the end of the beginning

last friday i finished my student teaching internship in 5th grade in roanoke city. this semester was quite the learning experience. teaching the grade i wanted the least, in the area i dreaded the most, taught me more than i could have asked for. i learned:

• that children are children, regardless of where you are
• about the basic, human desire to be loved-- a feeling that transcends all barriers
  
• that many kids are robbed of their childhood for circumstances they can't control
• that many of my students' negative outlooks are not the child's fault, but a result of their unfortunate environment
• about expectations. my students will not have them unless i expect nothing but the best from every single one of my kids.

this experience also taught me worlds about myself. i learned that:

• i'm stronger than i thought. i'm a tough cookie when i need to be but still have a soft center that melts for children.
• my creative outlets allow my students to excel in ways i never imagined.
• i can actually teach social studies, although i hate the subject and never wish to teach virginia studies again! :o)
  
• i'm good at teaching. i can do this. i'm a teacher.
  

i pray for each of these special students. i pray for their safety and well-being. i pray for their continued success throughout their education. i pray that every single child would break the stereotype given to them and transcend even the highest expectations. these children are our hope, our future. praise God for their lives.

a "goofy" picture!

the whole group, even with my mentor teacher, mr. moss


this was the second class that i taught daily


mr. moss and me


some of the VT student teachers. there were 13 of us total!