This may be one running analogy I’ve created that actually makes sense in relevance to teaching. A split, while running, is a portion of your race. Runners typically use splits to split up their run into equal parts, thus giving them a sense of improvement or decline from mile to mile. So, when looking at race results for a 5K, a runner may have a split of 0:25 at mile two, meaning he or she ran the second mile 25 seconds slower than the first – a common result from going out too fast. I have fallen victim to the slower second mile or second half far too often.
Last October, I ran the Des Moines Half Marathon. It is a race I have completed before and wasn’t looking for much of a radical experience, just looking for the finish line. I was more than elated, however, knowing that running icon Bart Yasso was going to be Des Moines’ guest for the weekend. I made an obligation to go listen to him speak, and I took away an inspiring message. Bart mentioned the “negative split” in his talk and explained it only briefly. I had heard the terms before in high school cross country and through multiple running mediums, but I had never applied it to my own running. He said if you’re looking to give yourself a purpose while running, work for the negative split – run the second half faster than the first. Bart claimed that euphoria takes hold of you while passing other runners, and you will actually feel MORE energized.
How impractical, I thought. No one has more energy during the last 6.5 than they do the first. But if Bart said it could work, then I would give it a shot. I started the race at a brisk, yet moderately shallow, pace. At the half-way point, I stretched out my stride and began passing runners one by one. Bart was right. It did feel good, but it was difficult. I checked my times soon after the finish and realized I had done it, a negative split.
Making yourself better month to month, day to day or mile to mile is mentally tough. It asks for reflection and action. It requires telling yourself that you can still improve, a complex most people do not want to accommodate because of pride. As I stare down the last two and a half weeks of student teaching, I am still looking for ways to improve. I stood small and intimidated on day one of my experience and have made steady improvements since then, with a few mile markers of dehydration every now and then.
I have struggled with failure and setbacks along the way. I have provided lessons that crash and activities that look much better on paper. But for every cramp, I find a way to make it better for next time. We must constantly improve ourselves to keep up with not only the ever-changing world but our pure human instinct to be our self, to be our best self.
“In order to improve, we must be content to be thought foolish and stupid”
Epictetus
Happy Trails
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Pay it forward
I have been trying to take advantage of the lingering spring/summer weather we have been having lately, as with my chosen profession, I will be spending a majority of my days from August to June indoors. I believe sunlight, fresh air and exercise are three of the most important components to good health and happiness, and we should make solid efforts to include them whenever possible. Last night, I ran the streets of my Drake home and happened to run into another reason why I run.
Running brings adventures and realizations one would not have crossed without the roads. Strangers turn into friends, as anyone’s true self can really be exposed at mile 22. Aside from other runners we meet, we also travel the world and become more acquainted with our homes, and the people in them, the more we run. Last night, I happened to be running across an intersection at just the right time to see a very petite girl walking out of a local pizza establishment with a large pizza in her hands. I laughed a little, as I immediately thought there’s no way she’s gonna eat that. I was quickly reprimanded by my judgments as I watch her walk across the street and give the pizza to a man in a wheelchair holding a sign saying he doesn’t have much help and needs money or food. Having spent a good deal of time in the city of Chicago growing up, I have built a wall against the trust I have in those who ask for money. I don’t want to believe they will spend the money on drugs or alcohol, but no one actually knows the reality. Most of us just walk by, glad that it’s not us in the wheelchair.
Once the girl handed the pizza to the man, he thanked her, and the girl moved along. However, she did not walk away from the intersection but rather back towards the pizza place. I never asked her if she had been handing out pizzas all night, if it was some kind of event or if she had a heavy conscience. I never even approached her at all for that matter. I naturally just kept on running.
In the span of one minute, I was enlightened and reinforced of our city’s integrity by the dignity of the Good Samaritan. I ran along thinking of how amazing this intersection or even this town could be if we all did a good deed each time we saw one. I quickly caught myself plagiarizing Haley Joel Osment’s idea in Pay it Forward. However, I don’t think that’s an idea when intellectual property rights become an issue. I couldn’t think of something right away, but it’s on my mind. Perhaps I will pass the idea along to my students – try giving 3 compliments a day, or do something for someone else that will have no benefit to yourself. That’s a lot to ask of middle schoolers, but maybe I’ll bring in pizza for encouragement.
It all started with right foot, left foot. I run to pay it forward, why do you?
