Oh boy...

So, long time no blog... Life has been completely insane. Institute is crazy but amazing. I am learning so much here from other Corps members, CMAs and all the faculty advisors. The training is intense, but I have never felt more prepared to have my own classroom, even after studying to become a teacher in college. The focus on teaching as leadership has opened my eyes to aspects of teaching that I had never seen before. There is also a huge emphasis on reflection, particularly reflection on how one's mindsets, thoughts and beliefs as the teacher directly impact student actions and achievement. I have never before so thoroughly examined my own ideas and beliefs about teaching and student potential.

On a personal note, I have also spent the last two (almost three) weeks sick. Originally myself and the clinicians at the ASU clinic thought it was food poisoning, so I was treated for that. I did not get any better, however, and after further testing I was determined to have a parasite. I have since finished another round of antibiotics and while I am feeling better, the nurse practitioner is not completely satisfied with my progress and when I come home to California next week I will be going to my doctor for further tests. I am hoping that what I am currently dealing with are just the after affects of having a parasite. Here's hoping...

With all that, I have had some really great things happening. I finally moved into my new apartment! I actually have my first address that isn't my parent's address. I love the apartment. It is so cute and quaint. We have a fireplace and even a balcony with a nice little view of downtown Phoenix. Oh, also, my apartment is about 5 minutes from Chase Field (where the Diamondbacks play). I cannot wait to go to a game.

I start new teacher training in a little over a week, and then on August 6 my students show up for the first day! I am so excited... I am still trying to figure out what my management system and class theme will be. Another teacher and myself thing we have come up with a good theme, but we're still working out the kinks.

With that, I have to share a quote from the Velveteen Rabbit that our Literacy Specialist shared with us today on our last day of Literacy courses. "What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day ... "Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt." "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?" "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, much of you has been loved off and parts of you can get shabby. But these things don't matter at all because you are Real ... Once you are Real, you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always." 

So there it is, my update. I hope life is beautiful and blessed for you! ♥