Monday, June 07, 2010

The End of a Beginning

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Nicky: "I buried a quarter in the sand because everyone deserves to find treasure."

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Minseo: "I wish you were in my family so I could take you to Korea with me because I love you and I'm going to miss you a lot."

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Where do I even begin to describe what an amazing experience this internship has been?

It's safe to say that I've learned more interacting with these cute yet intelligent children than I have in my three years of college. It began as just another requirement to meet before I graduate and just another work experience to add to my resume. I'll admit I was pretty reluctant to commit 100 hours of my time, but by the end of it all, I was so reluctant to leave. I would do it all over again if I could. Not being able to continue my journey here is my only angst about graduating a year early.

If there's one lesson that I'd take away from all this it would be to never, ever, ever underestimate children again. It's remarkable how much knowledge they already have--some already know the planets of our solar system and how photosynthesis works. With the right environment, the sky really is their limit. The teachers at this center are so inspiring in the techniques they use to push these kids to be their best. They're never harsh and give them so much freedom, yet the kids and the TAs respect them. The traditional strict way of teaching was all wrong! I don't know who learned more--me or the kids.

My last day couldn't have been better. All the kids hugged me goodbye, and they were all competing with each other as to who'd miss me the most. The trouble maker of the class ended up drawing two pictures for me, gave in to taking a picture with me, and told me he'd miss me. All that meant so much, especially coming from him. It just makes me feel like I did something right, ya know? You can bet I'll be putting up his pictures on my wall, and every time I look at them I'll think of him and be reminded that I can actually make a difference in this world.

I finally feel like I have found my purpose in life, and it feels so so so good. I am going to miss everyone so much--all the teachers, all the TAs and most of all, all the kids! I've been feeling so empty without them lately...hopefully I find a new batch of kids at a new preschool soon. Watch out world, Teacher/Freelance Photographer Jasmine is coming!

Outfit post soon!

Until next post,
Jasmine

PS. The song, "You'll Be in My Heart" by Phil Collins, randomly played while I was writing this post and it almost brought me tears...

13 comments:

  1. How lucky to find your voaction in life so soon. Will visit again.

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  2. aaaaaaawwwww jasmine!!! this totally made my heart melt!!!! the kids are all so adorable!!! i can almost hear their voices and chattering while taking that class photos!! :D

    it's always nice to be around kids.. they're such simple joys and it's always heartwarming to see how they're so innocent and true all the time! :D

    glad to see you had a great time! you'll definitely do well out in the real world, jasmine!! :D this is just the beginning! :D

    Animated Confessions

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  3. How Fun!!! I'm sorry your internship is all over. So is your degree in Early Childhood Development?
    Oh and remember how I told you I worked at a preschool for 7 years? Today I ran into my old students at Panera (i haven't seen him in 3 years) and he totally didn't remember me! Granted I dyed my hair darker and have bangs, but geeze! I felt like a sucker!

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  4. Aww those kids are adorable, and I'm sure they'll miss you a lot! I agree, kids are hecka smart and truly underestimated. I like what Nicky said! Seriously it's like out of a movie or something! And Minseo sounds so sweet just from that line!

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  5. you'll be in my heart is always a tear-jerker. always. and these quotes from the kids are adorable. they really are underestimated one too many times. it's sad how we lose that innocent view of the world as we grow older and experience other things. our minds become consumed with mindless drama and such.
    i'm so glad you had this amazing internship experience and that it's shown you a new direction in life. <3 :)

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  6. This is SOOO adorable. Awww. It made me want to cry! I love children so much. Kids make me weak to the knees! I feel so blessed to be the oldest cousin and have grown up constantly with youngsters around me and watch them grow up. I know you will conquer the world as a freelance photographer and teacher ;)

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  7. Jasmine this was such a delight to read! I'm so glad you've found an occupation you really enjoy. It seems perfect for you. and yes you're right... Kids are amazing. They're like sponges just soaking up everything they learn whether we know it or not!

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  8. Oh geez I got tears in my eyes from reading this! They are so adorable Jasmine. And I'm glad you had a wonderful time with them. Don't worry, I'm sure there's plenty in store for you. ((:

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  9. Aww this is just such a sweet post, I loved reading it. Sometimes kids can teach you so much.

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  10. Loved reading this post, lovely!

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  11. These photos are so cute! I feel like you'd be wonderful to work with children.

    Children ARE all intelligent little sponges. You don't want to get me started on how the public school system is designed to subdue and program a working class...

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  12. aww so sweet ^.^

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  13. No way!
    I'm majoring in Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement and minoring in photography!

    Seriously Jasmine, are we long lost friends?!

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