Week 5: Cheerful Victories

Often times we celebrate victories after we have completed a challenging task. I can say that I have had the opportunity to share in many victories before the finish line this week. My students amaze me with their ability to think critically to become self-directed learners. The thoughtful questions that lead to conversations, and those ‘ah-ha!’ moments are the small victories I am proud to be a part of!

Of course to lead me to these many victories this week, I participated in other experiences.  Therefore, I will share a HIGH (some of the best #UndeniablyDerry and other dynamite moments), a LOW (something I wish was better, but can’t change so I learn to grow from the experience), and a TIP (something that I learned or heard that encouraged me to continue to grow my roots in agriculture education).

Student showing a bovine fetus

High: As I shared above, this week was full of "ah-ha!" coming from my students’ mouths. These moments were fully present as we finished up the reproductive unit within my CASE – ASA course. We ended our unit elbows deep in the female reproductive tract of multiple species.  CASE curriculum provides awesome lessons that allow my students to think critically and engage in thoughtful conversation. However, I realized it is sometimes the unplanned lessons that can lead to more in-depth thinking and conversations. I say this because during our dissection, we discovered fetuses at multiple stages in development. This sparked much curiosity, that allowed us to focus our attention to topics of embryology and gestation. I was truly thankful for my experience growing up in animal production agriculture, and courses that I took at Penn State that allowed me to share my acquired knowledge to direct my students to answers. In turn, leading them to their moments of ‘ah-ha’. Not only were these small cheers of victory, but these were the moments I dreamed of. It assures me that I am here for a reason, and that I have the ability to cultivate growth by creating a learning environment that is engaging.

Low: I often share how amazing my students are because they truly are. It is unbelievable and upsetting each time I learn of a student whose home life is unfair. This is why I am a firm believer that students not only deserve a quality education, but a safe learning environment . I feel very fortunate and privileged when I think of what these students endure. It hurts me to think that any of my students are unsure if there will be food on the table or someone to care for them at home. However what I know is that I desire to find ways to share and show my students that I care about each of them and hope they succeed in life. 

Tip: Participate in the small victories. The next nine weeks will probably get a little more stressful before they get any easier. I will begin instructing some units with content that I am not familiar with. Which is why it is always a humbling reminder that I should continually be a self-advocate for growth, so I can create additional "ah-ha" moments for my students. Although I may face some challenges throughout my student teaching experience, it is the small victories that make every long and tiring day worthwhile. I am so proud of my students and the progress they're making each day.

Weekly Unique Moments:

FFA Alumni Meeting: I was able to attend my first FFA alumni meeting. It was amazing to meet previous members of the Derry FFA Chapter. In addition, I enjoyed listening to their stories of how the agriculture program and teachers changed their life, which is why they seek to ensure the same happens with current members by funding trips, jackets, and scholarships.

Freshmen Scheduling: The Hunger Games is over, and the odds were surly in our favor! Of the 40+ freshmen enrolled within the Derry Agriculture/Horticulture Program, Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Rippole get to welcome back 31 as sophomores. These young agriculture enthusist are just beginning their agriculture story, I am hopeful that their chapters will be filled with impactful and growing moments.