Ending

I recently finished my internship; this will be my last blog post. My last day at the school was a bittersweet experience. As I taught the children I realized how much I had grown to know them each individually although I wasn’t there for very long. As I looked into these children’s’ faces I was really happy to have met them, but sad that I would not be able to spend time with them anymore. At the end of the day, I went to each class and said goodbye. The youngest two classes recited a poem for me about fathers and father figures. I was really touched.

I have been reflecting on my internship and how it will help me in my career as a dentist. When I signed up for the internship I did it because I thought that it would be fun and that it was a good chance to improve on my French. After the internship I realize that it will help me directly in my career as a dentist. I learned how to teach various subjects in French, but I also learned how to interact with young children in the role of an authority figure. I have a goal of being a dentist that children are not afraid of: this internship helped me move towards this goal.

Sharing breakfast with Directrice Mialy

After school I ate a meal with the school principal that also acted as my internship supervisor. It was a really cool experience. Although we are two generations apart and she was acting as my supervisor, the mood felt like a couple of friends sharing a meal. I was happy with how comfortable I had become with her and the other teachers. Before my first day of teaching, I was really nervous about how I would be received. I was especially afraid that I would be looked down on as a foreigner. During my internship I was warmly welcomed in the school.

I am extremely thankful for this unique experience that I was able to have. I know that the experience I gained will directly help me throughout my career and family life.