growing up: Transitioning from Student to Teacher

Recently, as I have been going through the process of attending recruitment presentations from school boards, revamping my CV, writing cover letters, filling in applications, going through interviews, I have been reflecting on this really crucial and transformative period. The transition from Student (teacher) to Teacher approaches day by day and I’ve come to realize that I am growing up. I can feel it.

Growing up is a strange concept to me. Oddly enough, it has always been something I looked forward to. I have always looked up to people older than me and I continue to do so, whether it be my mentors, my university professors, my family members, experienced educators, etc. But as I continue to look up to those people, I also notice that I am becoming more wise and have more to offer back.

Lately, as I approach the end of my B.Ed, I can’t seem to grasp the fact that I will FINALLY be a certified teacher. I, Sarah Anne Lalonde, will be the teacher I have always dreamt of being. The responsibilities I will be undertaking and lives I will be changing is something that I think about often. It has become pretty overwhelming actually… and a little surreal.

Following your dreams is something I’ve always promoted. Dreaming big is something I believe everyone should do. Behind every dreamer there’s a doer. I’ve reached some of my goals and dreams, but becoming a teacher has always been right up there at the top. Being only a few months away from accomplishing that dream gives me butterflies because it feels like yesterday that I was only a little girl with a dream. Now, with lots of hard work, dedication, patience, grit and perseverance I have almost attained it.

When you think about it, growing up means so much.

• It means a major role change in my life... I will have spent 20 years as a student. I’ve watched teachers all of my student life. Some I liked more than others, but they’ve all taught me something along the way. I look forward to transitioning from student to teacher. But, as much as I will be transitioning from the learner to the teacher, I will still be constantly learning with me students.
• ​Growing up as a woman, I want to continue to be a leader and role model for girls. I crave to show them that good things come when you believe in yourself, your dreams and a little hard work. My role as an educator will allow me to have an impact on their confidence, their passions, their intelligence, their future, their self-worth, and of course, their learning. I will show them that they are beautiful, powerful and capable
• Finally, growing up means I need to continue pursuing more goals and dreams. I’ve spent lots of time searching for what my realistic long term goal are and I have finally figured them out. (I am aware and open to all of the changes, obstacles and growth that awaits me and knowing that these goals may transform is exciting!) But for now, at the age of 23, here they are:

o   Becoming a member of the OCT 
o   Masters in Education
o  Getting my ABQ’s
o   Teaching for (??) # of years
o   Google Certified Trainer
o   Principal’s Course
o   Administrator 

All in all, with time, I get to continue to learn new things, meet new people, explore different places, get inspired and inspire others, follow my passion and find new ones. I cannot wait to share my gained expertise and experience with those around me as other have shared with me along the way. As I mentioned, my plans may change, obstacles may arise, but my passion for education will last forever. I can’t predict where I will be in 5, 10, 20 years, but I will continue to aim high and reach for the stars with my goals. I look forward to looking back on this blog post in a few years from now.

I’ve realized that, as much as you may want and try, you can’t stop time and you can't stop from growing up. This is inevitable therefor, you have to make the absolute best of the time you’re given on earth.

I encourage you to think about where you wanted to be while finishing Teacher’s College and where you are now. Have plans changed? What do your future goals look like? How do you plan on reaching them? I'd love to know! Comment below ⬇️⬇️


Cheers,
Sarah