Ms. J are you going to become a nun?

So, after spending over half a year with me, my students have become curious about my vocation. When I taught first grade, the children were so on top of that. In fact last year, my little first grade girls used to tell me their future initials, you know the ones that they will have after they get married. One of the children in that class wants to become a priest, so cute, I still remember him being so excited about his talking Jesus doll. I must admit it was pretty awesome. The girls used to tell my aide and me that they couldn't be his girlfriend because he is going to become a priest.

Fourth graders are completely different. I have a few pictures of my niece in my classroom and one on my phone. One day earlier in the school year, Godwin, sees my phone on my desk and goes, "Ms. J, your baby is cute!" So, almost all of my students saw me last year, I have no idea when they thought I had this baby and then was I to assume they thought I was married, too?

Today Lucy, whose mother emailed me about a discernment dinner being held at the church rectory, asked me if I was going to become a nun. This is a valid question, I am single and teach at a Catholic school. I said no. A few years ago I did look into becoming a religious sister. Went on a retreat in New Jersey and realized, that religious life was not my calling. Honestly it was very disappointing realizing this, they said if it was your calling the things you would have to give up, you just wouldn't be as interested in. Take for example shopping, they said that you just wouldn't be as interested, not so much for me, I could shop until I drop every day!

So, Regina comes into the conversation with "When are you going to get married?"

My response, "Probably after I get engaged."

Godwin, "When will you get engaged?"

I respond, "When God feels it is the right time."

Joseph, "Do you have a boyfriend?"

Oh, dear, the dreaded question. How do I answer that? Quick thinking and I responded with "If and when I do get engaged, I will let you know, but you do not need to know if I have a boyfriend or not."

At the beginning of the year, I was dating someone, and one of the parents happened to meet him randomly at his work. They later had another meeting with him, by this time I had broken up with him and then at open house they told me they had met my boyfriend. I was like "Yeah, about that, he isn't my boyfriend anymore." I think it is best not to disclose my dating life with my students. Many were okay with the response, but others, well...

"Ms. J. will you tell us first if you get engaged?" asked Benedict.

"No, she has a family!" responded John.

"If you get married, can we come to the wedding?" asked Godwin.

"I'm not going to promise that."

"Why?" asked Odilia.

"Most people don't invite kids." said Catherine.

"Will you invite Mr. G.?" asked Godwin.

"Of course she will, she doesn't want to get fired!" said Benedict.

Note to self: If I get married, invite the principal, I don't want to be fired!