I Survived.

I have survived all of the packing.  I have survived all of the planning.  I have survived the 2 weeks of classes, seminars, and final meetings before leaving.  I survived being practically cut out of all independence and relying on dear friends to support me while living on campus without access to any buildings or even the cafeteria.  I survived finishing an entire semester-long class on Bio-Medical Issues in just a week and a half.  I survived the goodbyes of friends and loved ones.  I survived the 16+ hour drive down to Sarasota, Florida where I will be completing my student teaching in a first grade classroom at Ashton Elementary.  I survived meeting my host and moving in to a new place.  I survived taking Ryan to the airport and having to leave without him.  I survived making dinner without a microwave (very difficult if you know my cooking skills).  And I survived my first day of school, including meeting many new people.

But through all of that, I have realized I wasn't surviving at all.  I was learning, growing, and preparing myself for the future.  I learned how to completely rely on others in all aspects of my life.  I learned how to better trust in God and know that every struggle and joy is part of His ultimate plan for me.  I learned that I need to make the most of the time I have with people because time goes by a lot faster than you realize.  And I learned that there is always another perspective on a situation, sometimes you just have to look a little deeper.

But most importantly, I learned that no matter where I am, I always seem to feel at home when I walk in to a classroom full of smiling little faces.  Knowing I have the opportunity to impact these children's lives in a way that most will never have the chance to is an amazing feeling.  One little boy in this class is from Colombia and knows little English.  He struggles to communicate with my Mentor Teacher and seems to be lost on tasks that many of us seem to not think twice about.  When my teacher found out I could speak Spanish, she took me over to introduce me to him personally, and explained to him that when he needed help he could ask me, and I would translate for him so they could finally communicate better.  Oh the feeling!  Everyone seems to wonder why I've taken so many Spanish classes and took the time to study in Costa Rica if I wasn't going to teach Spanish.  That's why.  My goal has always been to help students like that little boy who would otherwise be forced to try to make due with what he could figure out on his own.  Same reason for working at Stepping Stones.  I don't plan on getting certified as an Intervention Specialist, but I want to be able to help ALL of my students, including those who have greater needs than the typical teacher is able to provide.  I don't want to be a typical teacher.  I want to be the teacher that changes kids' lives for the better and makes a lasting, positive impact on them. 

Needless to say I had an amazing first day.  I love my Mentor Teacher, the kids, the school, and my host.  I am incredibly blessed to have this opportunity and I can't wait to make the most of it.  (And yes the beaches right down the road are a nice bonus :) )