Hi Jane, I definitely agree with your emphasis on the importance of placements. I've had a variety of placements including public and private schools and different grade levels, subjects matters, and languages of instruction. I hope that you enjoy it and gain some new interesting insights while comparing this placement to your previous ones. Although differences are very important to take note of, I've also learned a lot from paying attention to similarities and what core values are present across the classrooms I've visited. I also appreciate that you point out the roles of "active participant" and "more of an observer." While I agree that it is crucial to become involved in the classroom community and support the spaces that feed our learning, I also appreciate the value in stepping back for a bit and observing. I like to take a moment sometimes to zoom out and consider the classroom or school as a whole or to watch a specific situation unfold. Finally, I hope your SEPTA concerns are resolved - it is frustrating but will hopefully become routine as the semester progresses.