Princeps Wilkins

Salvete, Omnes!
My name is Jacquelyn Wilkins and I am the Latin teacher at EC Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia. I studied Classics at Sweet Briar College and the University of Pennsylvania.  My specializations are gender and sexuality in the ancient world and Bronze Age archaeology. My favorite work from the ancient world is the Iliad and I learned ancient Greek so that I could read the original text myself. I love to travel, Star Wars,  and Lord of the Rings to an abnormal extent (Rogue One is the best Star Wars movie- you can not change my mind). And I collect enamel pins (see my bag) and tattoos (see my arms).
I am returning for my 7th year as director of GLA and my 14th year of academy.  This program is very special to me and I have devoted a great deal of my career to it. Working with the kind of students and colleagues that are drawn to the Governor's Latin Academy have. made both a better teacher and a better person. This does not mean that leaving home and family for three weeks is easy and if it is not easy for me, it must be even more difficult for students, who do not know the program, the teachers, or each other. So, I thought I would share some of the things I do to make GLA a second home. 
Bring comfort items- some people like to pack as lightly as possible and brag about how little they bring. And if that makes them happy, more power to them. But having familiar items and tastes (see Magistra Blanks's post below) and pictures, make the separation easier.
Journal- academy is extremely hectic, but there is time for self-reflection. And that self-reflection will be priceless to you in the months and years to come as you look back on this experience. It will also help you stay in the moment while you are here and not miss what you don't have.
Bring pictures- print out (I know!) pictures of the people and fur babies you will miss most and bring them with you. You will want to show others your pets and family and you will want to see them. I have 4.5 cats and yes I will show them to you constantly. 
Talk to your province leader- reach out to someone who understand how hard this. Your province leader is there for you to talk to about your entire academy experience not just your academic experience. We want to know if you are struggling and how we can help. 

If you have ever been away from home before, how did you cope? Leave your answers in the comments so other people can see them. 
See you soon!
Princeps