Life Lately: Teacher Credential Progam Edition

Sup. I'm here for my monthly check-in ;) 

School has been kicking my butt and has left little time for much else! 

So let's talk about it! 

I started back in August, and my semester the schedule is as follows: The first 8 weeks of the semester (M-F) were strictly coursework, learning about methods, theories, strategies, lesson planning, standards, etc. Every Thursday of weeks 4-8, we went to our clinical practice sites and observed classes, shadowed students, interviewed students, interviewed teachers, etc. Sounds complicated. It was. Trying to juggle all of my coursework with assignments, reflections, presentations, TPA Task 1 (which I passed!), personal life crap, baseball, and concerts was rough and caused many breakdowns. But coursework is finally over and I made it out alive with passing grades and into the second half of the semester! 

These next 8 weeks are strictly clinical practice (M-F). I'm in an 8th grade humanities class that covers English Language Arts and Social Studies. I have two sets of weirdly entertaining students and a cooperating teacher who I've learned a lot from! Today is the start of week 3, and at this point I've gradually taken over more and more of the instruction! It feels SO weird being the grown-up in the room who is supposed to know it all. Spoiler alert...I don't. My first official observation is this Thursday so we'll see how effective I am at putting everything I've learned into practice!

That's about all I've got...see ya in a month. 

Seriously though. How terrible is it that I only post monthly these days?! Especially when I have this new awesome blog design courtesy of this lovely lady and I feel like I've wasted her talent. November goal: post more than once! 

Hot Dog & Hamburger vs. Burrito & Taco

So this is my unofficial first week of school. I'm spending time at a middle school observing and helping with opening up a classroom for the beginning of the year. There may (probably not) be a post about that later, but that's not what today is about. I'm sharing a story today!

via

The teacher I'm with has two classes, AM and PM. She had the kids make name tags to sit at their desks. She was describing the difference between the hot dog and hamburger paper folding methods to her morning class for these name tags. She then mentioned an alternative description that would be more relatable since we live in San Diego. A hot dog fold could also be thought of as a burrito fold. Then she had the kids guess what a hamburger fold could be thought of. I confidently said quesadilla, the rest of the class said taco. Whomp whomp. 

The afternoon class did the same thing. Same spiel. Same description. When it was time for kids to guess what hamburger was...I didn't say anything. But I listened. And a kid in that class said quesadilla. While the rest of the class said taco. I said "yes!" and pointed at the kid who said quesadilla because at least one other person in the class was on the same page as I was. It made my day :]

Happy Thursday peeps.

Why I Resigned...

School.

Shout out to Lebron!

It's August, and I officially start my teaching credential program this month. The hours of school and student teaching conflict with my office schedule. So I decided to take a break from work (until I run out of savings) and totally focus on school. I'm happy, excited, nervous, anxious, and scared to start this program...all at the same time. 

Happy and excited. For so many reasons. I've wanted to teach since I was in 7th grade. (2000) I spent 7 years in college, with a course schedule that looks similar to my high school course list. I owe that to my liberal studies major. With the exception of college softball, some electives, and my personal life...school wasn't that exciting. But I got it done and got one of my first pre-requisites checked off for my program. This time around, when I start school...I'll be taking classes that relate to what I want to do with my life and directly relate to my career. Andddd after 14 years, this program is the last step before becoming a teacher! I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Nervous. Because this program is totally different than anything I've done both with my undergrad and work. So even though I've asked tons of questions about this program and what I'll be doing, I still have no clue what's gonna happen. 

Anxious. One of my favorite sayings about anxiety is it's not fear of the future, but wanting to control it. Any one that knows me knows that I like to have every minute of my life planned out. So I was a little anxious when the coordinators of our program interrupted our question and answer session of orientation and said "trust us"which I totally should since this is their 23rd year doing it. So I'm still a little anxious because (as of now) I have not control of anything. Once I figure out the school schedule and get into a groove, I'll be fine...but that moment is not now.