Happy Trails
Running brings adventures and realizations one would not have crossed without the roads. Strangers turn into friends, as anyone’s true self can really be exposed at mile 22. Aside from other runners we meet, we also travel the world and become more acquainted with our homes, and the people in them, the more we run. Last night, I happened to be running across an intersection at just the right time to see a very petite girl walking out of a local pizza establishment with a large pizza in her hands. I laughed a little, as I immediately thought there’s no way she’s gonna eat that. I was quickly reprimanded by my judgments as I watch her walk across the street and give the pizza to a man in a wheelchair holding a sign saying he doesn’t have much help and needs money or food. Having spent a good deal of time in the city of Chicago growing up, I have built a wall against the trust I have in those who ask for money. I don’t want to believe they will spend the money on drugs or alcohol, but no one actually knows the reality. Most of us just walk by, glad that it’s not us in the wheelchair.
Once the girl handed the pizza to the man, he thanked her, and the girl moved along. However, she did not walk away from the intersection but rather back towards the pizza place. I never asked her if she had been handing out pizzas all night, if it was some kind of event or if she had a heavy conscience. I never even approached her at all for that matter. I naturally just kept on running.
In the span of one minute, I was enlightened and reinforced of our city’s integrity by the dignity of the Good Samaritan. I ran along thinking of how amazing this intersection or even this town could be if we all did a good deed each time we saw one. I quickly caught myself plagiarizing Haley Joel Osment’s idea in Pay it Forward. However, I don’t think that’s an idea when intellectual property rights become an issue. I couldn’t think of something right away, but it’s on my mind. Perhaps I will pass the idea along to my students – try giving 3 compliments a day, or do something for someone else that will have no benefit to yourself. That’s a lot to ask of middle schoolers, but maybe I’ll bring in pizza for encouragement.
It all started with right foot, left foot. I run to pay it forward, why do you?
Happy Trails
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Ask for forgiveness
Yesterday was the day to nationally recognize the elimination of the derogatory use of the R-word. Our goal as global citizens is to “spread the word to end the word.” In homes, schools, playgrounds and any other socially-inhabited place around the country, we are pledging to resist using stupid and retarded as synonyms. My personal pledge was implemented into my classroom by having my students sign their class’ respective poster board with their own pledge and signatures. Thus with the question being “How will you pledge to end the R-word?, my answer was “I pledge to end the word by teaching others to end the word.” I signed mine on each poster and had students follow.
A few thought it was a waste of time, a few were slightly interested and few definitely had my back. After watching the following video, I think nearly all were in the last category.
http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=qVgoS_IQXck
The video shows a girl expressing a message of the same “end the word”-theme, except she uses all note cards to talk. After seeing someone else besides myself give reasons to end the word, the students seemed a bit more passionate. The video is powerful, but there is one that I wanted to show much more. This one:
http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=T549VoLca_Q
I shared the clip with my mentor teacher, and she agreed that the message is powerful, but I would be flirting with a very risky line in showing it. I suppose during a time when a grade and possible future could be compromised, I should have better judgment. After sharing it with the vice-principal as well, I was politely told to refrain from the presentation. Perhaps on my last day here.
A philosophy I like to think my rebellious side lives by is “ask for forgiveness, not for permission.” Sometimes that motto leads me to a much more difficult situation to amend than just some hurt feelings.
Nevertheless, I believe the students took away an important lesson yesterday. But with the addition of a shortened Wednesday due to professional development, some of the class had extinguished their entire time with the “spread the word” lesson and never reached the actual academics I am currently targeting. On my drive home, I worried about the tangent that my day took. I then relieved some of my stress by remembering something my sister once told me about her current job. She says that for one Friday each month, her entire company is suggested to do anything but work. They are still on the clock but are utilizing their time either volunteering, helping schools somehow, conducting networking events, or anything else good for the company’s soul.
I’ve realized just how important the real-world application of our careers is. I think we need to nurture the ideas and passions which revolve around our unique lives and always remember that it matters.
“Someone doesn’t get to be great marksman by taking target practice only once a year.”
Happy Trails.
A few thought it was a waste of time, a few were slightly interested and few definitely had my back. After watching the following video, I think nearly all were in the last category.
http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=qVgoS_IQXck
The video shows a girl expressing a message of the same “end the word”-theme, except she uses all note cards to talk. After seeing someone else besides myself give reasons to end the word, the students seemed a bit more passionate. The video is powerful, but there is one that I wanted to show much more. This one:
http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=T549VoLca_Q
I shared the clip with my mentor teacher, and she agreed that the message is powerful, but I would be flirting with a very risky line in showing it. I suppose during a time when a grade and possible future could be compromised, I should have better judgment. After sharing it with the vice-principal as well, I was politely told to refrain from the presentation. Perhaps on my last day here.
