Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Educ 6810 - Reading and Discussion #14
"Students of narrative believe that we formulate notions of ourselves by telling ourselves stories about who we have been in the past and who we want to become in the future."
Hull, G. (2003). At last: Youth culture and digital media. 229-233. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.fairmontstate.edu/docview/215345891
I chose this quote because I truly believe it. I feel that telling a narrative like this helped me tell a story about where I have been, what I have been through, and how it has effected me, as well as, where I am now and in the future. I feel that students will feel this same way. Even though they may not have such a long past as some of us in this course, they have so much to look back on as well as looking forward to.
Retrieved from http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&biw=1280&bih=618&tbm=isch&tbnid=XqL_Ib1VzEHRlM:&imgrefurl=http://www.susangaddis.net/2011/10/how-to-live-free-of-your-past/holy-in-the-daily-past-present-and-future-signs/&docid=FK98YsCXDTukYM&imgurl=http://www.susangaddis.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Holy-in-the-Daily-Past-Present-and-Future-signs-.jpg&w=400&h=300&ei=e_6YUtaBBs7eoAS_koDQBA&zoom=1&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=179&tbnw=239&start=10&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:27,s:0&tx=110.4000244140625&ty=82.80001831054687
I chose this picture because it shows that we are coming from our past, learning in our present, and then moving on into our future. I feel that this was great for this quote.
1. How does digital storytelling support academic literacies?
Digital storytelling supports academic literacies in so many ways. English is one of the most prominent. There is a lot of writing going on while making a digital story. There may be stories read aloud, however, it is still written at some point. Also, there are many things that are typed and the viewer has to read the text. It is also problem solving. The author has to think of the problem or the story that they are going to discuss and then decide how to put it all together.
2. Now that you have created your own digital story, do you think that using images, words and music to create a message is simplistic compared to traditional alphabetic print based argumentation?
Absolutely. I feel that the entire process is a powerful message to people. Most people that make these stories using images, words, music, and voice to tell their stories are telling these stories from the heart. Therefore, they are creating a masterpiece. It is much better than a traditional alphabetic print because someone can watch this powerful piece as opposed to being forced to read a long drawn out piece of work.
3. After creating your own digital story, do you see how digital storytelling can help develop a stronger sense of agency in their own lives? Do you think this might have a positive impact on students academic lives? How? Why?
Yes. I feel that after creating my digital story, I now feel that it can help develop a stronger sense of agency in one's life. Also, it has a positive impact on students in their academic life. By utilizing this technology it is not only a way to learn how to use the computer program, it can actually be a fun assignment. I know that I always enjoy making assignments like this. Once again, it is helping the students in their English Language Arts skills as well as problem solving skills. This is a great project for developing agency and academic skills.
Hull, G. (2003). At last: Youth culture and digital media. 229-233. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.fairmontstate.edu/docview/215345891
I chose this quote because I truly believe it. I feel that telling a narrative like this helped me tell a story about where I have been, what I have been through, and how it has effected me, as well as, where I am now and in the future. I feel that students will feel this same way. Even though they may not have such a long past as some of us in this course, they have so much to look back on as well as looking forward to.
Retrieved from http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&biw=1280&bih=618&tbm=isch&tbnid=XqL_Ib1VzEHRlM:&imgrefurl=http://www.susangaddis.net/2011/10/how-to-live-free-of-your-past/holy-in-the-daily-past-present-and-future-signs/&docid=FK98YsCXDTukYM&imgurl=http://www.susangaddis.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Holy-in-the-Daily-Past-Present-and-Future-signs-.jpg&w=400&h=300&ei=e_6YUtaBBs7eoAS_koDQBA&zoom=1&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=179&tbnw=239&start=10&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:27,s:0&tx=110.4000244140625&ty=82.80001831054687
I chose this picture because it shows that we are coming from our past, learning in our present, and then moving on into our future. I feel that this was great for this quote.