Scared. That whole not having a job thing...scary. Because that means no income. But I've still got bills. I should have done a better job of saving money but I suck at that. Also...this whole money thing kind of means I'll be giving up some stuff. Like season tickets. And going out to lunch/dinner and drinks with friends. Concerts. And maybe a gym membership. And Netflix...after I catch up on some shows. Hahah. It'll all work out. Some how. But I don't know how.

Since I haven't consistently posted, I haven't given many updates. I spent all summer working on prerequisites for this program. Bachelors degree: check. CBEST: check. Multiple Subject CSET: check. CPR certification: check. Fingerprints & Certificate of Clearance: check. Letters of recommendation: check. English CSET: Half check. I found out on Monday that I passes that the 2 (of 4) subtests I took in July! The other 2 are scheduled for September...so I should probably start studying now!

Happy Wednesday peeps :]   

Breathe In. Breathe Out. Life Lately

Hi Internet! I’m alive. Barely kicking, but alive.

Let’s update you on my life…

School: Credential program applications to SDSU and CSUSM have been submitted. There was lots of rescheduling and juggling around but I have my interviews for all 3 programs scheduled. I actually did one last week…kind of went meh, because they were short on time when it was my group’s turn to interview so we all had to cut our responses short. Whomp. Except for the fact that of the 3 programs, this is the one I really want to get into. Oh well. Hopefully the timing for the other program interviews is better managed.

Testing: I PASSED MY MULTIPLE SUBJECT CSET! Which I’m totally stoked about because even though I studied, like none of that material on my actual tests was mentioned in my study book or practice tests. But I passed, so that’s all that matters. The next exam on my list is an English CSET. If I get into the middle level program/teach middle school, I’m going to be teaching an individual subject. I decided I’m probably most qualified to teach English and would have the most fun with that over any other subject. Doing the CSET over getting a subject matter authorization makes the most sense to me because when I apply for jobs, a passed CSET is less objective than a list of college courses I’ve taken.

Work: OMG. Let’s talk about my office job real quick. Everyone kind of took vacation time throughout the last 2 weeks. So the office was already busy from the lack of people. But then I started to get e-mails about dates for interviews for my programs that fell among the same time everyone was gone. My boss was kind of overwhelmed with everything and me being gone was not an option. Which sucked because these interviews kind of needed to happen. So that’s where all the juggling, rescheduling, and being an inconvenience to these programs came into play. It all worked out but I was kind of stressing and upset over the situation for a while. I am totally loving my second job at the Safari Park. It’s easy. I don’t have to follow up with people, make phone calls, fill out paperwork., etc. Working with people my age is fun. I have become one of those people that gets easily excited about being around the animals. Hearing the lion roar in the mornings is amazing. Watching the lemurs do their thing is so cool. The fact that I see keepers take a camel for a walk and I’m less than 20 feet away from it is incredible. The only downer is being on my feet alllllll day. I’m not used to it, but I will be. I’m really happy with this place.

Weight Loss: Why is this not something easy? There’s so much fatty goooood food. I’m trying to make it to the gym as much as I can and watch what I eat, but with how crazy things are…it’s a little difficult. I haven’t totally abandoned my goals, but priorities are elsewhere right now. One way to make sure I’m still moving around is by pacing around at the Safari Park. This week I decided to kick it up a notch and try to reach my 12k steps goal by the time I clock out of work! Yesterday was the first day, and I got it done!

Umm…that’s about it. How's your life going? Lots of good things happening? Let me know!

Happy Wednesday all!       

I've Got Nothin'

Seriously. This is my 2^nd post of the month! Look at me killing it with content. Ha. Life hasn’t been blogworthy lately, and I’m not a fan of a bunch of lame filler content, so that explains my internet silence lately. Which kind of totally sucks because I gained a good amount of followers/subscribers/readers and have given you no material. Sorry for being lame.

Let’s throw some updates from my last “life lately” post...because that's all I've got. 

Credential Program Applications: The two teaching credential programs I’m applying to require two applications. An official graduate application that’s pretty much just a formality [which I officially submitted last night!], and a supplemental application where you submit letters of recommendation, test scores, personal narratives, and all the other qualifications you have to enter the program. I’ll submit those in about a week and a half, only because I’m still waiting on two things. 

