It seemed like a long time ago since I left Toronto to spend most of my summer in Regina, working at Mother Teresa Middle School.  Indeed, three months have come and gone and I soon will depart Regina to return to Toronto (although by the time that this blog is published, I will be back in Toronto).  This experience has been fulfilling in more ways than I could have ever imagined.  I have grown in many aspects of my life and discovered things about me that I could have never done had I not gone away.

The students entering grades seven and eight in September took a trip to Alberta in the middle of July.  It was exhausting, but so much fun.  I challenged myself and reached new heights, figuratively and literally.  We hiked a trail in Canmore called Grassi Lakes Trail.  The trail was challenging.  There were steep climbs, muddy paths, uneven ground, and other challenges that made some of us want to give up.  I was with a student in grade seven and we took a break just before we reached the end of the trail; however, we did not realize this.  As we began walking, she said, “Miss C., I am not going to give up anymore.”  We reached the end of the trail and celebrated our achievement.  I was incredibly inspired by this student’s statement and was proud to have been able to celebrate reaching the end with her.

I also went rock climbing at an indoor facility in Canmore.  When I was younger, I let my fear of heights stop me from challenging myself.  However, I knew that I wanted to challenge myself even more and attempt to climb while in the facility.  As I was climbing one of the walls, I found myself wanting to give up, but with the encouragement and cheers of the staff and students, I was able to make it to the top.

The trip to Alberta was another reminder of how powerful community is.  I have learned again and again at Mother Teresa that community is a place where one can discover oneself, through being vulnerable and open with one another, but also through the celebration of achievements.  The most inspiring part of the trip was hearing the students share their wishes for future students going on the trip, as well as the life lessons learned.  The students wished that the future students would accept themselves, have fun, and step out of their comfort zones.  The lessons that these students learned are trust in themselves and putting others before them.  To see such wisdom at such a young age was a humbling experience and a reminder that I have a lot to learn from everyone that I work with.

I felt my spiritual life grow and I have learned to find God in all things.  I feel like I have had more chances to appreciate nature as God’s creation, through walking around Wascana Park, trips to the Qu’Appelle Valley, exploring in Banff and Canmore, among others.  Through praying the Examen, I know that God is present in every moment that I experience.  In the highs and lows of my placement, God has revealed himself to me as my Consoler, as the One in whom I could turn to in times of need and in times of celebration.

I formed relationships with the staff and students that I plan to keep after I leave Regina.  They are some of the best teachers I have had and through spending time with them, I have learned about how to be an effective educator in the future.

I am beyond grateful for this experience.  For every challenge that I’ve faced, God has given me more graces and blessings than I could have ever imagined.  I am grateful for all of the support I have gotten, from the staff at the school and the Jesuits here in Regina.  I am also grateful for those who took the time to read my blogs and keep up with my experiences.  I will be spending my last two weeks at the University of Regina, where the students will be participating in activities hosted by the university.  As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun, and I know that these two weeks will be no exception to the saying.  However, it will be a reminder for me to be present in every moment and to enjoy what God has given me.