1. How does digital storytelling support academic literacies?
Digital storytelling supports academic literacies in so many ways. English is one of the most prominent. There is a lot of writing going on while making a digital story. There may be stories read aloud, however, it is still written at some point. Also, there are many things that are typed and the viewer has to read the text. It is also problem solving. The author has to think of the problem or the story that they are going to discuss and then decide how to put it all together.
2. Now that you have created your own digital story, do you think that using images, words and music to create a message is simplistic compared to traditional alphabetic print based argumentation?
Absolutely. I feel that the entire process is a powerful message to people. Most people that make these stories using images, words, music, and voice to tell their stories are telling these stories from the heart. Therefore, they are creating a masterpiece. It is much better than a traditional alphabetic print because someone can watch this powerful piece as opposed to being forced to read a long drawn out piece of work.
3. After creating your own digital story, do you see how digital storytelling can help develop a stronger sense of agency in their own lives? Do you think this might have a positive impact on students academic lives? How? Why?
Yes. I feel that after creating my digital story, I now feel that it can help develop a stronger sense of agency in one's life. Also, it has a positive impact on students in their academic life. By utilizing this technology it is not only a way to learn how to use the computer program, it can actually be a fun assignment. I know that I always enjoy making assignments like this. Once again, it is helping the students in their English Language Arts skills as well as problem solving skills. This is a great project for developing agency and academic skills.
Educ 6810 - Reading and Discussion Week 13
"Keeping in mind the focus of technology integration within pre-service experiences, we begin with professional contexts, environments, and processes. Using technology for professional purposes, such as teaching within a subject area requires content-specialized knowledge." (pg. 136, Avila & Pandya)
I chose this quotes because I feel that it is true. I feel that this class has prepared me to utilize technology in my classroom. I feel that this can be considered my content-specialized knowledge. I have a specialization in mathematics; therefore, I not only need the knowledge to teach my students the basics and the concepts of mathematics, I need to be teaching them the technology skills and literacy skills to utilize technology within the math classroom.
Retrieved from http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&biw=1280&bih=618&tbm=isch&tbnid=aVbP09sP8lGO2M:&imgrefurl=http://www.usm.edu/thinkcenter/technology-in-the-classroom-does-it-belong/&docid=kFw9OclQXbY4gM&imgurl=http://www.usm.edu/thinkcenter/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cartoon...outdated_technology.jpg&w=328&h=260&ei=yvmYUtaWEov7oATYpYDgAw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:13,s:0,i:141&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=181&tbnw=228&start=10&ndsp=20&tx=117.20001220703125&ty=89
I chose this picture because it shows that students in this day and age make sure that they are involved with technology. They also want to be sure that they are being taught with the knew technology by their teachers. Therefore, they want to make sure their teachers are in touch with the digital literacies.
1. Why do the authors of this chapter chose to use the term "critical digital literacies" rather than just "digital literacies"?
I chose this quotes because I feel that it is true. I feel that this class has prepared me to utilize technology in my classroom. I feel that this can be considered my content-specialized knowledge. I have a specialization in mathematics; therefore, I not only need the knowledge to teach my students the basics and the concepts of mathematics, I need to be teaching them the technology skills and literacy skills to utilize technology within the math classroom.
Retrieved from http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&biw=1280&bih=618&tbm=isch&tbnid=aVbP09sP8lGO2M:&imgrefurl=http://www.usm.edu/thinkcenter/technology-in-the-classroom-does-it-belong/&docid=kFw9OclQXbY4gM&imgurl=http://www.usm.edu/thinkcenter/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cartoon...outdated_technology.jpg&w=328&h=260&ei=yvmYUtaWEov7oATYpYDgAw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:13,s:0,i:141&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=181&tbnw=228&start=10&ndsp=20&tx=117.20001220703125&ty=89
I chose this picture because it shows that students in this day and age make sure that they are involved with technology. They also want to be sure that they are being taught with the knew technology by their teachers. Therefore, they want to make sure their teachers are in touch with the digital literacies.
1. Why do the authors of this chapter chose to use the term "critical digital literacies" rather than just "digital literacies"?
