Hopefully, not the only geek in the room

Last night I made it through my first Literature class without completely revealing that I've read all twelve of the required books these past few weeks.  At least, I hope no one could tell that I was just itching to talk about all of these books!

Luckily, I know that the guy to my left is taking the class for graduate studies credit, and he could clearly be just as big a geek as I am about adolescent literature ;)

It is interesting going sideways/halfway backwards in my studies.  I have earned 33 credits in a master's program that I did not want to finish, and at a pretty competitive school.  Now, I am enrolled in undergrad courses at State U and it is like a flash back!  Grad schoolers wear business casual or at the very least, nice jeans and cute tops.  Undergrads wear whatever smells the least dank.   I remember crawling out of bed as an undergrad, throwing on a bra, shoes, and a coat and just heading off to class "as is."   Since I am taking evening classes, I think there is a good mix of non-traditional and traditional students.  Yet.  I was the only one that I could see who was wearing slacks, a button down, and short sleeved sweater.  And high heels.

I was so overdressed!  At least I made the wise choice and did not accessorize with pearls ;)

I do have my absolutely FAVE accessory for this year - it is a purse meets briefcase tote from Franklin Covey.  I LOOOOOVE this bag!  It has a pocket for my sunglasses!!!

So far, I have fit my wallet, my planner, a little makeup case, my pencil case, a full size notebook, a half-inch full size binder, and a textbook in it!!!  I will be watching for strain on the straps - but it seems well enough constructed to take this abuse!  and they really should test bags that are this big by filling them with books.  Since that is all a big bag means to me - more room for books!

I'm all packed and ready for class #2 tonight, it would be fabulous if some of the kids from last night are in the class with me!  Friends! 

First Day of School!

Today/tonight is my first day of school as a gonna-be teacher.  I've realized my whole self has been programmed to be a teacher. 

1) I'm always on the look-out for school supplies.
2) August brings me a sense of renewal and hope - not so much New Year's Eve.
3) I want to share my knowledge with everyone.  All the time. 

My syllabi so far are showing me how much work this semester is going to be - and yes, the first one was exciting, the second one was overwhelming, and the third is still an unknown.  I think there is a parallel to life here, but I'm too excited about my pencil case to follow through on that one.

It is perfection!

It is the perfect combination of pretty and functional.  And it will keep all of my multi-colored pens handy for "fun-with-notetaking."

During my trip to Office Depot yesterday (whence I found said pencil case), my sister and I went a little crazy for the $.01 notebooks and $.50 items to donate to our university's school supply drive.  Does anyone else do this?  The cashier was not amused with how excited we were about the deals.  But $.50 for highlighters?!?  That is amazingly fun in our world. 

As we were scoping out all the deal bins, a father and his three little teeny, tiny school children were scooping up the great deals too.  I overheard a child asking if they were buying more school supplies for him and the dad had the best parenting answer I've heard in a long time.  To paraphrase, "We are blessing others today, sometimes things are about others instead of you."  I promise it was said with the most caring tone, and I can't quite capture how nicely that dad gave a lesson on charity.  All with the help of penny items!  I hope my items bless students as well.

My first class isn't until 6:55pm, and I cannot wait!  My bag is packed and ready and this day cannot go by fast enough at work!  Good thing I have some fun* data entry projects.

*Fun of course being subject to perspective and personal ideas of a work day's success.

A new beginning

In just one week, I am regaining my path towards teaching.

I've been sidelined by social services and personal struggles.  I thought I could increase literacy by working outside of the public schools and supporting the students with social services.  But I was only seeing kids 1-2 hours a week and that was simply not enough to reach my goal, wait for it, it is very overwhelming and big -

!!!Improving America's Literacy!!!

I had created 3 long term goals and was on track with all of them when "Things Happened."  You know, the things that turn your world upside-down and make you question your place in life.  It has been over 2 years since the worst of it; I've been slogging through life in a job I took just to get by and heal from it all.  And now it is time to continue towards the path I set out on at age 19. 

Yes, the fact that I will be 30 a few months after completing my Teaching Certification Program means that this whole journey will be fraught with "oooh I feel old!" since I'll be a non-traditional student among undergrads ;)

My other two goals are "Home Ownership" and "Doctoral Degree" - with a side of "Find True Love."

The new school year is always a good feeling for me - a hope that is far more resonate than the New Years Eve hope.  I've been tied into education for so long, that the advent of September and yummy cuddly sweaters is where I find renewal.