I Could Do This!
After 26 weeks and reaching half way in the project I’ve worked in many amazing, inspiring, uninspiring, physical, emotional and mentally challenging jobs. But after my week working up a Talara Primary College, I think I’ve found my standout job to date.
My week began helping out with the Year 4′s. Then by Wednesday it was into the classroom with the Years 1′s and their teacher Mr Gooderham!
Mr. Gooderham and Mr. Seymour (me) dressed up for Pajama Day on the last day of school.
As part of my lessons with Class 1A, I had the opportunity in story time to read to the class. My book of choice you ask? Why it was simply called ”When I Grow Up”. After reading through the book with kids I then gave them the talk of practicing both their English, Handwriting and Art skills by getting them to write and draw a picture of what it was they want to be when they grow up.
Their answers were both amazing and interesting to read… Here’s an example of a few to give you a better idea 
As children, we are all so care free and honest in our responses to questions which really are quite daunting for us adults to respond to. As kids we did’t try to hide our emotions, whether it be fear or embarrassment. We just said what we believed, the world was still our oyster and we had no concept of the limitation that we put on ourselves as adults.
I remember looking back at my Year 7 Year book a while ago. Underneath each of our graduating photo’s we had to write what we wanted to be when we grew up.
My answer – “I want to be a Nintendo 64 Game Designer!”
Now I realise that the N64 is a bit outdated now, much the same as the Sega and the Atari. But I think it’s worth me giving it a shot, at least for One Week that is ;-) So I’m going to endeavour to find a One Week Job as a Video Game Designer and chase down a dream that I once had so many years ago…
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Later in the week as part of the Talara Primary College’s end of term reward system for student who behave. It was time for the grade 1′s to head out onto the oval to participate in a Mini Olympics which was organised and run by both Mr Gooderham and the AIS Active After School Program on the Sunshine Coast. I was given my group and it was off to learn Sailing and Rugby Union, whilst other groups were trying there hand at an array of different sports from Athletics to Wheelchair Basketball.
Now this week wouldn’t have been possible without the initial offer to teach at the school from Jane Harvey (Deputy principal). What else wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Jane, was the chance for me to stand up and speak on stage in front of the entire School (on parade) about the One Week Job Project.
Literally moments before stepping on stage, “it felt as though my heart was in my throat, all I could feel was a constant throbbing of the pulse in my neck” and all I could think was, “I hope the words come out of my mouth”
It’s an experience I’m grateful for, but not one I look forward to doing again anytime in the near future.
What I learnt from that – Public Speaking… Probably not for me…
By the end of the week I found it hard to say farewell to all of the students I had met throughout the week. I’d like to think that the feeling was mutual, but considering it was the beginning of their school holidays I think that may be some wishful thinking on my behalf.
A huge thank you to all of the Staff and Students at Talara Primary College for a Fantastic week!
Special Thanks to Jane Harvey, Principal Adams for giving me the experience.
To the Teachers Josh, Laura and Ed for allowing me into their classes to teach alongside them
Most importantly, thank you to all of the students who greeted me each day with a , “Hello Mr. Seymour”. You all know who you are, so give yourself a pat on the back for being so polite and welcoming me to your school.
This was by far the most rewarding experience I’ve had throughout the entire project!
- Mr. Seymour