I feel that they used the term "critical digital literacies" rather than "digital literacies" because digital literacy is such a broad term. It is much more than just the skills you need to be literate with technology. One needs the critical and analytic skills to be digitally literate. Therefore, the authors used the term "critical digital literacies" to motivate those to be critical and analytic.
2. How well did our own teacher education program prepare you to use technology in your teaching practices? Was it more tools based or literacy based?
3. What should teachers be thinking about when they engage in critical thinking as it relates to technology use in school?
4. On page 149, it is stated that students have certain rights with respect to "critical digital literacies." Do students in your teaching context have these rights? Give an example or non-example of at least one of these rights.
2. How well did our own teacher education program prepare you to use technology in your teaching practices? Was it more tools based or literacy based?
I feel that I was as prepared as I could be. I was able to utilize SMART boards, digital tools, and create many lessons based on using technology. I feel; however, that it was both tools based and literacy based at FSU.
3. What should teachers be thinking about when they engage in critical thinking as it relates to technology use in school?
They need to think about being reflective, critical, and analytic. For me, I feel that I need to make sure I am correctly educating my students about technology and the correct ways in which they need to utilize it.
4. On page 149, it is stated that students have certain rights with respect to "critical digital literacies." Do students in your teaching context have these rights? Give an example or non-example of at least one of these rights.
Yes, my students have these rights. Students are able to use the computer lab for all subjects. We also have mobile labs that move from classroom to classroom for other subjects. There is a computer class that allows students to learn about programs and typing. We also need to conduct Tech Steps for them to apply the skills they learn in computer class.
Source:
Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.Sunday, November 10, 2013
Educ 6810 - Reading and Discussion #12
"Teachers must bridge the gap between school and society and play some part in the fashioning of those great common purposes which should bind the two together." (Avila & Pandya, 2013, p. 123).
1. How did the Ask Anansi game support critical literacies?
The students were using clues and working together to come up with a possible solution to the problem. This was using critical literacy skills as well as communication skills. They were also using something other than worksheets and instances in the classroom to better understand.
2. How did the Ask Anansi game support academic literacies?
They were analyzing, supporting, problem solving and working together to come up with content material.
3. How did the Ask Anansi game support digital literacies?
Well, to have digital literacy skills, one needs skills dealing with technology. Therefore, by using their content, they were using iPads to find the answers. This makes it easier for the children to go out into the real world and use the technology used for other things in life.
4. What is meant by the term "reading the word and reading the world and writing the world"? Give an example from the chapter.
This quote really empowers the use of writing skills in the classroom. The students need bring world wide issues into the classroom; however, they need to utilize writing skills. In the reading, the students were asked to write a counter-narrative.
Source:
Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.
I chose this quote because I have used the same wording in many of my posts this semester. I feel that we must close the gap with school and society. It is brutal for students to walk into school and only learn the procedural content of any subject. They need to learn based on real life experience, instances, and stories. Teachers really need to do this with their students to make them aware of their surroundings instead of just the content.
Retrieved from http://cheezburger.com/5814606080
I found this picture to be amusing as well as a great description of this quote. It seems that the squirrel is having difficulty; therefore, he looks like he is struggling. This is the same as teaching and bridging those gaps. There is no easy way - it will take work; however, it is worth the work.
1. How did the Ask Anansi game support critical literacies?
The students were using clues and working together to come up with a possible solution to the problem. This was using critical literacy skills as well as communication skills. They were also using something other than worksheets and instances in the classroom to better understand.
2. How did the Ask Anansi game support academic literacies?
They were analyzing, supporting, problem solving and working together to come up with content material.
3. How did the Ask Anansi game support digital literacies?
Well, to have digital literacy skills, one needs skills dealing with technology. Therefore, by using their content, they were using iPads to find the answers. This makes it easier for the children to go out into the real world and use the technology used for other things in life.
4. What is meant by the term "reading the word and reading the world and writing the world"? Give an example from the chapter.
This quote really empowers the use of writing skills in the classroom. The students need bring world wide issues into the classroom; however, they need to utilize writing skills. In the reading, the students were asked to write a counter-narrative.
Source:
Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.
