Samantha Woldman - Hayt Elementary
As my time in Chicago comes to an end, I just want to
highlight some of the wonderful experiences I have been blessed enough to
partake in while in Chicago. My time this semester has been consumed mainly
with student teaching. That being said, I would like to give you a brief recap
of my time in Chicago! Truly, this time has been the most challenging season of
my life. However, this semester also served as a time of intense personal and professional
growth.
Chicago Semester for me, has meant pushing myself when I was
unsure of what comes next. This semester has been a formative time in my life.
I was pressed to pursue work, friends, and life in the city all within a few
months’ time. This challenged me because
I am a naturally introverted individual. This information, is invaluable when
entering the program. Going in, I imagined a semester that would promote growth
and understanding, however I could never have imagined the outcome of this
semester. I feel that in the last 4 months I have learned more about myself,
the relationships I'm involved in, and being a professional, than I have in any
other chapter of college. So please, consider Chicago, consider yourself, and
be ready for the opportunity to discern your experiences.
Additionally, when entering student teaching, I was ready to
engage with a fourth grade group of students. Little did I know that over the
course of the semester, this class would soon become my “babies!” For me, fourth grade seemed too old, however
as I look at them now, I would never change my experience. These wonderful
students bring me to tears on a weekly basis. I have truly found and served
such a loving student body while working at Hayt. My students built me up each
day and they press me to be better and grow. I would not trade my placement or
time in Chicago with these wonderful, glorious, wise, and empowering students.
Due to the constant motion of my time in Chicago, I have
really learned the importance of community. In Chicago my community was a small
group of people that I could turn to at all points to guide me through difficult
situations. These people include, my family, my boyfriend, and my wonderful
roommate Jess. Without this constant group pouring into me, this semester would
not be possible. Each person in my community played a vital role in keeping me
sane this semester. From yelling with me at midnight when we found out we would
not be striking, to numerous late night texts and phone calls. To these people,
and many more in my community, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without
my community in Chicago I would not have made it. That being said, if you are
considering Chicago do it! Do it, but find your community. That may not be a
large group, it may only be a few, but find those with similar views as you,
and really support and build one another up. Do it!!!