CSET: Feb 17^th came and went, and I took the 1^st CSET subtest. Kind of feeling meh about it, but it is what it is. Waiting on some money to get deposited into my bank account soon so I can schedule the other two subtests. Scheduling these tests is one of the two things I’m waiting on to submit those supplemental applications…so that money needs to be deposited ASAP. 

Volunteering: My last "official" day in 8^th grade was last Thursday but I'm headed back today to pick up letters of recommendation...the second thing I'm waiting on for those supplemental applications. 

Work: I mentioned interviewing and drug testing for Home Depot, heard back about a week later everything was good to go and they needed me to do some new hire stuff the next day. I couldn't make it happen because it was the day I volunteer and it wasn't enough notice to not show up to the classroom. I didn't hear back for 5 days and 2 voicemails, so I figured out I screwed that chance up for myself and got cut. I did get a call back on the 6th day, but at that point, I had already applied to a different place and had an interview scheduled that I followed through with. I now have a second job as a Guest Ambassador at the SD Safari Park :] I'm super excited to start! I had orientation Tuesday, and one of the best things about it was getting to go on the Africa Tram Safari before our lunch break. Yay for giraffes!

Weight Loss: Still crawling, 22 lbs lost overall, 40/50/60 to go. Now that I’ve got a second job, and the credential program application process is almost done, I’ll have some time to kick this thing into overdrive. Which I’m totally due for. About 110 days until Vegas and Keri’s wedding!

It’s safe to say life has been a little crazy and has left no room for fun. No partying my face off. No weekend getaways of any sort. No Netflix binge watching. No Pinterest pinning sprees. Nada. Other than this weekend. It was Marcus’ birthday, so Friday night was spent playing a little beer pong, stack it, and just dance. Sunday was karaoke night. Good stuff. I was happy to get out of the house for a bit and spend time with some of my favorite people.     

Happy Thursday! 

Meh. Life Lately...

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything good on here…and it might be a while longer before I do. Life is a little nutty, definitely busy…and I haven’t really done anything exciting. How can you tell? My instagram hasn't been updated with sweet pictures to make people jealous in for.ev.errrr. Whomp. Life lately…

Credential Program Applications: I’ve decided I’m applying to both CSUSM and SDSU’s teaching credential programs. I figured I’d increase my chances  to get into at least one of them. I’ve collected about 95% of the stuff for my CSUSM application, just waiting on a letter of recommendation and I need to take (and pass!) the first subtest of the CSET. I still need to figure out everything on SDSU's app so I'll be visiting their campus tomorrow!   

CSET: Totally sucks. I’m letting it intimidate me and I keep on postponing it...but now I’m running out of time. I was originally scheduled to take the test as a whole on Jan 11^th. Then I postponed it to Jan 18^th. Then I postponed it again to Jan 28^th. Then I cancelled it and decided to take the individual subtests so I scheduled subtest 1 for Feb 8^th. Then I postponed that to Feb 13^th. And finally postponed it to Feb 17^th. And with each postponement comes with procrastination in the form of flappy birds since I have more time to study. Now it's 7 days away! Which is super soon. But I’ve gotta take it, so it’s crazy study mode for the next week! 

via

Volunteering: I’m still volunteering in an 8^th grade classroom. I’m learning so much, it’s crazy! The kids have so many outside influences between family, friends, social media, etc. that the classroom these days seems totally different to me than what it was when I was in 8^th grade. The two teachers I work with share students and make it a point to have official meetings once a week to discuss their classrooms, and I get to sit in on them…it’s amazing how invested they are in their students and the concern they have for their success. Both in life and the classroom. I know teachers care about their students…but I’m just starting to see it in action and its impact from an adult perspective. And it’s amazing! I’m so happy to be working with these teachers, they're incredible. I’m gonna be so bummed when I have to stop!

via

Work: I’m still looking for a second job. Not as aggressively as I was in that first week…but here and there. The sucky thing is when you call/drop in on places and ask if they’re hiring and they say they’re not sure/no but you’re welcome to fill out (a super long) application. I interviewed and drug tested for the Home Depot last week and should be hearing from them in a few days about a job! Fingers crossed. The worst realization about a second job is that I won’t be able to go to as many concerts and baseball games as I have in the past.

