From building relationships to navigating the ins-and outs of a new job, the first year of a career can be a stressful and confusing time. We are asking recent alumni entering the first year of their career to tell us their goals, worries, and more. Then we will check back with them at the end of the year. Meet Becca Kendeigh, who graduated in 2021 with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.

Where are you working and what grade are you teaching?

 I will be teaching 3rd grade at an elementary school in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago

What are you most excited for?

I am the most excited about meeting my students for the very first time. I cannot wait to build amazing relationships with each and every one of them.

What are you most nervous about?

I am the most nervous about establishing amazing routines and procedures with my students right off the bat on Day 1. I know how important this is to do with a new group of kids, so I am planning to really hammer these down the first few weeks of school.

What do you think the biggest challenge will be?

My biggest challenge will be maintaining the work life balance. As a perfectionist, I tend to overwork myself! 

What do you feel most prepared for? Least prepared for?

I feel the most prepared for teaching the Reading and Writing curriculum. I am very familiar with the curriculum that they use, since I worked with it all throughout Student Teaching. I have so much practice with its style already, I feel very prepared for it! With that said, I feel the least prepared for our first Science Unit where we will be having live crayfish in the classroom. I remember handling these as a kid and it wasn't the best experience! I will most definitely have to step up and be comfortable with them.

Finally, what are your biggest goals or hopes for your first year of teaching?

My biggest goals and hopes for the entire school year is to most importantly remember why I went down this journey to become a teacher. I have spent years preparing for this, and I am most certainly ready. I wish for myself to remember that even on the challenging day, that I am making a difference in these students' lives. I will strive to create such an amazing classroom community that each and everyone of my students will feel comfortable participating in every lesson!