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.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thinking on my feet
Running sparks my life with adventure. Each time I run, no matter how long or how far, I have a new experience. The day it gets old, I will stop. I have returned lost dogs, chased my own lost dog, chased charming sunsets and sunrises, played threatening games of Frogger on the street, helped move furniture, gotten lost in the darkness of rain and snow, been to the top of the world and at times have felt like I’m at the bottom. Regardless of the day or adventure, I feel (and would argue for any other runner as well) better than I did before the run started- 100 percent of the time.
Because of a body’s remarkable ability to adapt and surprise itself, I often try to attribute this to the mind as well. Several of my blog posts are products of ideas from a run. Although one’s body is working harder than it possibly has all day, a run can put the mind at ease. Ideas spark in my running shoes and my chosen career will forever benefit from this, just as it did today.
Last year, Woodside Middle School received a generous grant and was fortunate enough to provide each 7th and 8th grader with his or her own laptop for the year. With obvious restrictions and rules coinciding with the privilege, the students have been beyond thrilled to call something their own, nonetheless a laptop. Classes have changed drastically and I am learning more about teaching just by incorporating technology each and every day.
Today, the students’ fantasy world was put on hold. Apparently when something is made in mass quantity, glitches and breakdowns are much more likely to occur. The repairs to the computers are actually quite comical, as the consultants in town are using “dignified tape” to fix the internal wiring. In reality, the students could care less about what’s going on with the computers and were just genuinely sad to see them go for the day – kissing and hugging them goodbye until Friday. As staff, we knew this was coming, but the ambush came sooner than expected. Frustrated and anxious, my mentor and I scramble for ideas for the remainder of the week as the students’ writing workshops have all come to a screeching stop – considering the entire workshops were just taken away. Before parting, I say “I’ll think of something, don’t worry,” and leave for the day.
I have a plethora of lesson plans, materials, discussion questions and videos that I can prepare any day of the week, but I wanted something original and something that related to the writing prompts the students were working on before they were bushwhacked. So, I went for a run. It didn’t hurt that we are having a wonderful nice-weather tease at the beginning of February. The night was a blessing and the roads always are. Needless to say, I think I’ve got something for tomorrow.
Because of a body’s remarkable ability to adapt and surprise itself, I often try to attribute this to the mind as well. Several of my blog posts are products of ideas from a run. Although one’s body is working harder than it possibly has all day, a run can put the mind at ease. Ideas spark in my running shoes and my chosen career will forever benefit from this, just as it did today.
Last year, Woodside Middle School received a generous grant and was fortunate enough to provide each 7th and 8th grader with his or her own laptop for the year. With obvious restrictions and rules coinciding with the privilege, the students have been beyond thrilled to call something their own, nonetheless a laptop. Classes have changed drastically and I am learning more about teaching just by incorporating technology each and every day.
Today, the students’ fantasy world was put on hold. Apparently when something is made in mass quantity, glitches and breakdowns are much more likely to occur. The repairs to the computers are actually quite comical, as the consultants in town are using “dignified tape” to fix the internal wiring. In reality, the students could care less about what’s going on with the computers and were just genuinely sad to see them go for the day – kissing and hugging them goodbye until Friday. As staff, we knew this was coming, but the ambush came sooner than expected. Frustrated and anxious, my mentor and I scramble for ideas for the remainder of the week as the students’ writing workshops have all come to a screeching stop – considering the entire workshops were just taken away. Before parting, I say “I’ll think of something, don’t worry,” and leave for the day.
I have a plethora of lesson plans, materials, discussion questions and videos that I can prepare any day of the week, but I wanted something original and something that related to the writing prompts the students were working on before they were bushwhacked. So, I went for a run. It didn’t hurt that we are having a wonderful nice-weather tease at the beginning of February. The night was a blessing and the roads always are. Needless to say, I think I’ve got something for tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
"Don't forget to take your vitamins"
My dad’s best advice before the commencement of student teaching was to take care of myself – something middle schoolers don’t always do. “Take vitamins…lots of vitamins,” he advised. I have never been one to submit to the realities of other people’s hygiene, and I figured my body would always be able to fight back at any moment of vulnerability. However, I have learned in my 21 years of life that my Dad is almost always right. And usually the only time he’s not is when he says he’s wrong. Mrs. Parsons fills the room with hand sanitizers and tissues to counter the inevitable germs, but the reality is that vitamins won’t hurt. Our bodies are amazing machines, but we have to nurture them as they ask for it.
