As we sit in the last class it is hard to believe that the semester is over already. I feel that I have learned so much this semester, not just from our awesome Dr. Vitali, but from those in the class that I now call friends. I feel that I am better equipped to handle the challenges that I will face as a teacher. Not because I have all the answers, but because I now know the resources that are available to find the answers. I feel that this course has allowed me to develop a network of like minded individuals whom I can turn to for help if I need it. Everyone has taught me something over the course of the semester, but I think the hardest lesson came from our friend Melissa. Who re-instilled in the me importance of taking care of myself.
I have learned a lot about teaching students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which was the point of the course; however, I think the information that we have covered goes beyond that. This course has allowed me to safely explore who I am as a person, and what that means for teaching and working with students. I now know how to look for my own biases and overcome them. I know where to go if I have questions about working with a specific students, and I know how to network and work with others.
This course has also allowed me to grow closer to my father, which has allowed some of my past hurts to begin to heal. Being able to use the Ethnic Roots project as an excuse to interview him provided me with an understanding of more than just him, it gave me an understanding my past.
Listening to everyone else's Ethnic Roots projects was also beneficial for me. I sometimes find myself in a bubble; thinking that I am the only one that has had a rough start to life. I know this is not true, but it is easy to believe when no one talks about the past. Hearing others talk about some of the family drama that they have experienced, reminded me that there are others who have similar family experiences. The stories also gave me hope. Not everyone has had a horrible childhood, and there are still some loving families out there. This gives me hope for the students that I will work with in the future.
I also gained a lot from the community observation assignment. What started as a research project turned into an understanding of the anxiety that I live with everyday, and how I can overcome it. I have always felt an intense calm in the badlands, but did not understand why. At least not until I visited Washington DC over thanksgiving break. There were so many people and so much noise, it felt like I was in a consistent state of panic. When it was at it's worst I started doing research for my community observation assignment. Just looking at the pictures gave me a sense of peace. This taught me that there is something I can do when my anxiety kicks into overdrive. I can find nature, and what better place than the badlands.
Overall, I feel that I am walking away from this course with a much better understanding of myself and what it takes to be the best educator that I can be. I have made new friends, and have really come to look up to Dr. Vitali. I feel that as time continues she will be a great mentor and friend.
Have a great break everyone, I look forward to seeing you all in future classes. Please know that you can email me anytime.