Yes, I know... it's been awhile since I've posted. Okay, longer than a while, like a year a while. Oops? To be fair, I've never been one for journaling; and that's basically what this is except that the whole world can view it... or at least the people I'm friends with on Facebook (which, let's face it, sometimes feels like the whole world). Okay, so where to start? I've had kind of a whirl wind of a year.
Let's start with the fact that I put on a recital. I won't lie, it is something that I both dreaded and looked forward to since the moment I found out this was a requirement for graduation. Having bounced between 3 different teachers certainly didn't help either. Many tears were shed, many stressful days in a practice room were spent and I may have ( okay, I did) snap at many close friends and family members under the pressure. It was probably the most stressful time of my life to date. And then, it happened. I got up on stage, and every thought that I could possibly think ran through my head; everything except the music and what my fingers were supposed to be doing. I'm not kidding, I wish I could say it was like everything fell into place and the recital went wonderfully. I really do. But I can't. I got so nervous, I was more distracted than I had ever been. It wasn't a terrible recital, but it certainly wasn't my best performance either. So I kicked myself for a few days, accepted the praise that my family and friends gave me (regardless of believing it or not) and then moved on. Student teaching was next on the plan, so I did my best to move on. I went home for winter break and prepared to take the AEPA and face 500 Kindergarten thru 6th graders.
Student teaching was the greatest experience I have ever had. I can honestly say I never felt more sure of myself and my life choices as I did from January through May of this year. The people I met at my school were absolutely amazing, and if the teachers and staff weren't enough, the students were over the top. I loved all of those kids. Quite honestly, even the ones that gave me a struggle every time I saw them were worth my time. I know it sounds cheesy and unrealistic. I won't sit here and tell you that I enjoyed every student's company every day. I certainly did not. In fact, I even had a day that resulted in tears. But I will say that every tough student, every hard day was a huge learning experience. And for that, I will forever be grateful. I learned so much more in 5 months than I even thought was possible in 5 years. It was certainly more than I had learned sitting in a college classroom for 4 1/2 years. I really have no other words for the experience than absolutely amazing.
Towards the end of my student teaching career, I began applying for jobs. I knew I really wanted to work in the district I student taught in, however with it being such a small district, chances were slim. My dear friend Paige was a teacher in the district at a position that I could only picture myself in when she announced she would be resigning to find a place closer to her home in Indiana. I applied, schmoozed the principal, and got an interview. I spent the few days I had preparing for the interview; rehearsing for my 10 minute lesson, going over various interview questions. I left the interview feeling great. All I had to do was wait out the weekend. The next day I checked my phone and had a message from 10am that morning. The principal had called to tell me that I had not gotten the job. I was devastated, but I tried to look at it positively. It helped that I had to teach all afternoon, so my mind was occupied from the all too familiar over-thinking it does in situations like these... well, actually, any situation. That same day, I received a phone call from another principal in the district asking me to call him to discuss a possible opening at his school. My faith was renewed. I met with the principal later that afternoon for an informal interview. I had a formal interview a week later, and taught a 30 minute lesson. Within a few hours of teaching my lesson, I received a phone call offering me the job. I was ecstatic. Not only did I get a job in the district that I wanted, but I got it before I graduated from college. All of this I know is a blessing. I am so unbelievably happy.
two weeks later I graduated with my Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education. I have spent my summer trying to get used to the idea that I'm a college graduate with a job in my field. Not to mention, it's not just a job, it's my dream job. I know I am unbelievably lucky. I've had so many great experiences in the last 5 months, and I can't believe how lucky I am to have all my dreams come true.
So, I suppose the next part of the journey will be my teaching adventures. That is still so surreal to say- MY teaching adventures. I think I'm finally finding my place in the world.
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