I'm really looking forward to blogging about my first year of teaching and the transition from JVC to "normal life." Seeing as I'm working hard on preparing for school right now, I'm going to promise to get back and write some proper reflections about the end of JVC in a few weeks!
Thanks for your continuing interest!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
SCA Summer Enrichment
SCA has decided to support the students who are close to proficient on their TCAP scores this summer. In addition, they invited only those students who were known for being well-behaved, respectful students. At first I thought that they should be giving extra help to those who are below grade level, but then I realized that students who excel deserve to have additional help as well. With 2 great teachers, the best 25 7th and 8th students from SCA, interactive reading and math curriculum, and a killer art teacher/secretary (me!), we've had a great start. I relive my days as a customer service representative at Byerly as I watch over the phones and the office all but the 1 hour I teach art.
At first I thought I was going to be really bored, since I finished packing the teacher's lounge in 2 days that I assumed would take at a week. I discovered, however, that Metro Schools does not block 2 of my favorite websites, Fox and ABC. I've caught up on Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, and Modern Family. Sadly, I've missed too many Grey's episodes to catch up. In addition, I've been able to write letters, emails, and just catch up things that I've been unable to do because of limited computer time.
While I'm enjoying the relaxed atmospher of summer school, I'm more excited about going to my cousin's wedding on Friday and then home for a week with my family, friends, and boyfriend!
At first I thought I was going to be really bored, since I finished packing the teacher's lounge in 2 days that I assumed would take at a week. I discovered, however, that Metro Schools does not block 2 of my favorite websites, Fox and ABC. I've caught up on Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, and Modern Family. Sadly, I've missed too many Grey's episodes to catch up. In addition, I've been able to write letters, emails, and just catch up things that I've been unable to do because of limited computer time.
While I'm enjoying the relaxed atmospher of summer school, I'm more excited about going to my cousin's wedding on Friday and then home for a week with my family, friends, and boyfriend!
Monday, May 23, 2011
A Beginning and an Ending
A few weeks ago, I got a call from the incoming principal of St. Cecilia's school is St. Louis. He said, "Do you want to move to St. Louis?" I screamed, "Yes!" To say the least, I was elated. I drove to St. Louis a few hours later and had a whole new outlook on the city. I spent time with my friends and boyfriend, but I no longer thought of St. Louis as a place where Chino lives or a bigger city just 3 hours from home. St. Louis is my city. It is my Arch and my Busch Stadium and my Forest Park. St. Louis will become MY home. I plan on living there until, well, until I don't. It's a great school and city, so I have no immediate plans to leave. It's somewhere I can dance. With many great universities close by, I can get a master's degree. I'll be able to visit Peoria on weekends and possibly teach in the Princeville Migrant Program during July.
Nashville has been a lovely place to live and I'll miss it, but I never planned on staying for more than a year. So while I'll always think fondly of Smashville, be a Pred's fan, and crave nights out on Broadway, it'll probably never become MY home. It's been A home, but not MINE. Make sense?
More than my time in Nashville ending (which is still a few months away), I ended my commitment to do a second year of JVC. Since I had prayed so much about it months ago, I was able to quickly let JVC know my decision. When I called Cathedral Academy of Pompei and talked with the principal, she was incredibly understanding and gracious. It's comforting to know that she has no ill feelings towards me and expressed her support in my new job. I'm praying the school will get another JV to serve their students.
While I won't have the benefits of living in community next year, I have found a possible roommate who is a former volunteer. After talking with her, I can tell that being roommates would be like a mini community experience. Funny how God showed me that a 2nd year of JVC wasn't my path but then connected me with this similarly minded former volunteer.
Nashville has been a lovely place to live and I'll miss it, but I never planned on staying for more than a year. So while I'll always think fondly of Smashville, be a Pred's fan, and crave nights out on Broadway, it'll probably never become MY home. It's been A home, but not MINE. Make sense?
More than my time in Nashville ending (which is still a few months away), I ended my commitment to do a second year of JVC. Since I had prayed so much about it months ago, I was able to quickly let JVC know my decision. When I called Cathedral Academy of Pompei and talked with the principal, she was incredibly understanding and gracious. It's comforting to know that she has no ill feelings towards me and expressed her support in my new job. I'm praying the school will get another JV to serve their students.
While I won't have the benefits of living in community next year, I have found a possible roommate who is a former volunteer. After talking with her, I can tell that being roommates would be like a mini community experience. Funny how God showed me that a 2nd year of JVC wasn't my path but then connected me with this similarly minded former volunteer.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A Brush with Kindness
A few weeks ago, I participated in a Habitat for Humanity project called "A Brush with Kindness." A group of volunteers, builders, leaders, and home owners work on multiple houses in the same neighborhood. Instead of doing extensive repairs to the entire house, this part of Habitat sticks to doing external painting, repairs/improvement, and landscaping. The idea is that these improvements coupled with educating the recipient about home care can help people take initiative in caring for their home. In addition, the neighborhood becomes more beautiful, thus inspiring other home owners to do the same to their houses. While many of the home owners are on some sort of government assistance, most are people who can not do a lot of improvements because of ability or age. They try to do these projects in 1 or 2 weekends, so obviously they involve a lot of volunteers, long days, and effective leadership.
I painted and did a little landscaping on the house for 9 hours one Saturday. The weather was perfect! It didn't rain and it was just a little hot with a steady breeze. By the time I left, it was almost ready to be revealed at the block party on Sunday afternoon. We'd (not just the crew I was a part of but everyone who worked on the house) painted the exterior, put on a new roof, purchased new front windows, built a handle bar around the cement block steps leading into the house, and put a small covering over the door.
The work was tiring, but rewarding. The home owner's son worked along us all day, so it was great seeing to whom the house was going. At lunch, he shared his story and his mom's, so I was really able to she why they were receiving Habitat's help. The entire day he was helpful and encouraging. Obviously, he was proud and thankful. Opposed to my negative experience at the Habitat for Humanity Homestore, the other volunteers, crew leader, and supervisor on site were genuinely kind and helpful. I met a young couple and a few others from a Belmont Church. There were Vandy freshman who had done Habitat at home and some guys from fraternities. We were an eclectic bunch of people who had one goal: To finish the house. It was encouraging to see strangers pull together and work hard all day.
Doing "A Brush with Kindness" reminded me a lot of working in La Mina in the Dominican Republic. The idea of improving some homes and thus inspiring others was the same. Working along side the home owners was the same. Diverse people joining together for a common goal was the same. Really, I think I enjoyed the experience because it was a reminder of the times I had in La Mina. It is not an exaggeration that the Dominican Republic changed my life, so I'm grateful that Habitat was able to reopen some of those memories and allow me to make connections between DR and what I'm doing in Nashville.
I painted and did a little landscaping on the house for 9 hours one Saturday. The weather was perfect! It didn't rain and it was just a little hot with a steady breeze. By the time I left, it was almost ready to be revealed at the block party on Sunday afternoon. We'd (not just the crew I was a part of but everyone who worked on the house) painted the exterior, put on a new roof, purchased new front windows, built a handle bar around the cement block steps leading into the house, and put a small covering over the door.