A philosophy I like to think my rebellious side lives by is “ask for forgiveness, not for permission.” Sometimes that motto leads me to a much more difficult situation to amend than just some hurt feelings.
Nevertheless, I believe the students took away an important lesson yesterday. But with the addition of a shortened Wednesday due to professional development, some of the class had extinguished their entire time with the “spread the word” lesson and never reached the actual academics I am currently targeting. On my drive home, I worried about the tangent that my day took. I then relieved some of my stress by remembering something my sister once told me about her current job. She says that for one Friday each month, her entire company is suggested to do anything but work. They are still on the clock but are utilizing their time either volunteering, helping schools somehow, conducting networking events, or anything else good for the company’s soul.
I’ve realized just how important the real-world application of our careers is. I think we need to nurture the ideas and passions which revolve around our unique lives and always remember that it matters.
“Someone doesn’t get to be great marksman by taking target practice only once a year.”
Happy Trails.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
That throw-up feeling
Only one time have I really ‘lost my cookies’ after over-exerting myself while exercising. I remember it vividly and suggest reverting back to Pinterest if you get easily bothered by the topic. It was the summer before my sophomore year of high school, and my basketball team was training hard in the off-season. We would typically run a few miles and then run a few hills on the ever-intimidating, unforgiving Big Bear Hill – often frequented by Chicago Bears’ Matt Forte and the equally-skilled Vernon Hills Girls Basketball team. We trained by doing Coach B’s special ‘straights’ and ‘ends.’ Straights consisted of a straight sprint up the center of the hill, starting from the path to the very top – about a 30-second grueling climb if done at Coach B’s preferred speed. ‘Ends’ are drills that many of us would prefer not mentioning again. You start on the far right side of the hill, sprint straight up to the top, back down the middle on a diagonal and back up the top from the left side. Coach B liked these to be done in one minute. On this particular sunny morning, Coach B decided to really test our strength on the hill. After about a 2 mile run, we did a sequence consisting something like a couple of straights, a few ends and maybe another straight or two for kicks.
Before I get into the ‘incident’, I will explain to the best of my ability the dynamic of summer basketball training. As players, we liked to call these days as Coach B’s mandatory-option. He can’t make us show up in the summer, but he can make personal decisions during the season based on our commitment during the summer months. We also had the seniors, older siblings and the rest of Vernon Hills expecting us to show up physically and mentally each day.
I scarfed down a full bagel with cream cheese and banana on this morning, thinking it would really wire me up. I guess this may have been the day I learned about proper fueling before a run. During one of the ends, I had a feeling that had only been previously induced by stomach flu. I drove myself past the point of exhaustion on the way up the hill and nearly collapsed by the time I reached the top. The next few minutes are blurry as my full breakfast came right back up, twice maybe three times in all. After a few minutes of self-control, I felt amazing. The funny thing about athletes is that most of them congratulated me and were proud to call me a teammate. My mom also gave me a big hug for my first real heave. Seriously, strange. I remember the morning fondly and secretly wish it was just as publicly appropriate to do again. I can recall several cross country meets, basketball games and even a few intramural games when the same feeling comes up. I am usually forced to withdraw some of my energy, however, to benefit the aroma of a gym.
In the past few weeks, my running has suffered due to an over-exertion in the other part of my busy life. It finally took a very important person other than myself to give me a reality check. Perhaps the reason I feel over-stressed is that I’m not running. This person told me that my body is a lot more capable than I think it is – a mantra I have lived by since that morning when I saw my breakfast at the top of Big Bear Hill. Once I realized my lack-of-running-induced bad attitude was starting to affect others, I didn’t have a choice. I got on the treadmill the other night and ran into oblivion. I had that feeling again and seriously considered going through with it. I am too pleased, however, with the newly-fresh work-out center our University just designed and decided against it.
My point once again reverts back to the people who influence me to push myself to the limit and then give more. I would never have the ambition or strength to stand in front of a classroom every day or truck up a mountain (or Big Bear Hill) if it wasn’t for the people in my life. Our experiences are surface-deep without others to share them with.
Happy Trails.
