Today I finished my first official day of Institute. I'm happy to report we all made it out alive. Our brains are a little fried and our clothes are pit-stained, but we made it.
I am so happy to be in Chicago. Just riding on the El last night to Target and watching the sunset over the city was amazing. I am going to be teaching in the city I love and I can't be more excited.
I woke up at 5:25am this morning and shoved breakfast down before heading onto the school bus to take us to our school. The bus was hot and muggy and I was struggling to keep my eyes open, but I was ready for where ever the bus took us.
After driving right in front of Sox stadium (ew) we arrived at the school. We unloaded like a herd of elephants and shuffled into the school. When I walked into the building I about lost it. It's the kind of school that I had always saw myself going. The wall was adorned with faded paintings promoting messages of success. The tile floor was tattered and uneven. We walked into a large auditorium filled with wooden seats. Messages of love and hate were carved into every seat. You could tell there has been so much history in that room and I had to fight back the urge to cry.
It has been really hard for me to fully grasp where I am and what I am about to do. Kind of an out of body experience. Is this really me? Is this really happening? Am I really about to do this? For the past week I have had a constant lump in my throat. I am so excited for what is about to happen not only here in Chicago, but back home in KC. I feel like I finally have a purpose and I am finally going to be put to some good use. The stories of change I have heard over the past week are so inspirational and give me hope for the changes we can make. I haven't broken down yet, but I know it'll happen soon enough. All the stories and the changes we're about to make are all just going to hit me like a ton of bricks.
We were at a session tonight where the founder of TFA spoke to us. I was falling in and out of daydreaming when the speaker talked about the students that we were going to impact. Then I started to think about my 5th graders that I have yet to meet. They are out there right now doing who knows what, and I get the very distinct pleasure of meeting them oh so soon. I cannot wait to meet them and prepare them for there most intense math class yet...
These are all just ramblings of my thought process the past few days, but I just thought I'd share for anyone interested :) Basically I am very excited for this journey ahead. It'll be a challenge, but I am sure the rewards will far out way anything else :)
Off to bed...
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Here we go...
The date is quickly approaching and the big adventure that I have been waiting for, well since November, is about to start. In one week, I will be in Chicago starting a world-win adventure with Teach for America (TFA).
It is so hard to imagine that this is all about to start. I learned about TFA a few years ago and started researching the organization and definitely felt like it was something I wanted to be involved in. I am so fortunate to get the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest in the country to do our small part to help eradicate the inequalities which plaque out educational system.
The whole experience is so thrilling and completely nerve-wracking at the same time. My stomach is all in knots just preparing myself for the unknown that is about to flood my life, but you know things are coming together. I have only heard good things about the school that I will be teaching at and I know that the support system will be great with lots of TFA alumni in the school. I will have my own big kid apartment complete with shopping five minutes out my doorstep. I am with a guy who means the world to me and every time I am with him I am reminded of how absolutely lucky I am to be in the company of such an amazing person. My best friend is moving back to KC and I cannot wait for more random nights together. My family is wonderful as always and the random humor that we have together always brightens my day.
Honestly, I think the whole TFA experience coming up has helped put things in perspective. I have so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Everything is starting to fall into place and I am just in awe of how truly lucky I am to be a part of it all... :)
It is so hard to imagine that this is all about to start. I learned about TFA a few years ago and started researching the organization and definitely felt like it was something I wanted to be involved in. I am so fortunate to get the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest in the country to do our small part to help eradicate the inequalities which plaque out educational system.
The whole experience is so thrilling and completely nerve-wracking at the same time. My stomach is all in knots just preparing myself for the unknown that is about to flood my life, but you know things are coming together. I have only heard good things about the school that I will be teaching at and I know that the support system will be great with lots of TFA alumni in the school. I will have my own big kid apartment complete with shopping five minutes out my doorstep. I am with a guy who means the world to me and every time I am with him I am reminded of how absolutely lucky I am to be in the company of such an amazing person. My best friend is moving back to KC and I cannot wait for more random nights together. My family is wonderful as always and the random humor that we have together always brightens my day.
Honestly, I think the whole TFA experience coming up has helped put things in perspective. I have so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Everything is starting to fall into place and I am just in awe of how truly lucky I am to be a part of it all... :)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Guatemala
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about my time in Guatemala and how much I truly miss it. I was excited/surprised/a little jealous to see that there was another ESL group from K-State going to Guatemala this summer. We had a group of 10, while the group this year is close to 30! That makes my heart so happy to know that so many people are working with the beautiful children of that country.
