Absences

Being absent is one event that happens at least once or twice in everyone’s school career. Some absences are understandable and genuinely needed, but other absences are the complete opposite. I’ve seen both throughout my time in high school, middle school and elementary. People always have excuses for being absent whether they are viable, like having a tournament or being bedridden with sickness, or not viable at all, like avoiding a test you forgot to study for or simply not wanting to be in class that day. If I’m being honest, I’ve been absent with both types of excuses.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been absent a lot due to band performances at feeder schools and being a co-coach to my tchoukball team during city championships. What I learned this week is that being absent, no matter the circumstance, hinders everyone, most especially when you’re a teacher (or more in my case, a mentorship student). Not only am I lost in what the students are doing, but they continue on without me. When I get back, I have to catch up on the work that I missed out on and help them with the work they progressed onto. I’m lucky to have Mrs. Fernando and Mr. Morris to help the students regardless, but I’ve noticed that absences, especially for long periods of time, can cause the teachers and students to fall out of routine. The consistent individual help, especially in the achievement centre, is essential for students to learn and progress through their courses. It is the reason they are in the achievement centre: to get more help catered to their specific needs rather than a generalized classroom. I firmly believe that consistency is one of the most important aspects to maintain, most definitely when it comes to education.

The challenges I faced was the fact that I was absent so much, even if it was for a few days straight. A few days is a long time when it comes to being a mentorship student. Another challenge I had was trying to catch up to where the students were in their work. When I saw them again, they were on something different than what I was previously helping/reviewing with them. The way I took care of this hiccup was being aware of what I missed before the class started. I dropped in during lunch and caught up with Mrs. Fernando about where each of the students were and what I could help them with in the moment. I adjusted myself accordingly by refreshing myself on the content as well as catching up with the students in the class.

What surprised me was how much the students missed me being there to help them. Not only that, I think they missed me being there because I was always there for them to rely on. I broke that consistency by being absent. They told me that they were concerned because I disappeared seemingly out of nowhere for no reason. I found this very endearing. My relationship with the students really has developed tremendously since I was first here in September. As I reflect on my relationship with my teachers, they are people I know I can depend on not only to have a good laugh, but to pick me up and guide me when I miss days at school. I know it’s their job, but Mrs. Fernando and Mr. Morris have been nothing but kind to me throughout this entire experience. As the end of the year approaches, it dawned on me that I’m going to miss them. I know that I can see them in achievement whenever I want, but not seeing them everyday is going to be so weird.

As I wrap up this post, I’ve concluded that absences break the consistency students need in school and I am prepared to handle it the next time I go on any future trips. The meme of the week is down below and the motivational quote as well!