Weight Loss: Happening at a crawl, but it’s still happening. I haven’t been to the gym in a while, but once this application stuff and testing is over, I will make a return! 120-ish days until Vegas and Keri’s wedding so it’s time to kick it into overdrive until then!  

That’s about it! I should have applications and that first subtest completed in a month, and hopefully I have a second job by then. Then I’ll be able to breathe having all this stuff done.

What I’m looking forward to: MLB opening day…because I love baseball, duh. Lady Antebellum in March. If I have the days off. Whomp. Hahaha.

Happy Monday all! 

My [So Far Failed] Job Hunt

Yes. I'm looking for a job. A second job. It's not as easy as I thought it would be.

via

Mine current job is cool, I've been there for almost 8 years. I love the people I work with, everyone is friendly, productive, and for the most part...into sports. BUT, I'm not working as many hours as I'd like/need to in order to follow through with my resolution/goal of saving money to cover my expenses if/when I enter that teaching credential program. I also need money to pay for my bridesmaid expenses in a wedding I'm in. Lastly, I also need money for baseball season.

So, I need a second job. The thing is...I've never had to look for a job. 

Hear me out.

As I mentioned before...I've worked my regular job for almost 8 years. It was my first real job. I knew the owner/my boss through little league because he has a son my brother's age and I'd always be at the ball fields. Also, my best friend's dad works in the same office. I was offered the job. Kind of had to interview, but it wasn't anything big. It was just sort of handed to me. I don't even know if they interviewed any one other than me for the position. I'm super thankful for my job because I get paid well, they've been super flexible with school, and understanding when I have to leave early take a day off for a baseball game...or trip to LA to see Dancing With The Stars when I did that type of thing. 

The other job I've ever worked was at H&R Block as a front desk person. I've worked there 4 different tax seasons since 2006. It's the job I like to go back to when I need to line my pockets with extra moolah. It's seasonal and open late so I can work nights after my regular job/school. I also had an in there. My best friend's mom worked there...and they needed someone that first year. I've been able to go off and on as the years passed, without really having to interview/submit a formal application. The one year I did intend to actually apply, I stopped by the main office on my way to school wearing Uggs, sweats, and a tee and they were interviewing that day and was asked to come back to interview...in my Uggs, sweats, and tee. I got the job that year but there's a pretty good chance it was because I had worked there before. Either way, I never really had to search for this job either. 

I went into 2014 fully knowing how much I need saved so I applied to H&R back in November, interviewed and thought it was a done deal, I'd be offered my old job immediately. I was offered a position...like 25 minutes away from my house. It's not bad, but the money I'd be making would pretty much only cover gas, and my availability would be cut down because I offered to work nights after my regular job...I'm losing availability time driving from Job A to Job B because of how far of a drive it is.

Two weeks ago I kind of started exploring my options...but I really didn't have any clue where to start. I wrote my first real resume EVER at the age of 25 and figured I'd go from there. 

via

Then I saw a Care.com commercial. I signed up, but I'm not sure that site is as great as it's made out to be. This is going to sound dumb...but people don't come to you on that site, you as a sitter have to look for jobs. I kind of don't have time for that. 

I thought about the hotel industry! They are usually open all night and need a over night front desk person to take care of clients if they need help, but none of the ones in my local area are hiring. I submitted applications (and took a long morality/personality test) to some a little further away but still haven't heard back.  

I applied to about 4 beauty/hair salons as a front desk person to schedule appointments, etc. I heard back from 1 telling me I wasn't qualified because I don't have experience in the beauty industry. Makes sense...because I don't. I'm assuming I haven't heard back from the others because they didn't really advertise available positions, I just randomly sent them my resume.

