Transition in feelings – The Ferris State Torch

Transition in feelings – The Ferris State Torch

From the start of my freshman year to now becoming a fifth-year senior, my feelings about my present and my future have changed drastically. When I first arrived on campus, I experienced all the emotions that every freshman feels.  I was homesick and I felt anxious being away from home and my family for the first time.  Plus, with being in a new community for the first time, I had to learn how to navigate myself through campus and learn how to make new friends in this new environment. Photo courtesy of Tate Zellman On the other hand, I became very excited to start my college career over time.  I was looking forward to learning the steps of getting to my career, attending Ferris sporting events, and seeing what other opportunities would arise for me to get involved. Experiencing fun events for the first time were substantial memories of my college career, and I wish I could relive those moments. But now, as a fifth-year senior I still experience the feelings of excitement and nervousness, but for entirely different reasons. In terms of being excited, I am looking forward to wrapping up my college career.  My time at Ferris has been incredible and I wouldn’t change it for the world, but at the same time I am excited to be done soon.  It has been my dream to get my very own classroom, and that dream can become a reality after I complete my degree. Since I am majoring in English Education, I will have to do my student teaching internship before I can graduate and apply for my teaching job. I’m excited for my internship because I know it will be an experience that will prepare for my profession. However, I am also nervous for my internship because I want it to be a great experience and I don’t want to end my college career on a rough note. As I get to the conclusion of my college career, there are other things I have to think about regarding my internship. First off, the housing market isn’t the best right now, it is so freaking expensive to buy a house or an apartment nowadays. When I was freshman, I wasn’t thinking about that at all. What I also have to think about is getting my first teaching job. I know that schools are constantly looking for new teachers, but getting a job is not something that happens instantaneously.  I just hope that schools will consider hiring me when the time comes. I also have to worry about passing the MTTC (the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) because that test grants me my internship and my job.  I have to know the importance of making my classroom a safe environment, how to handle various school situations, and become aware of the skills needed to make sure my students become more proficient writers and critical thinkers. Regardless of your grade level or how far you are in your college, just know that it’s okay to feel excited and nervous about the present and the future.  It’s called being human to experience these feelings. I encourage everyone reading this to never shy away from your feelings.  Please, don’t feel ashamed by what you feel.  Staying true to your emotions can help you work through them and can help you go far in the upcoming stages of your life.