I find a couple things daunting about finishing student teaching and graduating from college. First of all, becoming financially independent is going to be a big change. Lots of new responsibility is going to come along with that such as taxes, bills, budgets etc. I'm probably the most concerned about the job search since it is basically all my responsibility. Unlike taking a college course where it's all laid out for you, I'm responsible myself for doing all the research and conducting interviews. I'm somewhat clear that I want to move to Nashville but I'm not sure about where specifically. I realize I just need to do some research about the area and begin to narrow the search down. It has sort of felt like a big black cloud has been in front of me concerning moving and finding a job and becoming financially independent, but just being able to write this down and think about it is making it seem much less daunting already. There is so much involved in conducting interviews and all that, that I feel like it would be easy to miss something important. Also, I really want to make the most out of the student teaching experience and all the support that we have at the University before I go off on my own. There is so much here learn and I just don't want to miss anything. Starting a new job and basically a new life in a new place where I don't know anyone seems like allot to experience all at once. This is not to mention the fact that when I do get a job, I'm going to be cutting the purse strings with my parents. The most daunting thing in all this is simply that these things are all going to be happening at once. Although it could be completely overwhelming, I'm actually really excited about the transition, not to mention being able to learn and grow in a new place. Being supported by my parents all my life has been nice, but it is also somewhat like I have been living in a fairy land. The transition will be really great and will definitely grow my faith, which is important to me.
The pivotal event that made me decide to be a teacher was when I volunteered with students in South Africa teaching art at an elementary school. I basically developed a strong love for the students there and realized that they were affected by my presence. My most memorable time during this trip was when, during some down time, I drew a portrait of one of the more quiet and shy students and then hung it on the board. He was just beaming the rest of the day because his picture was on the board. You could tell that small gesture really made him feel special and the drawing actually turned out really well. It was this experience that made me realize, along with other similar experiences with kids, that I wanted to teach art.
My wardrobe has already taken a big turn during student teaching. This is actually one of my favorite parts about teaching, haha, dressing like a professional. It seriously does something to you when you wear Clarks, blouses and blazers instead of jeans and t-shirts, the regular college attire! I would like to thank Express for my success as a student teacher. No, I'm just kidding...but I do own more black pants and blouses now than I have before.
