Una Semana Termina, Muchas Más Para Ir (one week done, the rest of the way to go)

Throughout the first week of ISM, I have participated in many experiences and opportunities that have shown me the workload and the journey that the Independent Study and Mentorship program has in store. Although this program will take a strong work ethic, I am prepared to overcome obstacles and experience environments that will give me a solid base for building my future in the education field.

This week included the first day of class, where the layout of the whole program was handed out, and a guest speaker talked about how a person finds their true passion. As Julie Martin Leslie of “In Your Element Coaching and Consulting” spoke, I started thinking about why I love bilingual education so much and why that will be the topic I study this year. The impact that teachers have on people, play a big role in why that individual would want to be a teacher. I want to change kids lives, just as I have been changed by my teachers. This past week I thought of two teachers in particular that have made me a better student and person. One of these teachers happen to be Señora Lau, my Spanish Two teacher at Reedy High School. Señora Lau passes on her love of not only teaching, but her passion for the Spanish language onto many of her students. Bilingual Education is a perfect way to mesh both teaching and Spanish into one. I am excited to spend the year researching more about what it takes to follow my dream.

Moving forward from this week, I am determined to finish this year with a foundation that will help me in my future career. This year it will be important to continue researching about all the different programs in the public school setting that include both the English and Spanish language in a single class. Searching for a mentor that teaches in a bilingual setting and exemplifies a model educator is crucial. Learning how to successfully run a classroom smoothly even with a language differences will be a key component to learn while studying Bilingual Education.

This year in the Independent Study and Mentorship program will be exciting and beneficial. I am determined to make the best of it and end the year with more knowledge and understanding of what Bilingual Education has in store.