Reflect

A few weeks ago, my dad asked me what my biggest takeaways were from my past 2 years working at my elementary school. I've learned so much - it's really hard to put into words (& barely captured in this post) - but here's an attempt, a glimpse:

I'm a master detector of if kids truly need to use the bathroom, or are just bored.
I can catch the general mood of a room because of all the faculty meetings I've attended.
I know how to use data & target specific skills for struggling kids (now if only the day had more hours!)
I know that kids mostly need a drink of water when not feeling well...
OR I can just sing sana, sana, colita de rana as healing powers (thanks mom).
I've realized turning in paperwork on time can make all the difference in how you're viewed as an employee.

Mostly, I've learned what makes a great leader.

A great leader seeks to build relationships with anyone they interact, & makes those interactions meaningful.
A great leader mediates relationships amongst employees to build an upbeat & welcoming work culture.
Their interactions are always positive at the beginning, & then when the proper relationship is formed, feedback on employee performance is more effective & wanted.

I can't believe my ride with Teach For America is coming to a close - this experience, this journey, is NOT what I thought I signed up for - but has been even greater than I could have ever imagined. Teaching has taught me to feel each extreme of emotions:

Joy
         Terror
Hope
                       Excitement
   Nervousness
                             Despair
Optimism
                  Love

When I started this blog, I felt like an alien transported into some strange place: a classroom filled with far too many children. Now, I cannot imagine my life without those kids & these experiences.

Below are a handful of pictures from this journey. What a life-changing ride this has truly been.

That time I got a J-O-B!

My lunchbox from Institute at Rice University - I do NOT miss
those early mornings!

The wonderful, wonderful, wonderful group of teachers I spent
my time with in Houston. 

After a stressful, jam-packed month, a road trip to Colorado was just
what I needed :)

Passed my language tests needed to teach bilingual elementary in FWISD

The first time I saw my school :)

Lots of doodling took place during professional development - sorry, it's how
I best concentrate!!! 

George W. Bush invited us over for dinner.

I got to see my classroom for the first time on my 22nd birthday

My first group of kiddos, forever in my heart

First apple

What motivated me when times got tough

Lots of professional development courtesy of Teach For America

Field trip to Austin

Powerful words from my kids

Got to hear from the previous Spanish PM and Mexican President

Wrote a 30-something page reflection on my first year of teaching - and am
now finally certified to teach in Texas! Thanks TNTP.

Visited the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia

Took a 2-day field trip to Sea World San Antonio

Ended the school-year visiting my alma mater with the kids.

Attended the end-of-the-year Teach For America celebration with fellow Sims teachers - couldn't
have done it without you both!

Visited Colorado AGAIN to unwind.

Year 2 began, same school, bigger vision.

New & smaller kiddos

Spent time as the running coach & ran the Cowtown 5k with the school

Received more [special] notes

Birthday parties happened

Coached softball, & despite having no experience with the sport, had SO much fun!