Well my first prac is finally over. I have to admit there is a sense of relief because it was tiring and I’m looking forward to the semester break to just plod along for a bit and relax. But I’m going to miss the students (I’m hesitant to call them ‘kids’ because they are in fact ‘young adults’) because its going to be another two months till I see them again. It was such a great experience, I can’t wait to go back.

Yesterday I was assessed by my supervisor first period for one of my year 12 classes. It went really well!! I still haven’t actually seen a teacher teach a classroom, just because its that time in the term when the students are working on their productions work. So I’ve had no role model to emulate but what I’m doing seems to be okay since I haven’t had too many complaints. My supervior gave me some really good constructive feedback and she said I did a great job so I’m pretty stoked considering I had nothing to go by!

I’ve learnt so much about myself being in being a teacher on this first prac. It has pushed me to be more assertive and confidant in who I am, (whereas usually I wonder that when I speak do people even listen or acknowledge!) yet also learning to balance that with love, care and enthusiam. I really can’t get over how great this prac has been, I feel so blessed!

The reality of it all really hit my the other night. The fact that I am in a place of influence, where minds are getting shaped and changed. When I spoke about Paris Hilton in my class I also talked about the values she represents and what messages she is sending girls. I said to them we have to be critical when viewing media, because for a young girl to be watching Paris Hilton in the media what is that telling her? That if she uses her body as an sex object, makes a sex tape, partys hard and dresses inappropriately that thats the way she will find love and be noticed? It was interesting to see the expressions on their faces and to see them thinking about it.

When I look at the students in my class I can see the great future, purpose and destiny they could have in God. If only they knew how much potential they have inside of them and how much they need Jesus in their life. If they only knew! It really breaks my heart when I think about this, anything less than what God has to offer them is a rip off. I’m really praying for God to use me in this area, that though I may not be able to speak to them directly about it but I hope that the life I lead is an example to them that there is so much more.

Ps Zhenya gave me a revelation about the difference between calling and destiny. My calling is to go out and spread the Word of God, but as each day is passing He is showing me more and more what my destiny is. To be a teacher, and right now, I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.