The End of Week One

After a draining and emotional week, I finally finished my first week of senior year. When I was dismissed from class this morning, I went straight to dreamland; a.k.a. I took a much needed nap. I already appreciated the work of teachers, but after this first week I realized they’re superheroes. I just sat and listened while they stood and performed their magic, and I’m the one who’s tired? This helps me comprehend the amount of stress this next year will bring. To be honest, I’m terrified!

In our cohort there are twenty inspirational student teachers. I believe each of my classmates are going to kick butt this year. We met this morning for our first practicum class of the semester. Dr. Noden began teaching promptly at 8:00 AM. We stumbled through the door in sweats with coffee/ energy drinks in hand. To outsiders it might seem as if it was the end of the semester instead of day five of week one. I took pictures to document the extreme exhaustion of my classmates. A lot of us are still taking a full class schedule, keeping a part-time job (or two), and juggling extra-curricular activities. O and did I mention we start student teaching this semester too? I think you can understand why we are all a bit tired.

As I stated before, week one is completed, checked off, gone for good. I hope I don’t send the wrong message though. Yes we wanted to hit the snooze button a few more times this morning. Yes we are all a bit stressed. Yes we are all nervous to begin the semester. Even though this is a “negative Nancy” attitude; all of us are putting ourselves through this schedule because we believe in our students. We know all of this is necessary in becoming the best teachers possible. When I stand in front of my class next year as a first-year teacher, I know all this anxiety, exhaustion, and stress will be completely worth it!