The last four years have been an amazing journey for me. I came to Illinois State University knowing that I wanted to be a teacher and nothing has deterred me along the way. Although there have been some bumps in the road. I believe that my feelings about education can be summed up in the graphic that I have chosen. I have been blessed to receive a wonderful education here at ISU and I feel ready to step out into the real world. However, I know that I will not stop learning once I leave this campus. Everyday brings some type of new learning experience, which is represented by the fact that you cannot see the end of the road in my visual. At some point in the future, I hope to go back to school and complete a master’s program.
Another significant aspect of my visual is the formation of the road. There are straight stretches of road, but there are also curves along the way. Some can be anticipated, others cannot. To me, the straight stretches of road are the times in my education (or life) that seem to be going pretty smoothly. I am happy and confident with where I am at, as well as comfortable because I can see what is coming ahead. The curves symbolize the times of struggle. Curves that can be seen from a distance make me aware of things that may be a problem when I come to them, so I should take time before I reach the curve to prepare for what is coming. Sudden curves are the unexpected things that pop up in life that you have to deal with immediately. Yet, each part teaches you something new about yourself.
Although I have learned about many new issues at ISU I feel that I have grown the most through my internship experience. I have learned two major things from my internship placements and the teachers that I worked with. First, you can never plan too much. Second, a teacher must always be flexible down the road of education.
It is surprising how fast the last four years have flown by, but I am about to embark on a new journey. I know that the first few years will be challenging, but I am ready for this challenge. Even though I have learned so much, I know questions will still remain. All I know is that I am ready to be a teacher out in the real world.