Educ 6810 - Addressing the seven Elements of Digital Storytelling
Point of View - My point of view is first person. I am going to be telling the story to an audience who has the same feelings of appreciating things more now than as a child.
Dramatic Question - My Dramatic question is going to be along the lines of ... Have you ever taken anything for granted? I have never taken my family for granted; however, I feel like I appreciate all the time I spent with them more now as an adult than I did when I was actually spending time with them.
Emotional Content - The emotional content is going to be how much I adore my family and how I wish that I could somehow relive all the Christmas Eve's and Christmas's with them just one more time. I know that this will tug on heart strings of people that have lost members of the family, people that have grown apart with family members, or people that just simply cannot see the members of their family as much as they used to.
Voice - I will be talking through the whole thing. I may have some music in the background.
Storyboard
Dramatic Question - My Dramatic question is going to be along the lines of ... Have you ever taken anything for granted? I have never taken my family for granted; however, I feel like I appreciate all the time I spent with them more now as an adult than I did when I was actually spending time with them.
Emotional Content - The emotional content is going to be how much I adore my family and how I wish that I could somehow relive all the Christmas Eve's and Christmas's with them just one more time. I know that this will tug on heart strings of people that have lost members of the family, people that have grown apart with family members, or people that just simply cannot see the members of their family as much as they used to.
Voice - I will be talking through the whole thing. I may have some music in the background.
Storyboard
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Educ 6810 - Reading and Discussion 11
“Technology plays an important role, not alone but as a constantly changing set of socially situated tools for literacy, for making sense of the world and ourselves” (p. 104)
I chose this quote because I truly believe it. I grew up in a world where technology was just making it's way to us. Therefore, I lived a childhood without computer aged social settings. I used to use the house phone with a cord connected to it. This is now almost unheard of. I used to call my friends and play outside with them. Now - kids are online talking, tweeting, instgramming, and doing no outdoors play. It is a great tool; however, it has definitely changed socially. We can now communicate with people all around the world. It is a great tool with so many benefits; however, there are some down falls for children.
I chose this image because it is literally exactly what we are saying here in this post. Digital technology has become such a change for social needs. It is always a great thing to become a much more social world. We can communicate with anyone in the state, country, and the whole world. It is a great social change for us.
1. What is the difference between an "essentialist" "traditionalist" or "autonomous" "perspective of technology and literacy and a New Literacy Studies of "ideological"perspective on technology and literacy? Which perspective do you adhere to? Why?
Essentialist is all about the ability of using technology, not in the way that it is used. Ideological perspective is about the abilities in which the social aspect is used. The social life is affected with the ideological side is used. I am all about the essentialist perspective. I adhere to this because we need to be able to use the abilities to use technology. I feel that literacy is made through the surroundings and families of people - not having it already.
2. Give three concrete examples of how the teacher in the chapter supported "new literacy" or "critical digital literacies" practices with blogging.
2. Give three concrete examples of how the teacher in the chapter supported "new literacy" or "critical digital literacies" practices with blogging.
The teacher used blogging to let her students post pictures for feedback. This allows the students to post comments, and they can use it for their own work. She uses quotes that inspire her, in hopes that she inspires her students. She also wants the students to stay organized, which is a great set of skills for students to have. She also supported the new literacy ways because she actively posts and expects her students to post as well.
Source:
Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.
Educ 6810 - Brainstorming my Digital Story
1. Describe a positive scene from childhood in detail. What led up to this event? When and where did it happen? Who was involved? What were you thinking and feeling? Why is it an important event? What impact did it have on you?
The scene I remember the most is actually a scene that I appreciate more today as an adult. It's actually many scenes. When I was younger, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were the best days in my life. I did not appreciate them then, but I do now. Now that it is not the same.
Every Christmas Eve we would meet at my Mammaw's and Pappaw's house. Everyone - my aunts, uncles, cousins, sister, mom and dad. We would eat dinner and then get ready for Christmas Eve service at church. Normally I was singing in the choir at the time, so it would feel great to get to sing for my whole family. Then we would return and we would get to open up our Christmas pajamas! We would of course pose for like a million pictures with our new PJs, and then we would eat nuts, veggies, crackers, and chocolate while playing games all night. Then, when it was time, we would all go home and get ready for Santa in the morning.
