So many reasons to celebrate!

The last couple of weeks have been extremely bittersweet! I’ve experienced a lot of “lasts” and the realization that I am indeed graduating and moving on to the next chapter of my life. 

One of my first lasts was my last day of student teaching. These kids have taught me so much and helped me to become the best teacher I can possibly be. I love each and every one of them and miss them so much already!

my farewell note to my students…

…and the many notes I received back in return 🙂

This was our last day of seminar with one of my favorite professors. I still can’t believe I’m finished!

As if everything wasn’t already exciting enough, I went home last week during finals week (since I didn’t have any) and was surprised with this little beauty! This is my graduation present from my mom & dad and I couldn’t be more in love!

Graduation weekend begins…

 my loving and supportive family

 so blessed to have ALL four grandparents celebrate with me during this special weekend

 my very best friends the morning before graduation

 Scott & I

forever a flyer!

University of Dayton, Class of 2013

Such an amazing last couple of weeks it has been. I am officially a graduate of UD and couldn’t be more happy with the decision I made four years ago in deciding where to attend college. Dayton has truly become my second home and has been a place that has shaped the young woman I am today. I have made lifelong friends, had the most amazing experiences, and received an education so that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. I feel confident that I am ready for this next chapter in my life, but will never forget the wonderful memories I made these last four years. Thanks to my friends and family and especially my parents for their unconditional love and support. Next step: one last Daytona trip to celebrate! 🙂 

Exciting News for Ms. Mitchell!

I am so extremely excited to announce that I was offered a teaching position last Monday and I ACCEPTED! I will officially be teaching 6th and 7th grade language arts next year at St. Agnes Parish School, a Catholic school at home.  Teaching has been a dream of mine ever since I can remember and it’s an amazing feeling knowing that my dream is so close to finally becoming a reality.

I am filled with a mixture of emotions at this monumental time in my life. I couldn’t be more happy about my job and the school in which I will be teaching next year, but at the same time I am beginning to realize my four years at UD are quickly coming to an end.  Knowing that graduation is only three weeks away is mind-blowing.  I feel like I should still be a freshman, experiencing college for the first time, living in dorms, and eating in the cafeteria.  The past four years have flown by (just like everyone warned they would) and it all just feels so bittersweet. I am so unbelievably grateful for my wonderful college experience and couldn’t have asked for a better school, better teachers, or better friends.  My time at the University of Dayton has been amazing and I feel so blessed that my parents made it possible for me to attend this great institution.

Life Update!

Life has been crazy busy lately, as usual! But it has been fantastic. I have absolutely LOVED student teaching this semester and can’t believe my last day is only five weeks away! 😦

My cooperating teachings have been phenomenal and have taught me so much. One of my favorite things that I implemented was this quick and easy version of an “exit slip”:

I put post-its on the students’ desks in the morning and at the end of class I have them write down what stuck with them from that day’s lesson. It is such a cute and easy way to see how much students actually comprehended. 

Aside from student teaching, I have also been on the job hunt! Being a teacher it’s somewhat difficult finding a job because schools don’t post openings until late spring.  I have been fortunate enough to have been in contact with some schools from home that already know open positions for next school year. I even have a job interview next Friday at one of the Catholic schools in Louisville! 🙂 AND we had a career fair today at UD where I interviewed with two school districts from Louisville. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and trying to stay proactive about completing on-line applications and keeping in contact with schools. I can’t believe the real world is quickly approaching but I couldn’t be more excited about it!

A couple of weekends ago my two best friends, Liz and Morgan, came to visit! I can’t wait until we are all living in the same city again!

And of course with senior year coming to a close, the roomies and I are trying to enjoy every second of our last year at Dayton. I have been so blessed living with these 6 amazing girls and know that we will keep in touch long after graduation. 

The wonderful St. Patty’s day was last Sunday and campus was a sea of green as usual! 

Now I’m just trying to get through this last week and a half before SPRING BREAK! I cannot wait for next Friday because my mom, dad, aunt, uncle, and I are all going to Hilton Head!! I am so unbelievably excited for this much-needed vacation and quality time spent with family. 

First Post!

I have recently developed a love for blogs, so I decided to start my own! I am currently in my first semester of senior year at the University of Dayton, majoring in middle childhood education.  I couldn’t have picked a better college to attend and I am extremely grateful for the last three years I have spent here. It truly has become my second home and I can’t believe that in six short months I will be graduating from this amazing place.  But let’s not talk about the “g-word”…

After three years of waiting, I have finally started my student teaching.  I am in a sixth grade classroom and could not be happier. My experience so far has definitely confirmed that teaching is the right profession for me.  I have already learned so much and can’t wait to see what the months ahead will bring. I will be sure to keep you posted! 🙂 That is all for now.