Final Statement

As I sit here, reflecting on my incredible two-year journey at GSE, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to slow down and truly absorb the experiences and knowledge I have gained. I can still vividly recall my first day at UPenn, filled with excitement and wonder. As I attended orientation, I promised myself to make this journey worthwhile!

The campus has always been a place of vitality and potential. Seeing the energy of my fellow classmates reinvigorated me after a five-year break from academia. One of my favorite spots was the library, a sanctuary where I could spend entire days pondering various subjects. And who could forget the adorable squirrels, always busy and providing endless entertainment - I must have snapped hundreds of photos of them! My internship also gave me the opportunity to connect with younger students in a way I never had before. My heart melted each time they asked when they'd see me again. 

I embarked on my master's journey with a clear purpose in mind: to help high school students discover the beauty of literacy practice, rather than feeling trapped by the pressures of schoolwork, as I once did. Each course I selected aligned with this purpose, and the amazing professors I learned from have provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. My special topic paper allowed me to delve into a subject I am truly passionate about, while also building stronger bonds with the students I work with part-time. My goal has always been to be a friend to my students.

As I reach the end of this journey, I feel equipped with both the practical experience and theoretical knowledge needed for my future career path. Sunsets have always held a special place in my heart, not just for their beauty, but because they symbolize both an end and a new beginning. And now, as this chapter of my life comes to a close, I can confidently say: I feel ready!