"The Dictionary Game"

OK, it is a day after I played the "dictionary game" and I am very disappointed on how I did. I have always felt that public speaking was one of my strong points this game made me rethink it a little. I felt like I was choking, the words would not come out. I tried to keep myself composed but I think the class could see my state of panic. Like a good sport I am I have taken this dreadful experience as a warning that I have to be prepared for everything when I present. I would not like it all to choke in front of the audience like I did yesterday. So I take his experience as a lesson and a warning. Overall, I liked this exercise. 

"Mr. Levitan's Visit"

Answer some of the following in short paragraph format. 
• What did you learn from Vic Levitan’s visit today? 
• What new ideas do you have for your project? 
• How has your course of action changed? 
• At this point, which are your greatest challenges for pulling off the Project portion of Senior Project Seminar? 

What I learned from Vic Levitan's visit yesterday was to better enforce or even clarify what a presentation should look like and what content it should contain. Some of the ideas that I found interesting was that the format that is typically followed be changed up for instance leave the introduction for the middle of the presentation instead of the usual starting with my name is...and this is my project... I also learned that you want to keep it simple and short he stressed the fact that the average individual tunes out or losses focus in less then five minutes or shorter. He has given me a couple ideas but funny was that my mentor and I had gotten together and actually came up with some really great ideas and how we are going to present my project. In my opinion the greatest challenge I face is what am I going to put into the presentation itself! I have so many ideas and things to incorporate but I am constantly reminded that I have to keep it K.I.S.S. so that is one of the most challenging obstacles I face. 

Ms. Carroll:

Hello my name is Cindi Tapia and I am interested in the education field. Over the course of the year I have decided to create a product in which I can teach social studies which will allow students to interact with me and their fellow classmates. As we know technology has revolutionized how concepts and lessons are being thought to children, my project will incorporate technology into the curriculum I plan to teach to Mrs. Mahoney's fourth grade class. The form in which I will accomplish this is by using the smart board. What makes my project unique is not the tools I use but I will actually create using these tools. Over the course of my visits to the class I have noticed based on my own experiences that games, grab students attention. Games teach without the student realizing they are learning.

I plan to further familiarize myself with the smart board and how to use it to its maximum potential. That alone I feel is an obstacle in itself because I have to admit I am not the best in all things technology. Another obstacle that I think I will face is actually keeping the lesson running without me losing the attention of the students and viewers at the presentation.

"A Great Time"

Today I had an amazing time, I took my brother to the academy of Natural Sciences which has been around for nearly 200 years (AMAZING). Call me weird, or a dork I had a great time. The day was against us (it has been raining non stop since yesterday) but we managed. We arrived at 8th and Market Street around ten and made our way to the museum. The price of admission was incredible only eight bucks with student I.D. I decided to use Spring Break as an opportunity to venture out with my partner in Crime (Antonio my little brother) and learn something new. We saw one of the new exhibit which was the return of Hadrosaurus Foulkii.I was fascinated I mean who would know that before this dinosaur nobody even knew such creatures existed and literally in our back yard history was made, which lead to countless stories and new discoveries. Apart from us having fun in the Butterfly exhibit and searching for dinosaurs in the bone yard. I learned a lot, such as the museum dedicated to dinosaurs that was never constructed due to corrupt politics. So somewhere uncharted in Central Park there are dinosaur bones buried who never found their way to such anticipated museum. I would have never known that if I had never gone. I have to say that if you want to go somewhere where you will have fun for all ages. I strongly suggest going to the museum you'll have a blast.

"Little Ones, Spring Fever?"

Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet up with my sponsor. When I got there they were all seated listening to what the teacher was saying. I could see although in their faces that they were light years away from the actual lesson. I couldn't really blame them the day was horrible it was raining with thunder and lightning. It felt like a Sunday when you don't even feel like rolling out of bed to drink coffee or anything. It surprised me because I could see clearly that they were a bit distracted but that was just the first ten minutes. After twenty to thirty what I thought was just the rainy blues was coming out short. I worked with "giggles" and I had a somewhat hard time to keep focused. Usually he goofs off but pays attention after I grab his attention. Today he was just melting on his desk along with the rest of the students, I was shocked to see that they were affected by spring fever. He didn't want to even copy what the teacher had written on the board. I felt like I had to practically pull teeth to get him to pay attention and participate. After a few haggle here and there. He managed to pull through but, whoosh was it a challenge! I guess even little ones can get a little spring fever, I suppose they are entitled to some extent usually they are all on fire! I hope that when we come back they will be ready to rock and roll!

"The Product"

Lately, well since yesterday really I spent my evening thinking of what I would like to do as my final product. I thought and talked to people who I value about what they thought would be good for my final product. My main concern which I stressed was I didn't want to create something dull in which I am going to bore the people that are going to be sitting there listening to me for an entire HOUR. It's bad enough that overall people really doze off after a couple of minutes during an entire presentation. I have to admit that I am guilty as charged. I watched the "Last Lecture" and although I followed along during the entire time I have to say I got lost and dazed for a brief moment. That is what I have taken upon me to conquer. How will I grab the viewers attention?, how will I leave an impression? and what will I do to create such an effect? As for now I feel that I can grab and transfer knowledge by creating some type of game in which it will not only recommend student-teacher interaction but also stimulate them to actually apply their previous knowledge. Something that I learned about education and how technology affects while I was writing my research paper was the philosophy of "Constructivism". The essesnce of "Constructivism" is to apply additional knowledge on top of knowledge. So my product will not teach a new subject but another aspect of what has been already thought to them. Again it will be composed in a way in which the whole class will work together to execute the lesson and learn something new about a social studies unit. For the time being I have laid my foundation...all I have to do now is BUILD THE HOUSE!

"To Sir, With Love"

As we all know I appreciate old movies because I find something interesting to them. I try to watch movies that have something of moral that is meticulously intertwined in the plot of the story. This one is by far one of the best in my "admire teacher" category. The story takes place in England. I liked this movie because the patience that the teacher had in the tough neighborhood of England he endured and changed the teens perspective on things. It might had been old but I felt it quite refreshing. I had watched it first by myself on a lazy Sunday but when it re aired I made my brother watch it. I feel that he should see oldies once in a while to compare and contrast for himself the distinction from good thought out movies that have a message embedded then pointless ones that allows him to only memorize a line here and there. So on my list I give it five stars!

"Bye Bye To the Letters"

Growing up I used to push for straight A's and B's. Where an A was a 90-100 and a B was 80-90. Then when my brother began to go to school they had changed the whole thing a 92-100 was considered an A and a 83-91 was a B. We are in the year of 2009 and some schools across the country have decided to say goodbye to the letters and hello to the numbers. According to the New York Times some school districts in New York and California among other select few have changed the traditional A,B,C,D, and F, to numbers ranging from 1-4. The science to the madness of this concept is to improve and allow consistency. The numbers are being adopted by struggling districts to ensure and see what areas are their students struggling the most. I was impressed because a few months back I had read something in the Courier posts about colleges having a tough time with measuring and calculating which student would best exemplify the qualities they want to see due to the differences of the grading system each state or even district haves. In my opinion I believe this is good because it unites education overall. Now, no matter where the students come from their grades stay the same. In a way the number scale has made it more easy to pin point what the problem is which allows the school to correct the problem or at least give them the idea for improvement.