The next day my sister and I would wake up. I would normally wake up extra early. We would all meet in the living room - mom, dad, my sister, and myself, and we would listen to Christmas music while we opened up our stocking and presents. We would have a huge breakfast and end it with cinnamon rolls. =) Of course, my sister and I would fight over who got the middle one. Mom finally started making two so that we would have two middle ones. =)
After we would play with our gifts, we would all get ready to head over to Mammaw and Pappaw's house. Then we would all return for Christmas dinner and presents with each other. We would go youngest to oldest for the order in which we opened presents. I was the second to youngest; therefore, I always liked this rule! We would play games and just enjoy the holiday. I never realized how much I would miss those days. Now that we are all older, some of the 'kids' from back then have their own kids, some of the family members have to split the holiday's with their spouses' family, and not everyone is there to enjoy the time with. It is still a great holiday - but there are times that I wish I could just go back and appreciate what I never really appreciated before.
After we would play with our gifts, we would all get ready to head over to Mammaw and Pappaw's house. Then we would all return for Christmas dinner and presents with each other. We would go youngest to oldest for the order in which we opened presents. I was the second to youngest; therefore, I always liked this rule! We would play games and just enjoy the holiday. I never realized how much I would miss those days. Now that we are all older, some of the 'kids' from back then have their own kids, some of the family members have to split the holiday's with their spouses' family, and not everyone is there to enjoy the time with. It is still a great holiday - but there are times that I wish I could just go back and appreciate what I never really appreciated before.
2. Describe a negative scene from childhood in detail. What led up to this event? When and where did it happen? Who was involved? What were you thinking and feeling? Why is it an important event? What impact did it have on you?
I will not lie, this particular scene from my life has left my memories. Some days I will think about it and think - why was that such a hard time? This is because most of those horrible memories have left my head. For obvious reasons. Then there are times that I feel those feelings again, I remember why I had a hard time this part of my life and I think - wow, I have moved on just fine in life. Things just made me stronger. I will try to explain; however, I cannot promise that it will be in great detail.
When I was in the sixth grade, there were only 13 girls in my entire class. 13 girls. That really is not a lot. All through grade school there were the catty, mean girls. It got so bad, that the counselor had to come and give us 'talks' about bullying. It never worked, the 'mean girls' would just laugh and giggle. It was a little insane; however, nothing will beat my sixth grade year.
I was still in elementary school for sixth grade. There was a " Queen Bee" that ran everything. This Queen Bee was in charge, meaning everyone did as she said. If they didn't, life was going to be rough. If the Queen Bee did not like someone, the rest of us did not like that person. That is just how it was. I hated that I was a follower, but it was better to follow than to have no one like you.
One day, I was the person that she did not like. Along with one other girl. This was the worst time of my life. These girls did some messed up things to me and to anyone else they were mad at. I was a victim of harsh, horrible bullying. This all took place inside of school. I could not imagine what it would be like if it were on the internet. If I could, I would sit here and type up all the bad things that these girls did to me. Calling me names, making fun of what I wore, doing horrible things to my clothes, making fun of my hair, saying nasty things that really hurt. But I do not want to relive any of that. It made me a stronger person today.
I had a diary in the sixth grade. It was a purple fuzzy one with a monkey on the front. I wrote in it every day about the horrible things that these girls did to me. However, three years later there was a flood. My house was flooded, and I lost that notebook. At times it upsets me, because I would love to see how my life has changed. But on second thought, I love that it is gone. I no longer have the memories written down; therefore, I do not have to relive those moments.
I was still in elementary school for sixth grade. There was a " Queen Bee" that ran everything. This Queen Bee was in charge, meaning everyone did as she said. If they didn't, life was going to be rough. If the Queen Bee did not like someone, the rest of us did not like that person. That is just how it was. I hated that I was a follower, but it was better to follow than to have no one like you.