I have moved on to restaurant/retail/grocery stores. Those application suck. They're mostly fill in stuff, not just an easy resume submission. Whomp. One was a sporting goods store, which would rock to work at because I love me some sporting goods/clothes. 

I used to think that people who can't find jobs aren't trying hard enough...but I'm learning that this is a pain in the ass. I'm taking a break from applications for the next couple of weeks because I reallllly need to study for my CSET, which I had to postpone until the 23rd because I didn't think I'd be ready on the 16th. Once I take [and pass!] the test, I'll start the job hunt again [probably in fast food since they're open 24 hours right?] because this "not having money for my future" thing kind of sucks. Wish me luck :] And if you have any ideas that I haven't thought of...make my life a little easier and LET ME KNOW! Please and thanks!

Happy Thursday All!     

  

Resolutions

via 

Oh hey there 2014. How are you? 

The turn of the year was a good one for me. I was up til 2:00 am celebrating with family, friends, and family friends. Celebrating was followed by 11 hours of sleep, a visit to the [empty!] gym, and then studying for the CSET.

Now onto the point of my post, let's discuss my experience with resolutions. They're something you resolve to follow to complete/attain a goal in any given period of time. A New Year's resolution is one that is prompted with each new calendar year. We all make them. Yes, all of us. We might not all announce these resolutions to the world via social media for everyone to read but we all have something we'd like to change about ourselves for personal growth. And that's not a bad thing. It can be huge things like losing weight, saving money, traveling, etc. or small things like being punctual, spelling correctly, smiling at strangers, etc. No one is totally and completely perfect, and if you are and none of what I just said applies to you...then good for you. Back to me. Let's laugh at my resolutions from last year. I used to think I was above needing an arbitrary date to serve as motivation to get things done. I used to think I didn't need a new year to motivate me to get in shape, or save money. Turns out, I kind of do. I started working towards all my "resolutions" listed below a couple of months ago, but the clean slate that is/was January 1, 2014 lighting the fire under my butt to get everything done so I can move onto the next chapter of my life. 

My 2014 resolutions:     

1- Get into the teaching credential program at CSUSM. I want to be a teacher. I always have. And to be a teacher, you need a teaching credential. For the last 7-ish years, I've been working towards that. The application submission deadline for the Fall 2014 program begins January 15th. I'm still working on getting all of my requirements done for a complete application, and still get anxiety over everything. My not so great GPA plagues me, my CSET is in 14 days, and the big question causes me to lose sleep...what if I don't get in?!! This is something I've wanted since 7th grade and have already killed enough time farting around in college, that postponing it ANOTHER year would kind of just officially suck big time. 

2- Save money. It's on the list every year, but this year it's more significant than those passed. If I do get into the credential program, I'll be in class and student teaching M-F all day! The problem is...those are the hours I work. If I get into the program, I'll have to quit my job, and not have any sort of income August 2014-May 2015. To cover JUST my bills for those 10 months, I will need about $4,000 saved up. That means, I need to put away at least $600 away from my monthly paycheck. With the amount of money I make...that's almost impossible. The rough realization is I do a lot of cool stuff...that costs money. Stuff I won't be able to do in 2014 because of this "saving money" nonsense. To make things even more tight I'm gonna be a god mother, and in a wedding (which includes a trip to Vegas) this year. It might be time to look for a second job. Also time to start looking into financial aid/grants/student loans! I hate stressing about money, but I've got to be realistic and make sure this is a priority if I want to make it out of the program without becoming a bum.  

3- Lose weight. Because, duh. I'm still on the "journey" and haven't totally fallen off the wagon but I'm not where I want to be. The save money thing should help because I won't be able to afford eating drive-thru/restaurants like I do/used to. I've got 60 lbs to lose, something totally do-able. Time to make it happen. 