The work was tiring, but rewarding. The home owner's son worked along us all day, so it was great seeing to whom the house was going. At lunch, he shared his story and his mom's, so I was really able to she why they were receiving Habitat's help. The entire day he was helpful and encouraging. Obviously, he was proud and thankful. Opposed to my negative experience at the Habitat for Humanity Homestore, the other volunteers, crew leader, and supervisor on site were genuinely kind and helpful. I met a young couple and a few others from a Belmont Church. There were Vandy freshman who had done Habitat at home and some guys from fraternities. We were an eclectic bunch of people who had one goal: To finish the house. It was encouraging to see strangers pull together and work hard all day.
Doing "A Brush with Kindness" reminded me a lot of working in La Mina in the Dominican Republic. The idea of improving some homes and thus inspiring others was the same. Working along side the home owners was the same. Diverse people joining together for a common goal was the same. Really, I think I enjoyed the experience because it was a reminder of the times I had in La Mina. It is not an exaggeration that the Dominican Republic changed my life, so I'm grateful that Habitat was able to reopen some of those memories and allow me to make connections between DR and what I'm doing in Nashville.
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Mess of Great Options
I was going to wait until I had figured out what I was doing next year to share, but I guess I'll catch you all up on my discernment and many options. To start, I decided a few months back to do JVC. I told myself, however, that I would discern any options that came my way even if they weren't with JVC. With that said, I'll explain what options are currently available to me and how I feel about each one!
JVC
Cathedral Academy at Pompei, Syracuse, NY- This is a really small (PreK-6) private school that is an international school that serves primarily refugees. The stats of this school are remarkable! 89 kids. 15 different languages. 20 different countries. I would be so happy here. Class sizes range from 8-17 with the maximum number being 20 per class. I love that the principal taught at the collegiate level for many years and has a great connection with LeMonye College. That connection brings in graduate level ESL tutors and mentors. I've been guaranteed an elementary teaching position, but it sounds like 2nd or 3rd grade are my most likely placements. Another year of Syracuse would give me the blessing of another year in community where my simplicity, spirituality, and social justice work is all intentional. I know that I'd love the retreats and the challenges and benefits associated with being a JV. Like anything, I'm nervous about a few things. My main concerns include adjusting to a new community, balancing a full-time teacher's responsibilities with community, exercise, and keeping in touch with friends and family, and living so far way from my main support system...my family. Nonetheless, I'm excited to be going there...unless, I get the job in St. Louis. See below for more details.
Traditional Teaching Job
St. Cecilia's, St. Louis, MO- So this story is quite long, but I'll try to abbreviate portions of it. After spending the weekend in Chicago with my community, Sara, Sean, and Jeremy, and other JVs to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I made a last minute decision to hop in St. Louis's car and go home with them for the week. The coming week was my spring break, and St. Louis had an extra seat and my boyfriend lives in that house, so I did the most spontaneous thing of my life and went home with them. The story about surprising Chino is a great one but not related to my future. Basically, I ended up working at his placement, St. Cecilia's Catholic School and Academy, all week. I helped out with recess, 1 2nd grader, 1 1st grader, and in the Kindergarten room. After one day the principal asked how I was doing and my response was, "One day here has renewed my faith that I'm supposed to be a teacher." To say the least, I love St. Cecilia's. It is a poor, inner-city Catholic school that has primarily Hispanic students but diversity as well. It has fewer resources than most schools and it has students with rough home lives, but it is a place I was excited to go back to every single day.
On Wednesday, the principal asked to speak with me in his office. I was worried that I'd none something wrong, so I was really surprised when he began asking about my plans for next year, my educational background, and then finally asked me to interview for the 2nd grade teaching position at the school. I was blown away by his request, but said I'd consider it. I remembering being so confused with a mix of emotions that I couldn't go back to the Kindergarten class. I ran downstairs to find my boyfriend, and when I couldn't, I just went to the bathroom and sat. The previous day I'd submitted my list of JVC positions and was happy going to either Kansas City or Syracuse. God sure threw me for a loop.
I talked with my mom, Chino (my boyfriend), Sara (my sister), and a few other people about it. I realized that I had to give it equal prayer and thought as I did for JVC. By the end of the week, I had taught a lesson to the 2nd graders with the principal watching and taking notes, and had an interview. When I came back to Nashville, I started filling out the official Archdiocese application just in case I decided that I wanted the job. Weeks later, after much discernment, prayer, talking, and thinking, I am really hoping that I get the job in St. Louis. It's close to home and at a school that I could stay for more than a year. It would be the start of my future.
To say the least, I've been blessed with 2 fantastic options for next year. Of course, I have apprehensions about each place, but I'm confident that I'd be happy at each place. Putting my trust in God, I'm excited for the next year of my life.
JVC
Cathedral Academy at Pompei, Syracuse, NY- This is a really small (PreK-6) private school that is an international school that serves primarily refugees. The stats of this school are remarkable! 89 kids. 15 different languages. 20 different countries. I would be so happy here. Class sizes range from 8-17 with the maximum number being 20 per class. I love that the principal taught at the collegiate level for many years and has a great connection with LeMonye College. That connection brings in graduate level ESL tutors and mentors. I've been guaranteed an elementary teaching position, but it sounds like 2nd or 3rd grade are my most likely placements. Another year of Syracuse would give me the blessing of another year in community where my simplicity, spirituality, and social justice work is all intentional. I know that I'd love the retreats and the challenges and benefits associated with being a JV. Like anything, I'm nervous about a few things. My main concerns include adjusting to a new community, balancing a full-time teacher's responsibilities with community, exercise, and keeping in touch with friends and family, and living so far way from my main support system...my family. Nonetheless, I'm excited to be going there...unless, I get the job in St. Louis. See below for more details.
Traditional Teaching Job
St. Cecilia's, St. Louis, MO- So this story is quite long, but I'll try to abbreviate portions of it. After spending the weekend in Chicago with my community, Sara, Sean, and Jeremy, and other JVs to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I made a last minute decision to hop in St. Louis's car and go home with them for the week. The coming week was my spring break, and St. Louis had an extra seat and my boyfriend lives in that house, so I did the most spontaneous thing of my life and went home with them. The story about surprising Chino is a great one but not related to my future. Basically, I ended up working at his placement, St. Cecilia's Catholic School and Academy, all week. I helped out with recess, 1 2nd grader, 1 1st grader, and in the Kindergarten room. After one day the principal asked how I was doing and my response was, "One day here has renewed my faith that I'm supposed to be a teacher." To say the least, I love St. Cecilia's. It is a poor, inner-city Catholic school that has primarily Hispanic students but diversity as well. It has fewer resources than most schools and it has students with rough home lives, but it is a place I was excited to go back to every single day.
On Wednesday, the principal asked to speak with me in his office. I was worried that I'd none something wrong, so I was really surprised when he began asking about my plans for next year, my educational background, and then finally asked me to interview for the 2nd grade teaching position at the school. I was blown away by his request, but said I'd consider it. I remembering being so confused with a mix of emotions that I couldn't go back to the Kindergarten class. I ran downstairs to find my boyfriend, and when I couldn't, I just went to the bathroom and sat. The previous day I'd submitted my list of JVC positions and was happy going to either Kansas City or Syracuse. God sure threw me for a loop.
I talked with my mom, Chino (my boyfriend), Sara (my sister), and a few other people about it. I realized that I had to give it equal prayer and thought as I did for JVC. By the end of the week, I had taught a lesson to the 2nd graders with the principal watching and taking notes, and had an interview. When I came back to Nashville, I started filling out the official Archdiocese application just in case I decided that I wanted the job. Weeks later, after much discernment, prayer, talking, and thinking, I am really hoping that I get the job in St. Louis. It's close to home and at a school that I could stay for more than a year. It would be the start of my future.
