I also went into University to collect assignments. My amusing tutor that I've already written about wrote two wonderful comments on my journals and essay; "Good luck, mon ami, you have an awesome mind," and "I love your work!" Hahaha. Amusing tutors for the win. Oh, that's right - unless I go back and do post-grad (many years from now), I'll not be having any tutors. I got exceedingly good grades for both my journals and my essay, if you were wondering.
My best topics, the ones I did very well in, were "Teaching to Special Needs" and "Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students". I sense a pattern forming. And you might say that it's all theory, but I tended to do well with students who had special needs within the classroom too - both those who struggled, and those who were advanced. These are good skills to have.
I've been thinking about teaching a lot recently - thinking of units I could teach, classroom routines I could adopt, expectations of students - all of that. I said at the beginning of this whole thing that I was terrified, and I really am, but I'm also so much more enthusiastic than I ever thought I would be. I miss teaching. I miss the school climate, the work which occupies great stretches of time, the interactions. I miss feeling like a productive member of society and knowing that I am making a difference.
This whole not actually having a class to teach is kind of making me want to cry. Quite a bit. If I just knew I had a job - well, knowing me, I'd probably still be wanting to cry - but eventually I'd get my stuff together and God, I could totally do this, and it frightens, baffles and bewilders me that I want it so much. DECS, are you hearing me? I'm your girl. I want to teach! I want to teach in difficult places with difficult students! I can do this! Give me a chance?
I used to be a realist, you know. Since when did I get so sickeningly optimistic?