Morgan Smith

Finding a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life can be challenging. But despite how challenging it may be, it is critical to find a way to maintain a balance to ensure that burn-out doesn't occur. At the beginning of this year, I had a hard time balancing course-work for National Louis, lesson planning and all other responsibilities that went along with being a resident teacher, and my personal life. My family and friends outside of the residency barely saw me, so as the year went on, I found ways to let loose a little, and make sure that I wasn't neglecting other important areas of my life. Since last summer, I've finally discovered a way to maintain a balance between all my professional responsibilities and my personal life, which will make it much easier for me to manage stress next year as a classroom teacher.

To help manage stress and relax, I like to spend a lot of my free time doing creative things like making crafts and cards, scrapbooking, refurbishing old furniture, painting, making jewelry, and sewing. This year, I've had several friends both in and out of the residency (including my mentor teacher) who had babies, so I have had the pleasure of making baby blankets for all of them!

If it were not for the support of my AUSL family, this year would have been much more difficult. I had a wonderful co-resident and mentor teacher who I could always talk to and really count on no matter what. I also had a wonderful cohort (C-4!) that was full of loving and supportive people who were always there to lend a hand in times of need, whether it was school-related, or a personal dilemma. My cohort grew very close this year, and we spent a lot of time outside of our class hours together. The continued support from these important individuals will be essential next year and in the years ahead as I begin my journey as a classroom teacher.