Farewell

Although the semester had ended, I would like to thank Dr. Rivera and my fellow ED638 for a wonderful semester!  This has been a wonderful experience for me.  I always think about how much I have accomplished and how many obstacles came my way but we always end I become one step closer to my goals than I was before.  Sometimes it becomes a little difficult but the hard work pays off in the end.  Like the quote says,

"I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday." 

This quote reminds me that all the hard work and effort I put into my life long learning commitment will eventually get me to where I want to be.

Plan A

 

 

 

 

 

Strive to do your best and never give up!

 

What A Relief!

It is such a relief when we finish something that is required but seemed like it was impossible to complete. Good job cohort! Continue to do your best.

Smile

As we complete another class towards our Master's Degree in Reading, continue to smile and know that we are one step closer to being a Reading Specialist.

Most of my bloggings, if you noticed talks about failure/success.  I've been through so much trials/failures that I have become an expert in it.  Nonetheless, through all these adversities, I was able to find my way out of the many mazes I dragged myself into and I am grateful for the my mazes.  I am glad that with life, comes adversities, and with adversities, come SUCCESS.

"You are the Designer of Your Destiny. You are the author. You Write the story, The pen is in Your Hand and the outcome is whatever You Choose. Just remember Three Sentences and Whenever Life Puts you in difficulties: I CAN DO IT, I WILL DO IT, AND I WILL PROVE IT!!! That's it. Every Successful' title ='Excellent Quotes on Successful'>Successful Person has a Painful Story, Every Painful Person has a Successful' title ='Excellent Quotes on Successful'>Successful Ending, Accept the Pain and Get Ready for Success!!! Lets Go!! ” ~ Author Unknown

In other words, you reap the harvest you have sowed.

I have to be honest, I thought at first, the time frame for the intersession classes were too tight.  This quote however, opened up my eyes and I now realize that I have made due with what life throws my way.  Being fair or unfair is not the question.  Whether or not you can make it is probably the right questions.

An eye opener for someone like me who has a tendency to give up when things get tough or simply because of failure.  That's exactly what I went through during this short period.  Although failure came and walked away, I felt rejuvenated every time I was able to find a way over it or around it.  Success ... In other words, the world spins and it changes.  Nothing remains the same. You stumble, you fall, but...you get back up and run to the finish line.  And that is just the beginning.

Thank Goodness for perseverance.  I thought about giving up over the break.  I really did! However, with time closing in, I was able to find my groove again.  Although a little late, I wished it came a lot earlier. 

“If I told you I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at, I’d be lying, because I have no idea where I am right now.”
― Jarod Kintz

I feel like Kintz during the last hour.  Frantic and scurrying around is what I'd say about what I'm experiencing right now.  And every time, there's always something.  I'd promise myself to do better this time and then ended up doing the opposite.  I applaud you all for the hard work you have all displayed and I only hope that next time around, things will be much better for me. 

Determination is the key.

At the beginning of this semester I had so much determination in me that I thought this would be different for me.  Given the fact that school was out, I was confident things would run smoothly without the hassle of tackling work and school simultaneously.  I was wrong and what little strand of determination I am hanging onto, I am yet again determined to see it through.

See you later...

Another semester completed! This semester came too quickly and ended so much quicker. I'm not sure about how others feel, but this semester was definitely stressful. I am so glad it's over.

Dr. Rivera, thank you so much for your continued patience, guidance and support.

See you all next semester:)

never giving up

This intersession had been really tough for me.  Many people passed 2012 and it was overwhelming going back to my responsibilities again.  But I am not giving up, I am going to continue what I have started.  Thanks to my understanding professors and my supportive classmates, I know I'm almost there:)

It is not over yet for me..

As everyone is finishing up everything they need to do to complete this course, I am still struggling to finish up. Almost giving up because of all the stumbles I encountered along the way. I do not want to use my pregnancy as an excuse, but I did not plan to get pregnant when I started with this program. However, my delicate condition just made it impossible at times to be on top of things. Congratulations to all of you who are done and for those if there is, who are pushing themselves up to the last minute, good luck to us. Keep pushing until we reach the finish line.

Not reading is like not knowing how to read...

Those who are struggling and do not know how to read are desperate to read, yet those who can read are just too lazy to read. I do not know which one is worst not knowing how to read or not making an effort to read. What you think?

