End of Semester Thoughts #3

by Cynthia's Group

Bri, Emily, Cynthia, Keri, and Kevin

Kevin Cindric – University of Mount Union

Student Taught at Jamieson Elementary

Attending Chicago Semester was one of the best decisions I have ever made. At first I had doubts about not completing my student teaching in my college hometown and leaving to teach in an inner-city school. Thankfully I decided to come to Chicago because the experience was invaluable. Through the program I met tons of new friends. I had no problem adjusting to the life here in Chicago. In fact, I am planning on staying to find a job in the city. I wish the program was a whole year long instead of just 3 months! Time flew by.

Brianne Simmons – Judson University

Student Taught at Boone Elementary

I know that living in the city right now in my life is impossible for a couple reasons, but being able to live there for a semester was one of the coolest experiences I could have ever asked for. There were four things about Chicago semester I loved the most! First, they teach you how to use the transit system which I think alone would have been a great reason to come out here. Second, there are so many fun, crazy, and spontaneous events that anyone can do really any day of the week. One night my roommate and I just walked down a major street in the city for about an hour and a half and had a blast taking pictures. The third most enjoyable part about this experience would have to be all the people I met. Between my roommates, my new friends at the church I attended, the other student teachers, and my faculty and staff, I know I am walking away with many new life-long friends. Last, the school that I worked at was one of the most diverse, fun, loving, and best experiences I have ever had in my entire life. The school pushed me and taught me more about life outside of this country than any other experience I could have ever asked for. Overall, there were some ups and downs along the way, but I had a very enjoyable ride that if I could do it all over again I would in a heartbeat.

Emily Te Brink – Central College

Student Taught at Jamieson Elementary

The part about Chicago Semester that I enjoyed the most was the ability to meet new people and form relationships.  Meeting a group of people that all have similar interests provides an amazing social and learning environment.  The experiences I had outside of the program with fellow classmates and within the program with the staff and faculty are memories that will be cherished and cannot be replaced.

While student teaching, I have learned a great deal about myself.  The best thing I learned is that I can do this and I still enjoy teaching.  Many students get to this point in their journey and realize that it is not for them anymore.  I am pleased to say that I do not have those feelings.  I am not saying that it was a walk in the park by any means, but what fun is accomplishing something if there were not challenges to overcome?

Keri Forsythe – University of Mount Union               

Student Taught at Boone Elementary and Jamieson Elementary

Student teaching in Chicago Semester was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I really enjoyed living in Chicago, I enjoyed all of the exciting things to do and see. I also really enjoyed teaching in an urban setting because it was different than any teaching experience I have had so far. Teaching in Chicago public schools was challenging, but the experience and knowledge that I gained made it truly worth it. I learned that I can do a lot more than I give myself credit for and I gained a lot of self-confidence.