Everything Will Be Okay (Reflection #6)

To the future teacher, trudging through their educational journey:

                First things first. You are awesome, you are worth it, and you are prepared! Whether you want to believe it or not, you’re ready. Make sure that you have a backpack full of positive affirmations while you begin your student teaching journey. This is going to be one of the most stressful semesters of your life, yet it will also be the most rewarding. This is what you’ve worked up to! This is what YOU want to do! Your previous Core classes have given you the tools you’ll need to survive; however, while you have the tools, please understand that there is no greater preparatory test than your Core 4-Student Teaching- journey. You will come across scenarios that aren’t in the text books. You will meet students who are reluctant to absorb your content. You will find yourself in many situations filled with potentially beneficial learning experiences, so while keeping these things in mind, begin the trail of student guidance with an open mind in all aspects of the job, and you will be okayJ.

                Your KPTP. Start early (like, January early). Chip at it, piece by piece, every week. DO NOT wait until the last minute to begin your tasks! Remember: There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is NOT a train approaching you at high speeds, ready to ram you back to the beginning. You might cry…you will cry. You’re going to strongly dislike life, and if you think you second guess yourself now- just multiply that by, maybe, four. Yep. You will second guess your entire life throughout this journey, but it will work itself out, I promise. You will shorten those margins and backspace or delete extra space- You will get through it! Then, once you have completed that 35 page tear jerker (not including appendixes), you will slowly begin to enjoy life again. That 250 pound weight will begin to lift from your shoulders. You’ll be able to focus on future planning (because YES- you WILL get a job). You will begin to feel accomplished and confident in your school surroundings. Everything that you have been looking forward to is at the end of your KPTP, so breathe- It will be okayJ.

                Get an idea of where you want to work once you become a teacher and go from there. Apply as early as they allow and stay calm. Do your research because you want to fit where you land. You want to enjoy where you work, and you want to be successful there. You want to look forward to working, as opposed to dreading it. You want to vibe with the student base and feel comfortable in your classroom. Don’t settle. Don’t take the first offer, thinking it will be the only offer. Everything will fall into place as long as you keep hope. BUT most importantly: GET PUMPED!!! You are going to be a teacher soon!!! The most used affirmation that should become a repetitive fixture in your everyday life: everything is okayJ.