Goodbye, Preschool...

I turned in my letter for my last day at the preschool. I can't technically have a job during student teaching, and as much as that makes sense, I really am bummed to be leaving this place. I would have stayed on for this year in a heartbeat. I almost cried when I had to do it (which doesn't bode well for my last day with the kids at all).

I've had the chance to work with some truly amazing people whom I have learned a lot from (not just about work), and I've come to value their friendships.

I've gotten to develop some truly great relationships with the kids, too, and have loved to see those relationships grow over the course of nearly a year. I can't even begin to tell you how often preschooler hugs have turned a day around for me, how many priceless things I've laughed about with them, how many times they have astounded me with the way they think or play or wonder. I have learned much more from them than I ever thought I could.

Getting to work here has brought so many stories, but also so much of me. I've gone through a lot of laughter and frustration, but I've loved every single bit of it. I feel better prepared for teaching, for being a mom someday (although I hope I never have 16-20 children of my own running around at once...esp. not all 3-5 yrs old), being a coworker, and even just being a friend. It's helped me recognize talents I didn't even know I had, develop areas I was weak in, and boosted my confidence. It made me realize that I'm capable when it comes to working with children (and other adults).

Most of all, it confirmed how much I love what I'm setting out to do. I love those kids, and I love getting to work with them every day, and I can't wait until I can do it for a real, full-time living.

~"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." ["Closing Time"-Semisonic]~