Day 8: Striving and Thriving

           Amazing how it is already halfway through this semester!  I remember when I first sat in this class, I felt so overwhelmed- to the point of being terrified!  “My schedule, my energy, my time, my sanity!  I have work, two other classes, a social life, and a personal life!” were the concerns that bombarded my mind when I first listened to the workload that we were about to have.   The uncertainty of trying to balance all my responsibilities put fear in my thoughts and for a moment, I was thinking whether I should quit while it was still early.

            Two months have passed already.  Although the amount of work has been “snowballing,” I am glad that I have reached a level of equilibrium emotionally and mentally with all that’s been happening in this class.  Thank God that I have long gone away from feeling the panic, although, yes, I still feel overwhelmed sometimes because I have other responsibilities to attend to and I can honestly admit that I do feel exhausted many times.  But I am ok and I am confident that I will continue being so in the days to come. 

            What really helped me with keeping afloat this semester is the camaraderie we share in the class.  I have all the ladies to thank, for being so encouraging and unselfish- their willingness to share and to be kind.  Honestly, if we didn’t have such a strong network of support in this class, this would have been greatly, greatly more difficult for me.  I tend to emotionally connect and the emotional support from my classmates and professor has truly been a gift.  I thank God deeply for everyone. 

            Putting emotions aside, I know that this class has helped me to become a better teacher.  I learned theories that help explain the phenomenon of language learning, strategies for a more effective instruction, and most especially, to become the kind of teacher who sees the value of my students, including their cultures and languages.  The textbook has also become one of my most favorite books in all my years in college. 

            It would be fascinating to see what the rest half of this semester will bring.  I am excited.  Let’s keep striving and thriving!

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

Helen Keller

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Goal setting