Belated Thanksgiving Blessings

I forgot to give thanks yesterday. I'd like to blame it on the Pilgrim cake pops that I had been working on for a duration of 24 hours. Looking back on it, I just wanted to contribute something to our family events since I feel like all I do is eat. I definitely made them in the spirit of my cousin Jasmine who is studying in New York. She's always trying out something new and inventive. I can't wait for her return in December. Those aren't my cake pops pictured above, although I wish they were! There is so much that I am thankful for this year. I admit that I can tend to focus on the things that I don't have, but reflecting on this past year, I'm truly blessed to have everything in my life. I'm never left wanting with parents and family that are continually supportive, unconditional friendships, and unexpected blessings. Their presence fills a life with love, and enriching experiences. Beginning with my three important P's, here is what I am thankful for.

1) Parents- My pillars who push me to be constantly better than I am, and to always seek out new challenges. Thank you for your support in my professional endeavors. Thank you for always taking care of me even when I don't ask for it.

2) Primas/os - Although Jas is in New York, we can still somehow be as close as we always have been. I love our bonding times and hilarious moments, especially our "face time" with Jas. I'm thankful for all the times we get to shop, eat, and catch up on our busy lives.

3) PRIND - Near and far, I'm so thankful for our friendship that has lasted so long. I miss those who aren't close, but I cherish the times we can all be together. Thank you for always staying close to my heart. Thank you for always being there when I needed you the most. I love you all.

4)Irvine Ladies- Thank you for all the fun birthdays, holiday events, and surprises. I love going on adventurous whether planned or spontaneous with you. Thank you for enabling my curiosities in art, music, movies, food, etc. Thank you for your great friendships and bringing so much to discover on the table. Here's to many more adventures to come. I love you ladies. :)

9 Months Later....

"I may not change the world, but I guarantee I will spark the brain, that will change the world." -Tupac Shakur

I know its quite an unmanageable task to sum up the last nine months in one post, so I'll take on an easier feat of describing where I am in life, at this moment. After receiving my single subject credential in social science, I quickly began looking for a job for the following three months after student teaching ended. Edjoin appeared to be bleak despite the several posts for social science teachers. As a new teacher, its clear that I am at the bottom of the barrel behind teachers that have been laid off, and long term substitutes trying to get a foothold in the districts. I had known that this was going to happen even before I entered the credential program. New teachers had a better chance of getting a job if they moved out of state, or were willing to move to different parts of California period. Its tough out there, but I'm not one to lose hope or optimism. Everything happens for a reason it seems even if we may not know what it is right then and there. I made the committed decision to apply for my masters in secondary education, feeling as if I had not learned enough for the credential program. I needed to know more about what it meant to be a better teacher, since I was such a newbie at all of this. Plus I love learning, and I love research, especially if its about my students and my content area.

At the moment, I'm taking two grad classes -504 Advanced Proficiency in Technology, and 591 Seminar in Secondary Education. I am barely staying afloat with all of the reading. I really need to stop procrastinating on assignments, and get serious - the kind of serious I used to be while I was in the credential program. I suppose I feel a bit strange not having a class to teach anymore. It must be some kind of empty nest syndrome. I truly miss my students from last year. Some assignments for my grad classes require data taken from the entire class, but its not necessary to have your own class. You can use data from student teaching. I began looking at my old binder with seating charts, and started to feel really nostalgic. I missed being there, everyday, even if some days were struggles they were my struggles, and the next day would be a clean slate. That's probably what I love about teaching. Even though some things could never be erased or forgotten, you can always start the next day with a different approach for student progress.

"Nine tenths of education is encouragement." - Anatole France

Resolutions

February is in less than 24 hours, so I figure it may not be too late to post up my New Year's Resolutions. :)


1. Save money!
2. Excercise more! -Yoga, pilates, zumba, hiking 2-3 times a week.
3. Cook and bake more -Filipino, Italian, Southern, Mexican
4. Be more organized -re-model room, paint walls, organize closet, re-do carpet
5. Don't procastinate. Focus on the credential program. Focus on career!


Its crazy to think that in less than 5 months, assuming I survive, I'll receive my teaching credential. From now until then, I hope to be the best teacher and best person I could possibly be for my students. Here's to learning, loving, and teaching. :)