Adios....Fin

 Teaching creates all other professions.  ~Author Unknown

Quote taken from: http://www.quotegarden.com/teachers.html 

The end is finally here, now we may take a breather.  I hope everyone has a great break until you start up again, with your courses.  Hopefully, the spring will be as much fun as your other (past) semesters.  It was nice taking the course with all of you, I have to say it has been a bit of a culture shock for me, as I am used to being in a course with only one or two students.  Hope to see you guys out an about, if you see me, and you know it's me don't hesitate to say hello.  
Adios and take care.  
Si Jose 

What are your ways?

We do many things for many reasons. We find ways to express our feelings and ways to learn new things. Reading is one of the best tool that we can use to help us learn and grow as individuals.

Education is the only wealth that cannot be taken away from us. Definitely, it is our key to success. What is the best gift you ever have?

My wish

I knew that when I became a teacher, I would still have to take classes for professional development. These previous courses I have taken for the masters program have challenged me and will still challenge me in the days to come, but I've learned to be more open-minded and accepting of my strengths and weaknesses.  And that...LEARNING is ONGOING!


http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/226094843762428506_tshahc2Y.jpg

Teaching

I've come to accept the fact that teachers are overworked and underpaid.  However, the reason I became a teacher was to make a difference in a child's life.  Although there are other factors to consider, for me, I think as long as "one" of my students have succeeded, then I have made a difference.  I'm satisfied with the outcome.

http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/226094843762428506_tshahc2Y.jpg

What's yours?

Just thought I'd share this...it made me smile:)

I think?

I've improved my ability to think (I think?) from these courses.  Our focus has been reading and writing, but the goal is to improve thinking.

http://pinterest.com/pin/64809682107486562/

Parable of the Pencil

"That is why pencils have an eraser." Pencils are used to write your thoughts and ideas.  Erasers are meant to get rid of mistakes/errors we make.  In the end, it is the final product that is important.  Regardless of what was written or erased, are you happy with the outcome? 

Like it says, make your mark.  "Keep writing."  Make a difference wherever you go.  "Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from them."

http://spirituallythinking.blogspot.com/2012/03/parable-of-pencil.html

A fan...to be....

What a fitting quote for me... I am not a fan of technology, however, I know that in today's world, one cannot move forward without it. So, I learn...day by day, I continue to learn...and hopefully, I will learn to embrace technology so that I may enhance the learning environment of my students.

We Did It!

I didn't think I'd get here but here I am.  No fair giving up!  See everyone in a couple of weeks!  In the words of Casey Kasem, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!"

"We did it!" - Dora the Explorer

Adios!

"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time"
-Green Day

Adios Esta Ki Ma Lihet Talo, Adios! (spelling may be incorrect)
Goodbye until next time!

It has been a rough ride everyone but we are finally here at the end of this course.  It has been a rewarding experience in which I have learned a lot.  We are that much closer to obtaining our goal, and walking across that stage on graduation.  Until next semester, ADIOS! 

Rearview Mirror

“On the highway of life, we most often recognize happiness out of the rear view mirror” - Frank Tyger

Well we're finished!  It's been a challenge, but I'm glad I took this course, and am grateful to Dr. Rivera and Dr. Stoicovy for allowing me to participate, thank you to tall the participants as well, thank you for allowing me into your cohort for the intersession.  There were definitely times where I felt challenged, and struggled to motivate myself, especially during the holidays, but looking back, what I thought was a storm was simply me growing, learning, and become a better teacher, student, and husband.  This class pushed me to plan ahead and become a better time manager.  I definitely appreciated the class being online.  This was the first fully online class I'd ever taken, and was nervous, but it worked out, and I really enjoyed being able to complete work on my own time table.  In hindsight, I'm definitely glad i took it.  I learned many new internet tools, resources, and intend to implement some of them when our school sets up a functional computer lab.   I'd like to thank all who participated in the class for their thought provoking posts and comments as well.  Farewell, and have a great spring semester!  God Bless, -Erik

Quote Citation:  http://thinkexist.com/quotation/on_the_highway_of_life-we_most_often_recognize/190525.html

Image Citation:  http://themiraclemorning.com/rear-view-mirror-syndrome/

Teach Your Children Well

 


Growing up, I remember my parents playing this song.  Music emits emotion.  This song moved me then and to this day, it still does.  I think the lyrics not only apply to parents but to educators and every member of society who has a child in their life - in essence, it's pretty much every breathing adult.  Teach your children well!  :)                                                                                                                                                                                           

Accomplishment

Finding one's individuality can be difficult for some, especially with today's children.  With all the exterior influences with music, television, printed media, peers, family, and society in general, many kids choose to make others happy before making themselves happy. Be yourself! 

