Being in one of the smallest departments in the university, I am familiar with about 95% of the students in my program -- and of those, 100% of the students in my year. Barring the inevitable nerves on the first day of classes as a frosh, the beginning of classes each year since then has been a welcoming, non-intimidating experience. Even in my weekly prof classes in 1st and 2nd year, I knew most of my classmates from Con. Ed frosh week, and always felt pretty comfortable walking into those classrooms.
But this year was different. This year I was nervous.
There are a few things that make me different from most of the other students in my PROF311 class this year, the relevant one in this entry being that I'm in fourth year. Like a handful of other 4th-year concurrent education students, I went on exchange last year to study abroad, and although it was the best life experience I've had so far, in doing so I had to miss out on the opportunity to take PROF311 in the usual year, with the usual people. So this year, I walked into a prof class not knowing anyone (or so I thought), wondering if anyone would sit beside me and hoping that I would be able to avoid stares from students around me thinking "who on earth is she?".
I should have known it all along, but within about 2 minutes, my worries were settled and I felt ashamed for even thinking that I wouldn't feel welcome in a class of teachers-to-be (and one teacher-already).
I sat beside a girl named Rachel, who willingly chatted with me before the class started, and we soon found out that we had lots in common! As class started, we got an introduction to equity and exceptionality, we made our nametags, and and soon I remembered why I want to be a teacher. I want to be aware of these issues and help students to get the most out of their education. I want to make nametags and know my students on a personal basis, and do everything I can to have a positive influence on their lives.
The most interesting and exciting part of class for me was at the very end, when we each were asked a question by our teacher. It was such a cool experience, especially for me, a "stranger" in this class, to learn that maybe I'm not such a stranger at all! I learned that Morgan likes her toilet paper to come off the roll the same way I do. I learned that I share my favourite book (The Hobbit) with a classmate. I learned so many little, seemingly insignificant things, that made me feel like I really do belong with these students. We're all in the same boat, and we all want to learn the same things.
Needless to say, if the rest of the year goes as positively as that class, I'll be in great shape for my future in teaching!
Until Next Time,
Becky
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