You may have noticed that things have been a bit quiet here on Raincity Librarian recently. Well, other than the usual pandemic ennui, there’s another reason I’ve been neglecting this blog – I’m a student!
Yes, for the first time since I finished my masters in 2014 I’m back in the classroom, though this time it’s a virtual classroom. I’m currently unable to work at my day job thanks to this no-good virus and my no-good lungs, and while I know that staying at home with my son is the safest option for everyone, not being able to do the job I love really left me feeling lost, and pretty depressed.
In order to keep my brain active and keep building my skill set, I’ve decided to make the most of this unexpected leave and pursue some continued education. I’m currently enrolled in an ESL teaching certification program, which I hope will help me more effectively programming for newcomers at the library. You know, when the world is right again.
Online learning has never been my thing. I thrive in social environments, and I struggle to stay motivated when my lessons primarily consist of reading chapters from a textbook. This course has challenged me in so many ways – trying to develop lesson plans while bouncing a teething toddler on your lap isn’t something I ever thought I’d be doing! But it certainly has kept my brain active, and given me something to worry about beyond the usual series of covid calamities.
I’m currently in the midst of my teaching practicum, which is both thrilling and utterly terrifying. You’d think that doing endless story times and school visits would make me an old hand at speaking to a group, but interacting with students through a computer screen is an entirely new beast, and one that I still need to fully master. Thankfully my students have been patient, kind and enthusiastic, and I appreciate each and every one of them!
I should be finished with this course in December, and then? Who knows! Perhaps I’ll look for an online writing course, or maybe I’ll pivot entirely and try my hand at learning a language! After taking a much-needed brain break, of course.
What have you been up to recently?? Anyone doing anything interesting or different these days?
Jane – What a great idea in these uncertain times! Congrats!
Thank you!! Anything to keep the old brain active. 🙂
How wonderful – congratulations!
Thank you!! It’s been a bit of an adjustment – it’s been quite a while since I was last a student, ha! 🙂