As I was thinking about the small pleasure I have in my daily vitamin intake, I decided to ponder the other aspects of my life which are seemingly petty treasures but consequently measure up to be great gifts.
- The nap I look forward to after school if time permits. My naps have significantly decreased since my days of college classes, but my early rise each day asks for a few extra hours of sleep when all my work is done. Even one hour before dinner proves to be helpful and I am grateful for any day that allows me to do so.
- Intramural Basketball. This includes playing and having a night or two at my favorite place of college employment. My club soccer team has managed to create a team of our own for this season and it usually ends in a night of laughs. I have been employed with intramurals since my freshman year – officiating and supervising – and it has been one of the best decisions I made while here at Drake (talk about a great way to finally appreciate the job of a referee). I enjoy the staff immensely and appreciate every shift I have. I wouldn’t be there if I was in it for the money, and I will be truly sad when it is my time to leave.
- Fridays. Student teaching has given me a whole new appreciation for the weekend. I like to say it is a blessing in disguise, as I think those who are privileged have a difficult time giving value to the things which are meant to be valued. When I was registered for college classes, I had no more than 3 or 4 days of class a week. The weekends became longer and I don’t think I gave the appropriate worth to my free time because I had a lot of it. “Working” 40 hours a week has shown me the gift of an energized Thursday as it soon leads to Friday night.
- Donuts in the teacher’s lounge. You’d be surprised at what an impromptu box of donuts can do for you.
- College-aged friends. Spending your entire day with 12 year olds can certainly take its toll. Most of the staff at school is a riot, and their true personalities come through behind closed doors, but that typically starts and ends during the half hour of lunch break. Being grounded by funny roommates at the end of the day is wonderful.
- I Love Lucy re-runs in the morning. There are only two circumstances under which I do not run outside: Above 100 degrees and Ice. Lately, the latter has prescribed my running to the treadmill only. I am fortunate enough to have a cardio room in the basement of my apartment as well as a TV to accompany it. My selective days which find me up earlier than I’d like to mention are complimented by the simple pleasure of being alone in the room and being able to flip the channel to this old favorite show of mine. Typically the only time I am able to laugh when running is when a family member or friend is there to provide comic relief. I would say I Love Lucy does the trick just as well.
I’m starting to realize the small things are slowly becoming the big things. A call from Mom, a letter from my big sister, and the things in life that put a smile on my face can change the course of a day. My time in my running shoes and the time in the classroom are two of my favorite things, but all of the other delights make everything extraordinary.
As I was thinking about the small pleasure I have in my daily vitamin intake, I decided to ponder the other aspects of my life which are seemingly petty treasures but consequently measure up to be great gifts.
- The nap I look forward to after school if time permits. My naps have significantly decreased since my days of college classes, but my early rise each day asks for a few extra hours of sleep when all my work is done. Even one hour before dinner proves to be helpful and I am grateful for any day that allows me to do so.
- Intramural Basketball. This includes playing and having a night or two at my favorite place of college employment. My club soccer team has managed to create a team of our own for this season and it usually ends in a night of laughs. I have been employed with intramurals since my freshman year – officiating and supervising – and it has been one of the best decisions I made while here at Drake (talk about a great way to finally appreciate the job of a referee). I enjoy the staff immensely and appreciate every shift I have. I wouldn’t be there if I was in it for the money, and I will be truly sad when it is my time to leave.
- Fridays. Student teaching has given me a whole new appreciation for the weekend. I like to say it is a blessing in disguise, as I think those who are privileged have a difficult time giving value to the things which are meant to be valued. When I was registered for college classes, I had no more than 3 or 4 days of class a week. The weekends became longer and I don’t think I gave the appropriate worth to my free time because I had a lot of it. “Working” 40 hours a week has shown me the gift of an energized Thursday as it soon leads to Friday night.
