El camino es la recompensa
​the way is the reward

New blog post coming February 19th!
Explore the blog to read past posts!

To receive updated content, check out Journal of an Evolving Teacher's social media!
​
Now published in the StarTribune!
In this featured opinion article, I share my thoughts as a recent college graduate and offer affirmations to other graduates' complex emotions and experiences. You are not alone, and you will be ok.
In this guest opinion article, Ryan Kyle, a good friend and fellow Fulbrighter, and I offer our perspective and a window into Uruguay's model democratic process. 
The short stories are now available!
My life has changed so much over the past year, and therefore, writing has transformed into a liberating platform for creative expression and reflection. These three stories explore my feelings and memories surrounding relationships in my childhood and young adulthood. They assess themes of nostalgia, the fluidity of relationships, and the magic of reconnecting with childhood mentors.
My river system
​

Coming July 6th

I find answers in metaphors. When I struggled to process the fluidity of relationships after graduating college, I turned to my inventive figurative realm for guidance. This short story explores my extended metaphor justifying the unpredictable flow of relationships. I find solace in its paragraphs. I learn to follow my current.
Fried eggs and other third things

Coming July 13th

The idea for this story came to me over a plate of my dad’s fried eggs: a precious third thing in our relationship. And after I started writing, I could not stop. Sixth months, twenty-four pages, and six chapters later, I completed an anthology of stories on Dad jokes, cartoons, Joni Mitchel, black squirrels, fishing, squash, softball, and finally, fried eggs. Altogether, the chapters chronicle what brings me and my dad together in double attention and celebrate how and where he taught me to look.
A remarkable day in second grade

Coming July 20th

This story recounts a remarkable day in second grade — as a substitute for my second-grade teacher. I narrate elementary school flashbacks, encounters with childhood mentors, and reactions to stepping into my former classroom in different shoes.
Pages
Learn a little about me and what this blog is all about
​
Purchase PDF guides and templates to use in your classroom or home! Free options also available.
Explore news articles, other blog posts, and research publications
Use these resources to research past blog topics
​
Recent Posts

Playing with the gift of time in November

December 31th, 2024
I chase after time as desperately as I chased the falling maple leaves in my backyard as a child. . .Playing with time is a game. Unlike leaves, time will never stop, drop, and pile at my feet. It is forever moving. Time offers a continuous chase. Well, that is until time is up. I am worried that I will run in circles, chasing memories until it is too late.

(This blog, this post, and all related accounts are not an official Department of State publication, and that the views and information presented are the Grantee’s and do not represent the Fulbright Program, ECA, the Post, Fulbright Commission, or the host country’s government or institutions.)

El camino es la recompensa
​(the way is the reward)

April 7th, 2024
Hooray! I made it to Uruguay! After 24 hours, three hours of sleep, two layovers, and one sleepy viewing of Moana, I landed in Montevideo on Monday afternoon. Almost a week later, I finally had the time to sit down and reflect on orientation and my new home (for the next four months).

(This blog, this post, and all related accounts are not an official Department of State publication, and that the views and information presented are the Grantee’s and do not represent the Fulbright Program, ECA, the Post, Fulbright Commission, or the host country’s government or institutions.)

How I am preparing for departure: visualization

 January 24, 2024
When I begin to write this post, it is January 11th, which means I have two and a half months until I depart for Uruguay. It is impossible to wrap my head around this shrinking timeline despite how much I talk about it. I feel so out of control as I frantically organize my weekly work schedule around sporadic social gatherings. Little energy remains for pre-departure tasks, so should I spend my free time contemplating the present or the future? 
​
(This blog, this post, and all related accounts are not an official Department of State publication, and that the views and information presented are the Grantee’s and do not represent the Fulbright Program, ECA, the Post, Fulbright Commission, or the host country’s government or institutions.)

My ever expanding definition of "home"

August 8, 2023
Before my twenty-second birthday, I lived in four cities spanning three countries. I am accustomed to living out of a backpack or suitcase; hurriedly packing up my life into boxes, grocery bags, or carry-on; and building a routine in a changing atmosphere. And no matter the duration – one month, two months, one year, eighteen years– I consider all my temporary addresses a piece of "home."

My comfort classics: Meg Ryan, Rory Gilmore, & Taylor Swift

June 27, 2023!
When life feels miserable and magical, I will always turn to childhood nostalgia and hit “play."​
​
About the author
Meghan Hesterman (she/her) is an aspiring educator, storyteller, and traveler. Through regular posts and commentary, she candidly reflects on her evolution as an educator and young adult.
    Stay updated!
Like and share on Facebook!
Logo by Jenna Kettner
Jenna Kettner (she/her) is a recent graduate of University of Minnesota Duluth's graphic design program! 
Subscribe to stay updated!
Fill out the form below to get weekly updates on my journey and blog content!