Locks of Love

Yes, I cut off my hair! I also donated it! It feels great to get a new look, but even better to donate it to a great cause. You should think about it the next time you get your long hair cut! I haven't felt better in my life!

Curious Commentary From A Reformed Geek: What life is like without school...

What life is like without school...

A typical summer day...

A Whirlwind End...

Well, I've done it. I've finished out my last semester as an undergraduate. Sometimes at night I would pray to have an early end to the semester, and to somehow get through finals without going crazy and my prayers were unfortunately answered. Tuscaloosa was hit pretty hard by an F4 tornado last week, while I was there. I'm fortunate to be safe and sound because not everyone was so lucky. People lost homes, businesses, family members, pets, possessions, etc. While riding through on my way to move out for the semester, because classes and finals were canceled due to the damage and power outages, I saw devastation that couldn't be described in pictures or on television. It doesn't look like the city I loved and lived in for 4 years. Commencement has been pushed back to August, but I'm just proud to have the ability to go. I have a diploma. I have graduated from the university, but in an expedited manner that no one would wish.

 I'll never forget seeing it come so dangerously close to where I was on tv, (fortunately it turned from the original path which was right towards me and many other students) seeing explosions, hearing noises, crouching in the bathroom covered in pillows praying that my mom wouldn't have to come find my body. I knew things were getting pretty bad when the satellite started going in and out, then the cell phones went dead and no calls would come in or go out, then the lights went out. I thought any moment would be my last. I'm so very fortunate to be here today and am even more excited to get started on my future. I have a purpose on this earth or I wouldn't be here.

I finished my clinicals, finished my projects and other things. Summer is upon us and now I'm moving in to a new gear. I'm starting my last few years in school. I will be working towards my MA in Secondary Education: Latin. I can't wait to get even more involved in the classroom, and finally be able to get married to my fiance of ~4 years (significant other of ~7). I also plan on working out a lot this summer and get back into shape. I've been working on it this past semester, thanks to the elliptical my fiance bought me. I've lost about 5 pounds so far and hope to keep it up so I can feel better about myself.

Overall, these blogs are going to be a way to chronicle my life. Not just in Education, but also personally, because what happens in our personal lives does effect our school and work experiences. I hope you all are well and safe. Until next post, Ciao!

Praxis Passer!!!

If you click the photos they will appear bigger!

Yep! That's right! I PASSED THE PRAXIS!!! I'm so excited! The only thing that's standing in my way for certification is coursework! I'm super proud of myself and am extremely relieved to be done with all standardized testing!!!

On another note... next week will be the last week of my clinicals. I've been having a great time since the teacher has been out, because I've been kind of the main source of authority and help in the classroom. I really know this is what I want to do. There are horror stories from my classmates, but I've loved my placement and will hold this experience to the thing that helped be to solidify my belief that I will be an AMAZING teacher!

Another Reason I ❤ Teaching...

Yes, we've done it! We're #3! We've got 3rd place!!!



"Third place in what?" you may ask. Well, a recent survey has found teachers to have the 3rd happiest career! Below is the snippet I got from yahoo news! I know I am happy when teaching about what I love. I think that's one of the most important requirements of a job: it has to be doing something you love. Let's give each other a smile and a big hug since we're so happy!!



The text reads : "Educators are responsible for helping kids grow into smart, productive adults. Of all of the employees surveyed, they value their daily tasks -- working with children -- more than anyone"

My First Latin Lesson!

Well, today was it, my first Latin lesson as a teacher. It was just a short-mini lesson, but the teacher said she loved my powerpoint, my use of images and videos, and the way I took the students imput! She said there was NOTHING that could be improved upon and asked me for the powerpoint to use in future lessons. I am reaclly excited to share this video!



Also, the powerpoint I used can be viewed below, because I don't think you can see it too clearly from the video. The room was dark so the students could see.

Latin is awesome!

View more presentations from Shauna McDaniel.

The video I used can be seen here : How Latin Became French