- Donuts in the teacher’s lounge. You’d be surprised at what an impromptu box of donuts can do for you.
- College-aged friends. Spending your entire day with 12 year olds can certainly take its toll. Most of the staff at school is a riot, and their true personalities come through behind closed doors, but that typically starts and ends during the half hour of lunch break. Being grounded by funny roommates at the end of the day is wonderful.
- I Love Lucy re-runs in the morning. There are only two circumstances under which I do not run outside: Above 100 degrees and Ice. Lately, the latter has prescribed my running to the treadmill only. I am fortunate enough to have a cardio room in the basement of my apartment as well as a TV to accompany it. My selective days which find me up earlier than I’d like to mention are complimented by the simple pleasure of being alone in the room and being able to flip the channel to this old favorite show of mine. Typically the only time I am able to laugh when running is when a family member or friend is there to provide comic relief. I would say I Love Lucy does the trick just as well.
I’m starting to realize the small things are slowly becoming the big things. A call from Mom, a letter from my big sister, and the things in life that put a smile on my face can change the course of a day. My time in my running shoes and the time in the classroom are two of my favorite things, but all of the other delights make everything extraordinary.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
"Miss Bosco, do you like Choco Tacos?"
Day one of student teaching was extraordinary. Today was the name game, and from this day forward, the students of Mrs. Parsons's Language Arts classes will continually have to interchange "Mrs" and "Miss" - which I have realized only comes out as one ambiguous slurring of the two in order to address both Mrs. Parsons and myself. The unfortunate part of the humble beggining of student teaching is having to learn the names of roughly 90 different students. I believe that the most prominent sign of initial respect is to dignify someone by calling them by the right name. The classes had a good time taking advantage of my ignorance on day one. Tom became Carl and Lisa was Lyndsay. Thank God for seating charts. As a future educator, I would like to say my name memory is above average, but that is about to be put to the test.
My activity for each class was to have them tell me their name and a fun fact about themselves. I debated several other options when considering my extreme loathing of this repititve activity in my college classes. I came to realize that middle schoolers actually love to talk about themselves, and given the opportunity, this bunch is extremely original. "I love tornadoes." "I am training to be an MMA fighter." "I can put my legs over my head." That last one had a fresh example. I assured the class I would have their names down as quickly as possible but will infinitely remember all their quirks.
The next step was protocall in allowing the class to ask me anything they wanted (censored, of course). I was surprised at each class's ability to keep it PG-rated, but they inevitably had me laughing each period. My likability with one student was measured by my taste in professional soccer teams, many wanted to know what college was like, and another was eager to gauge my taste for Choco Tacos.
The day went smoothly, but my body will take some adapting to my routine time change. I am required to arrive at 730am and stay until 330pm. To respect my body's thirst for a run each morning, my day begins far before the sun breaks. This morning, I awoke to a blistery, idyllic snowfall. The disguised resistance training through the snow halted my run a bit short (imagine runing through deep, dry sand). However, the run woke me up enough to make it to lunch (I now long to publish a novel on the politics of the teacher's lounge).
I drive home exhausted, but thrilled with the wonderful experience I am fortunate enough to embrace. I reflect after my long day with a call to Mom and a Drake Diner dinner with one of my favorite people in the world. It doesn't take me long to realize that the fostering of our own health and most important relationships in our lives is the best gift we can give ourselves. Paul Zak, a neuroeconomics pioneer would say "8 hugs a day. You'll be happier, and the world will be a better place."
Watch here: http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_zak_trust_morality_and_oxytocin.html
Happy Trails.
My activity for each class was to have them tell me their name and a fun fact about themselves. I debated several other options when considering my extreme loathing of this repititve activity in my college classes. I came to realize that middle schoolers actually love to talk about themselves, and given the opportunity, this bunch is extremely original. "I love tornadoes." "I am training to be an MMA fighter." "I can put my legs over my head." That last one had a fresh example. I assured the class I would have their names down as quickly as possible but will infinitely remember all their quirks.