To say the least, I've been blessed with 2 fantastic options for next year. Of course, I have apprehensions about each place, but I'm confident that I'd be happy at each place. Putting my trust in God, I'm excited for the next year of my life.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Further Lenten Reflection
From "Thoughts in Solitude" by Thomas Merton:
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone."
My Thoughts:
For my next year of work/life, I have a lot of great options. This passage spoke to me because I've been really confused about what God wants me to do. No matter what I decide, my goal is to please God and to follow His will. I'm comforted knowing that God will support me, like He has during this challenging year, in whatever I do.
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone."
My Thoughts:
For my next year of work/life, I have a lot of great options. This passage spoke to me because I've been really confused about what God wants me to do. No matter what I decide, my goal is to please God and to follow His will. I'm comforted knowing that God will support me, like He has during this challenging year, in whatever I do.
TEC's Lenten Fasting/Feasting Ideas
Sara passed this on to me, so I thought I'd share.
FAST and FEAST
Fast from judging others…feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences…Feast on the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness…feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness…feast on God’s healing power.
Fast from words that pollute…feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent…feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger…feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism…feast on optimism.
Fast from worry…feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining…Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives…feast on affirmatives.
Fast from bitterness…feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self concern…feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety…feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement…feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress…feast on truths that uplift.
Fast on lethargy …feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion…feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken…feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow…feast on sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip…feast on purposeful silence.
My Thoughts:
I love how they combine fasting and feasting. For me, it is hard to do something unless there is a behavior/action/intent/etc that I can use as a replacement. I think about it like any other behavior modification. Behaviors, good or bad, fulfill a need. It is unhealthy to prevent the need from being filled. Thus, a replacement behavior (one that is more positive than the one I'm changing) needs to be established. Make sense? It's like with Joe. If he's ripping his pants, he is fulfilling a sensory need that isn't being met. Instead of getting upset, his therapists and family try to find replacement behaviors (like a weighted blanket, massages, ripping paper) that allow him to get that sense of pressure or ripping while steering him away from ripping his pants. I believe the same thing applies to other human behaviors like suspicion, gossip, and gluttony. This Lent, I'm using these ideas to grow closer to God.
FAST and FEAST
Fast from judging others…feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences…Feast on the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness…feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness…feast on God’s healing power.
Fast from words that pollute…feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent…feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger…feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism…feast on optimism.
Fast from worry…feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining…Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives…feast on affirmatives.
Fast from bitterness…feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self concern…feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety…feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement…feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress…feast on truths that uplift.
Fast on lethargy …feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion…feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken…feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow…feast on sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip…feast on purposeful silence.
My Thoughts:
I love how they combine fasting and feasting. For me, it is hard to do something unless there is a behavior/action/intent/etc that I can use as a replacement. I think about it like any other behavior modification. Behaviors, good or bad, fulfill a need. It is unhealthy to prevent the need from being filled. Thus, a replacement behavior (one that is more positive than the one I'm changing) needs to be established. Make sense? It's like with Joe. If he's ripping his pants, he is fulfilling a sensory need that isn't being met. Instead of getting upset, his therapists and family try to find replacement behaviors (like a weighted blanket, massages, ripping paper) that allow him to get that sense of pressure or ripping while steering him away from ripping his pants. I believe the same thing applies to other human behaviors like suspicion, gossip, and gluttony. This Lent, I'm using these ideas to grow closer to God.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Trivia Time
This is a little story I sent to JVC for their newsletter. Enjoy:
Nashville was lucky enough to have our lovely Program Coordinator, Anne Torrez, visiting on Valentine’s Day; and, obviously, we wanted to show her a good time. We decided upon trivia at a sports bar across town. Upon our arrival, we thought we had it in the bag. We had experts in education, health care, psychology, politics, literature, French/Spanish, music, and sports. What knowledge we were lacking about current pop culture (i.e. movies, music, T.V., celebs), we figured could be overruled by our understanding of community and social justice. After a strong first round, we were confident we would take it all. Round three, however, hit us like a freight train with zero out of five correct! Our last hope was the Double Down round. We saved face by answering a few questions right (with the help of the ever wise Anne, of course). While not victorious, we were all proud of our team effort. To say the least, JVC Nashville has found their purpose. With Trivial Pursuit questions to study at home, we will return to trivia as victors.
Nashville was lucky enough to have our lovely Program Coordinator, Anne Torrez, visiting on Valentine’s Day; and, obviously, we wanted to show her a good time. We decided upon trivia at a sports bar across town. Upon our arrival, we thought we had it in the bag. We had experts in education, health care, psychology, politics, literature, French/Spanish, music, and sports. What knowledge we were lacking about current pop culture (i.e. movies, music, T.V., celebs), we figured could be overruled by our understanding of community and social justice. After a strong first round, we were confident we would take it all. Round three, however, hit us like a freight train with zero out of five correct! Our last hope was the Double Down round. We saved face by answering a few questions right (with the help of the ever wise Anne, of course). While not victorious, we were all proud of our team effort. To say the least, JVC Nashville has found their purpose. With Trivial Pursuit questions to study at home, we will return to trivia as victors.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Birthday Weekend Bashes
While you might have read about my time in St. Louis, I also went home that same weekend. From Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon, I was in a car for over 16 hours! Despite the long drives, I had a blast.
Saturday night I stopped by my grandma's house to say hi before heading home to pick up Megan and Dad. We went to Granite City for dinner with some of my close friends and family before heading over to EP High School for The Penguin Project's rendition of High School Musical 2. Seeing the show from the audience was a treat. Having worked with the artists in December, I had a little insight into how far they had all come. While silly and ridiculous, it was a treat to be entertained by 40+ people having the time of their lives! At intermission, I ran backstage to give hugs and well wishes to my favorite Penguins and mentors. It felt right to be home for that. After the show, I had friends and family over for a game night (a little abbreviated because I was so tired), but fun nonetheless. My sprint home was completed by an omlet for breakfast and a brownie with a candle.
While the 6 hours of driving weren't necessarily simple, I really needed to see the Penguin Project. To say the least, a weekend filled with friends, family, Penguin, and salsa is a dream come true!
Saturday night I stopped by my grandma's house to say hi before heading home to pick up Megan and Dad. We went to Granite City for dinner with some of my close friends and family before heading over to EP High School for The Penguin Project's rendition of High School Musical 2. Seeing the show from the audience was a treat. Having worked with the artists in December, I had a little insight into how far they had all come. While silly and ridiculous, it was a treat to be entertained by 40+ people having the time of their lives! At intermission, I ran backstage to give hugs and well wishes to my favorite Penguins and mentors. It felt right to be home for that. After the show, I had friends and family over for a game night (a little abbreviated because I was so tired), but fun nonetheless. My sprint home was completed by an omlet for breakfast and a brownie with a candle.
While the 6 hours of driving weren't necessarily simple, I really needed to see the Penguin Project. To say the least, a weekend filled with friends, family, Penguin, and salsa is a dream come true!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Playdates with St. Louis
My roommate Sophie calls our rendezvous with the St. Louis community, playdates. However juvenile that word may seem, it perfectly describes our time together. In December, they came to Smashville for a fun weekend of fellowship, dancing, Jersey Shore attitude, Preds hockey, playing in the snow, and an epic battle for our belongings around the neighborhood. This past weekend proved to be just as fun, but luckily, a little less dramatic.
