Reflecting on the Last Few Weeks

This 3-week practicum was much more beneficial than I could have imagined or anticipated. I entered LSHS with nervous butterflies in my stomach, and I couldn't stop tapping my heel anxiously as I waited for Principal Collins to enter the main office. As soon as he shook my hand, though, I surprisingly felt comfortable and truly welcome. Mr. Collins, along with the rest of Lake Steven HS's staff, was personable and encouraging, which set the tone for the duration of my stay.

The tips, stories, and opportunity to be treated as one of the faculty has left me eager to continue as an English education major at WSU. I feel that I was aptly prepared to enter the high school atmosphere as a teacher-in-training.

I was inspired by LSHS's faculty's attitude and acceptance--each teacher whom I was placed with was eager to help, ask questions, and offer their time to give me feedback. The students also treated me in a respectful manner. Some students even came to me for help on assignments and greeted me as "Miss Melissa" in the hallways. One of my main concerns was my young looks, but after seeing teachers establish themselves as set authority figures, and recieving many bits of advice and stories of past student teachers, I feel confident that I will be able to set high classroom standards and maintain a respectful atmosphere for my students and me.

I feel more passionate for my professional goals now that I did when I entered Lake Stevens High School. I appreciate every day I spent with the faculty and staff of LSHS. Thank you, Mrs. Tilley, Mr. Alderson, Ms. Herron, Mr. Neuman, and Mr. Kelly, for taking me under the Viking wing and blessing me with an opportunity that's prepared me to succeed in my last year at WSU.