"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

September is here and like every September, the rain and wind are in full force. Last night, the wind was blowing so hard it was actually shaking the house a bit. I found the whistling wind oddly comforting and passed out before I even knew I was tired. This part of the year is actually kind of pretty. I love fall in Midwest. I love the changing colors of the trees and sunsets. I wouldn't say that fall in Juneau compares to Missouri. The trees don't change much and it's hard to catch a sunset with all of the overcast days. Still, there are days that manage to take my breath away.

I often wonder how I will ever manage to leave such a beautiful place knowing I may not return for a while. This has been on my mind a lot lately, knowing that I graduate in less than a year. I often am asked what my plans are for after graduation. I feel so unprepared; I have no plans. Right now, I am taking one day at a time. I will start putting in resumes around Spring Break. At the same time I will be doing my rural practicum, which is where I head into the "bush" area of Alaska for a few days just to check it out. On the way back to Juneau I am required to stop at the Anchorage job fair. I don't think I want to teach in Alaska. Not far north anyways, but only time can tell.
Right now, college classes have just started. I have been in the classroom student teaching for a few weeks now and have been thoroughly enjoying myself. I have also been working at Era on the weekends and now I have these college courses to work into the mix. I can't really complain because I love all of it. I love my time in the 4th/5th grade class. I love having my weekends with my Era people. Believe it or not, I love having college classes too. It's just a lot to take on.
Era is wrapping up slowly but surely. I am sure I will be happy to have a weekend again but I hate seeing all my friends, new and old, leave Juneau. Some are heading back to their homes. Others are venturing off into the great unknown. THAT, I am jealous about. Right before winter in Juneau, the travel bug always hits me. I dread the darkness and frigid winter nights. Also, I have been here for a solid three years now and am antsy to see something new.

So far, I have had two classes: "Science in the K-8 classroom" and "Social Studies in the K-8 classroom." Both of which were very boring and full of introductions and reading over the syllabi. All of my classes are on Mondays and Tuesdays. I didn't have Monday classes this week due to Labor Day. I will be in the classroom student teaching Wednesday-Friday until next semester when I take over full time.

My student teaching is going well. I find my host teacher oddly intimidating...and also odd in general. She is a wonderful teacher and her class seems perfect at times. My own insecurities make me extremely intimidated to take over the class with her observing. Still, I manage to surprise myself every day in how much I am learning from her. She doesn't give much feedback but is so particular about her classroom that if I were to mess something up, she would let me know immediately. So far, so good. Her team teacher is host teaching my roommate which makes for great conversations between us college gals. She is a master’s student but we both have the same agenda. It's interesting to compare how our teachers handle certain situation or teach different lessons on the same material. We also get quite a laugh out of the things they say and the stories they tell.
In the evenings we often return home, put on a season of Grey's Anatomy and let our exhausted minds turn to mush for a while. My nights have been ending around 9:30 because I am usually too tired to stay up any later.
One of my favorite parts of teaching this age group is their developing sense of humor. Sometimes these kids say things that are so unexpected and quite witty. It's hard not to laugh when they get in trouble for it. It's also a great age because most of the students have that "teacher crush" still. They think their teacher is a super hero. I had a boy last week put a fake rose in his mouth and ask me to tango. Another little girl has to give me a hug at the end of each day and tell me bye. I have learned not to go to the grocery store right after school unless I want to run into every student of mine. It's pretty comical how they get so excited to see me that they can't even speak. All they can do is wave their hands and jump up and down.
I secretly love this part.

Overall, the semester is starting up better than I expected. I feel organized and prepared. Part of me is ridiculously nervous. Part of me is extremely excited to have the class entirely in my hands. I'm sure I'll keep you posted!

(You can click on these to see them more clearly.)