They greeted us with soup and bread and a killer dance party on Friday night. STL knows how to cook, so while breakfast wasn’t served until 12:00 p.m., it was worth the wait. I left Saturday afternoon for home, but returned a day later. While we ate breakfast, I was entertained with stories about the previous night. Finally, Megan got Monday morning off work, so we piled into the Catholic Charities van and drove downtown to the Arch. We took a few pictures and looked at the museum. I was hoping to visit the zoo, but it was too cold. I guess I’ll have to go when I’m there for Madri Gras in March. Forest Park (which has the free zoo among other things) is only a block from their house.
After a lovely dinner, I was told to get dressed up, but nothing else. Apparently, they had planned a birthday surprise for me. We all put on our “sexy clothes,” and headed out. Chino navigated as I drove us to the Atomic Cowboy. When I entered, I heard music playing in the side room. It wasn’t until I saw the sign listing each night’s music that I realized that they had brought me salsa dancing. Jumping up and down, I gave Sophie a huge hug and sprinted into the other room with the other girls in tow. With my friends’ encouragement, I asked random guys to dance with me, forced the STL and Nash JVs to dance, and just had a great time.
Receiving the present of salsa dancing was so uplifting. It made me aware of how supportive not just my Nashville community is, but how we are all connected. I love sharing stories about community highs and lows, spirituality nights, and everyone’s work experiences. I can’t wait until Re-Orientation when I’ll be able to connect with some other friends and build relationships with the rest of JVC Midwest.
They greeted us with soup and bread and a killer dance party on Friday night. STL knows how to cook, so while breakfast wasn’t served until 12:00 p.m., it was worth the wait. I left Saturday afternoon for home, but returned a day later. While we ate breakfast, I was entertained with stories about the previous night. Finally, Megan got Monday morning off work, so we piled into the Catholic Charities van and drove downtown to the Arch. We took a few pictures and looked at the museum. I was hoping to visit the zoo, but it was too cold. I guess I’ll have to go when I’m there for Madri Gras in March. Forest Park (which has the free zoo among other things) is only a block from their house.
After a lovely dinner, I was told to get dressed up, but nothing else. Apparently, they had planned a birthday surprise for me. We all put on our “sexy clothes,” and headed out. Chino navigated as I drove us to the Atomic Cowboy. When I entered, I heard music playing in the side room. It wasn’t until I saw the sign listing each night’s music that I realized that they had brought me salsa dancing. Jumping up and down, I gave Sophie a huge hug and sprinted into the other room with the other girls in tow. With my friends’ encouragement, I asked random guys to dance with me, forced the STL and Nash JVs to dance, and just had a great time.
Receiving the present of salsa dancing was so uplifting. It made me aware of how supportive not just my Nashville community is, but how we are all connected. I love sharing stories about community highs and lows, spirituality nights, and everyone’s work experiences. I can’t wait until Re-Orientation when I’ll be able to connect with some other friends and build relationships with the rest of JVC Midwest.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Return Home from Home
Returning to Nashville has been an interesting experience. Once I landed, I was anxious to get home and catch up with my roommates. Since Courtney and Scott had worked overnight shifts at Oasis, I was left for a few hours to sew, take a shower, and grab lunch by myself. Once awake, we all went downtown to watch a few football games. It was comfortable, fun, and relaxing...just what I needed. It felt odd that only 3 of us were back, but great nonetheless.
Sunday started the quick return of the rest of my community (minus Megan). After so long apart, our reunion was extremely celebratory. I loved hearing everyone's stories and seeing what gifts they received. James brought back a head scratcher and a Pee Time golf game for the boys' restroom. They both made me laugh and will be a lot of fun. Courtney got Scott a Shake Weight which has prompted a bicep competition and random spurts of working out in the house. Zumba with Sophie was a blast and the instructor was this little white girl who held her own in a very diverse (talent, race, gender, age, etc.) crowd. Caley got me hooked on her class. I'll be back for sure!
School has improved a little bit because I asked to work with really small groups most of the day and am doing so. Half of my day is with the whole class and the other half I spend with 1 or 2 kids per period. Those students are getting much needed attention and I’m allowed to create some of my own lessons. Using the standards taught by Miss Kline, I am plan lessons that correspond but are on a much lower level. For example, the rest of the class is reviewing cause and effect, while my boys are relearning it. I’ve also started working with a 6th grader who doesn’t understand what is being taught, so he acts out and gets thrown out of class. It is rumored that he’s moving, but I hope not. His home life is really rough, so I can’t imagine what a move would cause.
One of my students has been living with his Grandma for a long time. He calls her his mom and she is a tough woman. She makes him do his homework (which isn’t always right, but at least he tries) and has taught him to respect his elders. His dad was recently released from prison, so he came up to say hi to all of us today. He was really clean-cut, articulate, and interested in being involved. I am hopeful that he will be a part of his son’s life, but nervous about the impending transition. Lots of prayers for this little one!
Sunday started the quick return of the rest of my community (minus Megan). After so long apart, our reunion was extremely celebratory. I loved hearing everyone's stories and seeing what gifts they received. James brought back a head scratcher and a Pee Time golf game for the boys' restroom. They both made me laugh and will be a lot of fun. Courtney got Scott a Shake Weight which has prompted a bicep competition and random spurts of working out in the house. Zumba with Sophie was a blast and the instructor was this little white girl who held her own in a very diverse (talent, race, gender, age, etc.) crowd. Caley got me hooked on her class. I'll be back for sure!
School has improved a little bit because I asked to work with really small groups most of the day and am doing so. Half of my day is with the whole class and the other half I spend with 1 or 2 kids per period. Those students are getting much needed attention and I’m allowed to create some of my own lessons. Using the standards taught by Miss Kline, I am plan lessons that correspond but are on a much lower level. For example, the rest of the class is reviewing cause and effect, while my boys are relearning it. I’ve also started working with a 6th grader who doesn’t understand what is being taught, so he acts out and gets thrown out of class. It is rumored that he’s moving, but I hope not. His home life is really rough, so I can’t imagine what a move would cause.
One of my students has been living with his Grandma for a long time. He calls her his mom and she is a tough woman. She makes him do his homework (which isn’t always right, but at least he tries) and has taught him to respect his elders. His dad was recently released from prison, so he came up to say hi to all of us today. He was really clean-cut, articulate, and interested in being involved. I am hopeful that he will be a part of his son’s life, but nervous about the impending transition. Lots of prayers for this little one!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Homeless at Home
This past weekend, I was waiting in the car for Sean to pick me up from Sara's apartment to go grocery shopping. I didn't have a book (a surprise, I know), so I started praying. I asked God to open my eyes. Daily in Nashville, I ponder my role in life, the lives of my students and the people my community serves, how I can overcome any stereotypes or misconceptions I hold, and many more things. In my hour to and hour from school, I have time to stare out the window and really take time and think. Before JVC, I thought about these things, but I certaintly didn't ponder life and it's joys and challenges for hours everyday. I was afraid that returning to Peoria would cause me to fall into a comfort zone where I put on shades and ignore things that I have been seeing in Nashville.
Luckily, God threw my eyes wide open. I looked around downtown Peoria and saw all of the homeless gentlemen. I didn't do anything different, but I felt "ruined." I couldn't sit there and say, "Oh, that is too bad." Instead, I began wondering how those men became homeless. I prayed for their warmth and safety. My brain refused to return to it's prior state.
