Since I was one of the few volunteers who spoke Spanish on the days I was there, our kind site coordinator, Julie, often paired me with English learners who were so eager to grow and succeed. I had the unique opportunity to offer some dual language instruction, which allowed me to connect with the students on a deeper level.

One student I will never forget is a sweet first grader named Santiago. At first, he was a little nervous to work with me, but when Julie let him know that I spoke Spanish, his face lit up. It was such a heartwarming moment, I saw so much of myself in him. Every Monday, I made it a point to work closely with Santiago, and over time, it was incredibly rewarding to see him not only improve in his reading skills but also grow confident enough to express himself in both languages around his peers.

Santiago wasn’t the only student I had the pleasure of working with; I also had the chance to support a couple of other English learners as they developed their language skills. This experience deeply affirmed my passion for education and made me realize how much I would love to become a dual language educator in the future. I am so grateful for the memories and growth this opportunity provided.

There were a few special moments from my time at Maryland. The most impactful was when I led a class lesson about American Sign Language. I was able to show the students several signs that they could use in the classroom. For example, I showed them the sign for help and they later would sign it to me when they wanted me to come help them with their work. This was impactful for  me because I love sign language and am planning on working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students when I become a teacher.  After working here, I realize that I can always teach ASL to my students while teaching general education classes. Another good memory I have is when I was able to go outside  during recess and play lava monster with the class. The students would have to run between play structures with me tagging them. This was a really fun game and it helped me build a relationship with the students. It is really important for the teacher and students to have a good relationship because it improves the students’ willingness to participate in the class. One thing that relates directly to my class Education 364 is how important bilingual education is in the lives of our students.

What stood out the most was how involved the students were. They were working in small groups, and everyone seemed to be participating fully. It was heartwarming to see them helping each other, asking thoughtful questions, and even joking around in a friendly, respectful way. There was a great sense of community and collaboration in the room, and it reminded me how important it is to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Seeing the students’ excitement as they tested their models and applied the scientific method was truly amazing. They were not just learning about science they were doing science. I could see their curiosity and critical thinking skills in action as they made predictions, observed results, and discussed what was happening. It was a great example of active learning, and it reinforced my belief that STEM education should be interactive and student-centered.

This experience left a lasting impression on me. It helped me visualize the kind of teacher I want to become someone who encourages exploration, supports teamwork, and makes science fun and meaningful. It was a powerful reminder that learning can be both educational and enjoyable when students are given the right tools and opportunities to succeed.

I want to express my gratitude to Ms. Curley for being one of those teachers. Her patience, warmth, encouragement made such a difference. Not just for the students but for me too, her teaching style was something I admire. She created a space where every student's voice mattered, and that had a lasting impact. I learned so much from watching how she connects with her class making learning feel meaningful and fun.

Thank you Ms. Curley, for showing me what great teaching looks like they are so lucky to have you!

Instead of joining the rest of the class in a fun activity they were about to start, he asked if he could keep working with me. We continued reading together, and the teacher was genuinely shocked by his newfound enthusiasm. That moment really showed me how special this experience was. It’s something that will stick with me for a long time and has made me even more excited to become a teacher.

Overall, I learned so much from my time at Maryland Elementary. The experience truly confirmed for me that I’ve chosen the right career path.