Dear Family, I’m a college grad!!

Dear Family,

After finishing up my degree in December, I can’t help but reflect back on my college experience. I loved it! It was such a great experience that has truly taught me so much and has helped me to grow as a person. I’m so grateful for everything that has happened, the ups and the downs.  Throughout it all, I have grown closer to my Heavenly Father.

Last semester, I embarked on the final part of my degree—student teaching. I had told myself all summer it was going to be challenging, but nothing I can’t handle. I could do this. How intimidating were 12-year-olds, anyway?! Then August came, and just a few weeks before I was about to start student teaching, I panicked. I felt sick all the time and kept thinking that this was a mistake. I couldn’t be a teacher. I didn’t want to do this. I just wanted it to be over. What a great way to start out, right? And I hadn’t even started my student teaching yet! I was terrified that the next few months were going to be one of the most miserable experiences of my life. So I turned to my Heavenly Father, and just prayed that I could get through the whole thing.

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(Me and my co-workers in the office where I worked most of my college career!)

He answered my prayers. I was blessed by having an amazing mentor teacher who welcomed me and supported me the whole time. I had amazing support from other teachers, friends, and family.  Student teaching wasn’t easy, by any means, but I had the confidence I could do it and the strength to work hard because of the support I had. Anytime I was struggling, I turned to the scriptures, and I always found the comforting words I needed to keep me going. Student teaching was an amazing experience for me, and I know I could not have done it without the strength, comfort, and support my Heavenly Father gave me along the way.  I know that he’ll always be there for me, offering the guidance and support I need, no matter what circumstances I’ll be in, and I am so grateful for that blessing in my life.

I’m a college grad!!

-Emily