Perseverance

Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.
Newt Gingrich

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/perseverance.html#z20LzFBJjkkTmYk3.99

  

Hang in there!  

Laughter cleanses the soul.  Imagination has no limits and boundaries.  Dreams turn into reality. 

Count Your Blessings

Always, all the time! 

Stay Scholastic

There will always be a frontier where there is an open mind and a willing hand.  - Charles Kettering




As the intersession closes, I'm reminded of how important it is to stay scholastic ( I was also reminded by visiting scholastic.com) throughout your career.  I have just discovered our school has installed a Promethean ActivBoard, and I have to research how to use it, and use it effectively.  To often a new technology comes out, and it sits on the shelf or in the closet because we do not know how to use it.  Considering this, I intend to make a distinct effort  to navigate their website and take advantage of lots of different learning modules and lesson samples using the technology.  Here's to new frontiers!

Quote Citation:  http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/charles_kettering.html

Image Citation:http://crimsonblush.deviantart.com/art/Grassy-Plains-and-Mountains-114004461

In any given disheartening or discouraging situation, it is always easier to throw in the towel and walk away.  Challenging occurrences give us a million reasons to give up.  All you need is one reason why to hang in there.  Hang in there for even if you are hanging by a thread, that thread keeps you hanging on! 

Some light humor that we all look forward to nevertheless.  Hang in there, gang!  We are halfway there!  :D

Gettin' It From Gandhi

An old adage that every person can surely benefit from.  

Not Reading vs. Not Knowing How to Read

Very true.  Not reading is just as bad as not knowing how to read at all.  

Pass Or Else!

“I think the big mistake in schools is trying to teach children anything, and by using fear as the basic motivation. Fear of getting failing grades, fear of not staying with your class, etc. Interest can produce learning on a scale compared to fear as a nuclear explosion to a firecracker.”  -Stanley Kubrick 

Fear of failing or answering to parents is not merely enough anymore to keep kids in line these days.  As a child my parents instilled the fear of DEATH, emphatically, if I did not do well in school.  The fact that my mother is a teacher and that my father had to farm to put her through college, is all the justification they needed to slap me straight.  I would get in trouble for coming home with "Bs" on my report cards.  I would be stripped of my leisurely activities and spanked.  It is for this reason that I am where I am today.  Students are no longer scared of their parents because of the fact that they know their rights.  I noted on the first week of my teaching career that interest is a better motivator then fear.  This is my reasoning for incorporating as much pop culture as I possibly can into my lessons.  

Signs You're a Great Teacher

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”

― Martin Luther King Jr.

Character counts.  No matter what, character matters for without it, how can we educate with passion and compassion?  

Education > Experience

“Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't. ” -Pete Seeger 

     In my Applied Communication class we are currently working on interview preparation.  The exam I administered consisted of a simulated interview in which I played the part of the interviewer.  Upon completion of this I reiterated how important it is for students to have a formal education.  I advise against dropping out of school at the age of 16 because they are subjecting themselves to a very hard life.  At any job the interviewer will ask about education and experience to find out if the candidate is suitable.  Education over experience that is my motto.  A formal college education can adequately prepare an individual for their career.  A person who obtains the job at an entry level will take much longer to grow in an organization when pitted against an individual with a college degree.  It is a lot like buying an item that comes complete with extensive instructions.  The person who reads the instructions will get the job right the first time.  The individual who decides to put it together without reading usually will take longer to complete the task due to the fact that they may have to do it several times over.  

The More I Learn The Less I Know

“Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned.”  -Mark Twain

    This is true of all formal education.  The more I learn the more I am aware of what I don't know.  The more I read into scholarly work, articles, books, and text the less educated I feel.  My vocabulary expands but the questions arise simultaneously.  It is not enough to be well read, we must be relevant and remain current because knowledge is ever growing.  This is a positive outcome, because it pushes me to continue to further my education.  