Again, when we went to Chicago to see "White Christmas," I was drawn to the homeless. Because I was with my sisters, I didn't talk with any person very long, but I really wanted to grab a spot on the sidewalk and have a chat. The one guy I met called himself Napoleon Bonaparte. Pray for Napoleon in Chicago.
During the winter, I often tell people to stay warm. Rather, pray for those without heat or without homes to stay warm.
Luckily, God threw my eyes wide open. I looked around downtown Peoria and saw all of the homeless gentlemen. I didn't do anything different, but I felt "ruined." I couldn't sit there and say, "Oh, that is too bad." Instead, I began wondering how those men became homeless. I prayed for their warmth and safety. My brain refused to return to it's prior state.
Again, when we went to Chicago to see "White Christmas," I was drawn to the homeless. Because I was with my sisters, I didn't talk with any person very long, but I really wanted to grab a spot on the sidewalk and have a chat. The one guy I met called himself Napoleon Bonaparte. Pray for Napoleon in Chicago.
During the winter, I often tell people to stay warm. Rather, pray for those without heat or without homes to stay warm.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Dreaming of Christmas
Sorry that I haven't written in so long. School has been crazy and then I got a little break for Thanksgiving. I'll break my life into different areas so I can catch you all up on the happenings in Nashville.
FAMILY-My parents visited for 4 days over Thanksgiving break and it was incredibly nice. We went thrift and vintage shopping, say Belmont Mansion and the Hermitage went to a Predators game, ate out, and watched a movie. They let me crash at the hotel, which was a nice change. The first night I was glued to the television. I didn't care what I was watching. I just wanted to see what type of TV shows was on. We ended up watching Cash Cab. It is amazing how easily I can be entertained. At Goodwill, we picked up some clothes, movies, and Christmas decorations. I'm happy that I was able to spend some time with my parents. Even when living at home, I saw them a lot but most of my time was with friends, working, school, etc.
SCHOOL-School is rough. Some days I make it through with energy to go to the gym and "get ripped" as Scott likes to say. Other days, I'm lucky to make it home...and then back to school the next day. I've realized that this school is not the right place for me. I can do good things here and will continue to thrive on my little successes. A co-worker described it as culture shock when she was talking about her experience at SCA last year. After she explained, I think I completely agree. I'm working in a culture where disrespect and defiance towards adults is commonplace. I'm trying to be nurturing within an environment of yelling, bullying, and fighting. I'm shocked by it all and frustrated that I have to accept things as they are. Every day, I look at the 6 of 26 who listen, treat myself and others with respect, and are goofy and I am thankful. I am thankful that they are with me every day to make things a little more tolerable.
HAITI-My church's sister parish has fallen out of contact with us so the trip is on hold. Fr. Carre is trying to find another parish that I can help when they go for mission trips later in the year. Cross your fingers! Going to Haiti is really important to me.
LIFE-Life is good. I might really dislike my job, but my community, family, and friends have been incredibly supportive. I really enjoy my little church more and more. Celebrating the holidays with my JVC community has been really nice. Our Thanksgiving dinner was a mixture of donations from the employees of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement. The turkey came out perfectly as did our decorations and Christmas card. If you've seen the picture, you are probably asking yourself, "Is Scott wearing a skirt?" In truth, he is. Jimbo wanted us to dress up for Thanksgiving dinner, something that Scott rarely does. Jimbo suggested that Scott find something without holes (Scott did Habitat for Humanity last year so a lot of his things have holes). In retaliation in the funniest way, Scott wore clothes donated to the homeless center that he works at. So, our lovely Scott Newhouse IS wearing the hottest ladies' fashions! That Christmas picture perfectly represents the community. It is beautiful!
HOME- I know feel like I have 2 homes, but I am coming back to Peoria on December 16th. I’m SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED! I’m going salsa dancing on December 17th, which will probably be the highlight of my year. I miss salsa so much. I’ll also be visiting the Penguin Project, taking Joe out, seeing friends, and spending time with family. If you want to meet up, just shoot me an email (cswanson@mail.bradley.edu) or call.
FAMILY-My parents visited for 4 days over Thanksgiving break and it was incredibly nice. We went thrift and vintage shopping, say Belmont Mansion and the Hermitage went to a Predators game, ate out, and watched a movie. They let me crash at the hotel, which was a nice change. The first night I was glued to the television. I didn't care what I was watching. I just wanted to see what type of TV shows was on. We ended up watching Cash Cab. It is amazing how easily I can be entertained. At Goodwill, we picked up some clothes, movies, and Christmas decorations. I'm happy that I was able to spend some time with my parents. Even when living at home, I saw them a lot but most of my time was with friends, working, school, etc.
SCHOOL-School is rough. Some days I make it through with energy to go to the gym and "get ripped" as Scott likes to say. Other days, I'm lucky to make it home...and then back to school the next day. I've realized that this school is not the right place for me. I can do good things here and will continue to thrive on my little successes. A co-worker described it as culture shock when she was talking about her experience at SCA last year. After she explained, I think I completely agree. I'm working in a culture where disrespect and defiance towards adults is commonplace. I'm trying to be nurturing within an environment of yelling, bullying, and fighting. I'm shocked by it all and frustrated that I have to accept things as they are. Every day, I look at the 6 of 26 who listen, treat myself and others with respect, and are goofy and I am thankful. I am thankful that they are with me every day to make things a little more tolerable.
HAITI-My church's sister parish has fallen out of contact with us so the trip is on hold. Fr. Carre is trying to find another parish that I can help when they go for mission trips later in the year. Cross your fingers! Going to Haiti is really important to me.
LIFE-Life is good. I might really dislike my job, but my community, family, and friends have been incredibly supportive. I really enjoy my little church more and more. Celebrating the holidays with my JVC community has been really nice. Our Thanksgiving dinner was a mixture of donations from the employees of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement. The turkey came out perfectly as did our decorations and Christmas card. If you've seen the picture, you are probably asking yourself, "Is Scott wearing a skirt?" In truth, he is. Jimbo wanted us to dress up for Thanksgiving dinner, something that Scott rarely does. Jimbo suggested that Scott find something without holes (Scott did Habitat for Humanity last year so a lot of his things have holes). In retaliation in the funniest way, Scott wore clothes donated to the homeless center that he works at. So, our lovely Scott Newhouse IS wearing the hottest ladies' fashions! That Christmas picture perfectly represents the community. It is beautiful!
HOME- I know feel like I have 2 homes, but I am coming back to Peoria on December 16th. I’m SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED! I’m going salsa dancing on December 17th, which will probably be the highlight of my year. I miss salsa so much. I’ll also be visiting the Penguin Project, taking Joe out, seeing friends, and spending time with family. If you want to meet up, just shoot me an email (cswanson@mail.bradley.edu) or call.
Monday, November 8, 2010
HEAT!!!
Growing up, my dad kept our house quite chilly! I was used to wearing gloves downstairs and using my rice bag to warm me up. I was not accustomed, however, to my workplace and home being an icebox because of broken heaters. After huddling around a space heater and hitting the Y's sauna all weekend, I was looking forward to a toasty SCA. Sadly, the boiler is broker and the vents are leaking. Right before buying 2 space heaters for our house, my roommate's dad said, "Simple living is keeping the heat low, but it is not freezing!" Despite my complaints, last night I realized that I've had a glimpse into the winter months for the homeless. Even in the south, it gets cold. For those homeless people who don't get into a shelter, they are left to fend for themselves on the streets of Nashville. All humans deserve protection and heat. It is unfair that many people throughout the world spend cold nights huddled in doorways, walking around, or curled up on park benches.