"A Few Good Kids"

This Monday I was scheduled to have gone to School Four to participate in the classroom with their lesson in Social studies I had asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick if I could come in when she taught that. I was literally cheesing when she told me that she would be happy to change social studies from Friday to Monday so it could accommodate my schedule. I was thrilled, but due to unseen technical problems I encountered on Monday I apologized and asked if I could attend on Tuesday. They agreed. Tuesday rolled around and I made my way excited to see what new things I would learn. When I got there Mrs. Mahoney told me that the projector was out of service so their entire lesson was thrown out the window. She decide to continue working on the social studies so we ending up breaking the into groups. I had so much fun because I got to see what real class has to go through or how fast teachers have to react to problems that are hurled at them like fast balls. I was amazed how Mrs. Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Mahoney handled the situation with composure. I had a tremendous time. Towards the end of class, I asked Mrs. Fitz if I could give her a form in which I would explain my purpose in the class and if I would have the parent consent to take pictures and include their children in my final project to be presented in June. She agreed so I can't wait to start taking pictures. These kids are amazing they are vivacious and quick to jump into their lessons. I am very fortunate to be able to attend that class filled with shining stars.

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

OK I am such a fan of movies that have sense to them such as my recent favorites like "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" to "Changling" or "Steel Magnolias" but once I like to switch from the heart breaking tear jerkers to fun and whimsical movies. My all time favorite is "Ferris Buellar's Day Off". Ever since I have watched this movie which was probably two summers ago I fell in love with it. The movie gave you an inspiration to actually go out and take a day off yourself. I know that is far from a real life scenario but once in a while you have to believe or at least dream it can actually happen.

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is one of the most heart-breaking stories I have ever read. I will not spoil the book, last week I had the chance to actually see the movie. If the book made me feel teary- eyed the book made me cry. It made me reflect on the innocence these children had and how in the midst of evil and destruction, friendship had a chance to bloom. I hardly ever recommend people to watch movies that were made in this day and age. But this movie is a most see for the entire family. And if you get the chance to actually read the book even better!

"Curious Creativity"

Today I went on a Spanish trip. Despite the technicality that I went through (I wore my uniform when we were allowed to not wear them!) I found myself intrigued with the murals and painting I encountered throughout the whole tour. The artist that was on exhibit Harry Hernandez I have to admit was very creative. When I first walked up those super steep stairs into the gallery. I was welcomed with glitter, color, and overall to the untrained eye JOY. I loved the color that was displayed on the paintings I never thought something that looked so unorganized seem so meticulously placed to create am image inside an image. After our tour guide explained the artist's take on the color, I was stunned I thought to myself "Wow, this guy is very creative". The glitter and color I thought symbolized joy and happiness in fact represented doom, sadness, and despair. The people in the paintings were in fact homeless people and the color was all their emotions that they carry spilled out so every one could see the magnitude of sadness they live with. After seeing the paintings and all, we headed down the street start on mask making which was fun, but then again when isn't COLORING fun. I learned something today without really knowing. I learned that creativity has no boundaries you can make anything you want from the most unusual materials.

"Truly a Winner"

Yesterday I had a chance to go over to my weekly visits to school Four. When I got there the teachers told me that the lesson they were planning on doing was going to be moved over because they were heading to the cafeteria to see a guest speaker. They told me it was an author Dan Gutman. I was thrilled the children's excitement seem to have infected me. One of the girls paraded her signed books to me, excited and thrilled that that the author had autographed her books. I have to admit that I had never even heard of this individual. When we got to the small cafeteria/Auditorium. I got to see the author. During his presentation he showed us a stack of papers which could easily be passed as a copy of a book. It was a composure of all the rejections of pretty much every major publishing company out there. I was blown away I admire anyone who can handle rejection so well. Personally I would stop after the twentieth time. Yet this man didn't he believed his work was something that had to be published. By the end of the presentation I was surprised to find myself very fortunate to have seen this author. I never thought that people could be so determined. It truly touched me, this man is a true winner.

