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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SBU chapter.

This Friday, October 11th, concludes my time as an eighth-grade student teacher. I had the privilege of working with some of the best students, ones I will cherish forever. The school community welcomed me with open arms. Looking back, I could not express more gratitude and appreciation.

Starting next week, I begin 11th grade at another local high school. I start with fresh faces, a new building, and a new mentor. Here’s to new beginnings! However, I want to reflect on the past seven weeks where I learned so much under the guidance of several amazing educators. 

I was at this middle school placement for seven weeks. To my students: I heard about your football games, swim meets, and goals on the soccer field. I also heard about your siblings, best friends, and how good or bad your weeks were going. On days that I walked in feeling that new teacher fatigue, you lifted me up with your catchups, as well as your “good morning” and “have a great day, Miss Coyne” comments as you headed in and out the door. 

We did geography trivia for candy prizes. You watched me mess up (and learn) your names for the first couple of weeks. I made you watch parody videos on the Civil War that were cringe-worthy but helped you remember the advantages and disadvantages of the North and South during the war. 

In these short seven weeks you all have grown so much. I have seen your historian skills strengthen, your note-taking skills skyrocket, and your consistent efforts that have made all the difference. Each of you have personalities that shine so bright in different ways, and I will miss it so much!

Second Period 

My smaller bunch: thank you for being my “test run” group. Being my first class of the day, I catch what needs to be amended in my lessons and worksheets. You tell me what’s enjoyable versus not. Most of all, you were kind. You were funny. Your attitudes reflected to me that you wanted to be there and that you wanted to learn (even if that wasn’t always the case). You worked so well with your peers. I wish you nothing but the best! Enjoy the rest of the year. I will miss you!

Fourth Period 

You all kept me on my toes with your energy. Every day you guys came in like a tornado, spinning with excitement, giggles, and various comments. However, you remained good listeners. You all asked some of the best questions, some that I had to respond with “Not sure! Let’s look it up together!” You kept me laughing often. Your engagement and excitement gave me a purpose. Have fun, study, and good luck with the rest of eighth grade. I will miss you!

Seventh Grade

Though I never took over your classes, I got to walk around and observe your activities and learn more about you all one-on-one. You all remembered my favorite candy from the first day (Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups) and brought them to me on occasion. I helped open jammed lockers. Most of all, I got to hear about some of your coolest interests and activities. Keep on shining! I will miss you! 

To my mentor teacher:

Thank you for your guidance, assurance, and wisdom. Thank you for sharing your students with me, as well as your classroom materials and space. I would not have been able to do this without you. 

To my mentor teacher’s “best teacher friend,”

Thank you for the honesty, outfit compliments and for always keeping it real. This wouldn’t have been possible without you either.

You have all solidified my purpose as a teacher. To my kids: your smiling faces will be some of the first faces and names that I will have the pleasure of knowing and remembering for years to come. You were my first students! Thank you for everything. Continue to flourish, surround yourself with people who celebrate you and love you for you, and always do your best. 

Love, 

Miss Coyne

Cassy is a new Her Campus SBU chapter member who writes about her physical and emotional journeys, topics she adores, but also any topic that comes to mind that week. At St. Bonaventure, Cassy is Vice President of the SBU College Democrats chapter, a Student Ambassador for admissions, and a member of SBU's EMPOWER club on campus. Cassy is a senior whose double-major is Adolescence Education with Disabilities and History, and she could not say enough praise about her "Ad-Ed" cohort who have become her rock at school. This semester she will be student teaching at two local schools at the middle and high school level. When Cassy is not at St. Bonaventure, she resides in the Finger Lakes area and enjoys substitute teaching where she gets to work with her former school teachers and build relationships with students. She loves attending country concerts during the summer at her favorite concert venue on Canandaigua Lake, CMAC. In her free time, Cassy enjoys perfecting her Spotify profile, reading on her Kindle, working out, and sitting on the porch– coffee in hand– with her roommates. Recently, her most frequented albums are Noah Kahan's "Stick Season" and Zach Bryan's "The Great American Bar Scene." In terms of books, Emily Henry remains a staple author in her reading life and "Funny Story" was her favorite read this past summer.