I have been perusing facebook looking at pictures that people have posted from the current trip. My heart absolutely melted when I saw some of the kids that I worked with last year. I never thought I would see those kids ever again, but seeing pictures of them, now a year older, gives me a sense of comfort. It is so hard to fathom that a year has past. I am not going to lie, when I was looking through the pictures I was looking for one little boy in particular, Carlito (little Carlos) He was my absolute favorite, even though teachers really aren't suppose to have favorites...oops ;) Every day, I would get a hug and kiss on the cheek from Carlito. Recess time he would always come up to me and try to read from my English/Spanish dictionary. Carlito was a little guy, but I was floored at how much older he looked in the recent picture I found online.
I guess it is just comforting to know that those kids are still doing well and to see their gorgeous smiles even if it is just through pictures. I would love to go back to Guatemala sometime. The people are amazing and so welcoming and the country is absolutely breath-taking. My host family was so hospitable and they made our stay wonderful. Honestly, after being in the country and spending time with those kiddos, I would absolutely love to adopt from the country, but that's a big ambitious (and expensive) dream and that's a ways down the road from happening, but you never know what life may bring... :)
Carlito :)
I have been perusing facebook looking at pictures that people have posted from the current trip. My heart absolutely melted when I saw some of the kids that I worked with last year. I never thought I would see those kids ever again, but seeing pictures of them, now a year older, gives me a sense of comfort. It is so hard to fathom that a year has past. I am not going to lie, when I was looking through the pictures I was looking for one little boy in particular, Carlito (little Carlos) He was my absolute favorite, even though teachers really aren't suppose to have favorites...oops ;) Every day, I would get a hug and kiss on the cheek from Carlito. Recess time he would always come up to me and try to read from my English/Spanish dictionary. Carlito was a little guy, but I was floored at how much older he looked in the recent picture I found online.
I guess it is just comforting to know that those kids are still doing well and to see their gorgeous smiles even if it is just through pictures. I would love to go back to Guatemala sometime. The people are amazing and so welcoming and the country is absolutely breath-taking. My host family was so hospitable and they made our stay wonderful. Honestly, after being in the country and spending time with those kiddos, I would absolutely love to adopt from the country, but that's a big ambitious (and expensive) dream and that's a ways down the road from happening, but you never know what life may bring... :)
Carlito :)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
'Secrets of American Teachers'
A TFA employee posted this on her facebook and of course I was intrigued. Such a great piece to watch. I would love to be in those teacher's classroom any day :) The gentlemen featured in the piece actually wrote one of the books that I am required to read before my summer institute in Chicago. Let's be honest, I was not so thrilled receiving a packet full of information to complete, but seeing stuff like this just gets me fired up and excited to get back into the classroom and make it my own.
One of the points that they make in the video is the understanding that students need high goals/expectations. It is so important to hold every single student accountable to a high level of achievement especially in low-income areas. No excuses, every child can succeed if the bar is set high and their diligence is persistent. Just this past week I learned the heart-wrenching story of a little fourth grade boy and the devastating struggles he's been through. It is so frustrating to me to hear that this boy is in danger of repeating the grade because his teacher has 'given up on him.' No matter what the child's background, home life, etc that child is your student and it is your responsibility to make sure that he/she is successful in your classroom, no excuses. Totally random rant, but it's something that really gets me fired up!
One of the points that they make in the video is the understanding that students need high goals/expectations. It is so important to hold every single student accountable to a high level of achievement especially in low-income areas. No excuses, every child can succeed if the bar is set high and their diligence is persistent. Just this past week I learned the heart-wrenching story of a little fourth grade boy and the devastating struggles he's been through. It is so frustrating to me to hear that this boy is in danger of repeating the grade because his teacher has 'given up on him.' No matter what the child's background, home life, etc that child is your student and it is your responsibility to make sure that he/she is successful in your classroom, no excuses. Totally random rant, but it's something that really gets me fired up!
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Little Too Close to Home...
http://www.kctv5.com/news/22635163/detail.html
Stuff like this is so dis-heartening to read especially when it is an area that I am very familiar with. The place that I sometimes volunteer at is at 31st and Troost and if you read the article the building in the background of the picture, at 39th and Troost, is the YMCA Headstart Center connected to the small bus stop. The Headstart Center was a place I applied to work back at the end of January and just declined a position with them a couple Friday's back. This not only makes me sick to my stomach being so familiar with the area, but it also infuriates me beyond belief knowing that this happened next to a building full of small kiddos.
