Highlights from the Week

Today I realized I can do this; I can handle this schedule. This week had numerous highlights I would like to share with you… beginning with Tuesday. I started a mentoring program with the Education Psychology class. Two years ago I took the course in Florence and Rome, Italy. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to study abroad. For two and a half weeks we observed and helped students in different Italian schools. I fell in love with the kids and hold the memories very close to my heart. This semester, a researched-based mentoring program begins, and I was asked to take part of it. I sat in on the class and answered questions the students had on the course and general department questions. The group of girls I spoke with were enthusiastic yet anxious about the journey ahead of them. All of them will be applying for advanced study within the upcoming weeks. I wish them the best of luck. I know they will do great.

The next milestone of the week happened yesterday. For my first assignment for practicum class, I needed help from the 9th grade English class. I sought after ideas and places to take pictures for my project. I was incredibly nervous because I thought they may think my questions were corny or stupid. To give you an idea of how nervous I was I wrote a script and practiced in front of the mirror a few times the night before. As I stepped into the classroom, I took a deep breath and said a little prayer. Mrs. Mann was out for the day, so it was up to the substitute teacher and me to handle the class. I stood in front of the students and began. After making comments about how I graduated from Perry (Jackson’s biggest rival), they answered my questions. They were great! All of them helped me out a lot and gave me wonderful suggestions. They were respectful and polite while responding and I had no problems whatsoever. After leaving I felt as if I finally connected with some of the students. It was a great moment.

This morning I went into the school. As always, it was a wonderful experience. Mrs. Mann is amazing. She truly cares for her students and has such a great sense of humor. Today was the first day I sat in on the speech class. Mrs. Barnes, a good high school friend of mine, did an awesome job critiquing the kids. It was definitely fun to watch the many characters in the class.

I also began my first day of work. Over the next year I will be working a part-time job. Commuting between three schools is a lot of driving, and with the rising gas prices I need to work. This is definitely not the ideal situation but it’s something I have to do.

To conclude, this week was incredible. I’m definitely ending on a higher note than last week. I look forward to the upcoming weeks. Who knows what they’ll bring?