OZONE: EARTH'S ROOF TOP SHIELD

A Journey Back to My Alma Mater: My Internship story

 My internship experience as a trainee teacher was one of the most beautiful and unforgettable memories of my life. It marked the first step in my teaching career, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to complete this internship at the school where I studied from first to tenth grade. Returning to my alma mater as a teacher was a rare privilege, and I am deeply grateful to the Almighty for blessing me with this chance. 

The school, situated close to my home, has played a significant role in shaping my academic achievements and laying the foundation for where I am today. It felt surreal to teach at the same school and work alongside the teachers who once guided me as a student. When I received the appointment letter for the internship, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. Along with two friends, I went to the school and met the principal, who warmly welcomed us. I also met my mentor, the subject teacher who knew me well from my time as a student. 

Internship was started on june 14. Although I was eager to start teaching, I was also nervous about handling my first classes. I was assigned to teach Chemistry to eighth-grade students and Physics to ninth-grade students. This was my first experience teaching in a classroom, and naturally, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. I was assigned periods four days a week, with the first period designated for Chemistry in sections 8 B. On the first day, my mentor teacher was on leave, so I went to the class on my own. When I entered the classroom, the students were visibly excited to see me. It was their Chemistry period, and they were expecting their regular teacher. As I walked in, I noticed the students looking at each other, whispering and exchanging curious glances about me.Despite their excitement, the students were very attentive, and I calmed them down by introducing myself. I said, "I am your new Chemistry trainee teacher, and I will be with you for the next four months." The room quickly grew silent as they began to understand who I was. They asked me questions about myself, like my name and where I lived, and I happily introduced myself to them. On this first day, I didn’t dive into detailed or complex lessons. Instead, I used the time to get to know them better. I asked about their interests, their favorite subjects, and who among them enjoyed Chemistry and Science. I also introduced the chapter briefly and provided some basic ideas to set the stage for future lessons. This first day of my internship was a happy and encouraging experience. The students were well-behaved, responsive, and active during the class, which made a strong positive impression on me. Their warm reception and enthusiastic responses gave me the confidence and motivation to look forward to teaching them in the coming days. The energy and eagerness of the students fueled my passion and strengthened my resolve to make the internship a meaningful experience for both them and myself.

From the next day onwards, I began teaching Chemistry to the students. My mentor teacher observed my classes alongside the students, which initially made me a bit nervous. During the first two classes, I was still somewhat apprehensive, but by the third class, I had gained full confidence and was able to teach effectively. My mentor teacher appreciated my teaching after the second class, noting that it was engaging and that the students were responding well. I made every effort to teach Chemistry in a simple and interesting manner because I understood that many of the students disliked the subject. Their aversion to Chemistry stemmed from their previous experiences, as the teaching methods focused on rote learning rather than conceptual understanding. Many of them simply memorized the material without grasping the concepts and only reproduced it for exams. To change this, I employed various teaching aids, including charts, videos, images, and flashcards, to make the lessons more interactive and enjoyable. Gradually, the students became more active and engaged, responding positively to my methods. Day by day, I improved my teaching skills. My mentor teacher frequently congratulated me, observing that the students were gaining a clear understanding of the chapters. After completing the first chapter, I conducted an assessment test, and the students performed exceptionally well. This achievement not only made my mentor teacher happy but also boosted my confidence further.

Apart from teaching, I actively participated in various school activities. Along with other teachers and students, I was involved in organizing and celebrating numerous events such as Yoga day, Hiroshima day, Anti-Drugs Day, International Moon Day, International Anti Plastic-Free Day, Basheer Anusmarana Dhanam, Reading Day, Independence day and more. These celebrations added vibrancy to the school environment and were a valuable part of my internship experience. I also got the opportunity to organize a quiz competition and a poster-making competition as part of my B.Ed. practical work. These experiences taught me how to plan and manage events effectively, skills that I found both challenging and rewarding. Additionally, I helped serve food to students during the midday meal program, which gave me a sense of connection and responsibility towards the school community. Overall, these experiences made my internship a truly memorable and enriching journey, allowing me to grow as a teacher and an individual.

During my internship, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the school’s youth festival. I actively helped the students prepare for various programs, which gave me valuable insights into organizing such events. I learned how to plan the event schedule, chart out programs, coordinate with judges, and ensure everything ran smoothly. Additionally, I was involved in organizing the school’s Sports Day. I worked closely with the physical education teacher, assisting with various tasks. I had the unique experience of announcing the events during Sports Day, which was both exciting and fulfilling. I also helped guide the students participating in the events, ensuring they were well-prepared and sent to the right venues on time. After the events, I assisted in writing and distributing certificates to the winners, which gave me a sense of accomplishment and pride. Another significant experience was participating in the organization of various fairs, including the Science Fair, Social Science Fair, and Mathematics Fair. I supported many students in preparing their experiments and choosing suitable topics. It was inspiring to see their creativity and brilliant ideas on display during these fairs. This experience allowed me to witness the students’ enthusiasm and innovative thinking firsthand, further enriching my role as a teacher. These additional activities, beyond teaching, were immensely rewarding. They helped me develop organizational skills, fostered deeper connections with students, and broadened my perspective on school life and the various opportunities it offers.

In addition to assisting teachers with various activities, I was also given the opportunity to teach Mathematics along with Physics and Chemistry. This opportunity arose due to a shortage of math teachers in the school, and I was assigned to teach Mathematics to the eighth standard. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive since Mathematics was not my primary subject. However, with encouragement from the other teachers, I gained the confidence to take on the challenge. From the next day, I began preparing thoroughly for the math classes, ensuring I was well-equipped to teach the subject effectively. Over the course of four months, I successfully taught more than four chapters, and I was able to deliver the lessons with confidence. The students, who were initially not very strong in Mathematics, began to show improvement and became more active and engaged in the subject. It was incredibly rewarding to witness their progress and newfound interest in learning math. This experience proved to be invaluable, as it not only helped me develop my teaching skills but also made me realize that I had the ability to teach Mathematics effectively. It boosted my confidence and added another memorable achievement to my internship journey.