4- No booze. This one might be rough to do, but something that I would really like to adapt as a lifestyle choice. In 2013 (and in life) I had my fair share of horribly drunken days/nights and didn't like it. They don't happen often, maybe 2 or 3 a year at concerts/ballgames/birthdays, but none of them were good times. The most recent one was Kayyy's birthday in November and looking back...having a buddy pretty much save my life after getting kicked out of a bar is kind of embarrassing. I can usually control my alcohol intake, and have a margarita or two here and there, but when it's time to party, Marty parties too hard. And it's not fun. Sorry to ruin the "Marty with the party" illusion. It's not good for my body, it's not good for my wallet, it's not good for my safety. This should help and should be helped with the previous 2 resolutions. Now to include a exception/loophole...Through this platform, I declare that when I do drink, it's for a special occasion, but I will only allow myself to have 2 drinks in celebrating such worthy occasion. 

That's it. I think. 

What are your resolutions? What suggestions do you have for me to make sure I make mine happen?

Happy 2014 everyone!

The Plan

Back in May of 2013 I graduated college. Good times. 

Except I still went back to school in the Fall to take some education courses that I didn't take as part of my undergrad, but still needed as a pre-requisite for the teaching credential program. Welp, after long hours of homework, observations, and tutoring...I'm done :] To be perfectly honest, this last semester had been the hardest I've ever worked in school, and am totally expecting straight A's as a result. Yeah yeah! The coursework wasn't difficult, just a lot of assignments. Blah. Either way, I'm done!

via

At this point, I've checked off a bachelors degree, taking these education courses, and passing my CBEST off the pre-requisite checklist for the program application. 

via

What's left: Passing the multiple subject CSETS, getting my fingerprints done, getting CPR certified, collecting letters of recommendation, finding out if I have/need to get a TB shot, and if I decide on the middle level program...figuring out what subject I'd like to teach and take that respective CSET. All this needs to be done within the next two and a half months. Yay for pressure! 

I just spent my last free weekend laying in bed watching mindless tv, because as of today...I start working on getting what's left of that checklist completed. I will spend the next month studying for the CSET because I take it mid-January, and am volunteering in a classroom once a week so I can try and earn a sincere letter of recommendation for an experienced teacher. CPR classes are scheduled for the second week of January, and if my budget allows, I should be getting my fingerprints done by the end of this month. Man. I'm stressing myself just thinking about all of it! But it can get done because plenty of people have done it before me! I'm gonna not have a life for another 3-ish months...bur you know what?

via

Anyways, not sure what the point of this post is...maybe just kind of an update, and obviously some hills gifs because I'm totally missing that show right now. Is anyone else's schedule just as crazy? Are you working towards anything with a deadline? What do you do to keep from overwhelming yourself? Ahhhhhhhhh.

Happy Monday :]

Weekend Update: Merp

Happy Veterans Day! 

Hope everyone is enjoying their extra day off! Let's remember the men, women, moms, dads, spouses, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, teammates, best friends, acquaintances,  spouses, colleagues, classmates, professors, enemies, frenemies...EVERYONE who made the decision to join the military and be part of a group that fights for our country. Thank you, to all of you!

If you follow me on twitter, you see that I complain a lot about the amount of homework I have to get done. The goal is to get ahead of schedule, so come Wednesday-Sunday of this week I can take time off from school and study for the CBEST, which I am taking Monday. This weekend was full of complaining, and some soccer.

Friday: I stayed in and watched a video about The Lemon Grove Incident and wrote a reflection on it for my diversity class.

Saturday: Chilled during the day, and read one of the longest chapters of my life...and then wrote my reading log for it. That was then followed by going out with Chels and Lime to see our local professional indoor soccer team, the San Diego Sockers! Unfortunately, the team ended up losing the game. I learned that professional indoor soccer is kind of a bigger deal than I thought it would be.

We got to the game early, so the girls and I
had some booze and dinner at Chili's. I got the
Berry Patron Margaritaaaa. Ayyyiyiiyiyi!

2. Our indoor soccer team has cheerleaders.

3. I don't think I'm going back to watch another game. 

This was my first time there, and it was the first 

time in 4 years that they lost a game at home.

