When I was younger I would go to school all day only to come home and play school/teacher all evening. I would make my students do work sheets as I taught them a lesson on my whiteboard. Then I would grade them with my fancy, coloured pens (the same ones my teachers had) and complete each worksheet with a sticker. I would teach my (imaginary) class math and English and science, then I would walk them down the (imaginary) hall to music and French class. At the time I never had younger siblings that I would make listen to me, nor would I make my parents participate. However, my (imaginary) students were all named after my classmates, and I made sure each student was recorded on my attendance sheet. I think it is safe to say that by playing teacher I have been practicing for my degree my entire life, minus the fact that it was all done through my imagination.

This past week has been exciting because I am finally on track to complete my life long dream of being a (real life) teacher. With all of the excitement, it has also been an overwhelming week. I grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan and did all of my K-12 schooling in Regina. Back home we don’t have middle school and elementary school is K-8. Learning to be a teacher is an overwhelming task on its own, but its another level when you have to learn how to teach in a system that you did not go to school in. On top of all my class work, I have also spent a lot of time learning how schools in BC work, how middle school is structured, and exploring the BC curriculum. So, this week I have definitely been exhausted because I am taking in so much information. However, it is part of the journey and it will all pay off in the end!

It makes me nervous to think one day 20-30 sets of parents will put their trust in me to educate and guide their children. However, I have had so many amazing teachers throughout my schooling and I can now look to them as role models. I also have 4 little people cheering me on along the way. To them I am “Sissy” and I am the proudest big sister. While they already tell me I am the best teacher, I am looking forward to learning and developing how to be the best teacher for my future students.