Spending four mornings at Deshaye School was the best first experience in the field I think I could have asked for. Not only was it a welcoming environment between the students and staff, but it validated my decision to pursue education. Seeing the bridge between knowledge, schooling, and society shows how intertwined everything in a school is. You take what you know and who you are from the ‘real world’ and bring it into the classroom. The curriculum only teaches so much, there is so much that comes from educators being patient, caring, 
understanding and simply just kind. Being aware of students’ needs, what they know, and who they are goes a long way, and being willing to adapt alongside your student goes even further.
There was so much to absorb while being in their school and it was a settling feeling being around so many like minded people. Something I have stood by since deciding to become a teacher was that I hope to contribute to a staff that I will feel proud and confident to be a part of, and being at Deshaye has shown me that it is a real possibility! The validation that working as a team drives success was so great to experience. Also, just be gracious. Be gracious with yourself, the students, your coworkers, and everyone who steps foot into the school. Bad days are inevitable and a little bit of grace goes a long way!