Help Amanda find a new path

I have always wanted to work with children. In my 20's I spent 8 years working with special needs children in residential schools in N.Z. and England, before retraining to be a teacher. Over the course of my teaching life I have taught in mainstream and special needs schools and I have always loved it. I am kind of quirky/crazy/funny in a way that seems to keep the students in my class engaged and eager to learn. I love teaching and I can confidently say that my students really love me being their teacher...except when I give homework!!

Earlier this year my professional world was rocked to the core. I found myself the subject of intense bullying at my school. It was unwarranted, insidious and prolonged. My confidence and self-esteem hit rock-bottom. Finally I resigned at Easter as I could not take it anymore. In a field where I teach children about the perils of bullying I found myself the victim.

Afterwards my world just stopped. I functioned as a mum to my 2 gorgeous kids and was pretty average as a wife and housewife (actually, below average on the latter). On reflection I was in a state of shock that this could have happened. Events continuously played on a loop in my head. I could not believe that it had happened to me. I went to counselling and cried a lot.

Now it is nearing the end of the year. I have started doing a little bit of relieving in some absolutely lovely schools. But I am deathly afraid of going back to full-time teaching. Yet I am realistic enough to know that the bills need to be paid.

So I started looking for a Plan B. If I was not going to go back teaching (a tragedy in itself) what was I going to do? I googled TradeMe, of course. An endless source of ideas. And low, an opportunity to purchase a small retail store presented itself. It's a second hand clothing store. I love clothes. I am pretty savvy. A win-win situation!

The asking price is $18,000.00. Because I have not been in regular employment for many months the bank won't lend me the money.

So, this is where you come in. My Give A Little cause is to help me pick myself up, dust myself off and start on a new adventure. I chose the category 'Community' because I am asking you to help me just as I would help someone else. I have chosen 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Eve as the cut-off time and `date for this cause. So, come on you budding Santas! Help a friend in need. Pay it forward. Help me pick my life back up.