A New Perspective

I always thought that teachers and students were one in the same; only that one has more power and discretion than the other does. There seemed to be an imbalance of work too, with students having to labor and stress for many more hours than those who prescribed their long hours of toiling. However, I have learned that this is clearly false. At the end of the school week, I find myself completely and utterly exhausted. Of course, I know that the heat has played a role in my fatigue, but much of it can be attributed to the hours of preparation, organization, and attention that have been demanded of me for the past five days. I never truly realized how much is required of teachers on an everyday basis. When they are not teaching in the classroom they are either grading, planning lessons, preparing for lessons, helping their students, searching for new ways to convey different subject matters, and much, much more. I have learned that as the teacher in the class, I not only have to be responsible for myself but for the many students around me as well. I probably sound like I am complaining here, however, that is the last thing that I want to do because I absolutely love the opportunity that I have been given. Everyday offers new perspectives and lessons for me, and not to forget, many laughs and smiles. Knowing that you have helped a student learn or understand something, even if it is incredibly small, makes me feel like I have done something meaningful throughout the day.

Although it is only the end of week one, I have developed a deep understanding and appreciation for all of my current and past teachers who have devoted themselves to us students in order to help us grow in and out of the classroom.