One small step for me, one giant leap towards my masters degree. One class to go this summer and I'll be done. I just got home from my last day student teaching, and after 10 weeks I'm kind of used to it and might even miss it. I know I'll miss the students. They kept me laughing. I genuinely liked and loved them. And the teachers I worked with were top notch as well. So, today I had a few of those moments where you say, "Ahhh, this is totally worth it. I like teaching and am finally doing something that's fulfilling, AND... fun (though not always)." So, that's the sad part about leaving. But don't worry, I am excited about the bright side: I have time to look for teaching positions, to exercise and do all that stuff I put off "until I'm done student teaching." (the test now is if it will get done or if I'll find some other pawn as a procrastination tool).
My cooperating teacher (she was fantastic), had all the students write on a paper a few of their favorite things and a note to me. I love these notes. The teacher bound them and gave them to me, and it's a definite treasure. First, they each told me their favorite food. By many of their answers you'll know the socioeconomic level in which they reside. Answers follow, and I'm leaving their spelling as is:
* crapes with berries and powdered sugar
* hot dog
* shrimp
* garlic lemon chicken
* eggs benedict
* snow crab
* sushi
* sushi
* sushi
* pizza
* hamburger
* oranges and grapefruit
* steak
* tuna sandwich.
So, there are some "normal" answers, but I was just staring and thinking, "wow, at that age I wouldn't go near or understand half that stuff."
Some of the fun comments in their notes:
* You were way better than my last student teacher.
* You never let me down and your a awesome incourager.
* Thanks for not getting to mad when me and zac threw crayons. (apparently I should have gotten a little more upset!)
* You have been educating us and we wanted to say thank you!
* You are cool and nice But you lick BYU thit is god. I lack byu to.
* You mack hore lafe. (I think he was saying I make the other teacher laugh, but it came out a little rushed and... well, don't interpret the misspellings or it's a little sketchy).
* I will miss you so
* I wish you could be my teacher in 6th grade. [I really really really hope]
* You wear cool clothes (only a 5th grader would say that :)
* I hope you will live a long and happy life!
They're the best! I really am going to miss them. Fifth graders are cool... especially these ones. And if you don't believe me, go visit their class. They're the best!
