Final Reflection

This semester, I began hoping that I could easily breeze through the class and finally graduate with my associates. When the assignments started getting more in depth, I was learning things I had thought I knew, but didn't. I work at a daycare in town and we actually have quiet a few special needs children. Although we are not in a technical school setting, I was able to understand more not only why these children were different but how to help them better enjoy life. I found myself often times leaving class and researching some disabilities even further and finding even more information. Alisha and I did our presentation over gifted students. I was a gifted student myself and learned more information about giftedness than I had known before. This class was really an eye-opener. I would like to think I am better prepared, but in all reality, each child is different, and not a perfect case of each disability. I'm not ready. I will have to learn all over again and get to know the student not just for his or her disability or exceptionality but for themselves first. Which is the most encouraging thing, getting to know and be a part of such a special student's life and really helping them live to the fullest. Collaboration really helped me understand more confusing aspects and terms, and I enjoyed getting to know more people. This class has been enjoyable, and has taught me so much in the course of just a few months.