As I reflect on the past year, I could not possibly describe it without including the words "a constant learning process."  Going into the PDS program, I was under the impression that it would be a bed of roses.  Boy was I wrong!  While I truly do believe that the PDS program was beneficial and effective, I did not get through it without any tears or heartache.

When I was assigned to my first class, I instantly felt as though I would not mesh with my mentor.  I was so young and inexperienced, ready and willing to implement new ideas and techniques with my class.  My mentor, on the other hand, was so experienced. She was a wonderful teacher, but I was just afraid that I would not be able to be myself around her.  If I could not be myself around her, how could I possibly develop any kind of relationship with my students?  Looking back on my first class, I would say that it was a wonderful learning experience for me.  It made me part of the teacher that I am today.

After being placed in a second grade classroom, I decided to seek some experience with an older group of students.  It was then that I decided I would like to see what a fifth grade class was like.  Almost instantly I felt like I was where I belonged.  I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason.  I believe that I was placed with both a mentor and class that was meant for me.  I was not in my class even a week when I knew that it was a class of high diversity both socially and economically.  I would face many hardships that at that time I was unaware of.  I am the type of person who loves to help people.  My initial reaction for this class was to try and help any and everyone.  I learned a crucial lesson from this class.  I learned that as a teacher, I can not do everything on my own.  Often times I had to turn to other, more experienced personnel to help with various issues.  I also learned that my students are not my friends.  This was one of the most difficult lessons I had to learn. 

Overall, I would say that I would not be where I am today, had it not been for the PDS program or the wonderful mentors and students that I had.  I had heard how rigorous the PDS program was.  However, I believe that for one to truly understand the hard work and effort required for this program, you have to experience it yourself. 

I truly feel that I am more than ready and prepared to be in charge of my own classroom.