WEEK SIXTEEN- Weekly Journal

This week was a very special week for me because it gave me an opportunity to analyze all that I have done over the past semester at my placement. I see how far I have come, and all that I have improved on. When I set a goal for myself, I do everything I can to accomplish it, and I can honestly say that I have done just that. One part of my job that I will miss are all of the students that I have gotten so close to. I have become very attached to all of the kids because they had the power to brighten my day. They made me laugh and really enjoy my days at co-op. Sometimes we had problems, but in the long run, it made our teacher-student relationship stronger because we had more respect for each other. The students have been awesome since the first day I was at my placement. They welcomed me into their environment with open arms, and warmed up to my presence very quickly. This past week has really put this into perspective for me, in that we have come so far. I have gotten closer with the students each day, and will always remember the good times we have had. I will also miss Mme. Mercer and the unwavering support she has given me this semester. She has always been there for me to ask questions and learn from. She has taught me so much, and her dedication and commitment to education has inspired me to be the same. Seeing her interact with the students has allowed me to see myself in the future. She has taught me so many valuable lessons; ones that I will take into the future.
I think the hardest part of the job has been the conflict resolution. I had trouble being an authority figure in the classroom because I think the students saw me as more of a peer/friend, and decided to take advantage of me. I did not enjoy yelling or being firm/assertive to the class, but I now realize that this is neceassary if one wants to be successful within the classroom. If I could talk to a student that will be coming to St. Andrew next year, I would tell them to not be afraid of diving into something new. You should not be afraid to try new things, because in the long run it results in you learning something new.
Saying goodbye this week was very hard for me. Not just because I have worked with these teachers for the past few months, but because I have known them for many years. These great individuals are my past teachers, and saying goodbye to them again was very hard for me. Over this past semester, they have all done so much for me. They have gone out of their way to welcome me into their work environment, and provide me with activities that will enhance my skills and work ethic. I hated saying goodbye, however, in all the sadness I saw how much I have truly accomplished. I have come so far, and met so many nice people during my stay, and in thanking them for everything, I became very emotional.
Looking back on my co-op experience, I feel that I am more confident and self-assured. I have become more outgoing, and self-assured. Co-op has helped me with so many other aspects of life, and I am looking forward to pursuing this career. I feel that I have done the best I could have done in everything I was assigned to do. I am a hardworker, and I truly think it showed in the work that I have done here at my placement. I cannot wait to use the new skills I have learned here. I feel so much differently about myself, and I think that these new qualities will only benefit me in the future. I believe that this experience will help me in the future because I have gained valuable experience in the field, and have pinpointed areas that need improvement, and those that I am strong in. I now have the opportunity/advantage of working on the skills I need to improve on, so that one day, I may have a head start. I saw how this career runs, and I can actually see myself being a part of it.
My last day ended with me doing one last task for Mme. Mercer and I was very sad to do this. It really hit me that I was not going to work at my placement, and I am very sad to go, because I became very attached to all those who have helped me. I said goodbye to all of these wonderful people, and was sure to thank them for all that they have done for me. I will never forget this experience, and I am so thankful I was able to have this opportunity. I feel that I have gained an insight into this career, and am more sure than ever that I want to pursue it. This reassurance is all thanks to co-operative education-thank you!