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One Year Since Graduation

It's hard to believe that exactly one year ago I graduated college with a BA in Liberal Studies. It amazes me how fast time flies. However, you need those one year marks to reflect back on what has occurred in the past year. You tend to think about what you thought was going to happen to now having the reality of what really happened.

What I thought was going to happen:
Last year as I walked across that stage at graduation I was walking into the unknown. I had an idea of what was going to happen. I had been accepted into the Moderate/Severe Credential program at APU upon which I was going to start in the fall. I planned that over summer I would interview for a summer job or becoming an aide in a school. Key word: thought

What actually happened:
Yes, I applied for jobs just like I said, probably to about 30 jobs. I got one job offer but turned it down because it was not a good fit. I got plenty of job interviews but no job. However, through this whole summer long job process  I came to realize a Moderate/Severe job was not for me and I switched to a Mild/Moderate credential. Then I started my credential and observed at many classrooms.

In January, I got placed at a school in Anaheim for my student teaching. I got placed in a Special Day Class (SDC) with 5th and 6th grade students. I was happy about the grade level but not happy about getting placed in a SDC because I again thought I wanted to be in a Resource classroom. I thought I wouldn't be a good fit because I would have to teach all day instead of being in small groups with students. However, this student teaching placement has turned out to be the biggest blessing and every day I come home with tears of joy from the love I feel from the students and the staff and how they are constantly encouraging my abilities and supporting me.

What I learned:
You know they always say don't worry about the future because God has the big plan. But let's be real I think the hardest thing is to not worry and release all control. I have grown so much in this last year since graduation in ways I never thought I would. I learned that being in a SDC is where I want to be and I would love to work with the older age group. I learned that I can do things I never thought I could. I spent a lot of times relying on God because quite frankly I didn't know what  else to do and look at where He has brought me. I am so beyond thankful for being able to dive into the unknown and face hurdles I never thought I would face but have led me to the person I am today.



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