I have gained so much this summer, both for me as a professional and for me as an educator. The many opportunities I have experienced will allow me to bring so much back to my classroom.

Here is a list of things that I can bring back to my classroom:

1. Asking questions is ALWAYS suggested. I will not wait to let my students ask questions. I want them to ask whenever they have them.

2. Microbiology is ALL around us. Obviously, but making kids see it in their every day lives will come back to my classroom with me.

3. 4-H is an incredible resource and organization. I cannot wait to form a club at my school.

4. Kenan Fellows are really the top of the top. I cannot wait to share my experiences with my students and possibly get lessons to use with them from other Kenan Fellows.

5. All the technology resources that I got from NCCAT will definitely be piloted in my classroom.

Being a Kenan Fellow is going to truly impact my classroom and what I do with my students. I am going to incorporate as much hands-on learning in my social studies classroom as possible.

This summer, I have been frustrated. I have been happy. I have felt accomplished. I have felt sad. I have felt discouraged. I have felt encouraged.

It made me reflect and realize that I felt just like my students do on a daily basis in my classroom.

Most importantly, I have GROWN so much. Being in the lab made me feel like I was back at square one. I felt like I was learning a brand new language. I understood what my students may feel like when they do not understand vocabulary or procedures in my classroom. This was my biggest AHA moment. I finally understood how to truly engage my students and help them out when they feel lost. I understood what it was like to feel lost and confused, and what I needed in those moments to help me.

I have also truly learned the value of professional development OUTSIDE the traditional professional development realm. Surrounding myself with people that understand all that I am going through is an incredible experience. Being able to call/text, eat lunch with, and communicate with so many passionate and committed teachers has really influenced me to do even more in my classroom. I have many friends that are not teachers and cannot truly understand everything that I am going through. All of my Kenan friends have been amazing for helping me through everything.