Preparing to leave for Ireland is really stressful, but exciting. I'm creating this blog to keep everyone updated on how life's like Student Teaching in Dublin, Ireland. Amber and I are the only two going this semester, but I hope that through this blog it will encourage other education majors to seek adventure, and Student Teach in a different country. It's a once in a lifetime experience.
Before I explain what it's like building up to the trip, I guess I should explain what made me decide to go. It all started in Dr. Petrilli's class, when the idea was mentioned that they were working on the first opportunity to Student Teach in Ireland. I forgot about that conversation until the next semester, in Methods. Dr. Petrilli came into our class and explained to us about the program. She said that it could be paid for through scholarships, and we would have the upper hand when it came to jobs, because we were going to be able to say that we had experience teaching overseas. I was on the fence about it for a bit, but with the help of some of my teacher friends at school, I finally chose to apply and see where God took me. I eventually got accepted, and debated dropping out, because of money stress and lack of information at the time. I'm glad now that I stayed!
This week, I'm prepping by packing and finishing all of my assignments for my American Student Teaching. I also have 2 days of work this week, so I'll just pack inbetween time. It's hard figuring out what to pack and what not to pack. Then, I have to remember all of my paperwork to bring. I gotta figure out what goes in my carry-on and what goes in my luggage. I gotta make sure that I have all of my plans and cards and I.D's. Each day I think of more things. Felisha, my roommate, says that I only get this high-strung worried when I travel, but it's a different feeling than when I went to East Asia.
I have so many questions, but no questions at the same time. I feel like I've asked questions that end up getting answered, mostly, before I can even ask. I've asked about money, phone plans, apps, packing, housing arrangements, school arrangements, and weather. This lists are endless. I've also had nightmares that I'll forget something at home or won't be allowed on the plane. It's just my imagination getting the best of me, and I realize it.
The one thing I will miss while I'm gone is my 3rd and 4th graders. I'll miss seeing their smiling faces and getting little hugs from behind. I haven't fully told them when I'm leaving, and I know they're going to be upset when I leave. I've become attached to them. These kids have been all I've known since August, not including the majority of the 4th graders who I've known since last year, when I did clinicals in Mrs. Short's class the first time. They are the sweetest group of kids that I have witnessed! Even after all of this, I'm super pumped to be able to go to Ireland for 4 weeks. I'll leave on the 11th and come back on December 10th.
Anyway, I'll be trying to post on this blog with updates and photos from the trip. It may be a couple times a week with a little something, but it'll be something. Expect to be flooded with Ireland news.
No comments:
Post a Comment