I finished my semester of teacher aiding-- it was quite the experience. I can honestly say I never thought this was going to happen to me, going back to high school (on the other side of the desk, no less). Throughout aiding, I learned a lot. It was rather more enjoyable than I thought. Here's the best and worst parts:
The best part
Interacting with the students:
I don't really remember much from my high school experience, but the ninth graders I aided were SO FUNNY. They treated me very generously while I was there, not minding the mistakes I made when I was teaching. I never thought I was old until I heard this from one of my students: "I feel so old... like I'm 16" (they're all around 14). They also were able to show enthusiasm (or fake it) for English grammar. They gave me a pretty good experience and were polite (so very polite). For example, whenever I asked them to stop me if they need me to repeat something or if I speak too fast (I tend to), they always responded "No, you're fine!" or "No, it's okay!" Then later, my supervising teacher would tell me that the students tell her, "Ms. Chang talks SO fast!" However, they didn't want to stop me. I was really thankful that they tried so hard to encourage me to the point that I couldn't call on them all because everybody wanted to participate.
The worst part
Getting ready for school:
One thing about college that is better than high school: it starts later. Waking up every week from Tuesday to Friday to get ready for school was a pain to get used to. Not only did I have to wake up, but I also had to look presentable. I'm the hoodie-and-jeans type of person, so looking "professional" and "teacher-like" really wasn't in my wardrobe. Luckily, I had friends and roommates who let me borrow clothes. Skirts became my new jeans. In addition, after noting that most of the students were significantly taller, I decided to try to wear heels. It didn't work out as well. (Kudos to teachers who wear these deathtraps-on-feet for seven hours a day, five days a week)
Overall, I learned quite a lot and I'm really grateful to have this experience. I still have to admit that being a prospective teacher is surreal to me, but I'm growing to like it. Now I just have to get through my mom's gloating about being like her (Just kidding).