Before I get into the ‘incident’, I will explain to the best of my ability the dynamic of summer basketball training. As players, we liked to call these days as Coach B’s mandatory-option. He can’t make us show up in the summer, but he can make personal decisions during the season based on our commitment during the summer months. We also had the seniors, older siblings and the rest of Vernon Hills expecting us to show up physically and mentally each day.
I scarfed down a full bagel with cream cheese and banana on this morning, thinking it would really wire me up. I guess this may have been the day I learned about proper fueling before a run. During one of the ends, I had a feeling that had only been previously induced by stomach flu. I drove myself past the point of exhaustion on the way up the hill and nearly collapsed by the time I reached the top. The next few minutes are blurry as my full breakfast came right back up, twice maybe three times in all. After a few minutes of self-control, I felt amazing. The funny thing about athletes is that most of them congratulated me and were proud to call me a teammate. My mom also gave me a big hug for my first real heave. Seriously, strange. I remember the morning fondly and secretly wish it was just as publicly appropriate to do again. I can recall several cross country meets, basketball games and even a few intramural games when the same feeling comes up. I am usually forced to withdraw some of my energy, however, to benefit the aroma of a gym.
In the past few weeks, my running has suffered due to an over-exertion in the other part of my busy life. It finally took a very important person other than myself to give me a reality check. Perhaps the reason I feel over-stressed is that I’m not running. This person told me that my body is a lot more capable than I think it is – a mantra I have lived by since that morning when I saw my breakfast at the top of Big Bear Hill. Once I realized my lack-of-running-induced bad attitude was starting to affect others, I didn’t have a choice. I got on the treadmill the other night and ran into oblivion. I had that feeling again and seriously considered going through with it. I am too pleased, however, with the newly-fresh work-out center our University just designed and decided against it.
My point once again reverts back to the people who influence me to push myself to the limit and then give more. I would never have the ambition or strength to stand in front of a classroom every day or truck up a mountain (or Big Bear Hill) if it wasn’t for the people in my life. Our experiences are surface-deep without others to share them with.
Happy Trails.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Stand Up Eight
Oh, technology, I loathe you. I have yet to be convinced that hundreds of 12 year olds really need laptops in school. The computers are practical in some circumstances, but I have regrettably found that they have caused more harm than good. Classroom management is thrown for a loop with the laptops, and the amount of immediate information students have access to creates a learned helplessness. I worry that we’ve lost the days of organic pencil and paper and original creativity. Technology is incredibly useful for the mechanics of education, not necessarily for the creation of it.
Yesterday, my day started in a way that I figured would only trigger a release of more problems. My historic Dell shut down on me when I attached it to the computer/projector adaptor. In order to avoid blank stares from the students for a few minutes (which can feel like hours), I slammed my laptop closed and used my words instead of my cursor to explain. The plan was to have the kids describe a picture on the screen using the new verbs and adjectives we just learned. Of course the malfunction then had a huge effect on that plan - a blessing in disguise. Instead, I gave them a verbal image to describe. A family at a picnic, a fight at a hockey game, and a car stuck in the snow. Their imaginations ran wild, as the students thoroughly enjoyed listening to each other’s work and creating their own.
I love “logging out” from the world every now and then, but the reality is that it helps us share information, quickens communication and adds versatility. In the mean time, I am just trying to find a fair medium between my love and hate for electronic brains.
My good-fortuned day yesterday must have triggered something in the Gods that don’t like me to have too much fun, as I seem to have ‘kick me’ on my back today. The snow put a beautiful glaze over campus last night, but it also swallowed my car (karma from yesterday’s activity I think). Through the shoveling and brushing, my phone in my pocket got a nice shower and has gone to the same world my laptop went yesterday. I also left my lunch at home and overslept my morning run. Breathe in. Breathe out.
Stand Up Eight – the title of the post, which is tied to significant memories and experiences in my life, and perhaps I’m in the middle of another. The quote comes from the saying “fall down seven, stand up eight.” Meaning what you want it to mean, but essentially telling myself and others to get back on the horse, tell the sea how big your ship is, it’s about the fight in the dog, and never, never, never quit.
Happy Trails.
Yesterday, my day started in a way that I figured would only trigger a release of more problems. My historic Dell shut down on me when I attached it to the computer/projector adaptor. In order to avoid blank stares from the students for a few minutes (which can feel like hours), I slammed my laptop closed and used my words instead of my cursor to explain. The plan was to have the kids describe a picture on the screen using the new verbs and adjectives we just learned. Of course the malfunction then had a huge effect on that plan - a blessing in disguise. Instead, I gave them a verbal image to describe. A family at a picnic, a fight at a hockey game, and a car stuck in the snow. Their imaginations ran wild, as the students thoroughly enjoyed listening to each other’s work and creating their own.