"The American Dream"

Being the first generation of my family of growing up in a promise land called the United States. I have always been aware that I was lucky, my family was blessed by living the American Dream. My parents had jobs, our family had a home to call our own. I could describe our life as those old fifties posters in which the mom of the family was baking a pie and everyone looked happy. Today that dream seems to be crumbling beneath our feet. The country that once embraced the idea of immigrants seems today to target and ridicule them. I have always wanted to be a teacher, growing up instead of playing jump rope or tag with my cousins I would make them sit and call me Ms. La'More. Becoming a teacher was my way of achieving the ultimate American dream, realizing my dreams. But what happens when the country you thought that was going to help you achieve these dreams turns their back on you? What happens when everything you've worked for is suddenly turned upside down by a swift of a pen signing a law? That is what is happening to thousands of individuals that get caught in the intricate web of immigration issues. "I'm calling on a new generation of Americans to step forward and serve our country in our classrooms. If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation, if you want to make the most of your talents and dedication, if you want to make your mark with a legacy that will endure--then join the teaching profession" - Barrack Obama. I agree with President Obama, but I can't help to feel helpless as an immigrant myself fear consumes me especially when you hear about the laws and procedures that are being enforced throughout the country.or the families who are separated because one of the parents was picked up in a raid. It breaks my heart to see seven year old on camera crying because they their parents didn't get to pick them up after school. It saddens me to see children who at such a young age face the hard truth of life. It saddens me to see a country turn its back on these children. It saddens me to see that the American Dream is becoming a the American Nightmare. I believe in the dream of our founders, in which we immigrants are given the ability to aspire in the pursuit of happiness. But the most important question to me is has America stopped believing?

"Squids Will be Squids"

Yesterday I went over to go to my sponsor meeting and I have to say that every time I go I am blown away. Today I walked into the class and they were going over how the week was going to be like. She started explaining about the activities each group has to do before the end of the week. The class is learning about stories that have morals to them. One of the fables, in which she explains as "modern, for the modern people they are" is called Squids will be Squids. When I first heard it, I chuckled because it sounded weird but when I saw the cover I wanted to read the book because it looked interesting. That was one of the highlights of my day. Most importantly was me being able to help the students with their spelling. They asked me as if I were Webster's Dictionary. I loved it, it made me feel that I am impacting their lives. I know it might be too deep but I can tell for sure that they impact me more then a million words could describe.

" A Truly Amazing Time"

Today I went over to school Four for my sponsor meeting. I had left a few minute before my eighth period class and I have to say that my heart was racing. I can't begin to describe the excitement that builds up while I was walking to the class. As I made my way to her classroom I passed children and friendly smiling teachers. The atmosphere that inhabits the bustling hallways can only be described as wonderful. How the children analyze you with such curiosity and amazement, how the teachers greet you with a warm smile and a kind hello. When I reached my class Mrs. Ma honey was reading to the children. When I  walked in I was greeted by all with smiling faces a couple of the kids where like "She's back". The entire class looked at me again as if I were a giant. I walked over to the spot that I had sat at on my last visit but this visit was even better. Mrs. Fitzpatrick began her math lesson and asked me to illustrate the work on the smart board. I can't say I wasn't nervous, I could have died on the spot but when I walked up to the board the kids looked at me in awe they all tentatively listened to me explain the problem. At the end one of the kids called me Ms. Cindi. My heart melted at that moment because the rest of the class followed, it reassured me that teaching is the thing for me. I did the problems with the children and sat back down. Both, Mrs. Mahoney and Fitzpatrick assured me that I was official part of their class. I was all smiles the rest of the day. I felt that same feeling as when I stepped into Ms. Adams class some time ago which can only indicate to me that I have truly found my calling.

"Leaving the Old Behind"

Growing up, once I walked into my classroom I was expected to hang up my coat and quietly make my way to my seat. Once I sat in my seat I was expected by my teacher to stay there and do my work without un-gluing myself from it unless I had permission. I was reading around on Monday a couple newspaper websites looking for something to feed my brain with and I stumbled across this article in the NY Times. The article was about how this school is using a rather unconventional desk for students to focus more in class. I found it rather interesting but at the same time I have to say depressing. It hasn't even been a decade since I was in grade school myself where I dreaded those hard wood rather stuffy desks, that I had to battle everyday to not loose my mind. I  was never the type to just sit in a chair I liked to fidget and move and be able to have space. Today these students can do exactly that without the losing their focus in class. I had the privilege to have gone to school Four today and this article popped into my head I saved the link for people interested (it's under the "Grab attention" NY TIMES link). As I observed around the classroom while they finished their English section I noticed how some students where just sitting quietly without much movement listening to the teacher whereas if I looked to my left I saw another student paying the same attention to the lesson but fidgeting as if he was uncomfortable in the rather small desk. I made a connection between the students and the article, it made me think about how every student learns at a different rate or in a  different form. What might seem unconventional and unnecessary to some can be crucial for teachers to educate their students.  

