Dear
Jason (me),
I know you probably cannot imagine
it now but you will make it through the next four years and graduate with a degree
in English Education. I know you are going to think it impossible to make it in
four years after changing majors the first year, but no matter how bad some
semesters seem (especially the 21 credit hour one you will face) it will all be
ok.
It will be a long journey that will
come to an end in the best way you could never have imagined. You will meet the
best woman on the planet in one of the worst classes on campus (abbreviated as HEL),
and you will never been happier. Even though she drives you crazy most of the time
asking for help on assignments when you have much of your own stuff to finish
and are way behind on, you have never been happier than you are now with her.
Hold her tight and never let her go.
Student teaching will become
overwhelming at times. Just remember all the instances where you have
specifically made a difference and keep your head high. There will be days when
you question your career choice but you will always come back with a stronger
devotion of knowing this is what you were meant to do.
As you go through the first few
years of teaching, don’t stress out or become discouraged. The first few years
are always the hardest, and this will be when you learn the most about
teaching. Take some time for yourself, since schooling, wedding planning, and
married life will consume most of it. Don’t forget who you really are when you’re
wrapped up in the first few years with Steph, and remember that she always
means well even if it doesn’t seem like it.
Remember that anything worth doing
in life is never easy. All the stress from job searching during
student-teaching has finally paid off and you and Steph are on your way to a
happily ever after. After all the time and effort you put forth at WSU, don’t
forget where you came from and where you are going.
Sitting behind that teacher desk
these next few years, take time to think back to your days as a student.
Remember all the projects, the stress from having Dr. Mason sit in on your
lessons and critique your teaching methods, the long job search, and the day
everything finally came together. Remember that each of those times that everything
seemed so far out of reach were only stepping stones that brought you where you
are today.
Throughout your career as an
educator, remember where you came from and that everything you went through
lead you to where you are today. Remember the friends you made through classes
and your co-op position at Marshall, and cut Steph some slack when it comes to
Mike. Remember that Mike and Jackie mean quite a bit to her now, and that
sometimes she becomes jealous of how much you and Mike share. Just kindly
remind her that she has secrets with Jackie and she shouldn’t get mad. That
will be your biggest struggle, and everyone knows it.
During the late nights grading
papers, take some time and spend it with Steph. The two of you will make it
through anything that comes your way. Work together, not against one another,
and remind yourself every day why you love one another. Even though these next
few years will be stressful for both of you, remember to take the time for each
other. Work together through the hard times, and learn from your mistakes. With
the help of one another, you will make it through anything that comes your way.
Relax, breathe. You made it this
far, and with the continuation of hard work and dedication, you will make it
even further.
Jason
(Me)
