I chose to rewrite all the journal entries because I
was unaware that I was supposed to select only two or three. Therefore, I began
revising each one as soon as I received the feedback, aiming to avoid leaving
everything for the end of the term. Moreover, since I deeply enjoy and am
genuinely interested in the subject and all the topics we have covered, it felt
natural to revise the texts while the content was still fresh in my mind.
The feedback provided by Professor Vero was incredibly
valuable — some even quite moving. I felt truly seen. One particular comment from
the feedback on my seventh journal entry stood out and made me emotional: “Eri,
your voice, your perspective, and your honesty are incredibly valuable. I hope
you continue to write, reflect, and teach with the same passion and empathy
you've shared here. The field of education needs educators like you—aware,
multilingual, and deeply human.”
This paragraph, in particular, made all the effort
worthwhile. It reassured me that I am on the right path and resonated deeply
with the kind of educator I aspire to become.
Engaging with the feedback on my entries was an
incredibly valuable part of this journey, helping me grow not only as a writer
but as a reflective future teacher. Each revision became more than just a task;
it was a chance to revisit my own thoughts, refine my arguments, and reconsider
how I express my ideas. This process truly mirrored the kind of thoughtful
reflection that is so essential in the field of education, where we are
constantly learning from our interactions and striving to improve our practice.
Furthermore, rewriting the entries allowed me to
observe my own progress over the term in a very tangible way. I could see how
my language developed and how my reflections gained more depth as we explored
new concepts. This visible growth reinforced my belief that learning is a
continuous process and showed me how powerful feedback can be as a tool for
transformation. Of course, this makes me think deeply about my own future
students and solidifies how important it is for me to create a safe and supportive
space for them to receive feedback and grow.
In the end, this entire portfolio has become more than
just a collection of assignments; it’s a testament to the learning process
itself. The initial journals were my way of making sense of the material, the
feedback provided the guidance to see beyond my own perspective, and the
rewriting was where the knowledge truly settled and became my own. It has
reinforced my conviction that teaching is not simply about transmitting
information, but about fostering this same dialogue — one where every student
feels seen, heard, and empowered on their own journey of growth.