One day, I was the person that she did not like. Along with one other girl. This was the worst time of my life. These girls did some messed up things to me and to anyone else they were mad at. I was a victim of harsh, horrible bullying. This all took place inside of school. I could not imagine what it would be like if it were on the internet. If I could, I would sit here and type up all the bad things that these girls did to me. Calling me names, making fun of what I wore, doing horrible things to my clothes, making fun of my hair, saying nasty things that really hurt. But I do not want to relive any of that. It made me a stronger person today.
I had a diary in the sixth grade. It was a purple fuzzy one with a monkey on the front. I wrote in it every day about the horrible things that these girls did to me. However, three years later there was a flood. My house was flooded, and I lost that notebook. At times it upsets me, because I would love to see how my life has changed. But on second thought, I love that it is gone. I no longer have the memories written down; therefore, I do not have to relive those moments.
This helped me make friends in junior high school because I knew I did not want anything to do with those other girls. The moments in sixth grade still upset me; however, they made me much stronger today.
3. Describe a particular event from your teen-aged years that stands out in your memory
today. This can be positive or negative. What led up to the event? What happened? Where and when? Who was involved? What were you thinking and feeling? Why is it an important event? What impact did the event have on you.
There are so many events that stick out in my mind. The teen age years were a hard couple to handle. Some of them were very, very personal that I do not feel that I can talk about. One that I feel I can discuss is an event that happened when was 17 years old.
One weekend, a friend of ours came back from visiting his mother in Tennessee. We were bowling on a Friday night and he and his friends came to say hi. We were all so happy to see him back. We didn't have school on Monday, so we planned a homecoming party for him on
Sunday night. He would spend Saturday night with his boys then Sunday night with everyone. Now, this boy and I were not the best of friends. I barely knew him. However, he was great friends with my great friends, so we were acquaintances.
Sunday morning after church I received a phone call. My parents and I were on our way to the mall to go shopping. I answered the phone and my dad instantly turned around when he heard my voice. It was my friend Jami. She was crying. She told me that our friend did not wake up that morning. There was alcohol involved with their party and he didn't wake up. We didn't know if it was from his intake or if he choked on his vomit. I did not believe it - she had to tell me over and over. My friends and I spent the entire two days together in the dark just hurt.
The next week was horrible. I was not that close to him I was closer to his friends. But I still went to the funeral home every night with my friends. It was the first funeral and burial I had ever been to. We were all so strong together, but when the slightest things happened, it broke us all down. I will never forget that week - it was very hard to handle. However, I could never imagine if it had been one of my close friends. I hated seeing my friends like that.
today. This can be positive or negative. What led up to the event? What happened? Where and when? Who was involved? What were you thinking and feeling? Why is it an important event? What impact did the event have on you.
There are so many events that stick out in my mind. The teen age years were a hard couple to handle. Some of them were very, very personal that I do not feel that I can talk about. One that I feel I can discuss is an event that happened when was 17 years old.
One weekend, a friend of ours came back from visiting his mother in Tennessee. We were bowling on a Friday night and he and his friends came to say hi. We were all so happy to see him back. We didn't have school on Monday, so we planned a homecoming party for him on
Sunday night. He would spend Saturday night with his boys then Sunday night with everyone. Now, this boy and I were not the best of friends. I barely knew him. However, he was great friends with my great friends, so we were acquaintances.
Sunday morning after church I received a phone call. My parents and I were on our way to the mall to go shopping. I answered the phone and my dad instantly turned around when he heard my voice. It was my friend Jami. She was crying. She told me that our friend did not wake up that morning. There was alcohol involved with their party and he didn't wake up. We didn't know if it was from his intake or if he choked on his vomit. I did not believe it - she had to tell me over and over. My friends and I spent the entire two days together in the dark just hurt.
The next week was horrible. I was not that close to him I was closer to his friends. But I still went to the funeral home every night with my friends. It was the first funeral and burial I had ever been to. We were all so strong together, but when the slightest things happened, it broke us all down. I will never forget that week - it was very hard to handle. However, I could never imagine if it had been one of my close friends. I hated seeing my friends like that.
