Students in training to become teachers have a unique opportunity through the first year Education program at St. Peter's College. Through an agreement with the Horizon School Division and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, first-year College of Education students participate in a practicum that allows them to experience the daily life of a teacher. St. Peter's students head out to Humboldt and area schools to work with students and staff on a professional basis.

Mykenzie Taphorn is one of those College of Education participants. She is currently working in an elementary classroom is Annaheim School with supervising teacher Val Rohel. She comments that it's been interesting to experience schools in this different way. She says, Just seeing the classroom from a different perspective has been really cool, and everyone has been so welcoming." When asked to reflect on the biggest surprise of her experience thus far, Taphorn says, "The first one was walking into the classroom and being introduced as Miss Taphorn. It was kind of a shock; I wasn't expecting that. It made me feel really old."

Once she oriented herself to the day's routines by observing, Taphorn began the work in earnest. She has this to say about the rewarding nature of the experience, "It's been really good being able to help them when they need help. There were kids running up to me in the hall asking if I was going to be their new teacher, which was really cool."

Student Services Officer Alison Hinz with St. Peter's College gives a bit of background as to the program and its inception, "It's a program where St. Peter's College Education Learning Community students get to be placed in local schools for four half days. We are the only University of Saskatchewan affiliate campus that offers in-school experiences during the first year of the Education program."

When asked whether the time spent with students in Annaheim has solidified what she wants to do as a profession, Taphorn enthusiastically responded, "Yeah, definitely."