Good news everyone! I’m going to Haiti in January. My church is visiting its Sister Parish. The details are few, but the date is set. January 31st-February 5th!
Good news everyone! I’m going to Haiti in January. My church is visiting its Sister Parish. The details are few, but the date is set. January 31st-February 5th!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
just fine
Every day, I have probably 6-8 people ask me, "How was your day?" I've realized that I have been responding, fine. At first I was a little surprised, since I normally am more descriptive. I try to give details and to be honest. I thought that I had become one of those people who say fine, but who really isn't feeling that way. In truth, work is fine. It is not bad, miserable, or like hell. It is not great, exciting, or fantastic. Work is tolerable. The boys are making some progress. A lot of things are still wrong, obviously, but I can't change them. When we don’t have physical altercations, the day has been a success. Sad, huh, that my standard is so low. For my boys, however, it is hard for them. They argue constantly. Today, when I heard 3 boys helping each other on their worksheet without arguing, I wanted to jump with joy.
Last week, I learned that my student’s grandma died over fall break. This boy already struggles with depression, so I’ve been watching him pretty closely. He has really been struggling. He wants to sleep in class, isn’t paying attention, and is quick to anger. When I talk to him, my heart cries. This little boy has dealt with so much in his 10 short years. I am amazed by his strength (even when it is misdirected). Please, pray for his safety. Please, pray that I can show him how much I care about his happiness and health. Pray that he may find comfort.
Last week, I learned that my student’s grandma died over fall break. This boy already struggles with depression, so I’ve been watching him pretty closely. He has really been struggling. He wants to sleep in class, isn’t paying attention, and is quick to anger. When I talk to him, my heart cries. This little boy has dealt with so much in his 10 short years. I am amazed by his strength (even when it is misdirected). Please, pray for his safety. Please, pray that I can show him how much I care about his happiness and health. Pray that he may find comfort.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Falling for Fall Break
I LOVE FALL BREAK! I spent the weekend at various church events and had a potluck with friends and coworkers. Yesterday, I went to morning mass and then hung out with the refugee elders at Catholic Charities. The rest of the week I plan on watching TV, going to the gym, and spending time with my friend Bilin (visiting from Peoria).
The elders are the cutest things known to man. One man from Iran and another one from Somalia spent time practicing a skit for their upcoming talent show. The two are George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The skit is a little hard to understand, but they are both dedicated to the performance and I'm sure it'll turn out wonderfully. After watching them practice, the elders learned about the United States' government. Part of the lesson included identifying pictures of America's first leaders. One guy (from Iran) joked with a woman (from Somalia) that the guy in the picture was her husband. While she didn't get the joke at first, the Americans in the room cracked up laughing. Her husband, you see, is playing Thomas Jefferson in the skit. After a few minutes of explaining and pointing and laughing, finally she got the joke. The 3 hour class was filled with smiles, celebration, friendship, and learning. Really, it was beautiful. Another woman got a call at the beginning of the class from her children. They had landed in D.C. and were calling to tell her that they'd be arriving in Nashville that night. She and 2 of her children came from the Congo 5 years ago, while her 2 other children stayed behind. Finally, Marie Clare gets to see her "babies." The joy she felt filled the room and many of us had tears in our eyes. While the elders are from different countries, speak different languages, and have had very different lives, they are all connected because of their status as refugees. When she shared her news, everyone celebrated. The support the elders give each other (even when they can't communicate in words) is beautiful. It reminded me that support and love can be expressed in very basic ways. Omar saying to Marie Clare, "So happy," and smiling was just as powerful as any other long list of congratulatory words.
Since it is fall break, my coworker's parents are in town from New Orleans. Last night, they took me out to dinner at Brick Top in West Nashville. We had a beautiful meal and conversation. It was nice to connect with my coworker's parents. I think seeing where she has come from will help me understand and support her even more. Her parents have generous and supportive hearts.
With two very different groups of people, I was reminded that humans are good, loving creatures. When humans love and share it with others, life becomes magical.
Paz y amor
The elders are the cutest things known to man. One man from Iran and another one from Somalia spent time practicing a skit for their upcoming talent show. The two are George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The skit is a little hard to understand, but they are both dedicated to the performance and I'm sure it'll turn out wonderfully. After watching them practice, the elders learned about the United States' government. Part of the lesson included identifying pictures of America's first leaders. One guy (from Iran) joked with a woman (from Somalia) that the guy in the picture was her husband. While she didn't get the joke at first, the Americans in the room cracked up laughing. Her husband, you see, is playing Thomas Jefferson in the skit. After a few minutes of explaining and pointing and laughing, finally she got the joke. The 3 hour class was filled with smiles, celebration, friendship, and learning. Really, it was beautiful. Another woman got a call at the beginning of the class from her children. They had landed in D.C. and were calling to tell her that they'd be arriving in Nashville that night. She and 2 of her children came from the Congo 5 years ago, while her 2 other children stayed behind. Finally, Marie Clare gets to see her "babies." The joy she felt filled the room and many of us had tears in our eyes. While the elders are from different countries, speak different languages, and have had very different lives, they are all connected because of their status as refugees. When she shared her news, everyone celebrated. The support the elders give each other (even when they can't communicate in words) is beautiful. It reminded me that support and love can be expressed in very basic ways. Omar saying to Marie Clare, "So happy," and smiling was just as powerful as any other long list of congratulatory words.
Since it is fall break, my coworker's parents are in town from New Orleans. Last night, they took me out to dinner at Brick Top in West Nashville. We had a beautiful meal and conversation. It was nice to connect with my coworker's parents. I think seeing where she has come from will help me understand and support her even more. Her parents have generous and supportive hearts.
With two very different groups of people, I was reminded that humans are good, loving creatures. When humans love and share it with others, life becomes magical.
Paz y amor
Monday, October 11, 2010
Reading Rocks
I am constantly amazed by the support of my family and friends. I get mail frequently and am becoming more and more aware of people who read my blog. Everyone, thank you and keep it coming. This past week, I got a letter from my 11 year old cousin. It was the cutest letter and set of computer drawings. It definitely warmed my soul.
Two weeks ago was Homecoming at Smithson Craighead Academy. Students were excited to participate in different spirit days and to cheer on our undefeated football team to another victory. Our team won the city championships last year (the school’s first year of operation) and it seems as though they are making another run for the top this year. Twin day was hilarious because so many of the students just wore their uniforms and then declared someone in the same color polo to be their twin. I had a group of boys argue about which red shirt classmate was their twin. They can argue about ANYTHING!
I’ve had teaching positions in which time seemed to drag on forever. My days here are the exact opposite. I realized that time flies because we spend SO MUCH time breaking up fights, solving problems, and getting the boys to listen before we even begin to teach. I wouldn’t say that the class is out of control (all though sometimes it is close), but our boys definitely struggle to follow what seems like the simplest instructions. If we let the boys have an ounce of freedom or fun (working in groups, using whiteboards, centers, etc.), they eventually abuse what we’ve have given them. A few of the smartest and well-behaved boys have become disrespectful and barely do any work. Their behavior makes me the most upset because they have digressed so much. Not only is their behavior hurting their learning, but also affecting other students. I’m hoping that after some serious conversations with them and a day of In-school suspension for the entire class that this week will be positive.
