This is my calling! -- Sam

It is here! After nine months of courses, hours upon hours of observations, and many cups of tea while lesson planning, student teaching is here! I walked into the first day with warnings still ringing fresh in my ears. “Don’t dive in too quickly!” “Pace yourself!” “Be prepared to feel exhausted!” Yet, these warnings seem to have fallen on deaf ears. I am swimming in the deep end!

Although I had spent hours in the classroom, I felt as though my eyes were open to a whole new reality. I saw needs all around me: children getting suspended, disorganized closets of math materials, low benchmark scores, and an unfilled position for a head of the Intramural soccer program. No longer was I a sporadic visitor to a largely unfamiliar community: I was a helper, a mentor, and a problem solver. I was a teacher!

The first few days were rife with activity. I was asked to fill the IM soccer position, volunteered to organize the closet, agreed to take on three periods starting this coming Wednesday, and had to give several heartfelt lectures on lessons in life in an attempt to quell the rising disciplinary problems that characterize the third quarter. Yet it seems the more I take on, the more need I see. It is easy to see how one can become consumed by this profession, or, dare I say, this lifestyle.

Yet, the days have seemed to fly by! When I hear the 3:05 bell ring signaling the end of the day, it is not excitement that floods my soul; it is what I will describe as sorrow for lack of a better term. Sorrow that the students are leaving. Sorrow that the hallways, which moments before rang loudly with middle school drama, are now silent. Sorrow that my job is done. Truly, this is a profession like none other! Truly, this is my calling!