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When I was about 7 or 8 years old I asked "Santa" for a whiteboard for Christmas. As soon as I opened it my mom helped me hang up the board in my room and I immediately started playing teacher. I would line my bed with my American Girl Dolls and stuffed animals, I would make worksheets, I would create lessons, and so much more. That was the moment that I knew I had a deep passion for education.

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My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Mashburn, was truly an angel. Growing up I hated reading, it was always such a struggle and something that I despised. It wasn't until 5th grade that I was taught strategies and ways to read that helped build my confidence. Mrs. Mashburn was the teacher that changed my life and made me aware that that was something I could do for children too. She never made me feel like I was incapable, she helped me in more ways then I can describe.

(I unfortunately cannot find the picture that I have with Mrs. Mashburn, but the photo attached is from when I was in 5th grade.)

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When I was applying to colleges I wanted to find a school that would give me the best opportunities to pursue my career and help me find my teaching style. I decided to attend High Point University in 2016 and the very first semester of my freshman year I was already placed in a classroom. I observed Kindergarten and loved it! I knew that I was meant for this career! I even got to go to the Pumpkin Match with my students!

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My fall semester of my senior year I was awaiting my placement for my Student Teaching! I was thrilled when I found out that I would be working in 5th grade. My cooperating teacher, Mrs. Harper, was so excited to be working together! She was so encouraging and always gave me pointers! I even got us matching shirts! Mrs. Harper was extremely helpful, specifically when it came to classroom management. She was serious and straightforward with the students but she would also allow time for fun and laughter to take place too. I learned so much from her and our experience together. Unfortunately in my spring semester my placement was cut short due t COVID but we have kept in touch!

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In late March and April of last year I started applying to jobs throughout North Carolina. I randomly applied to a school in Lee County, never did I think that is where I would end up,  it just so happened that that school reached out for an interview. I took a chance and set up an interview and immediately after ending that interview I knew that I belonged there. Not even 2 days later I got the job offer from the district and took it! I originally applied for 5th grade at that school, but little did I know that I would be placed in 1st grade! A few months later I welcomed my first class of students, virtually of course;)

One of my favorite moment from the 2 weeks of training leading up to starting the school year was getting to go get my school ID!

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I started teaching and started my Masters in August of last year. I didn't know if I could handle and balance the two together, but I surprised myself. I took what I learned online and put it in my classroom, but I also took my classroom experience and wrote about it in some of my classes.

Not only did I learn so much last year throughout my online classes, but I learned a tremendous amount from my students and my experiences. My first year of teaching was absolutely incredible and the best year of my life!

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Last night, August 18, we had our virtual Open House! I was able to meet 9 of my 15 families and I am already blown away by how supportive and encouraging my parents are! There are several of my new students who were all virtual last year so on Monday it will be their very first day EVER coming to a school! I feel so honored that their first day at a school will be them being in my class! I can teach curriculum, I can teach them to read/write/etc. but the most important part is teaching them and encouraging them to be nice humans!