Miss Kline, one of the 5th grade teachers, used donorschoose.com to get over $600 worth of books donated to our classroom. We are going to have a grade leveled library filled with new, high-interest books. We started independent reading on Friday and it went pretty well. Today, the boys will be able to choose books from the new library! Their reading will only improve if they read chapter books and do so every day. We can’t rely on them to do it at home, so we are going to take time in reading class. We are SO excited. I also used money donated my grandma and a friend’s parents to buy folders for math and science. I’ve put paper in each folder and labeled them with the subject and students’ names. Like with Language Arts and Social Studies, the folders will be kept in the class. Finally, the boys will have a way to keep track of their notes and homework in all of their classes. Their learning will sky rocket! I’m excited for this week before a week-long fall break!
Paz y amor!
Two weeks ago was Homecoming at Smithson Craighead Academy. Students were excited to participate in different spirit days and to cheer on our undefeated football team to another victory. Our team won the city championships last year (the school’s first year of operation) and it seems as though they are making another run for the top this year. Twin day was hilarious because so many of the students just wore their uniforms and then declared someone in the same color polo to be their twin. I had a group of boys argue about which red shirt classmate was their twin. They can argue about ANYTHING!
I’ve had teaching positions in which time seemed to drag on forever. My days here are the exact opposite. I realized that time flies because we spend SO MUCH time breaking up fights, solving problems, and getting the boys to listen before we even begin to teach. I wouldn’t say that the class is out of control (all though sometimes it is close), but our boys definitely struggle to follow what seems like the simplest instructions. If we let the boys have an ounce of freedom or fun (working in groups, using whiteboards, centers, etc.), they eventually abuse what we’ve have given them. A few of the smartest and well-behaved boys have become disrespectful and barely do any work. Their behavior makes me the most upset because they have digressed so much. Not only is their behavior hurting their learning, but also affecting other students. I’m hoping that after some serious conversations with them and a day of In-school suspension for the entire class that this week will be positive.
Miss Kline, one of the 5th grade teachers, used donorschoose.com to get over $600 worth of books donated to our classroom. We are going to have a grade leveled library filled with new, high-interest books. We started independent reading on Friday and it went pretty well. Today, the boys will be able to choose books from the new library! Their reading will only improve if they read chapter books and do so every day. We can’t rely on them to do it at home, so we are going to take time in reading class. We are SO excited. I also used money donated my grandma and a friend’s parents to buy folders for math and science. I’ve put paper in each folder and labeled them with the subject and students’ names. Like with Language Arts and Social Studies, the folders will be kept in the class. Finally, the boys will have a way to keep track of their notes and homework in all of their classes. Their learning will sky rocket! I’m excited for this week before a week-long fall break!
Paz y amor!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Artist in the Making
I have been a Jesuit Volunteer for 2 months. Wow, that really amazes me! These past 2 months have flown by with a whirlwind of meet-and-greets, community and spirituality nights, soccer games at the Y, hanging out with my community, and attending free or low cost events throughout the city. My job has changed many times (with the most recent change happening this past week—no more Spanish class).
Discussions with some friends this past week really got me thinking about how I want approach this year. I feel as though I have tried to portray my job in an accurate way and I want to continue to do that, no matter my experience. A former Jesuit Volunteer told us a few weeks ago that JVC isn’t about liking your job. It is about serving, learning about the injustices of society, and sharing those with others so they can learn from your experiences, too. I attempt to paint a picture for others that represents my reality. If 80% of my day is stressful (student fighting, disorder, lack of learning, etc.) and 20% is rewarding (working with small groups outside of the classroom, mentoring my coworker, listening to my students’ problems, etc.), then I express those feelings in the proportions that I experience. I refuse to put on an act. Good and bad, I want those I care about to have an accurate portrayal of my year. I pray that you’ll see it as me being ‘real’ versus negative. I hope that those proportions will get more even or even reverse before my year is over!
When I wrote my sister Sara about the overwhelming number of changes that need to occur at my school in order for these children to experience success, she shared some inspirational words with me. She wrote, “Most importantly. Don’t fear. If you haven’t fixed everything at the end of your time there, well it’s not failure because you’ll still have succeeded in making some change for the better. Right? Get excited. You have a canvas that is grotesque and you can use ANY colors you want to paint it beautiful. You are the artist. Let your creativity flow and be confident that the painting you end up with in May will be far lovelier than what you see today.”
Her words encouraged me. I look at this past week and try to count all of the little changes, or brush strokes that I added to my canvas. I have 2 students who are reading novels at home and when they finish work. They are not only staying out of trouble in class, but also enriching their learning experience. During my lunch period, I’ve started tutoring an eighth grader in Spanish. He has learned to say his name, the difference between feminine and masculine words, and even gained a greater understanding of the “macho” culture evident in many Latino cultures. I had another student proudly tell me, “I’ve been so much better today, Miss Swanson. Don’t you think?” All of those experiences were drops of yellow falling onto my experience.
Right now, my canvas is a dark, saddening mixture of blue, black, brown, and gray. In the corners and across my large canvas are drops of yellow, red, pink, and orange. I am hopeful that those drops will turn into splatters, which in turn will become blotches and so on. Realistically, I know that when I leave next August that the canvas will still have darkness, but I’m confident it’ll be much prettier and filled with color.
Discussions with some friends this past week really got me thinking about how I want approach this year. I feel as though I have tried to portray my job in an accurate way and I want to continue to do that, no matter my experience. A former Jesuit Volunteer told us a few weeks ago that JVC isn’t about liking your job. It is about serving, learning about the injustices of society, and sharing those with others so they can learn from your experiences, too. I attempt to paint a picture for others that represents my reality. If 80% of my day is stressful (student fighting, disorder, lack of learning, etc.) and 20% is rewarding (working with small groups outside of the classroom, mentoring my coworker, listening to my students’ problems, etc.), then I express those feelings in the proportions that I experience. I refuse to put on an act. Good and bad, I want those I care about to have an accurate portrayal of my year. I pray that you’ll see it as me being ‘real’ versus negative. I hope that those proportions will get more even or even reverse before my year is over!
When I wrote my sister Sara about the overwhelming number of changes that need to occur at my school in order for these children to experience success, she shared some inspirational words with me. She wrote, “Most importantly. Don’t fear. If you haven’t fixed everything at the end of your time there, well it’s not failure because you’ll still have succeeded in making some change for the better. Right? Get excited. You have a canvas that is grotesque and you can use ANY colors you want to paint it beautiful. You are the artist. Let your creativity flow and be confident that the painting you end up with in May will be far lovelier than what you see today.”
Her words encouraged me. I look at this past week and try to count all of the little changes, or brush strokes that I added to my canvas. I have 2 students who are reading novels at home and when they finish work. They are not only staying out of trouble in class, but also enriching their learning experience. During my lunch period, I’ve started tutoring an eighth grader in Spanish. He has learned to say his name, the difference between feminine and masculine words, and even gained a greater understanding of the “macho” culture evident in many Latino cultures. I had another student proudly tell me, “I’ve been so much better today, Miss Swanson. Don’t you think?” All of those experiences were drops of yellow falling onto my experience.
