Hello there! My name is Emily and I am a new Graduate Teaching Assistant at Gorgas Information Services. I have to admit, as I begin this “adventure” I have a lot of anxieties about delving into the unknown. While I have experience in instruction, it was one that was very “teach by numbers.” The classroom was governed by very strict guidelines that indicated not only what needed to be taught, but also the methods to reach those goals. On the other hand, this program seems to be focused on developing us as instructors in a way that allows us freedom in the classroom, which is new to me. This aspect of the program seems to be extremely beneficial as I look towards a career that is focused, in part, on instruction. Saying that I am eager to begin this process and to start getting my hands dirty is an understatement, but it is not untainted by a twinge of hesitancy at the unknown.
Thanks for being so open about the way you are feeling, Emily. I absolutely understand how intimidating this can be (anyone who doesn’t think it’s scary is probably not being honest). Remember that you have a community around you and we are all learning together. I have so much faith in you and I think you are going to be amazing in the classroom!