Anticipation

Throughout this chapter, twenty teachers shared their stories of anticipation. Each story moved me in its own unique way, but I feel that the biggest lesson that I drew from this section is that even though teaching is our experience, it is not about us. It is all about "them"... the students. In every instance, every teacher showed that although we go through rough times, get nervous, or have a shocking moment, each and every moment that we spend in the classroom (or sometimes outside) is for our students. Even for teachers that were completely out of their element realized that even though they might be uncomfortable, they can't let it get in the way of their profession. This isn't a fair weather job, and we must become comfortable with the notion that this sometimes we are faced with negative conditions in which we must flourish. As future educators, we must keep in mind that we have to bring unique experiences to our students and strive to foster an environment where they feel comfortable achieving as much as possible. When we successfully accomplish this, we, like teacher #10, will find ourselves working in a place full of love and compassion. This, perhaps, was one of the most touching readings, because it goes to show that when you care for students, they begin to care for you; when you are there for them during their tough times, they will return the favor and be there when you are in the same place. I feel that this is when you know that you have truly reached your students.