Educational Aspirations

I just want to share with you a quote from the very intelligent Mary Healy. In her blog she discussed a consequence of being in the classroom with students. I think it is both very scary but the potential for learning and growth to occur is so great and so worth it. 

It made me realize, I think for the first time, the breadth of what I'm trying to accomplish by becoming a teacher. I'm going to be taking children I do not know and possibly will never understand or be able to relate to, and trying to teach them things that may or may not mean anything to them, and I'll have to work around and through all the darknesses in my own soul, as well as theirs, and everyone in my classroom is going to be vulnerable, whether they know it or not.

 http://spadeallcross.blogspot.com/2010/10/clarification-qualification-yadda-yadda.html

She says a lot of other really great stuff about being a teacher in this post. I encourage you to read it.


In other exciting news: the transfer center has completed looking at my transcripts and I am in the process of conversations with the Spanish and Education departments to see how some of those specific credits will transfer. I am optimistic and excited for the next few semesters/summers here at Kent. 

I'll leave you with a photo of my puppy - because she makes me happy! Lily!

kent state golden flash(er/es)

And so it's official - I am a Golden Flash (or as my parents would comically say, a Golden Flasher). 

I am one class away from completing my first week here at KSU and am happy with how it has gone thus far. I thought coming from Calvin (4,200 students) to Kent (21,000 undergraduates) I would be completely lost in the sea of people. But my pre-semester planning has helped me get the lay of the land. And I am definitely not afraid to seek out answers. Still it's all so new.

I am, however, surprised by the abundance of familiar faces that I see on a daily basis. I mean in a school of 21,000 - what are the odds that I would see 4-6 people I know a day? But I guess such a large number of my former classmates have made Kent home, whether initially or, like me, as a secondary nature. 

Calvin will always have my heart - but I think Kent will gain my respect quite quickly. 

well, hello there. come here often?

Well, what a lovely way to get started. Reminiscing over my class trip to a winery in Spain that took place nearly two years ago. This photo is of me, Meredith Wemhoff, enjoying a free sample of cava in a town an hour or so outside of Barcelona. Cava is Spanish champaign and was easily one of my new favorite beverages.  


You might be wondering what I was doing in Spain - a poor college student like me...Well, apart from spending a lot of money at a higher education institution, I was gaining the immersion experience for my Spanish major. 


Two years later, much poorer, (not to mention increased debt) I find myself at Kent State University as a transfer student - who still doesn't know how her credits will transfer, nor her class standing. However, this is my seventh semester.


I am enrolled in an Educational Technology course that aims to help me learn how to integrate technology into teaching and learning so that it will better facilitate the two. I am looking forward to the opportunities to learn new technologies as well as gain more understanding with the ones I currently implement. I am by no means tech savvy but I don't live under a rock either. 


And the reason I'm here in the first place: students. I have a passion for Spanish and a passion for people. I want to be an educator and I want to be a friend and advocate to every student who walks in my door. 


Well, there's a nice little introduction to me. I'd be pleased if you joined me in my adventures. :D


cuídate.