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This Isn't Any Easier The Second Time Hi Gaians, For those of you who have been around for awhile, this is going to seem like deja vu. But once again, I'm here saying goodbye. Quick background: My first stint here was for upwards of 2 years, from 2008 to 2010. I loved Gaia, but I've also always had a huge appreciation for education. I left initially to start a company designed to help schools raise money for themselves more efficiently. It was an idealistic crusade. And like most crusades, the crusaders got slaughtered. But during that time, I also started preparing for a future career as a high school teacher. Fast forward a little, and Gaia approached me about coming back to lead the Gaia Online team. It was a great chance to work again on a site I love, with people I love to work with - while continuing my march towards becoming a credentialed teacher. It was a no-brainer to sign back on. Fast forward to today. My teaching prep is done outside of doing my student teaching work. And as the year had gone on, it was looking more and more likely that I would start doing that in January, which would put me in position to try to find a full-time teaching position in the Fall of 2013. But a few days ago, I got an opportunity I just couldn't pass up. I got a call out of the blue from a district I had talked to about student teaching. They had a super last-second resignation, and needed to hire a teacher ASAP. I'll be teaching full-time, which is huge because not only does it take care of the "working 9 months free" part of student teaching, but it puts me in pretty much an ideal position to get a long-term position. These types of opportunities (to teach without having yet done your student teaching) almost NEVER happen. It was an absolute gift. The only problem? Leaving Gaia (again). I'll be around through next Wednesday. After that, you'll see my name go back to normal user status (that'll look weird on all my ATA posts). Here's the thing. I'm excited about getting into teaching - and a little terrified. But I'm going to really, really, really miss Gaia. A lot of things have changed on the Internet over the past couple years. Of course the big one is Facebook. But to me, the beauty of Gaia is how it complements Facebook (ignoring the period where we tried to replicate many of their features a few years ago). On Facebook, everything is about your actual identity - "it's who you are." On Gaia, it's "who you want to be." Both are important. But I love the fact that Gaia lets people connect to each other beyond some of the superficial things that society can judge people on. In that way, Gaia is a true meritocracy - you're judged on quality of conversation, on humor, on style, etc., and not on looks, or possessions, or things like that. That is beautiful. And I hope it never goes away. So speaking of which, one of your first questions might be "so what does this mean for Gaia?" The honest answer is "you won't see me answering a bunch of questions at ATA or hosting my chats in GCD, but other than that, not much." Most of my work was done behind the scenes in the office. And most of that is being picked up by extremely bright and enthusiastic people who will probably do a way better job than I ever did. People like Narumi, Siskataya, Pepper-Tea, Lanzer, and DJ Helsing, just to name a few. They and their teams have way, way more impact on what you experience on the site than I do. And they're committed to the things that we think are best of Gaia, such as more storyline, cooler events, more communication, high-quality items, and the like. And yes, even continued work on Alchemy smile In the end, Gaia is YOUR site. We just try to keep it a fun place for you. So keep enjoying it, keep telling your friends to stop by (or come back), and hopefully it'll remain such a fun place that I'll be tempted to come back for a 3rd time smile You guys are awesome. Biglanky

Posted by: biglanky14 Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 01:05am

[b:ee79e2415b]Aekeaclaw FOREVAH![/b:ee79e2415b]

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Slick Southpaw
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 04:09am


	hey big man, I wanna wish you the best of luck with teaching. I did enjoy your awesome time spent here and how you tried to work with us users, regardless of how cranky or welcoming we were. Thanks again for making Gaia a place where we don't feel such a disconnect with the devs or higher ups. heart

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 04:27am


	I'll miss you, you're awesome. Good luck with the teaching, I'm sure you'll be brilliant. c:

gum disease
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Maggot
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 04:34am


	Best of luck in your future endeavors. I will miss you. crying heart

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 05:07am


	****** congrats on the job, dude! I had some wonderful teachers in school who inspired in me a long-lasting interest in their subjects, and if your time here has been any sort of sign, I'm sure the students will be glad to have you as a teacher. I hope it's everything you're hoping for and more. emotion_hug**

Hazelaar
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Queen-of-the-Rogue
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 05:10am


	Best of luck with the teaching, I'm sure you'll be a big inspiration to your students and who knows maybe you'll even send a few this way. I'll miss seeing your posts in the forums, I mostly lurked but you always made me smile or laugh. Without fail your posts could bring a smile to my face, and with you gone who will step up and do the MC shopping Videos? I kid, best of luck and I hope you have lots of fun teaching, don't pull all your hair out before the year is over. You'll do great, and it sounds like you've been offered a really great opportunity so I'm happy for you, I hope it all goes well.

