Back for more

by House Of Sims

Well, I made it through a tough first year, and I'm back to give it another go. I got to campus later than I wanted (and was subsequently late for class introductions), I couldn't find the key to my office, and I got a ticket because I hadn't purchased my parking pass. I hope that these are not indicators of the semester that I should expect.

In spite of the fact that I had all of these ideas for how I would approach teaching developmental mathematics, I have been reassigned to teach precalculus labs. It's been a while, but I think it will be alright. I teach these on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Two of my three classes are on Tuesday and Thursday nights. My third class meets five Saturdays throughout the semester. Everything else for that class will be online. As you can imagine, I will be exhausted on Tuesday and Thursday nights. And with my luck, all of my children's school programs will fall on those nights, so I will feel like the absent mother.

Wish I could say that I'll catch up on my rest Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but I will be holding office hours and getting homework done on those days. A grad student's work is never done! But I'm blessed to be having this experience, so I'll do my best not to complain. It wouldn't change anything, right?

Spring break?

I can't beleive that the semester is almost half done. I apologize for not posting, but I'm swamped. Last semester called for adjustments on many fronts. This semester I'm understandng the majority of the material, but I'm overwhelmed by the amount. There is a lot more writing this time around. I know that in this league, I have to get accustomed to it, but my time management is still off. So I'm suposed to be on break this week, but I have several papers to finish. Unfortunately, I keep finding other things to do like housekeeping and blogging.
What I have come to realize and accept about myself is that I LOVE teaching. I remembered being excited about planning lessons from my public school teaching days. But I also remember grading papers, fretting over discipline and dredding Mondays.  I still grade papers, but I really love thinking about how to explain a concept, helping students, and encouraging those who struggle. I really want to keep doing this. But in order to do it at this level( as opposed K-12), I have to finish this degree.
So I guess I better get back to writing those papers!

I made it back

by Rob Shenk

To say I made it back is no small statement. I didn't do as well as I had hoped last semester, and there was a moment when my return was in question. But, thankfully, I am here.

My first week went alright. I have a class of students that asks a lot of questions, but I tend to prefer that. It keeps me on my toes and thinking about new approaches. My goal is to use more technology this semester.

At first glance, my classes seem manageable. I will be doing a lot of research and writing this semester. A LOT! But it will help me grow academically, right?

So suffice it to say that I will take all of the encouragement I can get again this semester. I'm blessed to be here, and I believe that there is a purpose for my journey. But when I get tired, I can always use cheerleaders.

End of the Tunnel... Sort of

by Rob Shenk

Well, I made it through finals, barely. I was five minutes late for my 8:00 AM final. The final for my most difficult course was a take home final. And wouldn't you know that as I was frantically typing in the last answers, my computer crashed. I have never had a mac crash on me - ever! Does that mean something?

Anyway. I had to retype, but I was able to turn it in 20 minutes late. So I'm done with this semester. A wise man recently reminded me that we get over our obstacles step by step biting off a little here and a little there. Before we know it, we're done. I'm trying to use that to remind me that one day I'll look back at this time and be impressed that I made it.

In the mean time, I'm going to enjoy this break with my kiddos. I may post once more before the holidays; but if not, I'll be back in January. In the mean time, if you find yourself bored, you're welcome to come and read my craft blog where I'm attempting to post our advent activities for the month (trying to start a new tradition). And with no math books to read, I might read fiction and post some on my book blog. (I know. You're thinking I'm crazy, and I have to agree with you. But how else would you be entertained in your bored moments?)