On my first day of final internship, I walked into Ms. Wright's classroom. I genuinely had no idea what to expect. We'd exchanged a few emails and texts, but I had never worked with her before. Throughout those first few weeks, I began to understand how lucky I was to have her as my mentor. I immediately liked how organized she was and knew that we would get along. As I watched her interact with the students, I became more and more impressed. She was just so patient and kind. There is so much about her teaching style that I hope to emulate. She has taught me so much during the last fifteen weeks, and I feel so indebted to her. Her positive reinforcement and carefully worded constructive criticism was just the kind of mentoring I needed. She made me feel as if the classroom was really mine as well, and her confidence in me has surely helped me grow. Ms. Wright's class fluctuated from seventeen to nineteen students throughout the semester. These students were amazing to work with! As challenging as it was at times, I really did love every minute. I was exposed to students from many different walks of life including those who were previously homeless or exposed to gang violence. Being placed in this classroom with these students was extremely enlightening. I learned so much about classroom management, specific, positive praise, reaching challenging students, and interacting with difficult parents. My experiences ran the gamete which made my time in final internship that much more worthwhile. My last day with the students was very emotional, and many were crying and begging me not to go. This just further reassures me that I will be an effective teacher in time. I worked tirelessly to help these students to learn, and I think I made a small impact. I hope that I have touched their hearts in the same way that they have touched mine. I was nervous starting final internship with all of its rigorous expectations, but now that it is over, I stand in awe of just how far I have come. Final internship has changed me. More to the point, this education program has changed me. I am not the same person I was a mere two years ago. The trials and tribulations life has set before me have had a profound effect on who I am today. During all the ups and downs, my only constant was this program and its expectations. I have met and worked with some amazing people. Each mentor teacher I taught under will be emblazoned on my heart. Each professor who took the time to really get to know me and impart their wisdom will be remembered fondly. I leave my time in final internship with a quiet confidence. I know that I still have so much more to learn and reflect upon, but time and experience will be my new teachers. They will shape me into the educator I am meant to be, just as my mentors and professors have before them. I am so excited to see what life has in store for me, and I am counting the days until I have a classroom all my own!