If you don't remember me, I don't blame you. I know it's been nearly 14 months since the last time I blogged, so let me start by reminding you of my name: It's Janae. You probably know me from Houston, BYU, Seattle, Mexico, or you may even be a new Nashville friend. As I glanced at my blog archive earlier, I noticed that since the birth of this blog in 2007, I've written a total of 18 blog posts. I promise to write more than I did in 2008 (a whopping total of 2 posts), and I will try to write more than I did in 2009 (a record-high of 10). Since I'm through at BYU, the look and title of the blog have changed, but I assure you that the writer is no imposter. I am, indeed, Janae. Now, before we discuss the present, let me share with you a few very important things from my recent past...
1. My 3rd Grade Class!!
There is no way that I could adequately explain what this teaching experience has meant to me. These beautiful, precious students were mine for the year, and it was hard to give them up at the end of it. I care a lot about these kids, and I want so much for them to lead good lives and become leaders among their peers. Without actually being a parent, I feel like I've been a mom to 30+ kids. It was always funny when they called me 'Mom' by accident. I hope those slips of the tongue were a result of being in a nurturing environment where the students felt comfortable. 3rd grade is such a unique time for kids. The move from 2nd to 3rd grade is a significant move forward in responsibility and in the curriculum. They are learning to do much alone, but they are still little and sweet. The learning that takes places and the personalities I got to know, the hugs given, the flowers and/or weeds presented, the funny comments--they all created such a special experience. I hope I never forget these dear guinea pigs of mine. I enjoy getting emails from them every once in awhile. This teaching internship was probably the hardest thing I've ever done, but it was so worth it. I have learned a ton and done many things well, but I know I still have loads more to learn as well as improve on. One thing that has been crossing my mind in the past week or so is well put by my dear red-headed friend, Anne Shirley. 'Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.' Each day is a new chance to be more patient. A new chance to teach or re-teach a concept. A new chance to improve on something or do better than the day before. A new chance to show love to Heavenly Father's children. I wish I could have been absolutely perfect at these things, but life's about improving and progressing, right?
During this time, I also got to collaborate and become friends with other professionals. I'm grateful for the two patient 3rd grade teachers I worked with. They were so helpful to me and tried to make things as easy as possible for me in my first year of teaching. Leslie and Laurie both have so many wonderful talents and attributes. I will miss working with them. Lori, the school facilitator and my mentor, is amazing. She was so helpful to me, and she has such great ideas. I went downstairs to see her in her office a lot, and half of the time I did so because I enjoyed visiting with her. She has such a fun personality, and I miss seeing her on a daily basis. Basically, the students, their parents, and my co-workers unknowingly reinforced to me something that I already knew about myself. I love people.
Unfortunately, most of the hundreds of pictures I took this year are gone--preserved only in the end-of-the-year DVD I made. We won't dwell on that, though. I try not to think about it. Luckily my mom took some pictures. I'll share a few with you.
2. Graduating from BYU!
As I've written a novel already (I tend to do that...), I'll keep my BYU bit short and sweet. Here are two thoughts on the matter:
1) In the words of Julius Caesar: "Veni, vidi, vici"!
2) I LOVE BYU! :)