4. A) They play quarters, not halves. B) At the end of 

the 3rd quarter, they do an audience frisbee toss.

5. The halftime entertainment of an indoor soccer 

game...was watching kids play indoor soccer. 

It was girls v. mostly boys, with 2 girls. 

Sunday: I spent the day at Barnes & Noble drinking chocolate milk and writing my personal teaching philosophy paper, which was pretty thought provoking. I also saw a guy skype out loud. If I didn't have ear phones...I probably would have been a little more annoyed at it. I finished a couple of other small assignments, and then got the heck out of dodge because it was freezing cold in there!

What I stared at for a good 9 hours.

How was your weekend? Anything exciting? Did your teams win? Mine lost...way to go Chargers.

Fall '13 Part 1

My career goal since like 7th grade has been to become a teacher. 

One of the first things on the checklist to becoming a credentialed CA teacher is a Bachelors degree. CHECK! After 7 years ;] 

Now that I've got that...I'm taking 3 education classes at Cal State San Marcos that are prerequisite courses for the teaching credential program at school...holy wow. So much work. Thankfully it's interesting work compared to some of my undergrad courses...but still, so. much. work. One class is technology in the classroom, another is diversity in the classroom, and the last is teaching theory and methods.

It's week 6 and these are my thoughts...

Technology: It's in 2nd place as far as number of assignments. The cool thing about this class is learning about all the different apps and programs and technology tools used in classrooms that I've never heard of. Unfortunately, I can relate to 60 year olds learning how to text. I'm so lost with all this new technology. I've never been a whiz at this kind of stuff...but I didn't think I'd be as clueless as I am! I definitely need to be patient and know that I can't turn a project around in 30 minutes like I'm used to. 

Diversity: Probably the most emotional class I have. We're learning about second language learners, bullying, how different socioeconomic levels affect learning, linguistic diversities, special needs students, etc. Tears have definitely been shed in this classroom...not by me, but others in the classroom. Not sure how I feel about that. Also, I kind of just lied. I had to pull old pictures for a presentation about myself and spent one evening a week and a half ago crying my eyes out thinking of the good ol' times from my childhood. Something super cool about this class is the observation hours. We spend 20 hours tutoring a student. Yesterday was my first night tutoring and it kind of started off awesome. The house where I'm tutoring has two siblings that require separate tutors. The other tutor and I walk in at the same time and introduce ourselves and I say that I'm here for [insert older child's faux pseudonym here] and then the youngest child looks at the older kid and goes "Awww you're so lucky." That same child then tries to cover it up and says "I'm lucky too. I'm actually luckier." Moral of the story is my first impression with 9 year olds rocks. My favorite thing about this class [which makes me a total fatty]...snacks <3 The professor started out the semester with bringing in food and a classmate started a sign up list for the rest of the semester.

Teaching Theory & Methods: 1st place when it comes to school work. This is the class that I lose sleep over just to make sure I've got everything done. There's current even posts, reading logs, reading organizers, reading questions, and my favorite thing...classroom observations and writeups. We're required to do 45 hours of observations between elementary. middle, and high school. That is actually cut down to 25 hours since the 20 tutoring hours from the diversity course are applicable to these 45 :] I started my observations a week and a half ago and I absolutely love it. Which is a total shock because I've been dead set on teaching elementary school since 7th grade and now I'm second guessing that option. I still need to check out elementary and high schools before I totally decide...but I'm just surprised as how much I'm loving middle school. I've had a chance to see U.S. History, Algebra, Language Arts, and P.E. Tomorrow is my last day of middle school observations so I'm a little sad about that. But just a little because elementary school is next week and I'll really get to see how I feel about the little kids!

Blah. I guess my reason for this post was to be able to come back to it in about 6 or so weeks and see how my sentiments have or haven't changed. Sorry for the long and lengthy and post about nothing fun unless you're on the same or similar career path as I am. I'm sure you non teacher folks have checked out before getting to this point. To those that haven't...thanks for reading :]

All the images above were stolen from pinterest, below are some other favorites!

Happy Wednesday peeeeeeeople!