4. Describe a vivid or important memory from any time in your adult years. Again, this can be positive or negative. It can be about anything – family, work, whatever. The scene stands
out in your mind today as being especially vivid or important. Please describe what led up to the event. Then describe the scene in detail. What happened? Where and when? Who was involved? What were you thinking and feeling? Why is it an important event? What impact has the event had on you?
Even though I mentioned above about a death, I barely knew the boy. I knew him enough to talk to him. However, once again in my adult years, I have had many many heart breaking and personal experiences that I do not want to talk about. The one event I will talk about, I call it my first death.
I was only 19 years old, in college when I found out my Pappaw had leukemia. It was in November. The doctors gave him 2 months. However, he lasted 14. That's my Pappaw, though. He
didn't go by what other people say, he did his own thing.
It was December 13th, 2010. My second to last exam for that semester. I finished and looked at my phone. My dad had called. I called him back to tell him that I aced that exam. He said he was proud but he had some news. Pappaw didn't make it...
I knew it was coming just not yet. I wasn't ready. But then again, would I have ever been ready? I had to sit down on a bench and collect myself before driving back to my house off of campus. I was greeted by all my roommates and the boy I liked. They were all waiting just to be there for me. It was so great to know I had friends like that.
I packed my things and headed for home. It was bittersweet to see all my family. It was like I wanted to see them, just not like that. The viewing and the funeral were the hardest things I had to ever deal with. However, I did with my family by my side. I still miss him so much.
But I know he is looking down on me so proud.
out in your mind today as being especially vivid or important. Please describe what led up to the event. Then describe the scene in detail. What happened? Where and when? Who was involved? What were you thinking and feeling? Why is it an important event? What impact has the event had on you?
Even though I mentioned above about a death, I barely knew the boy. I knew him enough to talk to him. However, once again in my adult years, I have had many many heart breaking and personal experiences that I do not want to talk about. The one event I will talk about, I call it my first death.
I was only 19 years old, in college when I found out my Pappaw had leukemia. It was in November. The doctors gave him 2 months. However, he lasted 14. That's my Pappaw, though. He
didn't go by what other people say, he did his own thing.
It was December 13th, 2010. My second to last exam for that semester. I finished and looked at my phone. My dad had called. I called him back to tell him that I aced that exam. He said he was proud but he had some news. Pappaw didn't make it...
I knew it was coming just not yet. I wasn't ready. But then again, would I have ever been ready? I had to sit down on a bench and collect myself before driving back to my house off of campus. I was greeted by all my roommates and the boy I liked. They were all waiting just to be there for me. It was so great to know I had friends like that.
I packed my things and headed for home. It was bittersweet to see all my family. It was like I wanted to see them, just not like that. The viewing and the funeral were the hardest things I had to ever deal with. However, I did with my family by my side. I still miss him so much.
But I know he is looking down on me so proud.
5. In looking back on your life, you may be able to identify particular “turning points” – episodes through which you experienced an important change in your life. Please choose one key turning point scene and describe it in detail. If you feel your life story contains no clear turning points, then describe a particular episode in your life that comes closer than any other to qualifying for a turning point – a scene where you changed in some way. Again, please describe what led up to the event, what happened in the event, where and when it happened, who was involved, what you were thinking and feeling, and so on. Also, please tell me how you think you changed as a result of this event and why you consider this event to be an important scene in your life story today.
The most life changing event was actually the most recent event in my life. However, it was a few months of getting where I am that need to be brought up.
I graduated college with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education - specialized in math grades 5-9 in December of this year. I then began to substitute teach in Marion Co. So many events happened to me in the months after graduation, it was unreal.
I was invited by an amazing professor to attend and speak at a National Teachers Conference in New Orleans, LA. It was an amazing experience; one that I will never forget. Also, later that month, I attended a State Conference where I saw Dr. Lindstrom :) present and talk about this Masters Program. Therefore, I decided to give it a try. Here I am!
