And So It Begins. . .

The journey known as student teaching (*ahem...I mean my internship) has commenced. For years I have refused to let go of my skinny jeans and tees. I mean who cares if I look cute or professional as long as I feel comfortable?!? Not me! However, the sole purpose of going back for my Master's degree is to obtain a job so I decided to suck it up and buy "adult" clothes. To give you some insight, the only pair of dress pants I own are from my senior year of high school (only 8 years old, no big), I own absolutely no button-ups and the only blazer I was familiar with was made by Chevrolet. Wallet in hand, I set off for the mall to buy key pieces to my teacher wardrobe. Luckily, I must have a librarian fetish (I'm guessing since I am addicted to books hence libraries that the cardigans are a symbol of happiness from childhood), I already owned 15 cardigans and that was one less item to stock up on. One hour later and a few dollars lighter I had completed the transition from college bum to respectable adult. Banana Republic was a haven of sales and I got 4 pairs of dress pants for $100. That is an amazing deal and I was pretty impressed with myself. Now that I had the easy part out of the way I had to wear my cute new threads and complete the hard part: teaching 8 year olds. 

I have been very fortunate to be assigned to the perfect third grade teacher to help me grow. She is energetic, open to new ideas and encouraging; but she isn't afraid to offer advice, constructive criticism or jump in when I'm in over my head. Going in I knew I would like my kids, but I already adore all the precious students in my class. Every single one has a sweet spirit and most disruptions are misguided energy or need of affection. Welcoming would be the word I would use to describe students, teachers and overall feel of my first placement. 

Enough with the birds singing and now down to the nitty gritty. I am exuberant at the opportunity provided by this experience. I feel overwhelmed by the quantity of effort I am putting in to making this semester successful. School has always come easy to me so I am learning how to teach students who struggle or don't love being there. It is challenging, but I love it so much. For the past year and a half I have worked in food and it lacked any sort of mental stimulation. It is exhausting to have my mind functioning at full force again. Exhausting, but I am embracing every minute.

Monday was my first day to teach every subject. Now on Thursday I have grown and learned so much in just 4 days. Stepping in front of the classroom has defined my strengths and weaknesses more clearly. My overall feeling about my first week is positive. I faced challenges and overcame some. I failed at moments, BUT I strove forward and gained experience. Perseverance is a thing of value in my eyes. While I am not a savant, I also don't totally suck either. 

Week 1-2 Lesson: Patience, perseverance and passion are the pathways toward achieving potential. 

Quote: Success is the child of drudgery and perseverance. It cannot be coaxed or bribed; pay the price and it is yours.

     -Orison Swett Marden