"The Tenacity of Hope"

Last night I watched our president Barack Obama speak to the nation. Assuring us that America will pass this rather distressed period. I watched how he addressed himself to the nation. I could see the tenacity of hope that sparkled from his eyes. His assurance caused me to hope again. Being a senior getting ready to attend college in the fall, I can say that I am a bit uneasy about where the country finds itself. He spoke to us about education and his plans. Even after the election in my eyes he has not given me a reason to stop believing in him, in his dreams of once again restoring this country back to what it was once the land of prosperity and dreams. 

"Official First Day"

Yesterday I went for the first time to meet my sponsors students. When I arrived they were in the middle of their geometry lesson. At first I was nervous but for some reason when I actually walked through the door it seemed to fall off. Ms. Mahoney was walking around giving a treat to those students that were completing their work. I sat on a side of the classroom and watched the students learn, and interact with each other. I wasn't there for that long but I felt like I was gonna like that class. They are all awake and aware, I admire their curiosity and can't wait until I actually start talking to them and further becoming involved in the classroom.

"Changeling"

In previous blogs I have stated that today's movie seem to be filled vulgarity and language, but I might have been wrong. During the weekend my days are pretty usually organized, Saturday I work and Sundays I get ready for the school week. This week however, we decided to watch a movie. To much to my surprise my father chose this rather odd movie. It was called Changeling, which was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Angelina Jolie. At first I was skeptical, the cover of the movie wasn't as eye catching or extraordinary but I didn't discard it. As we began to watch the movie I was intrigued by the lifestyle people had in the 1920's where a mother could leave to work and leave a door open. As the movie began to unfold I found myself moved. During the entire movie I experienced sadness, anger, despair, hope and at the end disappointment. I won't spoil the movie but I will recommend this movie, because in my opinion there are not many movies today in which they allow the individual to reflect and at the same time entertain. 

"Inspirational Quote"

"The virtuous life is a product of constitantly weeding out flaws and weaknesses, and choosing right over wrong just like preparing a good pot of beans."- Yolanda Nava

I found this quote smacked in the middle of the first three pages of my new inspirational book called "It's all in the Frijoles". She explains in the introduction her story about how much she appreciates her mother and what she instilled in her, she realizes this after her mother's death. As I continued to read, she told us about how her mother assigned the dutiful task of picking out the pinto beans that were not good. At the exact moment, my mind re winded back when I was a child. My mom would also give me that task when she was in the kitchen preparing dinner. I would do it with such enthusiasm because I felt like a wildly important task had been bestowed on me because my mom would tell me the same exact thing "cuidado que no se via uno feo" which means be careful that an ugly one doesn't go in the pot. The reason that I felt inspired was because it made me reflect on what my parents have taught me and their significance to my character.

"The Forgotten Puzzle Pieces"

So I ran downstairs yesterday to plead for forgiveness to my mentor (Mrs. Wonderful Porter) for missing my weekly visit with her. When I got there she was talking to her eight period class about the Senior Prom. It made me think while I tentatively listened to her. I brag about the future all the time, and my life goal to leave my imprint for the future, which in my opinion are children. But what happened to the elderly? The past is as vital as the future, as sometimes people can forget. During those less then ten minutes, I felt in a way bad because I had forgotten the past, the wisdom and stories these people contain, the different points of views, or beliefs they have. Which in a subtle but tremendous way shape the future. When I went home after school, that question stilled lingered about in my head. They in a way became the forgotten pieces to the pivotal life puzzle. I am in a way embarrassed for have forgotten the importance and significance of elders and the impact they leave on the upcoming future.

