goodbye

As a teacher I am used to saying goodbye.  Students move in and out of the district, always coming and going.  Farewells naturally occur at the end of every school year as I pass along my little cherubs to the next lucky soul that gets to touch their lives. Often times I ignore my feelings of loss and tryContinue reading “the wrong kind of goodbye”

Arms waving, feet flying – This is my life!!

Rome, Italy: Picture this  – a 10 year old American boy running full speed down the cobblestone street – arms spread out and waving in the air – excitedly and repeatedly screaming at the top of his lungs “This is my liiiifffffe!”,   “This is my liiiifffffe!” I wish I would have snapped a photo of this littleContinue reading “Arms waving, feet flying – This is my life!!”

Pompeii, Italy

Italy remains one of my favorite destinations.  After our journey to the top of Mt. Vesuvius, we took an expertly guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii.  Mt. Vesuvius destroyed this ancient Roman town in 79 AD, but the ash, evidently, preserved quite a bit of it.  There are lots of photos and I onlyContinue reading “Pompeii, Italy”

To the top of Mt. Vesuvius, Gulf of Naples, Italy

Mt. Vesuvius is the one of the most dangerous and most closely monitored active volcanoes in the world – according to our awesomely amazing guide – ANNA.  It stands 1293 meters and was last active in 1944 during WWII – at which point the area was evacuated.  I mention the war, because I remember somethingContinue reading “To the top of Mt. Vesuvius, Gulf of Naples, Italy”

Dear New Teachers:

Dear new teachers, We need you.  This difficult job will reward you in many ways.  Please stick with it, even when  you want to quit – it does get easier.  Well, not easier, but you figure out how to be better at it and find balance.  Our nation faces a crisis in the classroom.  WeContinue reading “Dear New Teachers:”

“The Heart of the Matter”

Released in 1989 – I was in my early 20’s when I first really heard this song in small bar in Miamisburg, Ohio.  Sitting with friends, drinking, I found myself lost in the lyrics. What the song is about: The lyrics of Don Henley’s song reflect on a lost lover that has moved on and one man’s attempt to move pastContinue reading ““The Heart of the Matter””

“The Rose”

I used to sing this to my kids at night as I put them to bed.  Every word speaks of love and the ability to overcome even the harshest conditions to find and give love.  No matter how dark the world gets, have faith in love.  Such a beautiful message.   The Rose By BetteContinue reading ““The Rose””