Now having been to this area numerous times, I know that it is a pretty poverty-stricken area. In no way can I even begin to comprehend the daily struggles that some of these people have; however, in no way does any type of argument make it okay to kill another human being ESPECIALLY when children are around. I hope that this absolutely ridiculous and selfish crap can stop so the kids inside that building don't grow up being foolish and dumb like the adults around them. Let's start to be the role models that our kiddos deserve...
Stuff like this is so dis-heartening to read especially when it is an area that I am very familiar with. The place that I sometimes volunteer at is at 31st and Troost and if you read the article the building in the background of the picture, at 39th and Troost, is the YMCA Headstart Center connected to the small bus stop. The Headstart Center was a place I applied to work back at the end of January and just declined a position with them a couple Friday's back. This not only makes me sick to my stomach being so familiar with the area, but it also infuriates me beyond belief knowing that this happened next to a building full of small kiddos.
Now having been to this area numerous times, I know that it is a pretty poverty-stricken area. In no way can I even begin to comprehend the daily struggles that some of these people have; however, in no way does any type of argument make it okay to kill another human being ESPECIALLY when children are around. I hope that this absolutely ridiculous and selfish crap can stop so the kids inside that building don't grow up being foolish and dumb like the adults around them. Let's start to be the role models that our kiddos deserve...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Michael Jackson Moves
As some of you may very well know, I have been taking a hip-hop dance class for the past few weeks. Now by no means am I good or do I even look like I know what I am doing, but it has been such a blast. I have always been a fan of hip-hop music and I love listening to the beat and making up moves in my head...mind you these moves are rarely translated into real-life. I took a jazz class in high school and I had to quit to devote more time to track.
I really missed being in a dance class and highly considered finding a class up a K-State, but never really took the plung. With my newly super free schedule, I figured this would be the best time if ever to try it. Once a week I go downtown to City in Motion which is nestled in between an abandoned building and antique shop open once a month. I have highly enjoyed just learning the mechanics of hip-hop and being able to understand all that goes into the illusion of dance.
Just last night I had the best class ever! A few people in the class are part of some kind of troupe. They have a performance next weekend and their routine is a mash-up of dances from Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT. It was absolutely amazing seeing the moves being played out in front of me. We learned a bit from "Smooth Criminal' and just a small part from "They Don't Care About Us." I posted the video to see the pure awesomeness that is Michael Jackson :)
"Smooth Criminal" The dance we learned started at 1:18-1:48 and the quick move from 2:24-2:29, 2:49-3:10 (one of my favorite parts...wiggle those legs :)
"They Don't Care About Us" This by far was my favorite part in the movie and I freaked out a little bit when I saw this part of the dance. Due to limited time we only learned a small portion of the dance. The part we learned started right at the beginning of the video with the leg lifts. Just about the first 15 seconds is what we learned. From then on out the dancers took off and did almost the whole dance move for move. AMAZING!!!
I really missed being in a dance class and highly considered finding a class up a K-State, but never really took the plung. With my newly super free schedule, I figured this would be the best time if ever to try it. Once a week I go downtown to City in Motion which is nestled in between an abandoned building and antique shop open once a month. I have highly enjoyed just learning the mechanics of hip-hop and being able to understand all that goes into the illusion of dance.
Just last night I had the best class ever! A few people in the class are part of some kind of troupe. They have a performance next weekend and their routine is a mash-up of dances from Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT. It was absolutely amazing seeing the moves being played out in front of me. We learned a bit from "Smooth Criminal' and just a small part from "They Don't Care About Us." I posted the video to see the pure awesomeness that is Michael Jackson :)
"Smooth Criminal" The dance we learned started at 1:18-1:48 and the quick move from 2:24-2:29, 2:49-3:10 (one of my favorite parts...wiggle those legs :)
"They Don't Care About Us" This by far was my favorite part in the movie and I freaked out a little bit when I saw this part of the dance. Due to limited time we only learned a small portion of the dance. The part we learned started right at the beginning of the video with the leg lifts. Just about the first 15 seconds is what we learned. From then on out the dancers took off and did almost the whole dance move for move. AMAZING!!!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sleep Paralysis
One of my friends posted this link on his facebook and I was so intrigued by the article. Now this has only happened to me a handful of times but it is the scariest thing ever! You literally cannot move your body, but for the most part you're awake...so weird! I had never really investigated it, but after the article the whole thing definitely made sense. I think it is so awesome how our brain works especially when it comes to dreams/sleep. It is crazy that most our muscles just shut down when we're sleeping so dreams can't be acted out, which explains if you wake-up during a REM cycle the lack of movement that you may have.