"Mi Familia"

I am not much of a reader or writer although the few times that I have actually read a book on my own, I have to admit I love picking up a word here and there. It broadens my vocabulary and also works that rusty thing called imagination. Lately, I have been reading It's All in the Frijoles by Yolanda Nava. This book is AMAZING, or at least to me. It's filled with saying that I grew up with, it made me feel understood in a sense. This book reinforced my identity, it inspired me tremendously to feel proud of where I come from. Family to me is the most important thing, in a sense they are the pillars of my stability. They encourage me, they drive me to do better and above all they challenge me. I often thank the teachers that have pushed me to do better, who have challenged me to reach for the stars. But they only reinforce the push that I receive from my family. My mother has always told me, "Cindi, you our mirror, what ever you do in life reflects on your family". She has always said that to me ever since I was little, I always understood it as I have to be good in school, respectful to my elders and get good grades. Today I continue to see it as to be on my best behavior, although I think it has a much more profound meaning. I want to make them proud, I am their mirror I represent their character, their beliefs, but most importantly I represent La Familia Tapia.

"My Love Affair with Education"

Growing up I wanted to be many things a ballerina, a doctor, a Nascar driver, you name it. Then something amazing happened I realized I wanted to be a teacher. My love affair with education began in second grade when one of my most beloved teachers Mrs. Adams gave me the permission to go and teach her class for a day. I cannot begin to describe the rush that I got when I stood in front of those kindergartners, I felt like a giant compared to them. I remembered how tentative they were of what I said and most importantly their tenacity to start projects. I made cards with them I recited the numbers. I felt like I had just found my true calling. Everyday was something new, some new question arose from a curious child. Those days were short but to me their affect will last forever. I feel that if that would have never happened I wouldn't know to this day what I wanted to do, what dream would I be pursuing today.

"Common Sense or Imprudence?"

"It is a thousand times better to have common sense without education than to have education without common sense." - Robert Green Ingersoll

Growing up I have heard many stories told by both my father and mother. It always started like "When I was a boy.......I had to walk ten miles to school everyday" or something around those lines. I listened and sometimes made sarcastic remarks. Until one day when my father asked me do you know all the elements in the periodic table?, do you know the importance of doing geometry without using a calculator? I was dumbfounded, NO I didn't, I didn't know why I would ever need to memorize the periodic table or why in the world would I need to know the areas of a circle or find the perimeter of the yard in my head. He said, "that is the problem, your generation has supposedly better education than the previous generation with state of the art computers, phones, and calculators. But what happens when you strip them of everything, what is left?". I couldn't answer him, because I didn't know, but most importantly I was ashamed because he was right. I have depended myself of technology and I guess that without it I wouldn't be able to do much. In a way I realized technology has clouded our common sense our ability to function without it. Technology can be useful but we cannot depend off of it. If we continue to allow ourselves to be driven  by technology it can become the most eminent danger in our society. The quote that is shown above came from a man that lived during the Civil War era. He understood that education can be useless when a pupil does not know how or why to use that knowledge. He might had not been aware of technology for it was far past his time but the lesson or message transcended throughout the ages.  So I ask myself is technology part of our common sense or our imprudence to do create shortcuts or learn things quicker. 

"The Idea to Grow"

Sometimes I wish I could lead myself out of the darkness of ignorance when it comes to art. I don't get art, sometimes things that seem so mundane to me can be critiqued as pure ingenious by those critics that have dedicated their entire life to art. So, I was flipping through my favorite magazine VOGUE the other day and I stumbled across this article. It was displaying this young woman (in a fabulous dress, of course) around what looked like blue coral. It grabbed my attention. These coral looking balls where  entirely made out of paper. I was blown away when I continued to flip the pages and reading. I found out that this particular artist has dedicated her life to making these rather unusual yet, fascinating creations. After reading this article, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Art is like those shiny balls that when the light hits it in different angles a different color appears. You have to have a spark of imagination to fully understand art, it might sound cheesy but you really have to think outside the box. This article gave me the idea to grow. I am a fond appreciator of perspective, and to much of my disbelief art screams perspective in the silence of galleries. 