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 05:19am


	crying You're going to be an awesome teacher! I'll miss seeing your chat threads and posts in the ATA Good luck out there in the real world!!

Flz
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A mali
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 05:25am


	Nuuu! You'll be sorely missed. Thank you for being a part of Gaia and a part of us.

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 06:08am


	Congratz on getting the teaching job! Dont let those kids break you, you're a very nice guy and I'll miss seeing you around!

dreamsk
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rgjh8754
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 06:15am


	Good luck with the teaching job. Don't let the students smell your fear. xd

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 06:25am


	Lanky, I'm sure you'll be a fantastic teacher. You're an awesome guy on the forums, and you'll probably continue your quirky personality as you teach. Take pictures of your class and keep us posted. Even though you won't be Staff anymore, doesn't mean you can leave behind your following. Best of luck to you, Lanky. You deserve every good fortune that comes your way. heart

Kain-Senpai
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pixolotl
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 06:49am


	Good luck with future endeavors!~ Just don't be a stranger now.

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 06:51am


	Aw Lanky, I'll miss your big personality hand willingness to help! I'm sure those assets will be super useful as you go on to be a teacher. Thank you for all of your hard work! Best of luck and hope to see you around now and then!

Denham
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Elen_Gilthoniel
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 10:37am


	I think it's so awesome that you're going to start teaching. You're going to be a fabulous teacher too. As a mom (of an autistic kiddo, no less) I know how awesomely important it is for kids of any age to have passionate, sincere people guiding them in the classroom. So, yup. Really glad to hear you're going to be one of those people. =3 We'll miss you lots, though. Not as much as you'll miss Gaia, no doubt, but it'll be pretty close. Best of luck, seriously. I hope you have a long, amazing teaching career. <3<#

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 12:43pm


	Good luck with teaching. You've done great for us and I'll miss you in the AtAs. I hope it all goes well for you.

Magnificent Moonbeam
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Dr Kurt
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 01:50pm


	g-d speed BigLanky14..... as a "old school" Gaian.... you will be surely missed heart

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 03:51pm


	Oh Biglanky, you are leaving us again for your teaching, why must you hurt the ones you love? emo On a serious note though: That is truly amazing that you were offered such a nice position so quickly, congratulations! I don't think anyone would blame you for taking it! Good luck in everything you do and do us all one last favor - don't be a stranger to us and continue sign on from time to time? emotion_kirakira

iDolli
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Voat
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 03:55pm


	" you're judged on quality of conversation, on humor, on style, etc., and not on looks, or possessions, or things like that. That is beautiful. And I hope it never goes away." GD man, GD ;D Over there avatars are almost secondary to sig pics of yourself. Although humor and familiarity go a long way... Anyway, that new job sounds like a really good opportunity. I hope you enjoy it and find new exciting, challenging adventures with the bureaucracy of the school system lol ;D. The Bay Area has a pretty good reputation with schools though compared to other parts of CA. I'm not a teacher but learning and development is my area of specialty so once you get in the groove of teaching hit me up and I can try finding you some cool articles to read. Hope you enjoy your last days at Gaia!

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 04:22pm


	I'm super glad you're leaving to pursue a dream. A lot of us don't get the chance so grab it while you can! All the best!

Ayame Howl
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Nigte
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 08:20pm


	hey man gotta say even though I have mostly been a lurker always seeing your posts and the like and working with the users was always a treat. those kids you will be teaching are really really lucky :3 glad you got your dream job man and I hope its everything you've ever wanted.

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 08:54pm


	Going to miss you, but I'm definitely going to wish you the best out there. You'll make one hell of a teacher.

