Learning

Lately, things at school have become really routine, which really tries my patience in my attempt to learn new things that will help me in the future. Although I probably shouldn't talk in specifics about what I'm doing or where I am or who I work with, I will say that I have been doing the same thing with students with a minor change for the past couple weeks. I am starting to get a little burnt out. :( I have learned that when I am a teacher (God willing), helping out college students that come to the profession will be something I will be so glad to do, knowing that I can help them learn so much from my classroom if I just take the time to teach them.

Another thing: I taught my first solo Science lesson in Spanish on Tuesday! The kids were engaged and a huge majority of them totally grasped the concept! I loved it, and although I was sick all night and morning before I taught, I was really ok with everything once I got started! It was really great knowing that if I can do this decently now, then it will just become that much better once I actually get my own classroom. I know I should probably be freaking out about my first classroom, but I am so excited to get to run everything according to my experiences.

I have also learned that communication is very important in a school setting. I have learned that regardless of that burnt out feeling right now for me, and a possible tension between me and the teacher that I am working with, it's not about me, it's about the kids. I will leave my personal problems and "grudges" outside of the classroom and still do my best to make sure they are learning at their highest potential. I have also learned to make a great impression on administration, whether or not they are holding a job opportunity for you. I have also learned to take opportunities that will make a lasting impression on the "higher ups" even though it may not be the most fun or cool.

I am not in the least talking down on my practicum. It is the most amazing learning experience I have been through in my college career, just has been really different than expected at times...

Hurry Up, Spring Break!

soooo...my mind is officially on Spring Break. Reading everyone from LCU and DC's posts about Spring Break is frankly a little depressing. I worked all day Monday and was really motivated and ready to finish out this week and move on to Spring Break as soon as possible. The school where we are doing our practicum is a year-round school so they have a 2 week Spring Break, starting this week. This leaves only classes at 10:30, which is great, and we get to sleep in! Weirdly I'm saying unfortunately...but unfortunately, our class yesterday was cancelled, and I wasn't working yesterday, which left a free day to do anything! We slept in, watched tv, had lunch, ran a couple errands, and went to the driving range! We basically got a premature Spring Break day...but that sadly means that I have lost all motivation for the rest of the week. I have two more classes and work Friday morning before we head out for a quick visit to both homes/golf courses. :) I am praying for motivation and for happiness as I go into the last couple days and classes before a MUCH needed break. I am so ready to to have zero assignments and much golf for a week!

Golfing Blessing

We haven't gotten to go golfing since we went in Denver City the weekend of Master Follies and this was actually pretty sad for us! We finally got the chance to go yesterday afternoon and got paired up with the nicest older couple :) I am still in my opinion a beginner golfer and I felt like the game wasn't going to be good after I missed the ball about 4 times off of the first tee. Anyways, we ended up grouping up with this couple on the 2nd hole. I am always a little nervous about grouping because I am so new to golf and being out there in general sometimes makes me really anxious, therefore stressed and this changes my swing for the worst. But, I figured why not? And my positive attitude worked out.

The first hole was the only one where I really didn't do too well. After this, things began to work themselves out, and I was worried about hitting the ball in the right direction and more importantly, was relaxed and having fun! We played 9 holes and I kept up with the group and felt that I did really well. When I had a positive outlook on playing in a maybe stressful situation and didn't worry about the others watching, and only about being relaxed and playing as I was taught, it wasn't bad at all! This couple was so nice and we actually had a really great time yesterday. God truly blesses us with good stuff when we have an open mind and a happy outlook.