After twenty days road tripping through Europe and the UK, my body attempted to reject any ounce of work I tried to accomplish, which includes both school and my job. I started student teaching about a week ago, and while it has been a little intimidating, I am beyond thrilled and excited to start this next chapter.

I finally finished my portfolio, which wasn't such a daunting task, save for my continual procrastinstination of the finished product. I'm grateful that I have a website of my own, because without the blog, I'm not sure I would've known how to fashion an e-Portfolio. It came along, slowly but surely.

What I am most excited for this final semester of undergrad is lesson planning. I thoroughly enjoy crafting the most insane and probably too in depth lessons and activities because English is fun. When was the last time your classroom turned into an escape room? How about the last time you participated in a court room debate based on a completely fictional murder case? Never, well guess what? I created materials for a week-long activity very similar to this one four years ago, and I'm contemplating teaching it this semester to various groups of sophomores.

The most challenging part of preparation lies in choosing the appropriate texts as the basis for lesson creation. I spent many hours surfing the web for lexile scores and differing genres. I read book reviews and pulled from my own personal library - mind you, I was doing this all while traveling. I'm still piecing things together, but I am beyond excited to start my teaching career.

It has been an experience to say the least. My collegiate journey has been anything but easy. It was, and still kind of is, a rollercoaster, but it is the best dang ride. For those who may be confused, here's why:

I learned how to be an adult at an alarming rate. I've lived on my own for two years, and while it did wonders (I hope all you wonderful readers caught the sarcasm) for my anxiety at first, I've grown to love my own space.

I learned how to manage my time. I've balanced work and school so that I could afford the lifestyle I wanted ... with the love and support of my parents when in times of need.

But most importantly, I learned how to love myself and grow into the beautiful sunflower I am today. I did my own thing and simultaneously proved others wrong, which only ever serves as an added benefit.

As I sit here reflecting on the past few weeks, I feel at peace. I spent about 12 hours crafting two lesson plans, and I'm not going to lie, I reached a low point. I felt like anything I did wouldn't be good enough for the classes I will gradually take over for the next 12 weeks. Their learning will be in my hands, and that is actually the scariest thing I've encountered. However, I have a fantastic cooperating teacher, and i just have a feeling that I'll be okay.

During my busy life, I have also started the job hunt because this girl does not want to spend a year not doing what I've worked so hard for these past four years. This process is definitely an added stress, but I know that there is a plan for me. I'm trying to be proactive and think positive, and you know what's going to get me through the next 12 weeks? If you guessed coffee, you'd be right on the money.

Stay tuned for my adventures as a classroom teacher because I'm sure these kids will attempt to give me a run for my money. But, if you know me on a personal level, you're aware that I won't let that happen. Here's to lesson planning my life away and swimming in a vat of coffee to stay sane amidst teen angst and meme references. Cheers!