"My favorite Movie"

Call me old fashion or out dated, but I am absolutly in love with the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. This movie is part of a collection of old movies I love. I have to admit that they seem to interest me ten times more then the movies that come out today. I feel that movies like these are simple but entertaining without corssing any line with vulgarity. Audrey Hepburn presented herself as a chic graceful individual throughout the entire movie, even though her character was less respectable. Nonetheless, I envy her sophisticated wardrobe and elegant demeanor. I feel as though today's romance movies seem less sweet and much more intense. It's nice to watch movies that spark your imagination, not ones that make you want to cover your eyes and say "oh my". Making this movie one of my favorites.

"Senior Seminar"

The night of the Senior Project launch, I have to admit that I was a bit nervous if not entirely consumed by them. I had arrived late and everybody was already outside waiting for the cue I guess. I have to admit that I had never been so afraid of speaking in front of people especially my mom, who is by far my toughest critic. As everybody began to speak dread began to settle in my stomach. I admit that I had never felt so scared, I even forgot to mention my mentors. When I got home and un-whined at dinner I realized what had been the glitch in what was supposed to be a piece of cake, I didn't properly prepare myself. I feel like I didn't really show my dedication and passion for this program. I now know that I have to practice and better prepare myself.

"BALLROOM BLITZ"

If I could do anything I wanted.......

 I would learn to ballroom dance. I have always been captivated by the way they imbue pure elegance and poise. How confident and graceful the women carry themselves, with their long dazzling dresses. How the men lead their partners through the harmonious tune.  How both intertwine their love for the music  and execute every step with calculated perfection, yet projecting nothing short of radiance . They mesmerize their audiences with their whimsical twists and polished turns.  And if I were given the opportunity I would love to learn to ballroom dance. 

"Diamonds are forever"

It's funny to me how some days you think about people you have long forgotten and that in the midst of a fast paced day their name pops up like those random advertisements you get on the internet. It all started in class one day, I was trying to focus and for some inexplicable reason I noticed my fellow peer scribbling something on the board and at that exact moment I remembered her. She used to make me write page after page to practice my penmanship. How she meticulously watched my hand and when she saw that pencil slightly rise she took the paper and made me start all over again. I have to honestly say I disliked her a lot she made my life impossible, tolerant was her antonym and she despised horrible penmanship. She was my teacher, I'll never forget her because she taught me something, she gave me perspective. Doesn't sound like much does it, I think sometimes she forever engraved herself in my memory by mistake. Out of all the wonderful teachers I  have had, time has erased them yet not even time can erase her. She reigned over her class with an iron fist, with the most astronomical expectations that I think to this day drove me. Her point of view enabled me to establish a higher bar of success for myself and worst of all inspired me. Her lack of compassion and tolerance motivated me to  become a teacher. She was never there to hold my hand or pat me on the back, she was instead there pushing me picking on me to prove her wrong. She really did prove the saying that a "diamond is a chunk of coal made good under pressure". For that reason I applaud her, in the method of her madness I found her true motive she made us strong to never let anyone bring us down, to prove to the world our abilities, and most importantly to achieve perfection in whatever we pursue, making her a truly timeless diamond. 

"A Letter from the Future"

Assignment: Imagine that you are twenty-eight years old, and you're writing to a cherished teacher whom you haven't heard from in ten years. Tell him/her about your professional life. What do you do for a living and how did you get there? Consider the following: What schools did you attend? What special training and degrees do you have? Where do you work and what is the name of your company? What do your coworkers and boss think of you? What professional successes and awards have you enjoyed since graduating from high school.

