As we have heard in many of our lectures, ‘a teacher’s work is never done’. I also think that a student teacher’s work is never done because there is a responsibility for constant personal and professional development. I am the type of person who likes to be organised and always on top of my work. However I think it is also important to accept that this isn’t always possible. In semester one I discovered a good balance that meant I could enjoy the experience of university but also prevent myself from becoming stressed. I found starting university to be a big change. I was very worried about writing the assignments as I felt as though I it was a big essay to tackle. However, I decided to start very early in order to give myself time and be less stressed. In the first few weeks I hadn’t learned enough on the topics to begin the essay so I started by breaking down the question and planned the essay and built on it as the weeks went by. So I think I can apply the way I wrote my first essays to writing this semesters assignments. In turn this will take some pressure off of semester two. In a more general way I can also plan ahead because I know if I let work build up it effects how I feel. I think that often we reflect when things go wrong in order to adapt for the future but thinking over the positive can also be useful. If we discover a technique that works it is good to reflect on this to carry it on into the future.

Second semester really solidified for me that I had made the right decision and this was the path for me. I took what I had learned from semester one to improve my assignments. I believe I did well in my semester one assessments, but I think for continued professional development, it is crucial to know that there is always opportunity for improvement.

Professional practice was an experience unlike any other. Due to my nature of being well organised, I really enjoyed the challenge of the folder.  it also gave me my first experience to really be a ‘professional’. The teaching practice itself was an extremely valuable and enjoyable experience. I know that I am lucky to have had a positive experience and I really appreciated the support I was given.

First year of university has diminished any anxieties I had about my choice and given me the motivation to continue to develop and do my absolute best throughout the rest of university and into my career.