Goodbyes

"If it means a lot to you" A Day to Remember

After all of the excitement of graduation, it feels kind of nice to go back to work. I love my job so much, especially the people I work with, so the 40 hour week went by fast. This week wasn't filled with celebrations like the week before, instead it was filled with lots of goodbyes.

One of the hardest things about ending college is saying goodbye. People that you've built strong relationships with, maybe had a class together, maybe lived together, shared the same major, whatever it may be, all the sudden are gone. I hate the feeling of losing people, especially when it's not in my control. Leaving is the natural progression of how college works, you come, stay for 4 (or more) years and then leave. And even though you expect it all along, it doesn't make it any easier.

Graduation

As of May 22, 2010 I finished my college education. I can't believe it. It was a hard 4 years, academically, emotionally, and spiritually but it was such a growing experience. I am so content with the person I've become and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me. I'm searching for jobs and will be applying my little heart out this summer.  Even though the job market it difficult I'm convinced that something will turn up.

I don't really feel old enough to be a college graduate, but I am and it feels amazing.

Complete

"Bleed" by Hot Chelle Rae

So, after my final presentation today, I am officially finished with college! All of the assignments and the tests, FINISHED. I can't believe it... it feels so amazing.

I am going to enjoy this feeling.

Finished

So that's it. I'm done. It was a tearful goodbye, for me and for the students. But it's done. What a wonderful experience this has been. I've learned so much about myself as a person and as a teacher. I feel infinitely wiser after these short 4 months.

Just a few papers and a presentation away from being done.

What a  crazy feeling.

Ending

"Fireflies" by Owl City

I know I've been talking about this time in my life being a beginning, and I really do think it is. But, this week, begins the end of an experience. I've been at The Potter's House for 4 months and this Thursday is my last day. It's been an amazing experience with lots of challenges, but a lot of amazing memories.

I think my favorite memory was from this week. I am the leader of a discipleship group of 4 boys. This week we did a service project at The Hope Network in Grand Rapids. We worked with mentally challenged adults and played basketball, ladder golf, and bean bag toss. The boys did great, they were nervous at first but with a  little encouragement, they were so understanding. On the way back, I had my iPod playing, and one of the students asked if I had the song "Fireflies" by Owl City on my iPod. Fortunately, I do, and I love that song. So, on the way back from Hope Network, with 3 ten year old boys, we all sang along to "Fireflies". The 21 year old and then ten year olds, all singing along. It was hilarious, and heart warming at the same time. Epic.

Newspapers

At the beginning of the semester I started a classroom newspaper. Because the semester has been so busy, I haven't been able to create a new one until now.

Take a look!

 

Letters

Today I found a letter on my desk from one of my students. It read as follows:

"Ms. DeVos
I will miss you when you leave. You are so beautiful and nice and generous. Everyone will miss you. Ms. DeVos, I hope you will be a great 4th grade teacher. I hope they are good. Thank you for coming to TPH.

Will Always Miss You,

Yuli"

It's going to be so hard to leave...

Beginning

"Everything" by The Classic Crime

I did it. I finished my resume and cover letter and it looks great! Now... just to use it. My supervising teacher is really enthusiastic about me handing in my resume, and she wants me to do it tomorrow. Oy vey, talk about pressure. But, it's finished and ready to hand in.

This week is going to be intense. Unit plan due Tuesday, plus a few other projects. But I have a few fun things this week too. Going to a concert of The Classic Crime, Medina Lake, Ivoryline and Don't Ever Tell. I'm pretty excited. Also, going to a banquet Thursday night to support TPH.

The end is in sight, and this is just the beginning.