Dear Teacher,

I hope that even after a decade of absence you still remember me. It has been ten years since I stepped in your class and took your exams and listened to your lectures. Today I am still attending school preparing myself for the next step which is my doctorate. I am currently a fourth grade teacher. And I am proud to announce that I have created a program which allows inner city children explore the world around them, interacting with other students all around the world in their classroom. My goals are to continue my studies and hopefully become a principal. I have been named teacher of the year in the state of New Jersey for my determination and dedication to the children of my school. I must admit that my dream to change the world in no way has changed during these ten years I continue to pursue it with ardor. My dreams to bring the world to children less fortunate is becoming a reality before my eyes, so far three neighboring school systems have adopted my idea and I hope many more will follow. It has been ten years since I was a student with big dreams and today ten years later I am growing closer to fulfilling them.

"The Knight of Education"

Today I stumbled across an article in the TIME magazine I picked up during my lunch. As you know I am interested in the field of education and this particular article grabbed my attention. It's about a woman named Michelle Rhee, many might not be aware of who she is, or what's she's accomplishing in the district of Colombia . But I was simply intrigued by her vivacity and her vision. The vision of creating schools that actually focus on the children, and her plan to insure their success. Many students today on a nation wide level face struggles that in her opinion should not even be an obstacle. The obstacle are the providers, the people that students depend on to teach them, to guide them, to inspire them. Teachers are the tool to the future in my opinion they are as important as the law makers and leaders of this great nation. Their goal is to promote and produce well rounded, wise individuals yet for some reason teachers primarily in cities where violence and chaos thrall are losing their reason for teaching, which in doubt hurt their students, our future. We find ourselves in a crucial time period where incompetent teachers can not be over looked nor tolerated and Michelle Rhee is trying to change that.

"Grab Bag"

If a genie gave me three wishes right now I would wish for.......

Health, happiness and MONEY! Although I am not fond of money overall, I feel that it is vital in order for me to accomplish some lifelong dreams of mine such as traveling the world to experience  both the cultures and cuisines that can be found throughout the world. Health because who needs money if you don't have health. Happiness because money is futile when one is not happy and healthy to enjoy the fruits of life. 

"Grading"

The way that I feel one should be graded when it comes to our journals should be based on ones creativity meaning pictures, video clips etc. I feel that it shouldn't have to be exaclty alot of writing but it should inform and entertain as well. I dont think a dull and boring entry should get a good grade our project is something that should be exciting and informational at the same time.

"Project Exploration"

Since my childhood, one of my dreams is to see the world, it amazes me that so many people live and never really live. They live on a beautiful planet that alot never get to really see or appreciate. I am entirely intrigued about world cultures. I would love to learn about cultures, people, and places I never imagined.

Over the past few years I have incorporated my dreams of traveling the world and becoming a teacher together. The way that I hope to execute this dream, is by becoming a History teacher. I plan to show and teach my students that the world is theirs that there is something bigger outside the classroom, the school, thier community. I want to give my students the ability to dream.

Walt Disney once said "If you can dream it, you can do it". I hope to one day realize that quote I dream I can travel the world and enlighten my students of the vast wonderful world around them.

"The Beginning"

   Today marks the beginning for the much anticipated moment. I have just gotten a response from my sponsors accepting my proposal to observe them interacting and teaching students. Hopefully during the course of the second semester I will get hands on experience to see what it means and takes to be a teacher. I look forward and again I am very ecstatic about the progress I have accomplished. 

"Melancholy"

It's the second day of the new Year and I am excited that I sent my letters to my hopefully sponsors. I am nervous for a response to see if my proposal to observe the teacher accepted. I am going to have to just wait till Monday I suppose. 

"New Adventures"

Today is my very first day to actually blog. I must admit I have never done it and I am quite excited. Felt like the perfect day for its the first day of the new year, MY year 2009! During the course of this year I will be daily posting my ideas and experiences of the Senior Project which I am part of. Hope it goes well and look forward to writing away.