I thought that I was on top of the world with all of this happening. However, I was not. I was not on top of the world until my home county - Marshall county - was putting up new bids for the school year 2013-2014. I knew that I had to give it a try. I was actually on my lunch break at a school in which I was subbing when my mother called to tell me about the bids. When I saw that there was an opening for a middle school math teacher at my old middle school - I was so excited to put that as my first bid. I actually placed my bids the day I was leaving for New Orleans as I was walking in the Atlanta, GA airport.
After the National Teacher Conference, I received that call that I was selected for the interview for the job! I was so excited! Yet, very nervous. I met so many great people at the state conference that talked me up for getting the interview, gave me advice on how to prepare, gave me advice for while I was in the interview, and wished me so much luck. I am so thankful for that conference because of the people that were behind me.
Once I walked into the office for the interview, I immediately got cold feet. Am I going to be good enough? Am I going to be better than the people that already interviewed? Do I have enough experience for them? Do I have what they are looking for? It was a hard five minutes in that office - but they called my name in and I did the BEST that I could do. I knew that if I was not chosen, that I did the best that I could.
Two days later, I received a phone call. "Emily, this is Mrs. Porter the principal from Sherrard Middle School. How are you?" I was so nervous. Why is she calling? Is she telling me to start looking for more jobs? Is she telling me that I was not good enough? Is she letting me know that I did not get the job? Will she at least let me know what I did wrong? "I was just calling to let you know that you can stop looking for jobs, and maybe cancel any interviews you may have. We have selected you as the candidate for our Sixth Grade/Mathematics teacher here at Sherrard Middle School. "
Holy Moly! I did it!! I am now in my tenth week of my first job as a teacher in my own classroom. I could not have done it without the experience that I was given, the teachers and professors along the way, and the support of family and friends. This is by far the most life changing event in all of my life.
The most life changing event was actually the most recent event in my life. However, it was a few months of getting where I am that need to be brought up.
I graduated college with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education - specialized in math grades 5-9 in December of this year. I then began to substitute teach in Marion Co. So many events happened to me in the months after graduation, it was unreal.
I was invited by an amazing professor to attend and speak at a National Teachers Conference in New Orleans, LA. It was an amazing experience; one that I will never forget. Also, later that month, I attended a State Conference where I saw Dr. Lindstrom :) present and talk about this Masters Program. Therefore, I decided to give it a try. Here I am!
I thought that I was on top of the world with all of this happening. However, I was not. I was not on top of the world until my home county - Marshall county - was putting up new bids for the school year 2013-2014. I knew that I had to give it a try. I was actually on my lunch break at a school in which I was subbing when my mother called to tell me about the bids. When I saw that there was an opening for a middle school math teacher at my old middle school - I was so excited to put that as my first bid. I actually placed my bids the day I was leaving for New Orleans as I was walking in the Atlanta, GA airport.
After the National Teacher Conference, I received that call that I was selected for the interview for the job! I was so excited! Yet, very nervous. I met so many great people at the state conference that talked me up for getting the interview, gave me advice on how to prepare, gave me advice for while I was in the interview, and wished me so much luck. I am so thankful for that conference because of the people that were behind me.
Once I walked into the office for the interview, I immediately got cold feet. Am I going to be good enough? Am I going to be better than the people that already interviewed? Do I have enough experience for them? Do I have what they are looking for? It was a hard five minutes in that office - but they called my name in and I did the BEST that I could do. I knew that if I was not chosen, that I did the best that I could.
Two days later, I received a phone call. "Emily, this is Mrs. Porter the principal from Sherrard Middle School. How are you?" I was so nervous. Why is she calling? Is she telling me to start looking for more jobs? Is she telling me that I was not good enough? Is she letting me know that I did not get the job? Will she at least let me know what I did wrong? "I was just calling to let you know that you can stop looking for jobs, and maybe cancel any interviews you may have. We have selected you as the candidate for our Sixth Grade/Mathematics teacher here at Sherrard Middle School. "
Holy Moly! I did it!! I am now in my tenth week of my first job as a teacher in my own classroom. I could not have done it without the experience that I was given, the teachers and professors along the way, and the support of family and friends. This is by far the most life changing event in all of my life.
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