Right now, my canvas is a dark, saddening mixture of blue, black, brown, and gray. In the corners and across my large canvas are drops of yellow, red, pink, and orange. I am hopeful that those drops will turn into splatters, which in turn will become blotches and so on. Realistically, I know that when I leave next August that the canvas will still have darkness, but I’m confident it’ll be much prettier and filled with color.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
New Beginnings
I just wanted to give a quick little update to all of my loyal readers....
School--I've been riding the school bus home, but I think I've found a way that I can rotate between having a ride and taking the bus. Yesterday, for the first time, I used my time well. Instead of playing bus monitor and arriving home with an upset stomach and headache, I worked for 30 minutes after school on my lesson plans and grades. When I left, I was done for the day. I'm productive during the school time when I plan, but unfortunately, it is never enough. Those extra minutes after school with Internet and printing access made a huge difference. I've realized that being a teacher and not having a car or Internet at home doesn't work very well. When I signed up to be a teacher freshman year of college, I knew that I'd be spending a lot of time working outside of work. Throughout college, I had access to the resources necessary to be an effective teacher (computer, Internet, library, etc). Here in Nashville, working outside of work is highly inefficient (a pet peeve of mine) and overall frustrating. Last week, for example, I would look through my textbooks, come up with ideas, and write them on a sheet of paper. I would think about games and activities, but couldn't create them without Internet. I knew that many things that I wanted to do could be found online. I was confident that with a little of time on Google, I'd have the flashcards, games, rubric, etc. I needed or something close to it. I am grateful that I now have a way to work and be productive! woot woot! I'm impressed by teachers who do it all themselves in areas that have so much less. My struggles, in comparison to theirs, are minute.
Life--Life is happening (good and bad.
GOOD-I'm teaching 1st-3rd grade students at a local Catholic Church called Holy Name. It is my new parish and I absolutely love it! A large portion of the parishioners are Haitian refugees/immigrants and their children. The priest is actually from Haiti, too. It is a small, yet diverse community of believers that love each other and God. It brings me such joy to have found MY parish so early in the year!
BAD-We have mice and my roommates each as much or more sweets than I do. It is hard to have will power when 5 or more people are indulging by you. Good thing we have free memberships at the YMCA which is literally across the road from my house. phew!
paz y amor :D
School--I've been riding the school bus home, but I think I've found a way that I can rotate between having a ride and taking the bus. Yesterday, for the first time, I used my time well. Instead of playing bus monitor and arriving home with an upset stomach and headache, I worked for 30 minutes after school on my lesson plans and grades. When I left, I was done for the day. I'm productive during the school time when I plan, but unfortunately, it is never enough. Those extra minutes after school with Internet and printing access made a huge difference. I've realized that being a teacher and not having a car or Internet at home doesn't work very well. When I signed up to be a teacher freshman year of college, I knew that I'd be spending a lot of time working outside of work. Throughout college, I had access to the resources necessary to be an effective teacher (computer, Internet, library, etc). Here in Nashville, working outside of work is highly inefficient (a pet peeve of mine) and overall frustrating. Last week, for example, I would look through my textbooks, come up with ideas, and write them on a sheet of paper. I would think about games and activities, but couldn't create them without Internet. I knew that many things that I wanted to do could be found online. I was confident that with a little of time on Google, I'd have the flashcards, games, rubric, etc. I needed or something close to it. I am grateful that I now have a way to work and be productive! woot woot! I'm impressed by teachers who do it all themselves in areas that have so much less. My struggles, in comparison to theirs, are minute.
Life--Life is happening (good and bad.
GOOD-I'm teaching 1st-3rd grade students at a local Catholic Church called Holy Name. It is my new parish and I absolutely love it! A large portion of the parishioners are Haitian refugees/immigrants and their children. The priest is actually from Haiti, too. It is a small, yet diverse community of believers that love each other and God. It brings me such joy to have found MY parish so early in the year!
BAD-We have mice and my roommates each as much or more sweets than I do. It is hard to have will power when 5 or more people are indulging by you. Good thing we have free memberships at the YMCA which is literally across the road from my house. phew!
paz y amor :D
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Second Anniversary of our Two Week Anniversary
Life has been sooo busy! Well, busy for a JV. Wednesday we went to the Rhyman and saw "She and Him," and then on Thursday we celebrated Colin's birthday at Beyond the Edge’s Happy Hour before going to the Titans preseason game. Following the Titan's win, I accompanied Scott to watch the USC game (No worries, I'm not a Trojan fan yet). Friday, well, I was a substitute at school and then had an 1 1/4 hour bus ride home. To say the least, it was tiring. Saturday involved our typical weekend morning where I wake up too early, work outside, watch Telemundo, and read before everyone else awakes. We had our library run, as usual, before going to Megan’s work for a community celebration. Basically, I danced with some fun homeless guys all Saturday night. :D
Sunday not only had church and gardening club, but also one of our first social outings, a cookout. Sophie joked about having social anxiety about meeting new people. It was with some current and past Vandy students who were really inviting and kind. I met a special education teacher/grad student and someone who works in the YMCA Latino-Achiever program. I plan on using their connections to get involved in those two communities! It was relieving to finally meet people who had the exact some passions as I did. Conversation flowed so easily because our ideas aligned. I was really grateful!
Monday involved more yard work and going to the Percy Priest Dam for an afternoon of sun tanning, reading, and swimming. I enjoyed swimming in the huge, warm lake. I was reminded of swimming in Lake Longbow during my childhood. It is funny how many things I did when I was younger have reentered my life. Swimming in a lake (not a clean pool) is just one of them. We concluded the marathon of activities last night with a reflective (as usual) community night. Those nights are a bit tiring because we begin at 8:30 p.m., but I do enjoy having someone else lead our conversation and make it meaningful. I have meaningful conversation every day, but not always with every member of my community. Answering specific questions and responding to articles allows me to hear what everyone has to say.
School is still a little unorganized, but I’m careful to not overextend myself. I want to be a good community member, excel at living simply, be intentional with my relationship with God, and work for social justice at Smithson Craighead Academy. I do not want to be so overloaded with work that my attention to the other tenants of JVC suffers. Every day I get better at the tenants and learn more about myself, God, and others. Paz!
Sunday not only had church and gardening club, but also one of our first social outings, a cookout. Sophie joked about having social anxiety about meeting new people. It was with some current and past Vandy students who were really inviting and kind. I met a special education teacher/grad student and someone who works in the YMCA Latino-Achiever program. I plan on using their connections to get involved in those two communities! It was relieving to finally meet people who had the exact some passions as I did. Conversation flowed so easily because our ideas aligned. I was really grateful!
Monday involved more yard work and going to the Percy Priest Dam for an afternoon of sun tanning, reading, and swimming. I enjoyed swimming in the huge, warm lake. I was reminded of swimming in Lake Longbow during my childhood. It is funny how many things I did when I was younger have reentered my life. Swimming in a lake (not a clean pool) is just one of them. We concluded the marathon of activities last night with a reflective (as usual) community night. Those nights are a bit tiring because we begin at 8:30 p.m., but I do enjoy having someone else lead our conversation and make it meaningful. I have meaningful conversation every day, but not always with every member of my community. Answering specific questions and responding to articles allows me to hear what everyone has to say.
School is still a little unorganized, but I’m careful to not overextend myself. I want to be a good community member, excel at living simply, be intentional with my relationship with God, and work for social justice at Smithson Craighead Academy. I do not want to be so overloaded with work that my attention to the other tenants of JVC suffers. Every day I get better at the tenants and learn more about myself, God, and others. Paz!
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