They say time flies by, but oh my goodness, it feels like it’s skyrocketing out of the atmosphere!!
In high school, junior year was considered the hardest due to high-intensity classes and standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. Junior year in college is a whole different ball game. Along with hefty coursework, there are emotional challenges as well. The “real world” becomes very real as you apply for internships, graduate school, or a full-time 9–5 position. Suddenly, your friends are graduating, moving away, and/or starting families, while you are sitting in your apartment staring at your laptop, thinking: Am I going to make it through all of this?
As an Art Education student, I feel like I’ve faced some of my biggest challenges this year. I realized that the Department of Education does not always see us as “true educators,” and the School of Art does not always see us as “true artists.” I have struggled to gain confidence in both the classroom and my studio classes as I try, fail, and try again to put more of myself into my work.
Yet, amid those challenges, a spark of excitement builds as you discover more about the field you love. This semester, I taught a class of elementary students for ten consecutive weeks and gained some much-needed confidence in the classroom. Alongside my peers, I curated a student art show for all of the students’ families to enjoy on the last day of class. But thinking ahead to OAE exams, student teaching, or the edTPA again increases my anxiety.
I just want to take a moment, for myself and everyone in the same boat, to breathe. Truly breathe. It’s important to recognize that any fear or self-doubt you have is okay. It’s what makes us human. Negativity will always be present, whether it is external or internal. Pushing that doubt aside is a challenge, but one worth overcoming.
You’ve made it this far. You’ve worked toward this since freshman year, and I assure you (and myself) that you are more than capable of what you set out to do. Recognize how far you’ve come as you map out how far you still need to go.
And as I’ve told my third graders, I just know you will do amazing things!