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I stumbled upon an evocative postcard recently. Written in black typewriter font against an international orange background was a poem by Laurence Ferlinghetti expressing pity towards a nation reminiscent of the one I call home. Pity that condemns national bigotry and citizens who watch on as their rights erode and freedoms wash away.
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I am still in shock! “Dear graduates: it’s OK, really…”, a commentary I recently wrote, was published in today’s StarTribune paper!
Excerpt “College graduates, I write to you in this period of darkness and dismal isolation as a fellow 20-something struggling to forge her own path after four years of protected guidance. I write to you as a friend. However, I also write as a scared young girl who is just trying to paint on a face of confidence every day. I am here to tell you that you are not alone; I remind you that it is OK to not be OK, especially through this kind of existential crisis.” 
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I graduated from the University of Minnesota - Duluth with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree on Saturday! I know -- I can hardly believe it myself. The hours leading up to the commencement burst with anticipation.
I grew impatient standing in a backroom with hundreds of classmates, friends, and strangers. I took deep breaths as we walked into the grandiose arena, greeted with cheers, bright lights, a flashing video screen, and a line of professors (of course, I had to hold up the line a bit with a few hugs). My eyes welled up with tears as I proudly moved my tassel across my cap, signifying the completion of my degree. Four years to get to this moment – it was worth the wait. Now what? My days as a college student and “future teacher” are over. A new era of evolution is afoot. How can such monumental change pass in a mere 24 hours? I guess that's life, baby. It is time to bid a bittersweet farewell to the Journal of a Future Teacher name. This name represented three years of navigating a teacher education program. I started the blog as a passionate eighteen-year-old with no social media experience. Over the years, it grew along with me; through writing, I gained confidence in my voice and style. I experimented with graphics, topics, and punctuation to authentically share a glimpse into my chaotic life. The blog traveled to Spain and Croatia; it followed me as I jumped grade levels and schools. Through it all, it was a constant companion and outlet amid chaos, burnout, and self-doubt. The blog will remain a companion and reflective platform as I transition into this new era. It will grow and change with me wherever I go and with whatever I do. It is still a comforting journal I turn to on cathartic occasions. Therefore, its new name reflects the only constant in life: change. So without further ado, allow me to reintroduce myself and the blog. . . 
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Recently, I received the "Exemplary Leadership Award" at the University Honors spring banquet. As I walked across the banquet stage, I felt immense pride and joy for representing the education department at my university. On that note, I want to share the stage briefly in this post for my fellow teacher candidates and my inspiring Unified Early Childhood Studies cohort.
Photo by my lovely and talented classmate, Grace Magill. Check out her photography website!
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Graduation is right around the corner. Start the countdown, folks! Only two days to go!
In the pivotal moment of moving the tassel across my cap and walking across the grand stage, I will conclude a four-year-long chapter. Soon, I will no longer be a “future teacher” but a fully licensed teacher! So with that, farewell everyone. It’s been a good run. No way! You didn’t really believe that this would be the end, did you? No, no, no, this is just the beginning. 
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Allow me to set the mood for what you’re about to read. I invite you to brew a fresh cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Curl up in a ridiculously large-but-soft armchair (I’m picturing Susan Ryeland’s sofa-chair in the Magpie Murders television series). Wrap a heavy-but-soft blanket –could be tie, knit, crotchet, your choice– around your shoulders. Start the fireplace or put on your favorite “Sweater Weather” playlist on Spotify. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Are you cozy yet? Wonderful, let the post begin.
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AuthorMeghan Hesterman (she/her) is an aspiring educator, storyteller, and traveler. Through regular posts and commentary, she candidly reflects on her evolution as an educator and young adult. Categories
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