Free-ee-ee-ee

"Here comes corner winds and the changin' tide"

And we'll be free-ee-ee-ee-ee

Free-ee-ee-ee-ee

Free-ee-ee-ee-ee

Feels so good to be

Free-ee-ee-ee-ee

Donovan Frankenreiter/Jack Johnson

As my last day of my practicum approaches quicker than I had ever expected, I have been contemplating how I will actually feel when the clock strikes 2:40 this Friday. Last December, I had assumed I would be anxious and relieved to be free at the end of my practicum, but I have come to realize that I am going to be incredibly sad. I have immensely enjoyed my practicum experience. Those Kindergarten students have touched my heart in more ways that I could have ever imagined. On those mornings that came too quickly, I would picture my class and the fun we have and suddenly I found that extra push to get up.

Some days my patience metre runs closer to the lower end, but it is incredible how a hug, a smile or a picture of Ms. G with purple hair in their journals would change that. The joy of children is they keep you smiling, they keep you honest and they hold you accountable (including today when I was told, "Ms. G. remember no gum in school"). I had snuck a piece under my tongue after lunch, but they are too smart for my own good!

I feel such satisfaction knowing that teaching is what I was meant to do. I am going to have many years of hugs, sticky hands, funny portraits drawn in student journals, giggles, smiles and learning ahead of me... and that is freedom to me.