Reflection #1 – Social Media/Technology
Growing up, I had very little exposure to technology. My parents didn’t use it, so neither did I. We didn’t even have a TV at home, and everything we did was old-fashioned, pen and paper, handwritten letters, and phone calls made on the landline. At the time, it just felt normal. I didn’t really realize how different it was until I got older.
High school was when I truly noticed the gap. Everyone around me seemed to live on their phones and computers, while I was still learning the basics. I didn’t have a cell phone like my classmates and would have to use the main office phone if I needed to call home. I remember writing down my friends’ phone numbers in the back of a physical phone book while they were adding each other on Facebook and Snapchat. I also didn’t know what YouTube was used for or why people were constantly messaging each other online. It felt like the rest of the world had moved on without me, and I had to catch up fast.
At first, it was overwhelming. I felt behind and sometimes even left out. But looking back now, I see how valuable that experience was. Because I wasn’t glued to a screen, I learned to entertain myself in other ways, writing letters, reading, spending time outdoors, or just being present with people face-to-face. I think it gave me strong communication skills and independence that I still carry today.
Even now, I don’t feel the same pull toward technology that some people do. I can use it when I need to, but I don’t feel dependent on it. I actually enjoy being able to write by hand or send a physical letter, things many people my age have never done. In a world where technology is everywhere, I appreciate that my childhood gave me a different perspective and balance that I might not have had otherwise.
Although I was behind on the technology train for much of my childhood, I’ve since found platforms that I truly enjoy, Instagram being the main one. It’s one of the only technology platforms I use regularly, and I find it especially helpful for staying connected with friends and family. What I love most, though, is following other new teachers who post about their experiences everything from the mistakes they’ve made to the things they wish they had done differently. Their posts are inspiring and motivating because they share so many practical tips: teacher-appropriate outfit ideas, creative worksheets they’ve loved, classroom management hacks, and honest reflections on what worked and what didn’t. It feels like a supportive online community where I can learn and grow as I start my own teaching journey.
