Roller Coaster Ride

What a crazy semester it has been and I cannot believe that it's already over even though I've been on summer vacation for over a week. Over the past few months I felt like I've been on an intense roller coaster ride. There have been so many ups and downs but I definitely feel like I've become a stronger person.

It is crazy to think that I am going to be a SENIOR in college and that I only have one more year left before I officially enter the adult world. I'm so nervous for this new chapter in my life but I'm also looking forward to it. This semester was by far the most challenging since I've been at Concordia but it was also the most rewarding. I loved my five week clinical with my fifth graders. I always thought that I wanted to teach the primary grades but I truly loved fifth grade. I grew so much as a teacher and this experience verified that I chose the right profession. Even though there were many late nights and massive amounts of work, I feel truly blessed to have had this opportunity. I had the opportunity to go back to my fifth grade classroom this week to volunteer and it was so amazing to see my students again. They even talked me into coming back again. How could I say no to those sad faces?!

I will be student teaching at Ellen Hopkins Elementary in a third grade classroom this fall and I'm so excited!

The past few months have been very difficult for me since my mom had her stroke in March. She is now home and continuing therapy in Park Rapids as she continues to recover from her stroke. She is able to walk with a cane and has some movement in her left arm, mostly in her shoulder. I've had a lot of trouble dealing with this because it was so hard to face the reality that I could have lost one of my parents. Since my parents have left Fargo it has been hard not being able to see them every day. I know that my mom is happier at home but I would love to have my family closer to me, as selfish as that may be. I thank God every day that he has kept my family safe and healthy.

The past week has also been crazy as I'm in the process of moving... twice. I have already moved out of my house by Concordia and I'm living with my future roommates in their apartment before we move into our house on June 1st. I'm looking forward to living with a great group of girls for the next year!

Today I found out that I've been blessed with the opportunity to join the CCRI team this month. I am looking forward to working with three young girls who have disabilities this summer. I hope that I can be a great role model and help them in any way possible.

There has been so many amazing, and not so amazing, things that I've come to face recently. Even though I have been challenged in ways that I never thought possible, I feel like I've become a stronger person. I have learned that I am going to love being a teacher. I have learned that I need to ask for help when I need it. I feel like I have matured so much over and that I'm growing into the person that I hope to become.

Much love to all of my family and friends who have been there to support me throughout my life. I appreciate you all so much.