Dr. Sean Agriss
Well here we are, the end of what looks like my last quarter here at EWU on campus. I am preparing for my student teaching and trying to get a grasp on all that has occurred over not only the last quarter but also the last year and a half. When I talked with you and Dr. Valeo and I allowed you two to talk me into getting a minor in English, I never really quite knew the path that it would take me. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think about taking my love for literature and going out and teaching it. I am completely comfortable standing in front of a classroom and talking about the Crimean War or the Ratification of the Constitution, the concept of trying to express my passion for the likes of Tolstoy, Hemingway, Faulkner and King and then getting students to find that passion and write about it scared the ever loving crap out of me. After the last two quarters having taken your courses on Lit and Comp, I feel more at ease now with my ability to teach English and am looking forward to the challenge.
This class was incredible, being able to develop lessons for books and stories that I loved was great. The mini lesson assignment allowed me to go outside the box and create a lesson that would allow students to express themselves in an alternative medium, express my love for a book that has resounding impact on the way a student looks at themselves and their situation. I was able to share with my peers my all time favorite book and the reasons that it was impact-full to me not only as a student in high school but as an adult when I went back and reread it. By listening to my classmates I was able to compile a whole list of books that I want to not only read but to introduce to my students. The unit plan was one of the most difficult assignments that I have had to accomplish so far, but when I was done and looked back at it, I became excited to know that this was something that I did and will have the opportunity to teach.
One of the greatest aspects of your class is that it is an open discussion amongst peers. I cannot tell you how beneficial it was to be able to present ideas and gain feedback from those who are traveling down the same path as myself. You set an incredible example for how productive a classroom can be an in allowing us the freedom to push the envelope and try new things.
You have pushed me to be better, provided me guidance and support as I struggled and have mentored me in my journey. The classes I have taken from you over the past year have been some of the most rewarding in my college experience and I look forward to continuing my adventure and being able to learn from you. I now feel more prepared to go out and teach Lit to students, I feel that this class has given me the tools to guide students into the understanding and appreciation of great works of art.
Thank you for all you have done for me here at Eastern, I look forward to many more great conversations.
Sean
p.s. I loved the whole reading to the class bit you did. Not only do I feel that it might be something I would try, the story you chose was incredible.
