Name: Nathaniel Wardwell
Breakthrough Program: Breakthrough Austin
Subject Teaching: 8th Grade Physics
School Attending/Year: Brown University 2014

Our program wrapped up well here in Austin! Celebration went off without a hitch, and many tears were shed by students and teachers alike as we said our last goodbyes. I never anticipated that we would develop such strong relationships with our students over a relatively short time period. My classroom feels so empty without them, and I'm already nervous for how they'll do in the upcoming school year. Through all of the frustration that teaching could bring, I'm left just wanting to spend more time teaching my students and watching them grow. This final week was an emotional roller coaster; we couldn't help but celebrate the work that was done and the break that we'd all be getting, but at the same time separation was so hard for all of us. Several of my students spoke of their regular teachers, and how they wished they could build relationships with them like the ones we fostered over the summer. It's scary to let them go, and know that many of them will face serious challenges over the next year-- all of us care too much to just leave!

As I prepare to leave, it blows my mind to reflect on how much things have changed for me. Over this summer, I grew so much in my ability to manage a classroom. I now feel like I can respond well to disruption, distraction, and lack of focus-- I shouldn't simply shut down off-topic behaviors, but neither should I just allow them to continue. I've found the fine balance between embracing the distraction and chaos that can make class fun and directing my students towards the activities and learning that I want them to master. The attitude in my classroom was so different in this last week than it was in my first. We were much more relaxed around each other, with a fair share of distractions and diversions, but students genuinely engaged with our material and were motivated to put together some truly amazing final projects. I've benefited so much personally and professionally from my time with Breakthrough-- it's been an amazing ride, and I will miss it so much!