feeling grown up
These past few days I have felt very grown up. It's an odd feeling, being here at school early and student teaching. So far, I've enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. I have been refreshed by the children in my class. The thing that I've come to realize is that this is kind of like a job. This is most likely similar, in some ways, to what my life will be less than a year from now. I won't be living with all my friends. Hopefully, I'll have a roommate at least (which I am currently very grateful for).
Each day, I will get up at 5:45, or 6:00, if I sleep in a little. I will get ready. I will make coffee. I will eat breakfast. I will pack a lunch. I will drive (or ride) 45 minutes to school. I will teach. I will work after school. I will get home. I will make dinner. I will do the dishes. I will pack left overs for lunch tomorrow. I will grade papers. I will write lessons. I will go to bed and start it all over again.
Now thankfully that monotonous routine isn't complete, there are moments to talk with friends or maybe even play a game for a little or watch something while I work. But the thing is, this feels real. I am actually teaching children for the purpose of learning, not for my own grade. In that, I find joy. This semester is going to be difficult. I feel as if I am living half in a college world and half in a real one. But there is one other thing I have realized, that just like this was my job, I can't put everything into it. There is a God greater than all of this whom I serve. There are people that I love. They are a priority in my life. I pray that I will not let go of these things. Amidst the early rising, the frustrating days when I feel like a failure, and the overwhelmed feelings, the people (students included) and most importantly God are what will keep me going.
" The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him. "
Each day, I will get up at 5:45, or 6:00, if I sleep in a little. I will get ready. I will make coffee. I will eat breakfast. I will pack a lunch. I will drive (or ride) 45 minutes to school. I will teach. I will work after school. I will get home. I will make dinner. I will do the dishes. I will pack left overs for lunch tomorrow. I will grade papers. I will write lessons. I will go to bed and start it all over again.
Now thankfully that monotonous routine isn't complete, there are moments to talk with friends or maybe even play a game for a little or watch something while I work. But the thing is, this feels real. I am actually teaching children for the purpose of learning, not for my own grade. In that, I find joy. This semester is going to be difficult. I feel as if I am living half in a college world and half in a real one. But there is one other thing I have realized, that just like this was my job, I can't put everything into it. There is a God greater than all of this whom I serve. There are people that I love. They are a priority in my life. I pray that I will not let go of these things. Amidst the early rising, the frustrating days when I feel like a failure, and the overwhelmed feelings, the people (students included) and most importantly God are what will keep me going.
" The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him. "
Great post, JenniferAnn! Enjoy your grownup life and have fun living with your friends.
ReplyDeleteyou have a way with words. :) and i am excited for your experiences with student teaching this semester and the way you already have and will continue to impact the lives of the students and teachers and others around you!
ReplyDelete