Barefoot Necromancer
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Faelrin
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Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 10:24pm


	:3 Hope you enjoy teaching. Sounds good. At the same time, gonna miss having you as a dev. 3;

Commented on: Thu Aug 30, 2012 @ 11:26pm


	Now I have no one to stalk... again... You'll be very missed around here. Thank you for taking the time to communicate with us users. It was appreciated. Good luck with those high school kids. They'll be better people for having known you, I'm sure.

Virgo Whiskers
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Sand Dancer Shaka
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Commented on: Fri Aug 31, 2012 @ 02:40pm


	I'm sad to hear you're leaving the team, but very happy you've managed to land your dream job! heart Any success is well deserved and we'll miss you, and wish you heaps of luck! Maybe if you've time you can come back and hang out as a normal user!

Commented on: Fri Aug 31, 2012 @ 08:03pm


	Best of luck in your new career BL biggrin Hope to see you still around as a "normal" user (is there such a thing? blaugh ) in between marking homework and tearing your hair out lol

Antiq
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biglanky14
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Commented on: Fri Aug 31, 2012 @ 09:13pm


	Thanks guys - I really appreciate it. I will definitely try to stop by as I can (full disclosure: in addition to being a teacher for a first time, I'm also taking my last few classes needed to get a full credential, so free time is going to be a rare commodity). Honestly, the reason I love this site is b/c of you guys. That sounds cheesy, but without the great personalities we have on the, it'd be just another internet job. And I was damn lucky to be able to experience it not once, but twice. smile

Commented on: Fri Aug 31, 2012 @ 10:55pm


	Congrats and Good luck Lanky! I'm glad to have been able to speak with you from time to time.Pop in once in awhile would you and share your teaching stories to us okay? wink

Druddigon
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n o i r i s t
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Commented on: Fri Aug 31, 2012 @ 11:13pm


	Goodbye BigLanky! Best wishes for your future as a teacher! biggrin

Commented on: Fri Aug 31, 2012 @ 11:24pm


	Aw.. I'm sad to see you leave, Biglanky! But I'm really happy that your teaching career is taking off for you! I wish you best of luck teaching, and who knows, maybe some of your students will be Gaia users!! haha! You will be missed!! <3

bluefeathers_onDA
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Your Blushing Paladin
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Commented on: Sat Sep 01, 2012 @ 12:46am


	It's gonna be super sad to see you go, bro! Gaia should hold a See-You-Later Party for you, complete with all loud-ness goodness and police visits! /But no really, dude, BEST OF LUCK!

Commented on: Sat Sep 01, 2012 @ 01:21am


	Best of luck Lankey I am glad I got to know you. You will always have a spot on my friendslist. But for real, I wish you the best.

Sinyuki
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Princess-Orphelia
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Commented on: Sat Sep 01, 2012 @ 04:17am


	Aww, this truly is a bit of a shock to us Lanky. But at the same time, you're doing what you really love to do. And that's what matters mostly. So good luck to you on your journey and we hope that down the track some time, you won't forget us, because we certainly will miss you. Don't be a stranger. Hugs heart Orphie [AKA Alyssa]

Commented on: Sat Sep 01, 2012 @ 05:38am


	Don't tell the kids you worked at Gaia HQ! They'll all want free gold xd

Avzel
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snufflypoo
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Commented on: Sun Sep 02, 2012 @ 12:30am


	Noooooooo! crying Ah crap. Well, I just want to say that I enjoyed chatting with you in the BLT threads - and I wish you well in your new career! And one last time, I will remind you to find some time for Breaking Bad. wink Farewell Big Lanky! heart Snufflypoo

Commented on: Sun Sep 02, 2012 @ 01:32am


	You're awesome too, Biglanky. ;u; I admit, I got a little teary-eyed reading this, but I'm happy that you found such a good job opportunity. I'm sure, that with someone like you, students are going to learn a lot. c:

panties overrated
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WideEyed
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Commented on: Sun Sep 02, 2012 @ 02:32pm


	Well, as sad as I am right now to see one of my favourite Gaia Staffers depart, I guess congratulations are in order. If you bring only half of the wit and enthusiasm to your classroom that you bring to our weekly ATA's, I'd be willing to bet your classes are going to be the highlight of your student's days. I miss you already Big. crying

Commented on: Mon Sep 03, 2012 @ 02:55am


	What what wait what...I roll to disbelieve! Where're mah dice ; A; Bummer dude, I like the lanky you -.- Ah well, third time's a charm. You'll be back >: D

gataka
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Mors Morza
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Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:20am


	Aww, it's sad to see you go! :3 Bye-bye, BigLanky! Whoa! Rare encounter! I'm almost never around! Congrats! :3

Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:22am


	Good luck with teaching! Hopefully the kids won't be too awful.

