Journal 12: Insight Paper on Teaching Internship

One of the most significant and heartbreaking experiences that shaped my teaching philosophy was losing one of my students. She was a quiet yet brilliant learner who graduated with honors, but later took her own life due to personal struggles. This deeply affected me, and a part of me carries regret for not noticing the signs sooner. From this experience, I realized that teaching is not only about academics—it is also about truly knowing your students beyond the classroom. My perspective on teaching has evolved into understanding that I must be someone my students can trust and feel safe with. The most important lesson I will carry is to be a teacher who listens, understands, and creates a space where students feel they are not alone. Because sometimes, we may be the only person they feel they can turn to—and that responsibility is something I will forever carry with me.