One Week Left?... WHAT?!?

Am I the only one that is completely shocked to realize that we only have one week left in the field? I for one am pretty bummed out about it -- I feel like I'm just getting to know these students on a personal level, and I'm not ready to leave yet :( The students are really starting to get used to me as a co-teacher in the room, and are starting to view me as more of a permanent figure versus just a visitor. I'm getting to know all of them as unique individuals, and I'm going to miss each of their crazy personalities. I know I shouldn't get too upset yet -- I still have the rest of this week -- but even still, my question remains. Am I going to feel like this at the end of every school year? Or will it, undoubtedly, be harder to say goodbye?

I never thought that I would have this kind of experience in the field this semester. I sort of had the idea that I would go in as an observer, maybe teach a class or two and that would be it. I'm happy to say that this was not the case; my co-op had me teaching lessons from day one and even allowed me to create lessons of my own to share with the class. He provided me with materials that will not only help me this semester, but will also aid me in all of my future classrooms. And that's what it's all about right? We're a community of teachers, helping other teachers?

I have such mixed feelings as we come to the end of this experience, and I think it's safe to say that I'm not the only one. Still, I'm going to cherish the time I had with these classes, because I'm really starting to view them as my students just as much as my co-op's.