Trust The Process

During my student teaching experience I have faced a lot of "feel good moments." Often times those feel good moments come from my students. These moments usually catch me off guard and continue to give me the "why" for teaching. My students have a way of knowing when I need to hear and feel some positive vibes coming from them. This week I was over joyed to hear a student tell me "Ms. Kuhlman I really enjoyed learning today, thank you for making class fun." I had another student share that they were glad they got to know me. This week I had the opportunity to get some other positive feedback from someone else in the school, the principle.

You see, one of our assignments was to interview with an administrator as if we are applying for a job at the school. I think this is a great assignment allowing each of us as student teachers to continue to develop ourselves for when the opportunity arises for a "real" interview. This assignment probably had me the most nervous out of them all, because well it's the principle. What would happen if things didn't go well? What if I don't say the right thing? My list of "what ifs" could go on.

I realized as I went into this mock interview it was okay that if everyone one of my "what ifs" came true, it's a learning experience. This mock interview was my chance to work out my nerves of a teaching interview and further develop myself for the future. 

As I headed into the principles office, we were stopped by the vice principle who asked if he could join as well, the more the merrier. I had the chance to go through questions that they were asked during one of their most recent interviews, taking time for feedback after each question. I gained a lot of insight into what exactly an administrator is looking for in an answer and how to make myself stand out. 

There were many feel good moments during this interview. It felt great to get to know both of them a little more than just the typical "hi, how are you?" while passing in the hallway. Furthermore, I enjoyed hearing about what path they each took to reaching their position in education today. The biggest feel good moment came at the end of the interview when the principle said that he has many student teachers come through the school where he doesn't often get the chance to know them but he was glad that he got to know me. Without hesitation he asked if he could write me a letter of recommendation.

 I am glad that this assignment allowed me to make this connection and push me outside of my comfort zone. Over my years in the teacher preparation program I have heard the words "trust the process" a number of times, and I am so glad that I have.