I love “logging out” from the world every now and then, but the reality is that it helps us share information, quickens communication and adds versatility. In the mean time, I am just trying to find a fair medium between my love and hate for electronic brains.
My good-fortuned day yesterday must have triggered something in the Gods that don’t like me to have too much fun, as I seem to have ‘kick me’ on my back today. The snow put a beautiful glaze over campus last night, but it also swallowed my car (karma from yesterday’s activity I think). Through the shoveling and brushing, my phone in my pocket got a nice shower and has gone to the same world my laptop went yesterday. I also left my lunch at home and overslept my morning run. Breathe in. Breathe out.
Stand Up Eight – the title of the post, which is tied to significant memories and experiences in my life, and perhaps I’m in the middle of another. The quote comes from the saying “fall down seven, stand up eight.” Meaning what you want it to mean, but essentially telling myself and others to get back on the horse, tell the sea how big your ship is, it’s about the fight in the dog, and never, never, never quit.
Happy Trails.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart"
I love Valentine’s Day. I also love St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, April Fool’s Day, birthdays at any age and even the occasional Flag Day. The popular, overrated holidays that many love to hate have a dear spot in my heart. We see monotony, routine and schedule too much in our lives that our true selves are intrinsically begging for spontaneity. I have my fair share of calendars, assignment notebooks and color-coordinated folders. I understand the comfort that comes with consistency and the responsibilities we are consequently accountable for. However, when a day comes along that allows some kind of celebration, a deviation from the norm is exactly what we should allow. Rejecting celebration is never an option on my end of town. So celebrate we will.
Valentine’s Day is an extra special Hallmark Holiday. Working in the restaurant business, I have learned that the past four days and Valentine’s itself are the busiest we will see. Pretty reds, whites and pinks take on a season of their own, and chocolates line the grocery store. In school, we especially see a heightened sense of spirit. And all of this for who the heck knows why. I’ve done my abbreviated research and learned that something about a saint and a massacre gave us a holiday about love. OK, whatever. We may not understand why, how or when the obsession came into place, but I commend all those who take advantage of Valentine’s Day and the other forgotten holidays worth celebrating. I’ve been known to share a few margaritas, chips and guacamole on Cinco de Mayo, pinch those not wearing green on St. Patty’s Day and pull harmless pranks on April Fool’s Day. All for the mere reason of ‘why not?'
I know a handful of those who commit themselves to celebrating anti-whatever day. Drinking into oblivion and cursing all the love birds on Valentine’s Day has become a holiday in itself. I say it’s a recipe for depression, and Scrooges aren’t just for Christmas. I can recall several Februarys when my mom, dad, dog and closest friends were whom I had to call my valentines. They were probably the best and most loyal I’ve had. The chocolate tastes just as good. Being miserable is an option, not a requirement.
Throughout the past four years, my love has only multiplied after meeting new people in college and beyond as well as grown for those I miss back home. I am fortunate enough to have a handsome man to call a Valentine this year, and I truly enjoy making the day special for the sake of love. I am also lucky to spend the day in middle school where the magic still lingers.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough”
Oprah Winfrey
Happy Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is an extra special Hallmark Holiday. Working in the restaurant business, I have learned that the past four days and Valentine’s itself are the busiest we will see. Pretty reds, whites and pinks take on a season of their own, and chocolates line the grocery store. In school, we especially see a heightened sense of spirit. And all of this for who the heck knows why. I’ve done my abbreviated research and learned that something about a saint and a massacre gave us a holiday about love. OK, whatever. We may not understand why, how or when the obsession came into place, but I commend all those who take advantage of Valentine’s Day and the other forgotten holidays worth celebrating. I’ve been known to share a few margaritas, chips and guacamole on Cinco de Mayo, pinch those not wearing green on St. Patty’s Day and pull harmless pranks on April Fool’s Day. All for the mere reason of ‘why not?'
I know a handful of those who commit themselves to celebrating anti-whatever day. Drinking into oblivion and cursing all the love birds on Valentine’s Day has become a holiday in itself. I say it’s a recipe for depression, and Scrooges aren’t just for Christmas. I can recall several Februarys when my mom, dad, dog and closest friends were whom I had to call my valentines. They were probably the best and most loyal I’ve had. The chocolate tastes just as good. Being miserable is an option, not a requirement.
