As the year is coming to a close, I have come to realize what has truly been accomplished. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I entered the Pekin Professional Development School. Now I know that I am one. I have learned the importance of self-discipline and have realized that you ultimately control your own achievements. I remember feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and just plain exhausted, but now I know why. I wanted to be the best that I could be and I feel that I have truly succeeded.

During this internship, I have met some of the most wonderful and inspiring colleagues and role models and have learned to value this profession. Each and everyday, I felt appreciated by staff and students. I have built some wonderful and long lasting relationships and am thankful for having had the opportunity to work at Wilson Intermediate School.

I know that being a participant in a professional development school was the right decision for me, and I can not wait to see what lies ahead. I am anxious to meet my future colleagues, students, and community. As I continue to learn and grow, I will use my experiences to provide the very best for my students, so they will be successful in their own educational experiences.

"Teachers are ordinary peope who are asked to perform an extraordinary job,and most do so with persistence and optimism but with too little understanding

from others"

-Catherine Collins and Douglas Frantz