I have thus far in my life been very fortunate. I am in great health. I have had a good education. I have seen things and met awesome people who have not only added to my worldview, but have also shaped me into who I am today. I have taught and worked with some amazing people in my career. And am proud to be called an educator. In talking to people, I have found it rare that people find their calling or passion for their life. I am very fortunate indeed.
But a couple years ago, I started to feel… unfulfilled. My love for my profession didn’t diminish. Quite the contrary. I felt an overwhelming urge to give more. I found myself not being challenged in my current job/ school. I wanted to give more, to be challenged and pushed. I want to be able to use every faculty in me to give back to the world and add to the betterment of world society as a whole.
So with that said, my long term goal is to go to a developing country and assist (as best I can) in helping them to evolve their educational program.
The organizations and programs geared towards that initiative all require international teaching experience (which I don’t have). Hence the short term goal.
As of July 30th, I will report the Republic of Georgia. And teach English in their educational system for minimally a year. Georgia (country, not the State) has an initiative called Teach and Learn with Georgia. (TLG) If all goes according to plan, I will spend several years there before moving to the next country (Nepal or Dubai). Then eventually settle down in a developing country indefinitely.
I’m super excited and feel this is the natural evolution of my growth as a person.
So some quick answers to questions I’ve received a lot already:
1. I don’t speak the language of the country, Georgian, yet. Learning now. But don’t need it to teach in the country.
2. I don’t know exactly where I’ll be placed. They will tell me that during orientation week.
3. I’m selling all of my stuff (including car, eish!) and will reside in Raleigh on trips back to the States. So if you need to purchase anything, I’m the guy to ask! I’ll initially have a paid trip home for a two week period.
4. No, I’m not selling my books. I will store them in Raleigh.
So there you have it. Again, I’m super excited and feel strongly about this decision. I will miss all of you deeply. And would obviously like to see as many people as possible before I depart. I know I’m going to NYC before I leave; weekend of July 8, Wilmington; weekend June 16th and Raleigh…sometime; TBA.
“Someday I’ll fly
Someday I’ll soar
Someday I’ll be so damn much more
Cause I’m bigger than my body gives me credit for
Cause I’m bigger than my body now
Maybe I’ll tangle in the power lines
And it might be over in a second’s time
But I’ll gladly go down in a flame
If the flame’s what it takes to remember my name.”
Bigger Than My Body, John Mayer
The Georgian Chronicles: Part III 
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your new adventure in the book of life. You made many significant contributions to the staff and students at Jay M. Robinson High School and profoundly influenced the lives of all who came in contact with you. You will be sorely missed, but I am excited for you.
Mr.johnson you were one of my favorite teachers and i enjoyed being your student. Good luck and be safe. You will not be forgotten HOOAH
I’m excited for you, too, Sanchez. I’ve obviously missed some of the lines (in between), but I’m sure they were difficult to “write.” Making change is often difficult, but I DO understand the call to move forward in one’s life! Godspeed!
Good luck to your future endeavor Mr. Johnson, hope all goes well.
-your student Ben Olmstead.
Wow! What an experience! We will miss you at Robinson and especially what your leadership class has done for our students!! I do know you have so much to give, so I wish you the best! God Bless You!
Great teacher,you have always left great prints in the hearts n heads of whoever you meet !!Keep up the hard work!I’m so proud of you !:)
How exciting Sanchez. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you take on this new chapter in your life. Love you!
So proud of and excited for you!! You will be greatly missed in your, but you have the ability to change so many peoples’ lives just by meeting them so I can’t imagine what you can and will be able to teach them. Much love to you and safe travels friend.
Sanchez, we always knew you were made for greatness. You will be a shining light for all the lives you will touch as you have been for those who already know and love you. God bless and keep you safe, and never be a stranger, keep in touch and make the change in this would we know is needed. Hugs! Lorraine Estrada
Sanchez!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss you and your bright happy face!!!! I totally agree with Lorraine…you were/are meant for greatness. There was no way North Carolina was big enough for you!!! I look forward to following your blog and your adventures…Remember to “When in _____ do as they do….” 🙂 Best of luck…If ever in Houston, give me a call!!! Renée
I’m pickin’ up what you’re puttin’ down.
Peace. See you soon…and then not for a while!