Looking Back on a Split Student-Teaching Internship

   

  If you had told me a year ago that I would have quickly fallen in love with a school, its students, and its community, I probably would have told you that you didn't know what you were talking about and to wait and see in a year or so. Well, if that was the case I couldn't have possibly been more wrong in my assumptions. I always tackle everything that is presented to me in life full boar, even if the way I do it isn't perfect, I always make up for it with effort and determination. When I got placed at Central Columbia with Mr. Doug Brown, I was thoroughly excited about the journey I was going to embark on with my unique student-teaching situation. 

    I can honestly say that I could not have asked for a better experience with my student-teaching. I got to see the end of a school year, which included everything from NOCTI and Final Exams, to students getting ready to graduate and checking out for the year in the middle of May. I had the opportunity to start a school year from the first day, and establish my own presence in a classroom that felt like mine. This was very beneficial in preparing me to start or take over my own program. I got to help conduct the chapter FFA banquet and take kids to Actrivities Week in June. I had the opportunity to coach and prepare a State Officer candidate and get our speakers ready to take on the state competition. I had one of my seniors that I coached take 2nd in the state in Tractor Driving. The oppurntuniteds that I had seemed endless and I cannot thank the PSU AgEd Team, Central Columbia School District, and Doug Brown for allowing me to take advantage of such a unique opportunity. 

    I am writing this blog while sitting at Fall Leadership Conference with 7 of my freshman FFA members that I met around a month ago for the first time. The students that I have gotten to know during my months here at Central Columbia have made a lasting impact on me, and I will take all of my memories with them with me wherever I go int he future. I have seen their successes, and I have seen their failures. I have been there to celebrate with them, and I have been there to console and comfort them after they fell short of their aspirations. Both of these situations are equally valuable, and have brought me closer to the FFA chapter as a whole here at Central Columbia. 

    From singing Taylor Swift during long van rides, to hearing my baby keys knock together as I wialk down the hallway, I am going to miss every single one of the people I have worked with during my student teaching internship. From the students, to the teachers, to the university staff, to the parents, to the coaches, and to the administrators. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for providing me with this unique opportunity, and thank you for your assistance in helping me become the best agricultural educator and FFA advisor I can possibly be. I have a lot of work to do, and I will have time to do it, but I could not have asked for a better student-teaching internship. 

Mr. Shunk, Baby Brown, Shunky, B-Sizzle....OUT.