Big Girl World in T-Minus 6 Days

     So, here it is. The time has finally arrived. In less than a week, I will walk across the stage at USM and will become an alumni of the school that holds a special place in my heart. 
As my high school graduation neared, I really did not know where I wanted to attend college. I looked into several schools, but I ended up making the final decision when I made the Dixie Darlings dance team my senior year. It was set: I was going to be a Golden Eagle. I entered college unsure of what I wanted to go to school for, but I considered something in the science field because I wanted to be a doctor.
     Now, let's back up 10 years or so for one moment. Ever since I was a child, I always, and I mean always wanted to be a teacher. I used to play in our playroom with my big white board, transparencies, grade book, and easy grader and I would create an entire class roster. I would "teach" the lessons that I learned in school that day to my pretend students, give them tests, grade papers, and do whatever other teacher things. I just knew that one day I would be a teacher. 
Okay, so let's get back to my freshmen year of college. I told myself, "you don't want to be a teacher; they don't make any money and you'd be better off going into the medical field." Honestly, I fought it, but finally I came to the realization that I absolutely loved teaching. I loved being around kids and I loved teaching them. I was made to be a teacher and I couldn't fight it any longer. So a year later, I changed my major to elementary education. 
     Fast forward a year or so when I began my elementary education courses and I fell in love with learning. Before beginning those classes, my grades were just average, but once I started, my grades went up and school became natural to me. I learned a lot in my classes at Southern and I was excited to finish so that I could have my own classroom of kiddos one day. 
     In August, I began my student teaching experience teaching math to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Can I tell you right now that I was completely terrified to enter the classroom on the first day? Math is not my most favorite subject in the world, and teaching three different grade levels seemed super challenging. During my time there, I grew a lot in my confidence to teach math as well as more than one grade level. I taught them many different skills and I even made it fun by incorporating some One Direction in the mix of things. They really liked class that day.  I experienced how big of an impact I had on my students. Many of them needed to be loved and cared for daily and even when it was tough, I chose to do so. I saw so much growth while I was there and I was happy to be a part of what was going on. It made me realize even more why I have always (deep down) wanted to be a teacher. 
     Before leaving my first placement, I was told that I would be in a first grade classroom next. My heart sank for a moment or two. I had never been in a first grade classroom during any of my time in the schools and once I had gotten into high school, I had always said I would never teach below 2nd grade. I was afraid. I had lost any confidence I had. I entered the classroom on the first day, and there were a lot of little people all around me. They weren't able to spell all of their words correctly or tie their shoes, but they were cute and they LOVED learning. Every day was a new adventure and every activity there were in awe over something. Only two weeks into my experience, those students loved Ms. Brittney and they had found a place in my heart. We learned about all kinds of things and did all sorts of fun activities, and I must say, I fell in love with first graders. They're fun, y'all. 
     Today, I finished my student teaching experience all together. It has been a whirlwind of a ride, but I have learned more than I ever imagined learning. I have had two incredible mentor teachers who have helped shaped me into the teacher I am today. I am excited to have my own classroom one day filled with kiddos (and I will probably still call them my "kiddos" even if they are in junior high). 
     Next week, I am starting a long-term substitute job for a 3rd grade reading teacher. I am excited that I get to be with students and continue this learning process. I know that my learning never stops and that I must be open to new things. I'm ever so thankful for how God has continued to provide and how incredibly faithful He is. 

I guess "big girl world" commences soon and I know one thing is for sure, "I can't wait to be a teacher!"