Joy.
Reflecting back on my entire BEd experience, I feel that I have found joy everywhere, literally. Thus begins this little story, full of “joy”…
In our first weeks of the program, we were tasked with writing down one word on a piece of paper and handing it back in. My word was “joy” and I wrote a quick little note inside to talk about how I was excited for new challenges, and that my wish for this program and my 2024 year is that I would find joy in things, and joy in my life. Joy has always felt like a deeper, profound happiness. It’s more of a way of being and not just a feeling. You feel happiness, but you have joy. At the time, this word didn’t feel that powerful. I didn’t think much of it. Fast forward to making our little time capsules. Bonnie gave us all a Christmas card that we crafted into a box and put inside a little note that we would read December 2024. The choosings were random, and I got a nice white and gold card. When I folded it up, in a very chaotic way, it happened that there was one word right on the front of the box: Joy. When I was reflecting on this, I was able to start acknowledging the presence of this word in my life. One of the reasons I was inspired to become a teacher and pursue this passion is also because of my best friend in the entire world (who is also a teacher in Ontario): Sarah Joy. Fast forward again to my last week of practicum, when I walked into a Starbucks to treat myself with a coffee as I reached the end of this journey, and I was met with a large sign on the door: “All you need is joy and coffee.” Joy, again. Then, on the last day I had with my students, I received some gifts. One of them gifted me a bunch of beautiful handmade beaded bracelets that they made with their parents. That’s when it hit me. The bracelet had a simple three letter word on it: joy.
Other bracelets said “teach” and “learn” and even my name, but this one stood out. This felt very full circle. Something I had looked for in block 1, and I was seeing everywhere as I ended this journey. That’s when I reflected on my life and realized how much joy I’ve truly had this year. I got to experience 3 amazing practicums where I made such priceless connections with staff and students. I got to make friends that will last a lifetime, and have lots of fun. I got to experience Bonnie’s amazing snack cart. I got to learn so much, and finally feel passion in what I’m doing. I got married. I got a new puppy. I got to start a life that I am so proud of.
So, to the BEd program, thank you for everything. Thank you for the opportunity to change the lives of students, and in the mean time, change my own. Thank you for all the laughs and for forging life-long learners. Thank you for the snacks, and the support. Thank you for it all. Thank you for the joy.
To end this program, and this blog, are my last two words: grateful and joyful.
