🎓 I’m Officially a College Graduate!
What a journey it’s been! The time I’ve spent in college certainly hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned so much about myself & my major of Art Education. Here are 3 big takeaways I have from my final semester in college as a student teacher.
1. I’m proud of myself, & I can do hard things!
I struggle with being extremely self critical and very hard on myself. I have a lot of self doubt and insecurity that led me to think that I was unlikely to succeed in college, especially during the rigorous demands of my student teaching semester. But with determination and support from my partner, professors, student teaching supervisor, and cooperating teachers, I did it! I proved to myself that I am capable of doing hard things and I can succeed as a teacher.
2. Making accommodations for myself is way more helpful than anything the school can provide.
As a student with ADHD & ASD, I face some challenges related to those diagnoses. While I am grateful to have academic accommodations through the university, (such as flexibility with due dates, permission to record lectures, permission to take breaks from class, access to class materials prior to class, and access to neurodivergent friendly note taking software) I’ve found that it’s even more important for me to make accommodations for myself. This is especially relevant as I finish undergrad and start working full time. Not every job will be willing or able to provide these accommodations, so I need to find things that I can do to help myself.
3. I grew to enjoy my Art Education major after feeling trapped in it.
When I chose my major, I was excited about it. I love working with kids and young adults, and I love art - so becoming an art teacher felt like a natural combination of those things. I liked it a lot at the start, but the further I got into my classes, I started to dread the idea of it. I had a professor that I really didn’t mesh with, and at the end of that semester, I was convinced I would absolutely hate teaching art. The problem was, I only had a year left of college at that point and I felt like it was too late to change majors and I was too close to the finish line to drop out. Thankfully, I pushed through, and had a really fantastic experience with student teaching. I worked at some unique schools with wonderful cooperating teachers and they helped me rekindle my love for art education.
What’s next for me? I’m still figuring that out! Some of my classmates are already applying for full time classroom jobs, but I don’t feel ready to jump in the deep end quite yet. I’m definitely nervous about starting to work full time but I know I’m prepared whenever I start that chapter of my life!
#college #collegelife #graduate #collegeadvice #collegestudent
Graduating from college is a monumental achievement, especially after years filled with challenges and self-discovery. Many graduates, like myself, face similar struggles during their educational journey, particularly those with ADHD and ASD. It is paramount for students to learn how to navigate their unique challenges and find effective accommodations that promote their success. In my reflection, I uncovered that while institutional supports were beneficial, it was the self-made adjustments that truly empowered my learning. Peer support in college can be vital. Forming connections with classmates and collaborating can enhance the learning environment. Engaging with fellow students also fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for mental well-being. Many students dread student teaching or entering the workforce, fearing the transition from school to real-world responsibilities. However, facing these fears with determination can lead to renewed passions and areas of growth. Ultimately, embracing the journey and understanding that the road ahead may still be uncertain can be liberating. For recent graduates, seeking opportunities for mentorship and guidance in their teaching careers can significantly ease the transition into professional life. Whether substituting, pursuing a full-time role, or even considering further studies, staying connected with the learning community can foster confidence and success in the next chapter of life. Readers seeking advice can greatly benefit from sharing their experiences and recommendations in forums and communities dedicated to recent graduates.
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