2013 was quite a year. Even though it started off rather roughly, it had lots of redeeming qualities.
Having finished all my prerequisite coursework, all my necessary tests and acquisitions of recommendation letters, and finalizing my letter of intent in becoming a teacher, I was accepted into Cal State Fullerton’s teaching credential program. In my first semester I was gradually inducted into the program and slowly took over my classes, under a master teacher at Santiago High School. It was interesting watching, observing, and learning tips from the master all to incorporate as needed skills in my eventual teaching.
I spent all of the year working for the YMCA when school was in session (January – June, August – December), and all my time there was enriching getting to know more about high school students. I eventually used that experience with getting to know students at the eventual career I acquired (teaching). In the summer I worked at a summer camp for Fairmont, which was also rather enriching. It taught me the lesson that kids are okay to be around if you have a good relationship with them. I have used that experience to try to build a better relationship with my nieces and nephews. Though it was rather annoying spending 11 weeks in the Fall working an 11-hour work schedule at Fairmont and the YMCA (and balancing student teaching and school), the payoff was definitely worth it. I learned quite a bit and I will continue to use that experience in the future.
Though some of my friendships were rather weakened as the year progressed, many of them actually became stronger. I was heavily invested in Circle K for a majority of the year, and made countless friends there. Unfortunately, it was through betrayal that I eventually left the club, when they chose someone else to Publicity Chair over me, despite the fact that I had gone to every single event that year and had the proper qualifications for it. Leaving Circle K made me realize who my true friends were (the ones I actually maintained contact with). Visiting San Diego and talking to people through text messages, Skype, and hanging out with them in person made me realize who out of all my friends I can actually consider “worth it” to still talk to. At the end of the day, if I’m still messaging you or pushing for a inevitable hangout with you, you’re someone I want to build a relationship will that will last until hopefully the age of retirement. I had mild success with a relationship that lasted only a month, but I most certainly put way too much dependence upon it to not fail. At the end of the day commitment was the issue and I can’t actually say I was to blame (this time). It taught me to just be more careful in who I surround myself with and who I in the end ultimately end up with. Eventually she sent me an apology letter for breaking my heart and messing the entire thing up anyway.
2013 gave me the opportunity to continue growing, and made me invested in wanting to be a good teacher. It taught me to get to know my students better, take over the classroom, use my new-found free time to further connect with friends and make new friendships, and eventually get a full-time-job and move out permanently.
The top movie of the year was Frozen. Let it go. The top song of the year was Thrift Shop. Makes me want to go… volunteer at a thrift shop.
