Miss Makenna.

Today at the elementary school, the kids in the reading group that I work with were working on a dinosaur project, where they have to do a fake news piece on dinosaurs, volcanoes, etc. One of my third graders named Kawehi (Kah-vay-hee) came up to me and said "Miss Makenna, how do you spell attacked?". I helped him spell it out, and as he walked away, I thought about what he said. MISS MAKENNA. It's got a cute little ring to it. My kids always call me Makenna, and only a few say Miss Makenna if they don't know really what to call me. And when I hear it, it makes me smile and think about how cute it is. But, the way Kawehi said it... he said it so seriously, so professional. I like the fact that my teacher name is Miss Makenna. Just say it a couple times in your head, and it might just start to sound cool. Someday, I want to have my own dreams to start coming true, and actually have a teacher name. Ms. Hirz, or... well, someday it'll be different. :)
           For the past 2 weeks I've been working on my college application to BYU-Idaho. And man, has it been scary. BUT SO EXCITING. I've had a total of 3 meltdowns. That's a good for me. My ACT testing and score didn't go the way I would have liked, but it's okay. It can't be that hard to get into college, right? I have so much more to offer than just silly little scores. So, I have all my parts done, just waiting on my transcripts to be sent down there. Everyday, in the back of my mind, I keep having a prayer in my heart and positive thoughts. I so badly want to leave this next fall, be down there and really start my life.
            I have this little dream of being an elementary teacher, having my own classroom, my own kids to teach... once I complete the four years down at BYU. It sounds so good in my head. When people always asked me what I wanted to do when I "grew up", I never knew what to tell them. I think I got it now. I want to give back, to be the teacher I always needed growing up, and to teach kids things that will help build them. Being at the grade school everyday at the end of the day usually sets the tone for the rest of the evening. The kids may be crazy, after all... kids WILL be kids... but I love them- they are so happy and life for them is coloring crayons, p.b&j sandwiches, and recess. Oh, to be that little again. Each day when I get there, they are so happy to see me, so eager to learn the sign language I teach them, and always hug me before they leave and say "Thank you for the wonderful day.". No really, thank you. These little kids have so much desire and they WANT to impress you, and boy... are they funny.
          Someday, it'll all work out. My plan may not be the same as Heavenly Father's plan for me, but I am willing to accept whatever will happen, and has to happen, in order for my dreams to start being real. For the first time ever, I'm starting to feel a little bit well... grown up. I probably say that a thousand times, but there's no feeling compared to realizing this... Life is about to begin! So, got to keep smiling, doing all I can, and ENJOY my moments left. Here's a few Senior Photos :) All the credit to Chelsi Chamberlain for taking them! Excellent work!