PhD vs Mr.&Mrs

“Marriage can wait, education cannot.”  -Khaled Hosseini

  At my current age, 24 years old, I have felt the sudden pressure that society has placed upon every mid twenty and early thirty adult.  Now that I have my BA and I am well into MEd my family and friends feel that it is time for me to tie the knot.  I maintain that I need to do right by me, before I can take care of a wife or family.  Once I feel that I am well off, only then will I start my search for Mrs. Right.  My biggest concern is that my ambition will get the best of me and I will miss the opportunity at love.  My upbringing and family history has fueled my every stride to succeed.  I can only hope that I will find someone that understands my nature, and accepts me for it.  

Don't Stop Get It Get It!

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” -Confucius

      Slow and steady wins the race.  This has been my mentality while I am completing my assignments.  As long as I refuse to quit I will ultimately reach my goals one class at a time.  This class has been difficult but I will not be defeated, no matter how hard this obstacle may be.  I have decided to focus on one assignment at a time as not to be overwhelmed by the bulk.  Tackle them one at a time until the masses have been demolished.  One day to go in this course and as long as I refuse to concede I will meet the finish line.  

Inspiration is one thing and you can't control it, but hard work is what keeps the ship moving. Good luck means, work hard. Keep up the good work. 
Kevin Eubanks 
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/good_luck.html#8e9oVAbDT5LOJhfA.99 

Farewell Banner created using GIMP  by tnededog

Work Hard! Play Hard! Never lose the momentum. Many accomplishments in life happen because we work hard and do not lose sight of the goal. Keep your head up. We have two more semesters and Praxis II, then we will have accomplished the goal. On this journey of discovery and enlightenment, I wish you well.  

Everybody gets so much information all day long they lost their common sense. Gertrude Stein

Quote retrieved from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_technology.html

Photo created using GIMP by tnededog

Technology continues to advance with every day that passes by. As we see the potential for technology, we must bear in mind the purpose of the technology and how it can be utilized to foster learning amongst professionals, families, and students. It is not technology that is good or bad, but the individual that chooses the technology and intent. We cannot stray away the use of technology in our daily lives, from the dawn of electricity in homes, society has grown incessantly hungry for more to technology to make life easier. 

Prepare Today, OWN Tomorrow

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” 

-Malcom X

     In relation to my last post, education is necessary to thrive and survive in an ever changing world.  Those who remain current and seek knowledge will be better prepared for any major events to come.  They can bend, blend, react, and adjust accordingly as not to break.  An educated person's mind is vast and contains multitudes of schema readily available for any situation.  We must adequately prepare today so that tomorrow we can control our fate and pilot our destiny.  

Prey On The Uneducated

“Without education, we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously.” -G.K. Chesterton

This is part of my opening speech on the first day of school.  I always say, "Education is the best line of defense against all adversity".  I explain to my students that without education they can be easily manipulated by anyone with a sophisticated tongue.  I give the example mass media example.  The mass media preys on the uneducated and the insecure.  Watching infomercials at night will convince you that you all sorts of problems just to make a buck.  A persons body will actually start to experience symptoms if the mind believes it enough.  Education is key! Education is powerful! 

Getting Closer!

Well, three days left!  I can feel the end, I can feel the grind!  As an avid jogger, I there's a second "area" of the mind you have to go to when you are tired, near the end of a run, but need to keep going. I feel the same thing with our work, I know I can do it, but I have to go to another area of my mind to keep focussed ignore any distractions, and finish where I know I can finish.  I think Zig has an important point to keep in mind, we need to finish strong and not lose focus.  So much of the finish is mental.  Self-talk is super important.  I just keep telling myself "stay focussed, stay focussed, stay focussed".  One objective at a time.  Almost there.  One assignment at a time.  Almost there.



Image Citation -http://fabquote.co/where-you-start-is-not-as-important-as-where-you-finish-quote/

Keep on keeping on...

In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. 
Bill Cosby 
Quote taken from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/succeed.html#LxWH4xp7Dw8uBKZ3.99 
Image taken from http://curezone.com/ig/i.asp?i=49165  

We must succeed, it has been a hard tough intercession course!  I have found it hard to keep up with the holidays right smack in the middle.  In any case, we must have the mindset to succeed instead of failing.  I found it hard to keep up with everyone in this course.  Hopefully there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, where I will find the way to complete all I have set out for, signed up for...

Plant The Seed

“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”  -C.S. Lewis

We are simply here to plant the seed in their mind so that they can grow into any tree, any direction, they desire.  We must nurture the seed until it sprouts into maturity.  Even then we must assure that it is not dimmed out by the surrounding plants, while making sure it does not stand alone and dry out.

We are adding and not eradicating.  Building not demolishing.