TigerLilyChick
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avarcoe1
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Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:25am


	I'm a teacher who started playing on this site to give my Communications students some real world, virtual world information - what a great fun site it really is and how happy I am that I began playing with it. I like it for all the reasons you posted, plus I like the dress up options for free (cause heaven knows I can't afford to buy dresses like this in real life!). Teaching is one of the best jobs in the world - and sometimes the worst - but most often the best. The fact that you are going into it with eyes wide open, but your optimism intact means you are going to be great at it. I hate all the small stuff that pops up with lists and data, and records, and paperwork, and petty people, but I LOVE my time with the students - they teach me so much about the world around me. I like seeing how they think, how they tackle problems, how they learn. You have such a great opportunity - to teach full time for money while you earn your certificate (BTW: I had a similar situation, except I taught full time to replace a teacher as my student teaching, BUT I wasn't paid - I had a blast, so it was totally worth it, but your deal is much better). The first time you make a difference for a kid (one of your autistic kids accomplishes something that seems small but you KNOW how hard he or she worked to get it right, a smart kid gets a scholarship to the school of his or her dream, a kid who was on the border of failure manages to pass, a kid makes the right decision rather than the wrong one), take a second to savor it and remember the role you played. In short, what an awesome person you are to do this and how happy I am to welcome you into the ranks of teachers everywhere!

Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:26am


	Hope to see you around sometimes. Love your humor and what all. Don't be afraid to use that humor and the "who do you wanna be" thing in your teaching. Kids love to dream and if they can dream, they can do well in school. Good luck!

Nyadriel
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Xelvorktork
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Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:35am


	Good Luck in the teaching area! I bet you will be an awesome teacher! Just keep it cool with the students, dont "bomb" them with essays and homework lol Thanks for everything you did! Hope everything goes well for you smile

Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:59am


	Ciao cat_3nodding

Eurocia
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cosmic fairytale
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Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 01:21am


	I'm so happy you're pursing your dream and you will be a remarkable teacher, especially with that personality of yours. I will miss you in the forums and especially the videos you made. Those always made me laugh.

Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 01:44am


	I wish you the best of luck with your new job! Thank you for adding to our experience at Gaia these past years, this is my favorite site. I will miss reading your replies at ATA. Sad to see you go, but I'm happy for the great chance you have received. :3

Roderich Edelstein
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David2074
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Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 01:56am


	I'm sorry to see you go. Best wishes in your new career. High School Teacher - brave man! smile

Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 02:05am


	I'm sad to have missed the last ATA with you in it. Oh well. Raises a glass and drinks it anyway, for all the "soon"s and "i'll look into it's" that were surely there. I hope that you will visit us at the ATA from time to time. What are you going to be teaching, by the way? I respect that you want to teach. The world needs more teachers (and better pay for them).

Castiel Lover
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Caeli
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Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 02:32am


	BigLanky good luck with your new job, I am sure you are going to be a great teacher and thank you so much for all your hard work here on Gaia. Take care of yourself and don't be a stranger. heart

Commented on: Wed Sep 05, 2012 @ 07:57am


	Teach all those lil ones how to be awesome people! Be the best teacher you can be! Congratulations and we'll miss you!

Whip
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A lineup
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Commented on: Fri Sep 07, 2012 @ 02:14am


	Here's a big thank you for all the work you've done for Gaia and for actually listening to us too. Heh, Hopefully, the students you'll have will be ...er... enthusiastic about learning. And, don't get sucked in the black hole that is a burned-out teacher. Bye~.

Commented on: Fri Sep 07, 2012 @ 04:52am


	Good luck on the career. I'll wonder where you are in the ATA's but perhaps you'll come to a dev meat or something. Nice work and I hope to see you post in the forums I lurk.

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