2013 was quite a year. Even though it started off rather roughly, it definitely had redeeming values that will guide a path for me for the rest of my life.
Top Songs of 2013:
From finishing prereqs –> student teaching: Having finished all my prerequisite coursework, all my necessary tests and acquisitions of recommendation letters, and finalizing my letter of intent in becoming a teacher, I was accepted into Cal State Fullerton’s teaching credential program. In my first semester I have gradually been inducted into the program and am slowly starting to take over classes. Starting in February 2014 though I will officially take over 2 periods of U.S. history and one period of World History and do all aspects of teaching from lesson planning to grading to parent conferences (all with no pay sadly enough). The experience will in the end be worth it though.
Fairmont & The YMCA: I spent all of the year working for the YMCA when school was in session (January – June, August – December), and all my time there was enriching getting to know more about high school students. I will use that experience to hopefully get to know the students I will try to teach (and maybe inspire them) in the future. I worked at a summer camp for Fairmont in the summer which was rather enriching, telling me that kids are rather enjoyable to be around if you have the proper relationship with them. I have used that experience to try to build a better relationship with my nieces and nephews. Though it was rather annoying spending 11 weeks working an 11-hour work schedule at Fairmont and the YMCA (and balancing student teaching and school), the payoff was definitely worth it. I learned quite a bit and I will continue to use that experience in the future.
Friends & Relationships: Though some of my friendships were rather weakened as the year progressed, many of them actually became stronger. Leaving Circle K made me realize who my true friends were (the ones I actually maintained contact with). Visiting San Diego and talking to people through text messages, Skype, and hanging out with them in person made me realize who out of all my friends I can actually consider “worth it” to still talk to. At the end of the day, if I’m still messaging you or pushing for a inevitable hangout with you, you’re someone I want to build a relationship will that will last until hopefully the age of retirement. I had mild success with a relationship that lasted only a month, but I most certainly put way too much dependence upon it to not fail. At the end of the day commitment was the issue and I can’t actually say I was to blame (this time). I just have to be more careful in who I surround myself with and who I in the end ultimately end up with.
With 2013 over, things are looking rather bright for 2014. I’m ready to get to know my students better, take over the classroom, use my new-found free time to further connect with friends and make new friendships, and eventually get a full-time-job and move out permanently.