Throughout the past four years, my love has only multiplied after meeting new people in college and beyond as well as grown for those I miss back home. I am fortunate enough to have a handsome man to call a Valentine this year, and I truly enjoy making the day special for the sake of love. I am also lucky to spend the day in middle school where the magic still lingers.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough”
Oprah Winfrey
Happy Valentine’s Day
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Coffee and Mile 22
I often dream and long for the days when I do not have to set an alarm clock. I could not live my life without one, but I take a very small, significant joy in resting my head at night knowing that a piercing, resilient beeping will be silenced for just one day. I believe letting your body wake itself up when it’s ready is one of the healthiest habits we can occasionally give way to. Like a former post of mine says, I have small treasures in life that I look forward to daily and weekly – things that keep me excited and motivated. A fellow student teacher whom I spend time with says she looks forward to the 24-minute FRIENDS episode she watches each night. Another says he gets candy each Friday from his mentor and then one who gets to expel any tension by working out after school each day. Among many others, I would say mine is sleeping in on Sunday morning. I’ve started to realize that I think this is what Sundays are for.
I have always said that I don’t want a job I have to wake up for; I want a job that wakes me up. In combination with my alarm, I think I’ve found that. A little bit of excitement gives me a jolt in the morning, and coffee usually relieves any grogginess still remaining. I am thankful for the crutch as I am constantly competing to equalize my energy levels with middle schoolers.
As a quarter of the way through this experience, I am starting to have and feel the same experiences that a seasoned teacher would. I am familiar with all of the students and their behaviors, and the students are comfortable with me. This means more meaningful discussion and more discipline. I have been saturated with education up to this point at Drake yet still have so much to learn. My time in college is nearing its end – less than 100 days. Yet my time as a student teacher is nearly just beginning. I can relate this pattern to only one phenomenon I have experienced in my life – Mile 22.
I have hit the spot more times than I’d like to mention, but the marathon marker is notorious for its ability to shove all runners straight into a wall. Your legs scream and your mind is so high that ‘right foot, left foot’ becomes rocket science. At this point, the only option to retain a relentless forward motion is to search your heart for any remaining desire, grasp on as hard as you can and just. keep. going. This finish represents triumph, but it also opens doors to more possibilities.
I relate this feeling to where I am now by considering what I have already learned and accomplished. Since August 2008, I started on a path, a trail, a 26.2 mile run in order to reach the finish. I stand here staring down the last 91 days of my college experience. I have hit a point, a mile 22-phenom, where the reasons, desire and heart of all the training is what remains. I am exhausted, but I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. The people I meet in education and on the road are some of the most kind, funny, and personable people I will ever know. Those who can combine the two lifestyles are truly fortunate.
“Dreams can come true, especially if you train hard enough”
Dean Karnazes
Happy Trails.
I have always said that I don’t want a job I have to wake up for; I want a job that wakes me up. In combination with my alarm, I think I’ve found that. A little bit of excitement gives me a jolt in the morning, and coffee usually relieves any grogginess still remaining. I am thankful for the crutch as I am constantly competing to equalize my energy levels with middle schoolers.
As a quarter of the way through this experience, I am starting to have and feel the same experiences that a seasoned teacher would. I am familiar with all of the students and their behaviors, and the students are comfortable with me. This means more meaningful discussion and more discipline. I have been saturated with education up to this point at Drake yet still have so much to learn. My time in college is nearing its end – less than 100 days. Yet my time as a student teacher is nearly just beginning. I can relate this pattern to only one phenomenon I have experienced in my life – Mile 22.
I have hit the spot more times than I’d like to mention, but the marathon marker is notorious for its ability to shove all runners straight into a wall. Your legs scream and your mind is so high that ‘right foot, left foot’ becomes rocket science. At this point, the only option to retain a relentless forward motion is to search your heart for any remaining desire, grasp on as hard as you can and just. keep. going. This finish represents triumph, but it also opens doors to more possibilities.
I relate this feeling to where I am now by considering what I have already learned and accomplished. Since August 2008, I started on a path, a trail, a 26.2 mile run in order to reach the finish. I stand here staring down the last 91 days of my college experience. I have hit a point, a mile 22-phenom, where the reasons, desire and heart of all the training is what remains. I am exhausted, but I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. The people I meet in education and on the road are some of the most kind, funny, and personable people I will ever know. Those who can combine the two lifestyles are truly fortunate.
“Dreams can come true, especially if you train hard enough”
Dean Karnazes
Happy Trails.
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