Oh, hello. I’m April.
I recently realized I am middle aged, which is crazy. My therapist, also middle aged, confirmed my suspicion. Which is rude, honestly, because I only just now figured out how to be a person (thanks in large part to that same therapist). I guess I would say I am a middle aged young adult.
I am in this period where most people with decent skills and upbringing, no tragedies or traumas, normal brain chemistry, all that, usually are. I only just got all that sorted out, right, but at the same time I am middle aged. I read an article recently that said forty four is one of two ages when your body does this major “oh, you are getting older, girl” type of shift. Hated that, but can confirm.
What is Loftinland?
Loftinland started as the nickname for my classroom many years ago, undoubtedly created during some impromptu analogy in a social studies lesson. Over time, it became less about a physical space and more about me.
To an eighth grader, Loftinland is a place where I teach history, yes, but it is also a feeling, a mood, a state of existence that I hope you remember long after the history fades. I want you to remember the place where you learned life lessons about kindness, perseverance, and integrity (but also a lot of useless facts; did you know the creator of Pringles was buried in a Pringles can). I want you to remember that I did not take things so seriously, but I was also serious when it mattered. I want you to remember an adult who did not look like you or come from your background or share all your beliefs, listening to what you had to say without judgment and asking questions to get you to think for yourself instead of pretending everything is black and white.