Another significant opportunity during my internship was conducting classes on yoga and aerobics as part of our B.Ed. curriculum. We were required to take three sessions based on these activities, which meant I had to first learn yoga and aerobics myself. This was an exciting and thrilling experience, as it was my first time stepping into the world of aerobics. After learning and practicing both yoga and aerobics, I successfully conducted the sessions for the students. It was incredibly rewarding to see how much they enjoyed these classes. The students actively participated and showed great enthusiasm, which made the experience even more fulfilling for me. Teaching yoga and aerobics not only allowed me to step out of my comfort zone but also gave me a sense of accomplishment as I was able to execute it well and connect with the students in a unique way.

One of the most memorable experiences during my internship was taking on the responsibility of invigilation during the first terminal examination. It was my first time handling exam duty, something I had always wished to experience. Being entrusted with this responsibility was both exciting and rewarding, as it gave me a sense of accountability and professionalism.

Another highlight of my internship was participating in the school's Onam Celebration. This event was a remarkable experience, as all the trainee teachers were celebrated and appreciated by the school community. We prepared food together with the students and teachers, creating a wonderful sense of camaraderie. Sitting alongside the teachers and enjoying the Onam sadhya was truly special. It was one of the most cherished moments of my life, as I shared a meal with the teachers who had inspired and guided me during my own school days.After the meal, we captured the day in photographs with all the teachers, who seemed equally happy and relaxed. The celebration brought a unique transformation to the classroom environment, shifting it from an academic setting to a joyful and informal gathering. Teachers, students, and trainees were all in high spirits, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and positivity. To make the day even more memorable, we served payasam to all the teachers and students, adding a sweet note to the celebration. This event not only strengthened my bond with the school community but also became one of the most unforgettable experiences of my internship.

One of my favorite and most memorable experiences during my internship was the celebration of Teacher’s Day. Along with my two friends from our college, five trainee teachers from Avila College were also part of the internship at our school. We built strong friendships and shared many wonderful memories together. These friendships, especially with the trainee teachers from Avila, were incredibly valuable, and I am confident they will last a lifetime. Their support and camaraderie helped me in countless ways throughout the internship. For Teacher’s Day, we decided to surprise the teachers with a special celebration. We ordered a customized Teacher’s Day-themed cake, prepared wish cards for each teacher, and included chocolates and pens as small gifts. When we surprised the teachers with this thoughtful gesture, they were genuinely shocked and delighted. The principal cut the cake, and we all joined in the celebration. The teachers shared their experiences and cherished memories of their journey as educators, making the day even more meaningful. They expressed their heartfelt thanks to all the trainee teachers for organizing such a wonderful surprise. Additionally, I received small gifts from some of the students, along with heartfelt wishes of “Happy Teacher’s Day.” These thoughtful gestures from the students made me feel deeply appreciated and added to the joy of the day. Overall, the celebration was a beautiful and unforgettable experience that I will always treasure.

As the days passed quickly, I was amazed to realize that four months had flown by. Each day was so engaging and filled with activities that time seemed to move faster than usual. After classes, we were occupied with project work and practical record assignments, which kept us constantly busy. These were truly hectic but fulfilling days. Finally, the day came to mark the end of our internship—October 10th. I felt an overwhelming sadness as I prepared to leave the school where I had started my journey at the age of five. This school was more than just an institution to me; it was my second home. Leaving the place that shaped my early years and where I returned to begin my teaching career was incredibly difficult. I had formed a deep attachment to my students and built a close bond with the teachers and staff. Saying goodbye on my final day was one of the hardest moments of my internship, as I reflected on the memories and experiences that had become so special to me.

Finally, the last day of our internship program arrived, and it was an emotional moment for all of us trainee teachers. Everyone was sad to leave the school, a place that had become so dear to us. To mark the occasion, we arranged a farewell party for the teachers and students. As a gesture of gratitude, I treated all the students I had taught to ice cream. For the teachers and staff, I provided snack boxes and soft drinks as a token of appreciation. The students, in return, gave me heartfelt feedback and even some thoughtful gifts, which deeply touched me. Standing in front of my class for the last time, I was overcome with emotion, my eyes filled with tears. The students, too, were visibly emotional, with some of them crying as they had grown so attached to me. I consoled them, trying to lighten the mood, and took beautiful pictures with both the students and teachers to preserve the memories of this special day. As I said goodbye to all the teachers and staff, I felt a profound sadness knowing that this chapter of my life had come to an end. My internship journey concluded with a heavy heart but also with a sense of gratitude for all the experiences and bonds I had formed during these four unforgettable months.

My internship was a transformative journey filled with invaluable lessons, cherished memories, and profound emotions. It was not just an academic requirement but a life-changing experience that deepened my passion for teaching and strengthened my commitment to education. From the nervous excitement of stepping into the classroom for the first time to the bittersweet farewell on the last day, every moment was a testament to my growth as an educator and as a person. The bonds I formed with the students, the support from my mentor teachers, and the camaraderie with my fellow trainee teachers will forever remain etched in my heart. This internship not only allowed me to give back to my alma mater but also reaffirmed my belief in the power of education to inspire and uplift. As I move forward in my career, I carry with me the lessons learned, the love and encouragement received, and the unforgettable memories created during these four months. This chapter of my life has truly been a cornerstone in shaping the teacher I aspire to become.