Now the second half of the article is a little different. I can't say that I have ever experienced a hallucination, even in the slightest; however, I can see how an interruption in the dream cycle could cause something like this to occur. It was interesting to read the comments from people saying they were about to be possessed or that there were really spirits watching them. I think it could really mess with your head if something like this happened on a reoccurring basis.
Definitely a fascinating article especially if this has ever happened to you
http://hubpages.com/hub/Do-you-have-Sleep-Paralysis-The-Old-Hag-Syndrome
Now the second half of the article is a little different. I can't say that I have ever experienced a hallucination, even in the slightest; however, I can see how an interruption in the dream cycle could cause something like this to occur. It was interesting to read the comments from people saying they were about to be possessed or that there were really spirits watching them. I think it could really mess with your head if something like this happened on a reoccurring basis.
Definitely a fascinating article especially if this has ever happened to you
http://hubpages.com/hub/Do-you-have-Sleep-Paralysis-The-Old-Hag-Syndrome
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Chinese in the Schools
I saw this article and thought it was pretty cool what the school is doing. I only remember taking mandatory Spanish in 5th and 6th grade. It's about time we start integrating more language into the day, but then again there is never enough time in the day to get everything done! ;) Hopefully this program can continue in the years to come!
http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2010/01/04/chineseinkcelementary_ap.html?tkn=NULF4aa7BLNPDuynxjvLVYBbSHvmZu1uOqiW
http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2010/01/04/chineseinkcelementary_ap.html?tkn=NULF4aa7BLNPDuynxjvLVYBbSHvmZu1uOqiW
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year's Resolutions
Every year around this time, we all make promises to ourselves to do better. We make a goal to be a better person by fulfilling our New Year's Resolution in the 365 days ahead. Many times these promises to ourselves fall to the wayside as the craziness of life takes over and we become to 'busy' or 'overwhelmed' to commit. I have thought quite a bit over the past week or so about what I can do to make myself a better person in the new year ahead and I am going to try my darnedest to stay committed
1) I need to make a better effort to keep in touch with people. Oftentimes I say, I'll call you soon, and soon turns into weeks, months and so on. If I am thinking of one of my good friends I need to pick up the phone and call them, send them a quick text message, or even send them a card just saying hi. I have met some really great people along the road and I need to make the effort to make sure I stay in touch with them.
2) I want to go to church more often. For any of you that know me well, this is kind of a big one. My dad is getting confirmed into the Catholic church and it pretty much blew me out of the water when I found this out. For the longest time, my dad was always preaching to me his qualms with the church and inconsistencies he saw, and much of what he said to me kind of made sense. However, after recently having a really good heart to heart with my dad I was able to understand the reasons for his change of heart and I could not be more proud of him. Many times the homily in church asks us to reflect on what we are doing in our daily lives to do good in the world. I want to be able to look at my actions and be able to understand what I can change or do better to help make the world just a little bit better. It's interesting that the person that really made me question religion as a kid is now the person who is helping me understand what it really has to offer.
I wish you all the best of luck as you move into a new year full of new experiences, new hopes, new dreams, and new opportunities to be the best person you want to be :)
Happy 2010!!
1) I need to make a better effort to keep in touch with people. Oftentimes I say, I'll call you soon, and soon turns into weeks, months and so on. If I am thinking of one of my good friends I need to pick up the phone and call them, send them a quick text message, or even send them a card just saying hi. I have met some really great people along the road and I need to make the effort to make sure I stay in touch with them.
2) I want to go to church more often. For any of you that know me well, this is kind of a big one. My dad is getting confirmed into the Catholic church and it pretty much blew me out of the water when I found this out. For the longest time, my dad was always preaching to me his qualms with the church and inconsistencies he saw, and much of what he said to me kind of made sense. However, after recently having a really good heart to heart with my dad I was able to understand the reasons for his change of heart and I could not be more proud of him. Many times the homily in church asks us to reflect on what we are doing in our daily lives to do good in the world. I want to be able to look at my actions and be able to understand what I can change or do better to help make the world just a little bit better. It's interesting that the person that really made me question religion as a kid is now the person who is helping me understand what it really has to offer.
I wish you all the best of luck as you move into a new year full of new experiences, new hopes, new dreams, and new opportunities to be the best person you want to be :)
Happy 2010!!
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