I think I'll start with something that was surprisingly fun - teaching. Most of my fellow first-years (and many grad students across the country) received teaching assistantships to teach up to three sections of intro biology labs for undergrads. The level of responsibility differs between schools, programs, and even within programs. Some TAs just grade for large lecture classes, some lead discussion sections, and some are the sole instructors. Even within my program the amount of responsibility differed - those teaching non-majors had more work since their kids wrote papers and completes projects. As a lab teacher for majors, I only graded weekly quizzes (which I wrote) and two practicals. I had the majority of control over my classes; the lab coordinator wrote the manuel, but I was usually able to figure out from other students or trial and error what was actually doable.
It certainly took a while getting used to teaching. I mean, I look like I'm 15 and I sound like it, how was I supposed to control a bunch of people who were (at the most) only four years younger that me?! But surprisingly, my students were for the most part very respectful. I did have to get an attitude at one point, but that was the extent of my harshness. I've still learned some important things for next semester:
- If I don't know something, say so and follow up on it. I was pretty good about this but I'll definitely keep it up.
- Think of every possible scenario and make a rule about it in your syllabus. I was caught offguard a couple of times, so now I know to include those issues in my new syllabus.
- I'm a teacher first. Sometimes I felt bad about saying no to students I like, but a fellow first-year (and former high school teacher) reminds me that I'm not their friend.
I'm so excited to continue teaching next semester!
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