A Place to Call Home

How is it possible that the moment I waited for my entire college career has come so quickly. The first week of student teaching has come and gone. As I reflect back on this week, I can confidently say Central Columbia is undeniably the perfect fit to complete my student teaching experience. There's one word that continuously comes to mind when I reflect on my first week becoming apart of this community, home.

Both in and out of the classroom I felt that I truly belong here. Not a single day has gone by that someone hasn't checked in to make sure I had everything I needed, made sure I knew where something was in the community, or checking that things are going well in my new home. I continuously found myself meeting new people who continued to tell me to reach out to them if I would ever need anything. I was greeted everyday this week by a student or a new teacher in the hallways at school with a "hello," "how's your day going," or "i hope your day is going well," while some may say that's just common courtesy I found it to be another sign of feeling welcomed into the community. I was welcomed into the chemistry classroom as I went to observe and was invited to come back and visit. Through it all I have already begun to make various with the community that will ensure my time here is successful.
connections

 Furthermore, I have found myself connecting with students and finding out who they are as individuals.I have found myself diving in and helping students with their projects in both the wood and metal shop, without much of a hesitation.  In just a few short days here I have already begun helping students prepare for the interview and junior prepared public speaking events.

This week has been more than I could have ever asked for as I start my journey student teaching. I look forward to picking up my first class next week, including the joys and challenges that accompany it. Make sure to check back next week to see how my first class went!

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