The next step was protocall in allowing the class to ask me anything they wanted (censored, of course). I was surprised at each class's ability to keep it PG-rated, but they inevitably had me laughing each period. My likability with one student was measured by my taste in professional soccer teams, many wanted to know what college was like, and another was eager to gauge my taste for Choco Tacos.
The day went smoothly, but my body will take some adapting to my routine time change. I am required to arrive at 730am and stay until 330pm. To respect my body's thirst for a run each morning, my day begins far before the sun breaks. This morning, I awoke to a blistery, idyllic snowfall. The disguised resistance training through the snow halted my run a bit short (imagine runing through deep, dry sand). However, the run woke me up enough to make it to lunch (I now long to publish a novel on the politics of the teacher's lounge).
I drive home exhausted, but thrilled with the wonderful experience I am fortunate enough to embrace. I reflect after my long day with a call to Mom and a Drake Diner dinner with one of my favorite people in the world. It doesn't take me long to realize that the fostering of our own health and most important relationships in our lives is the best gift we can give ourselves. Paul Zak, a neuroeconomics pioneer would say "8 hugs a day. You'll be happier, and the world will be a better place."
Watch here: http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_zak_trust_morality_and_oxytocin.html
Happy Trails.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Teaching to Learn
My first post of the semester regrettably comes as the first post in roughly one year as well. I am notorious for placing ambitious goals for myself and following through with a pitiful consistency rate. One of my goals in the past year was to foster a blog containing the experiences leading up to my final year at Drake, and I was apparently over my head in my own motivation levels.
In a new year and new chapter of my life, I look forward to experiences that would be underappreciated if not written about and shared. My next few months will be spent as a student teacher at Woodside Middle School in Saydel, Iowa - about 15 minutes Northeast of Des Moines. I will be in a 7th grade classroom teaching Language Arts with a wonderful mentor teacher guiding me along the way. Tomorrow marks my first day of meeting my students and the first day of physically embracing the importance of English and the language arts.
Along with the obivious daily transitions I will begin making in my routines, I will continue to prioritize the importance that running has in my life. The sport grounds me, enlightens me and continues to impress me with its rewards. It has given me a constant in my life, a platform for adventure and a reason to let go for a short period of the day - qualities no other aspect of life has yet to combine for me. Running helps me sharpen my perspectives on life and has me constantly bartering with the limitiations of the human body - and consequently the mind. I have learned through running that no matter where you live, what your shape or who you are, the roads are always open. Often times, very unforgiving as well. However, one will learn through the sport that you always feel better after running than you did before - 100 percent of the time.
My abstract juxtaposition of teaching English and Running intrigues me, and I haven't the slightest clue of what's ahead - life's specialty.
Happy Trails
In a new year and new chapter of my life, I look forward to experiences that would be underappreciated if not written about and shared. My next few months will be spent as a student teacher at Woodside Middle School in Saydel, Iowa - about 15 minutes Northeast of Des Moines. I will be in a 7th grade classroom teaching Language Arts with a wonderful mentor teacher guiding me along the way. Tomorrow marks my first day of meeting my students and the first day of physically embracing the importance of English and the language arts.
Along with the obivious daily transitions I will begin making in my routines, I will continue to prioritize the importance that running has in my life. The sport grounds me, enlightens me and continues to impress me with its rewards. It has given me a constant in my life, a platform for adventure and a reason to let go for a short period of the day - qualities no other aspect of life has yet to combine for me. Running helps me sharpen my perspectives on life and has me constantly bartering with the limitiations of the human body - and consequently the mind. I have learned through running that no matter where you live, what your shape or who you are, the roads are always open. Often times, very unforgiving as well. However, one will learn through the sport that you always feel better after running than you did before - 100 percent of the time.
My abstract juxtaposition of teaching English and Running intrigues me, and I haven't the slightest clue of what's ahead - life's specialty.
Happy Trails
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