Teacher’s College- A Story of on-going Self-Discovery and Self-Love
The people closest to me would describe me as bubbly, humorous, and outgoing. At school, I am a more tame version of myself; I am usually quiet, but always kind in social settings. I graduate from teacher’s college in June, and as we are already looking forward to the reading week this semester, I am realizing how close I am to being done.
As the end of my undergraduate degree approaches, I am reflecting on my time in post-secondary and thinking about my growth.
Who am I?
A not-so-weird question to ask myself because I am only 23 years old. Somehow, when I am asked this question (Who am I?), I always hesitate and pause.
Why?
The thing I regret most in my early University years is not letting my voice be heard enough. The reality of it is I did not like being vulnerable, where all eyes were on me. Unfortunately, I did not realize how valuable my voice could be. Teacher’s college forced me to come out of my comfort zone and show my peers, and myself, more of who I am.
A short glimpse into my brain during my first semester of teacher’s college in 2022:
“I have to LEAD?”
“Another presentation?”
“You mean I have to stand up there?”
“You want me to do what?”
Nonetheless, all of the opportunities to work with my peers and share ideas, present in front of the class to share my insight and perspectives, and multiple opportunities to lead a whole classroom in an elementary school have eased my fears. I always feel nervous when I get in front of a crowd, but I’ve learned to embrace my quirks and my teachers and students have loved me for them, which has reassured me that it is okay not to have it all together all the time.
I had to be pushed into the deep end to discover who I can be and it has been a very enlightening and exciting experience! I can’t wait to discover more about myself as my journey of self-discovery and self-love continues. If you told me 3 years ago that I would be able to successfully teach and manage a classroom of 6-year-olds on my own by my second year, I would have questioned it.
Who am I?
Here are some words I would use to describe me: passionate, hard-working, strong, courageous, quirky, caring, leader, and teacher.
Anyway, the huge lesson that I have learned here is that if you are passionate about and love what you do, you will be surprised by how much you will learn about your capabilities :)