WEEK FIFTEEN- Weekly Journal

This week put a lot into perspective for me because I reflected about all that I have learned. I compared myself and the abilities I can presently do to what I was capable of doing at the beginning of this semester, and the amount that I have learned and improved upon is unbelievable. I have been so determined to improve upon many skills so that I better understand the educational system, and can ensure that one day I will be completely prepared to teach. I have realized that I can do anything I put my mind to, and I have accomplished everything that I intended to upon arriving at my placement. I cannot believe that my term is just about up, and I will try my absolute best to make my last week at St. Andrew my best.
I took a risk this week when I was left alone with the class. I consider this class to be the more direspectful class, so I took this as an opportunity to be firm and show the class that I have authority. I took a risk in that in being more assertive, the kids may not accept me into their environment. However, after raising my voice, and letting them know what the consequences of their actions would be, it was as if the class have even more respect for me. This was a great risk to take because they now see me in a new light and recognize that I have authority in the classroom as well. This has taught me that in being assertive I gain the class's trust and respect. In the future, I will act in this fashion so that more will be accomplished in the class.
This week, I learned that being an active member in a work environment can be very rewarding. I did so many jobs this week, and they all varied immensely. This helped improve my transferable skills and really showed me that hard work can pay off. Being enthusiastic about working can also result in a fantastic job performance, because you put a lot of extra effort into the work. I have also learned that to be successful, you have to dive into the jobs you are assigned without fear. Not being afraid of jobs is a huge part of success because this allows you to be yourself which will shine through the work you are assigned. I have also learned that graduation is a very important aspect to Mme. Mercer and I will do anything in order to relieve the stress that this causes her. I love working on projects that pertain to the grade eight grad because I want to make their grad as special as mine was.
I was surprised this week when I realized how much I have actually improved in all aspects of my life. Not only have I improved in areas that are related to teaching and education, but my personal characteristics have also transformed. I have surprised myself at my new found confidence and determination to be successful in life. I have been so much more confident in class, with friends and even with my family. I see life in a different way because I have accomplished so much at my placement. My people skills are one of the skills that I have improved on the most. I don't care what people think of me anymore because I am more than satisfied with the person that I am.
Others at my placement see me as someone they can trust to complete tasks to the best of my ability. They know how particular I am about doing my best work. I take my time on each task, however I work very efficiently and complete several tasks each day. The people at my placement see me as a very responsible, mature, cheerful, and helpful person. I think that I am very trustworthy and honest. I always ask questions when necessary, and display responsibility and cooperation in all that I do. During my time at my placement, I have discovered that Mme. Mercer is extremely dedicated to the school. She is involved in so many of the activities, and this has motivated me to be this active in all that I do in the future. She is a very hard worker, and really organized. These traits have also rubbed off on me, and I will carry them into my future trials. She has been an amazing mentor, one that I will always remember.