Peer Educator reflection

December 2018

(Click the picture to visit my reflection!)

Wrapping up my quarter teaching as an Honors Peer Educator, I came away with a few key life lessons: 1. Teaching is so much more physically and mentally exhausting than I could’ve ever anticipated. When all eyes are on you to fill the space and not lose your train of thought -- and that’s paired with the pressure to pull off a creative, engaging, and energizing lesson plan -- you can’t afford a spaced-out moment. 2. I’m pretty funny, but not funny enough to get by on charisma without preparation. 3. Assuming any level of power over others -- even such a minor level -- carries with it an outsized level of responsibility and coordination, but also provides an opportunity to create change that feels incredibly tangible and personal. I got to help people navigate their freshman year, which was so, so rewarding.

On top of this, I gained on-the-ground experience in time management and team-building that couldn’t be obtained through a standard classroom experience. I’m rounding out this learning experience with a profound gratitude for the Peer Educator advisers and to my students!