🎓 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
It's so easy to get caught up in grades, deadlines, and the constant pressure of college life that we sometimes forget to pause and acknowledge all the incredible 'hard things' we are doing. My own journey as an AuDHD student teacher showed me that true pride often comes from navigating those less-talked-about challenges. Beyond just passing exams, there's so much to celebrate in your student life! One huge source of pride for me was learning to really listen to myself and make my own personal accommodations. While university support is vital, discovering what truly helps you thrive, especially with neurodivergence, is empowering. For instance, I found that breaking down study sessions into 20-minute sprints with 5-minute movement breaks worked wonders for my focus, far better than just an extended 'study hall.' Or, realizing that some lectures were better absorbed by listening to recordings later in a calm environment, rather than trying to process everything in a busy classroom. These aren't just 'tricks'; they're acts of self-care and self-awareness that are incredibly important to cultivate. Being able to adapt and create your own best learning environment, whether it's finding the perfect quiet corner in the library or using specific sensory tools, is a major win. Another often overlooked area of pride is simply showing up when things are tough. There were days I felt completely overwhelmed, doubting my ability to even finish my BFA in Art Education. But every time I pushed through that feeling, attended a class I dreaded, or restarted a project I thought was doomed, I was building resilience. That resilience, the ability to bounce back and keep going, is something to be profoundly proud of. It’s not about never struggling, but about your capacity to face those struggles head-on. Think about the personal growth you experience. College isn't just about textbooks; it's often the first time many of us live independently, manage our own finances, and build a completely new social circle. Learning to navigate roommate conflicts, budgeting for groceries, or even just mastering your laundry routine are all significant achievements. These life skills, developed alongside your academic pursuits, are fundamental to becoming a well-rounded adult, and they absolutely deserve a pat on the back. Finally, consider the impact you have on others, even as a student. As an Art Education major, my student teaching experience, despite its initial ups and downs, allowed me to connect with young people and share my passion. Whether you're volunteering, mentoring a younger student, participating in campus clubs, or even just being a supportive friend, these contributions build a sense of community and purpose. Realizing you're making a positive difference, however small, is an incredible feeling of pride. So, take a moment, look back at your journey, and celebrate all the unique things that make you an amazing student. You've earned it!
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