First Meet
Do you get cold feet?
First in everything, almos always seems to bring a sense of the "cold feet " syndrome.
But, as with all things this too will pass. But then, that doesn't take care of the first day cold feet! So I have come to realize that, as part of the moment. Newness is always unknown, and we don't know how we will be percieved by the students, so I just try to be "real".
That has helped me.
I always get a little nervous at the beginning of a class because of the expectations of not only myself but of the reguirements that I expect out of the class.
To me the most uncomfortable class is the first class after cross training into that class...the best ice breaker I've found to help me, is to greet the students at the door and one by one shake their hand and welcome them to my class. Then after the bell rings..you are looking out over a class that you have already met one on one.
After introductions, and discussing the Students career goals it starts flowing in a positive direction.
Everytime, but 20 minutes into the class, that's usually over with. I enjoy meeting the new students. Its a fresh start everytime and if you don't get a bit nervous you not taking it seriously.
I believe, if we are taking what we do seriously, and if we want to do the best job possible, first day jitters are to be expected. In my experience, if the instructor isn't at least a little nervous, it is often because he/she doesn't really have high expectations of success to begin with.
