Thoughts from a Guinea Pig

My first day at Brock was slightly overwhelming; new school, new people, new surroundings and a whole lot of information thrown in my face. I made friends faster than I thought I would, which helped put my mind at ease and provide me with a feeling of comfort. It helps to know I'm not alone.

Day 2, Thursday, our cohort leaders announced the students who would be starting their placement at Roberta Bondar. This group of students would be starting earlier than the rest. This group of students would become the "guinea pigs" of our cohort group.

Before the names were announced, I crossed my fingers and said a quick prayer, wishing I would NOT be one of the students called for this placement. I was already feeling overwhelmed enough, and the thought of starting observation the following week, was very scary. Would I be prepared? Would I be good enough? Will my clothes be professional enough? All these questions flooded my head as the names were listed; "Briana, Andre, Sarah S.,Nicole,..." Nicole?? Nicole P? Me? Am I the only Nicole? I am?? I am?? I AM!!! NOOOOOO!!!!

Needless to say, I wasn't overly happy with this news. In fact, I was slightly disappointed. However, after reading up on the school, talking to my parents, talking with the other students that will be working alongside me, and after my shopping spree for professional clothing, I felt much more at ease. Though I don't think I'd ever want to teach in a school that runs all year, I think it will be a great experience and will look quite nice on a resume.

Today, I found out that I'll be teaching in a grade 2 class. This was both good and bad news. The good news being that I LOVE the primary age and thus I'm now REALLY excited for this first placement. The bad news being that my longer placement in the second term will be with junior aged children, an age group that I find to be much more challenging. I'm hoping to be able to split my second placement up and do an out-of-region placement so that I can teach French immersion, and maybe I'll be lucky enough to get a french immersion kindergarden class (or at least another primary class for that time).

I look forward to my first day at Roberta Bondar this Friday and the many joys and challenges that will come with this experience.

Guinea Pigs, unite!