gradual education
And like that, on the first day of the semester, I am magically made unto a Teaching Assistant (aide-in-training) for the undergraduate survey course, Principles of Entomology. This feels kind of strange, as I have neither taken the course, nor extensive prior experience in entomology - but nonetheless, here I am. On the bright side, while I do not know my entomology backwards and forth, I do know biology - and I actually may even have a little more teaching experience than some of my peers. I guess all that time substitute teaching or working with the "gifted and talented" kids paid off.
It should be noted that I will receive neither pay nor credit for my efforts - but I will gain more invaluable familiarity within the science of entomology as a whole... and maybe a nice letter of reference for my good behavior.
Time will tell.