What Comes Next....

     I have really enjoyed taking my intro to Elementary Education course over the last few months, but most of all it was the student learning that really helped me. I have always felt my place was to be with children, to help them learn and grow. As a mom of 5, that desire has only grown more as I have been raising my children over the last 13 years. I undeniably am thrilled with the idea of becoming a teacher. I won't say it will be easy, nothing worth having ever is, but I know all the work I put in will pay off in more ways than I could ever imagine.

   I have always loved learning. I remember being 5 or 6 and having a little Chalk board isle in my basement where I lined up all my stuffed animals and taught them their ABC's. I have always had a love for education. I was always the book worm, staying inside or laying on a blanket under a tree with my nose in a book. I was the straight A kid who stayed up countless hours doing homework and every ounce of extra credit available just because I wanted to. That love and desire to learn has stayed with my my whole life, but as I have gotten older, that desire has changed into also wanting to teach others all that I have learned.

   Over the years when my oldest children were younger, I helped create neighborhood joy schools, where we would meet together as a simple preschool and have fun lessons and sensory activities. As I have moved around, new groups were created, and it was such an amazing experience. I can't wait for the opportunity to have a classroom of my own and to share all with children the love of learning! Watching children discover new things, fell capable and proud of who they are and what they can do, and being a influence for good in their lives is what drives me to work hard and progress toward my goal of becoming a teacher.

    I was accepted into the Clinical Elementary Education program at UVU. Starting next fall, I and 29 other students will be working alongside Elementary School Teachers in the classroom, and taking all of our courses together at the rotating 3 Elementary Schools. I am so excited that I was able to earn a place in this program!! I'm a bit overwhelmed by the idea of taking 17 credit hours, working at a school all day 2 days week, and managing my busy life, but I know it will all work out. The idea of working in a classroom from day one, and learning in a hands on way is truly what excites me. The plan is to complete all of my schooling I need for my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education by next Summer, and then take an internship position for Fall of 2020. I am so blessed to be supported by my husband and children in my endeavors to go back to school, but most of all, I feel blessed to be able to go and show my children that you are never to old to stop learning.