One Week Down!

One week down and I've already gone through some highs and lows. If there's one thing that's certain about this career it's the uncertainty of every single day and that takes some getting used to. At first, the realization that planning really is everything and knowing my schedule fully will never be the case threw me on my head. Monday night was... rough? Let's just say I was thankful that the tavern was open!

By Tuesday I took a deep breath, spent some time venting, thinking and, most importantly, praying I was able to calm my mind. From that point on I've been able to forge ahead and use my training and knowledge to develop a really strong lesson plan for the geography class I'm starting to teach next week. It's nothing too flashy but I think the week will go smoothly and I hope that I can change these kids' previous perceptions of geography.

Both of my teachers are so helpful and nurturing thus far. Any question I have is followed by a swift answer, no matter how small or silly. They're both also incredibly different which I LOVE!! I'm soaking up information left and right from their differing styles. I'm sure that by the end I'll be a combination of Kristen and Donna along with my own little touches I've learned and picked up along the way. Seeing all these teachers excites me to find my "teacher-self" if you will.

Along with Donna and Kristen the whole department is wonderful. I remember always loving the social studies office at Stevenson as a student and visitor because they were always fun, energetic and sarcastically funny. Everyone in there seemed to be themselves. It's no different at GCHS. I already feel at home surrounded by a perfect environment for my personality. I'm also starting to slowly peak out of my shell while trying to move away from the quiet new student teacher persona. I'm sure that each of these teachers will hold some influence on me as well and I can't wait to keep learning about their lives and careers. Working with Laura is also wonderful. We are getting along well and I have to say it's nice to not feel intimidated by my department chair. Becoming friends outside of the student/teacher realm is also great, same goes for Bolger, I really consider myself so lucky to go through this experience with both of them so close.

The other amazing part of this week was having students finally fill the hallways. I can only do so much planning without taking the time to meet my students and listen to their opinions on what education should look like. After all, this is THEIR education. Nearly every student I've met is polite and reasonably respectful taking into consideration their lethargic movements as they wave goodbye to summer.

At the end of the week I'm tired, energized, excited, and still a bit terrified at the amount of work and lack of sleep required of me this semester. That being said, if my semester continues to go with an overall positive overtone, I will continue to consider myself lucky that every single day I am privileged to get to know 150 amazing people while sharing stories of the world with them. Bring on week two!! But let me enjoy the weekend first :)