Aloha 'Oe

So now that I'm done with college...wait. Let me repeat that. I'm done with college. Which is like the culmination of everything I've been working towards my whole life. I have mixed emotions about this. Obviously I'm excited. Excited for the things to come, excited for the next phase of my life, excited for the change of pace. I can also say that I'm relieved. I've been going to school- nonstop mind you, for a very long time. I think a break is in order (and is well deserved). I would also say I'm proud of what I've achieved at school. I've always wanted to be a teacher, that was never an issue, but there were times I doubted myself. It is seriously a lot of work! I don't think people understand, let me put this into perspective for you. Most majors have a senior project. This could be a paper, presentation, art display, recital, etc. Some majors actually have an internship- hands on practice with their line of work. I had a 5 month intensive non-paid student teaching experience. This would include, but is not limited to; writing lesson plans, writing tests, grading assignments, writing report cards, teaching classes, parent teacher conferences, behavioral meetings, staff meetings, grade level meetings, wiping tears, giving bandaids, tying shoes, choreographing dances, running through art museums, practicing for plays- this is all while I was being observed, with unscheduled pop ins from the state board of Hawaii- all on top of the seminar which includes writing weekly reflections of my work, an action research project, 10 page paper, and presentation. Like I said- Intense. Finally, I'm sad. College has been so much fun. I'm already starting to miss the little things like eating at the Caf, living in a dorm, studying in the library, cramming for a test...things I won't get to experience again. I've been nostalgic from a very young age. All in all, I've learned so much. And I'll admit that most of my learning took place outside of the classroom. I learned how to pay bills, make pizza dough, and iron a graduation gown. Now I don't know what's next- and that's killing me, but I feel prepared for whatever it may be. Because I've grown, and I've changed. More importantly, I've learned a lot about myself and become able to reign in my crazy. I know that I'm impulsive, irrational, impatient, and impractical. But I can manage. And that's all life is, right? Learning how to manage, and staying happy along the way. Well I am happy. So I guess that makes my life a success. Aloha 'Oe.

1st Week of College- July 2010

Last Week of College- April 2013