The First Week of my Last Year

The first week of my senior year was completely exciting. I began my observations at Tallmadge High School, I started all of my classes, and I picked up my application for graduation in May. I cannot believe it! I talked with a classmate after picking up the application, and we both mentioned that we never actually thought we would get to this point.

I am so excited about this school year, though I have been warned that it will be my busiest in college. I must admit that I am feeling nervous about everything, from eventually teaching the students at Tallmadge, to graduating and not seeing my classmates anymore, to possibly moving far away in order to secure a teaching job. I guess that's why this is all so exciting... there are so many opportunities for work and education in other parts of the country, but it would involve leaving my comfort zone in Kent to pursue such adventures. It's exciting and motivating, yet confusing and nerve racking.

As I mentioned before, I started my practicum at Tallmadge High School. Walking into the school on the first day was amazing: they have a beautiful new school. I'm so happy for the students; I remember starting school at Stanton Middle School in Kent and feeling so lucky to have the opportunity to claim it as my school.

The first day at Tallmadge was freshman orientation day and also Julie orientation day! I was able to get a good look at the different parts of the building, from the amazing auditorium to the awesome "black box". The gymnasium was probably my favorite thing to see because the kids were so excited about it. During the orientation activities, I was able to follow my cooperating teacher around the building and it allowed me to get to knew her in a relaxed environment.

In the past week, I have learned that my cooperating teacher is awesome! Student teaching can be a very scary thing, and I am grateful that I have been placed with a teacher who is friendly, hardworking, organized, and ultimately devoted to the learning of the students. I really feel that I will learn a lot from her and I will benefit from being placed in such a positive environment. I can't wait to get started with helping out in the classroom and eventually teaching!

Overall, the first week was interesting, exciting, and FUN. I have 12 hours down in my 96-hour practicum, I've met all my teachers, and I'm ready for a great final year at Kent.

I'm so happy!