Kelsi was an intern for BYU during Fall 2024.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
I am currently completing my BYU internship as a first grade teacher. Being a first year teacher is filled with its ups and downs, but watching my students flourish and grow as they learn is the most fulfilling thing I could ever ask to be a part of.
What did you learn in your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
I have discovered just how deep my passion and love for education truly is. It's a feeling you don't fully experience until you are actually in it. I also learned that I enjoy teaching younger grades much more than I expected!
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
I always used to think I wanted to end up teaching at a middle school or high school. Now, after spending so much time teaching first graders, I realize I want to stay in elementary for the foreseeable future. Maybe even staying in lower grades!
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
Teaching children is incredibly rewarding, but also challenging because each student is so different. I feel like I have had a constant prayer in my heart this year, and it has allowed the Spirit to guide me countless times. Whenever I am struggling to meet a student need, or anytime I need more love and patience, I say a quick, silent prayer and feel an immediate warmth. It reminds me that Heavenly Father is teaching with me each step of the way.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Definitely. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I can't imagine a better way to learn and grow than by having your own classroom. The help and support from BYU staff and from school staff makes it so much more manageable and worth it.