Rebecca+Christina

**The Start of Something Real** Her palms are sweaty and her knees are shaky. She reaches for the pen to sign the guestbook. As she sticks the bright red apply sticker to her new blouse, the principal greets her with a warm smile. She anxiously waits for her placement, while the Robotics Club announcements echo over the loud speaker. The principal turns and says, “Rebecca Christina, you are in a 7th grade gifted class. I’ll walk you there.” The restless TOSS student enters the hallway through the great big doors to reality––but not the kind that bites.
 * Rebecca Christina**
 * Genre Reflection #1**
 * Word Photos**

**KFC**

The students squirm in their chairs with their hands high in the air. The CT calls on the small girl sitting in the front row. The girl asks, “Ok, so if you’re not in high school then where do you go to school?” She responds, “Well, I go to Kennesaw. I am a student teacher for the next few weeks.” The students become overjoyed and can barely focus on their journal entry. A little boy looks up to her and says, “I’m writing mine on the Kernel and five dollar bucket chicken.” She smiles and is absolutely at loss for words. It’s too early to think about fried chicken.

Genre Reflection #2

I wrote a series of Haiku poems for my second genre reflection.

The second bell rings The students sit in their desks Ok, here it goes...

The handouts are out Directions, the hardest part Students look puzzled

Five minutes remain Panic, time is running out Students scramble free

She says, "You did well, You are a natural at it." Yes, I found my place.

Genre Reflection #3

To my first–period chatterboxes, I can’t believe this wonderful experience has come to an end. It seems like just yesterday when I was meeting you all for the first time. It only took one of you about 30 seconds after the first bell to loudly point out the young stranger in the front of the room. You all were so fascinated by a new person; I was afraid someone would come and pinch me to see if I was real. Your teacher explained I would be observing and teaching the class for the next 5 weeks. Someone yelled, “She always tells us we’re her craziest class! Good luck!” I was terrified, but excited to take on the challenge. As the weeks passed, your wacky stories and comments started to grow on me. There were times you drained all my energy, but I ended each period with a smile on my face. You all have so much creativity. I was impressed by all of your discussions and writing assignments over //The Giver.// There is so much talent in the room––always remember that. Every one of you is unique in your own way. When I announced my last day during my observation last week, your traumatized reactions broke my heart. I want all of you to know I am genuinely sad to leave as well. You all have reassured me that this is exactly where I want to be, and I will be forever grateful for that. Ten years from now, when I have a class of my own, I’ll think back on my first “real–life” class experience and smile. By then you will all be successful adults––pursuing your dreams. I wish you all the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Ms. Christina

P.S. And no…for the millionth time…my parents did not name any of my siblings Christina Christina.

P.P.S. Be great to your teacher. She’s ones of the best.