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Week 14: Don't Blink

 14 Weeks ago, I walked into class terrified. Was I going to be good enough, could I do this, will my students even like me? These are some of the thoughts the swirled around my head when I walked in on the first day. As I walked out of Athens on Friday I quickly realized, I was good enough, I could do this, and my students loved me just as much as I loved them. I know longer was Megan, unsure of herself and her abilities but now Miss. Royer the agriculture science teacher who successfully navigated plumbing, the nervous system, animal agriculture, shark tank projects, speeches, and so much more in the past 14 weeks of student teaching, 

    In the beginning of this experience I struggled with time management and student engagement, by the end my students loved to share but I always made sure we were ready for that bell to ring. I grew in my ability to evaluate students both with formal and informal evaluations such a projects, tickets in and out, quizzes, tests, and 3-2-1s. Most importantly I asked for student feedback, their perspective as well as the input from my cooperating teachers, my student teaching advisor, and the principal. This feedback at times was difficult to hear but ultimately helped me to pinpoint where areas of growth were. It also helped me to improve activities for my future students which many of my students took seriously and were honored to be apart of.

    I have seen so much change in my students since my first day in the classroom. Even my most difficult of students found their voice, their passion, and believed in themselves a little more by the time my time Athens concluded. This growth was amazing to watch as I too was able to reflect and realize that I too have been growing right beside them. Their strength in the most difficult of times is what made me stronger, their enthusiasm even on toughest days is what made me want to get better, and their patience when a lesson did not go as planned is what allowed me to not be so rough on myself. 

    As I look forward to the next chapter in my Ag Ed journey I plan to take a few things with me. First, kahoot and candy, they are always wonderful motivators and put the fun in learning. I plan to utilize these as much as possible. Second, a quote that my students often reminded me of, "It'll buff out". Often times, I was scared that when a lesson did not go the way I had intended, it was in fact the end of the world. That reminder that eventually things will work out and that I was in fact learning truly helped me get through so rough times. I plan to take that with me. Lastly, planning. I struggled to stick to a plan that I created, whether that be loss of time, transition from in person to online classes, or other extenuating circumstances. Believing in myself enough to trust the plan I have created. 

    To the 2022 cohort, don't blink. I know this is cheesy but it is the best advice I can give you. Soak up every moment, every second, every lesson plan, and grade. Your experience will fly by just as fast as mine and I do not want you to take any of it for granted. As I realize tomorrow will be the first time in 4 months I will not be driving to Athens

     The Penn State Teach Ag family has been so good to me for the past 4 years and they too have played a role in shaping me into the person and teacher I am today. Thank you for the pep talks, the feedback, and the many adventures to a multitude of places. Happy Valley with always be my home, but you all helped me find my wings to fly.

Thank you! 

    

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