I'm a student and a future teacher.
The End of a Journey
With what I have gained from this internship, I must say that this is a truly wonderful experience. From the first day I was welcomed by the warmth of the teachers in the school, the enthusiasm clearly shown in the way the teachers discussed the internship program and the excitement of the students when meeting the foreign interns for the first time, everything is still flashing before my eyes as if I am observing it at this moment.
First of all, I have to thank the principal, Ms. Prescilla R. Gullez, was my “guardian” during my days there, one of the people who earned my absolute respect. Every day there was a day when I felt her “grandmother” energy and I am truly grateful for everything I received from her.
One person who could not be more important is my cooperative teacher, Ms. Elma Jean Dahay. The knowledge and experiences that I have gained are all thanks to her, her comments helped me understand my shortcomings and gain more knowledge and awareness about the teaching profession. She has become an indispensable part of my professional development journey and I cannot thank her enough.
I will always remember the hospitality of the teachers at Laureta School in particular and the Filipino people in general. They welcomed us, foreign students, to their country, to their school and to do our internship. A sincere thank you from me to all the teachers at Laureta National Highschool.
Besides the teachers, my gratitude extends to all the students I've had the pleasure of teaching, engaging with, and forming friendships with. You have all played a significant role in making my internship an incredibly unforgettable journey.
And most importantly, the friends and interns that I had the chance to meet and interact with made my time there more enjoyable than ever. The stories, activities and experiences shared were unforgettable. Especially the BPE department's students, you treated me better than ever and from the bottom of my heart, I would like to sincerely thank you.
Suggestions
With practical experience drawn from my own trip, I would also like to give some suggestions for those who intend to join the same journey as me.
First, immerse yourself in the local culture and be willing to learn from it. This will not only enrich your personal growth but also help you build meaningful relationships with the people around you. Join them, engage in the activities they enjoy, savor the cuisine they love, and experience life as a local.
Second, be proactive and take ownership of your role. As an intern, demonstrating your passion for your work to your supervisor is crucial. Make sure to clearly communicate your desires, seek assistance where necessary, and confidently contribute your ideas.
And finally, don’t forget to document your journey through photos, journals or blogs. These records are not just keepsakes; they're a way to ponder your adventures and share your tales with the world. I learned this the hard way when I came back to Vietnam was that I didn’t take enough photos to remember everything that happened during my trip in detail. Don’t be like me and keep as many memorable moments as possible through the right medium.
