Written for my math methods class; the prompt was to write about myself, my background, and math education, as well as my direction for the future as an educator. This cottage
I’ve been coming since before I can remember My German grandfather helped his father build this place The week was a reprieve from the summer boredom And the math worksheets my mother would make us do Not that I really minded them, math was better than language arts Math was always my best subject Except for the test in fourth grade when I got a D; I cried I’ve never handled failure well; I’m learning Edna Ferber Elementary It has been more meaningful since I stopped attending Senior year of high school, 26 little cherubs and my old first grade teacher Every afternoon, they left me with a smile and confidence in this profession Some days I would have to skip this practicum To spend 2 hours making up homework with my AP Calculus teacher She understood how to teach calc to high school seniors, creating an open environment Using visuals, posting notes to review, giving endless one-on-one help She also understood what it was like to lose a dad at the age of 18 I somehow managed a 4.0 that semester And got 4’s and 5’s on all of my AP tests I’ve always been an achiever, but I was blessed with good genes A redheaded mother and a black-haired father, who was more salt and pepper at the end My brother is a physics genius, playing games with the stock market My sister has her doctorate, from Marquette University I went to a state school to become a low-paid special education teacher Sometimes I wonder if my dad would be proud of me I never wonder if my Father is He knows that I am doing this to love and serve Him I was unsure what exactly I would be doing Until I returned to Edna Ferber Elementary, my second year in college It is there that I met her, the sixth grade girl She loved dogs and One Direction and reading; the school called her “EBD” But she had no interest in math, I coaxed her to try She had no motivation, no engagement, no personal connections Each day she left yet another worksheet undone, They say poor participation, I saw poor instruction Where is the collaboration? Where is the inclusion? Where are the visuals and activities? Who is showing her why math matters? Who is telling her they care about her interests? Appleton, Wisconsin A sixth grade girl, no interest in math Labeled by the school, but loved by none Pine Ridge, South Dakota Hugs and kisses from children that I do not deserve It pains me to know that I am the one who oppresses them China A minority group torn down for their culture and religion Oppression that this time is not mine, but hurts and angers me deeply Bloomer, Wisconsin A small girl, labeled as Autistic, unable to speak Unable to tell us that her dad is abusing her, but we know It is for them that I hope It is for them that I dream It is for them that I attend these courses, to learn to be an effective educator To learn how to fail, so that they can succeed To achieve for more than myself To give Him all of the glory It is for them that I strive to become an educator, so that I can change the world.
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On Sunday January 11th, my best friend Samuel asked me to marry him. The engagement was complete with snow, letters, trees, a ring, tears, and even a "yes." It was, pretty freaking amazing. I like our rings a lot. We were really fortunate to have two rings passed down from Samuel's grandmothers, one on each side of the family. I think it's pretty neat, wearing symbols from those who have gone before us. (Plus, my ring is about the prettiest thing I've ever seen.) We decided that we both wanted to wear engagement rings, Samuel is wearing his on his right hand until we are wed. In my mind, I think it is a nice symbol that we both get to wear to remember and display our commitment to one another. In Sam's words, "We are both having engagement rings, to stick it to patriarchy." No one is really that surprised that we chose this. I am so excited to be in the next stage of this adventure with my love. I wish I could say more, but I fall short of words when I try to express all that Sam has done for me and all that he means to me. I think the only thing I can say is that, I'm smitten. To the end. The family toasted with sparkling pear juice and we all gathered hands while Pops prayed over us.
It was my second favorite part of the day. I like the idea that I am always learning; here are 14 things I learned in 2014... how to sling clay and paint with watercolors how to survive a breakup; complete with meltdowns, lipstick, and roadtrips to minnesota how quickly friendships can form when you find someone who is always there to be a part of a band, musically, and a team, relationally how deeply I can fall in love with a green city in china that ferris wheels make the best first dates; they move slowly when life moves quickly how to rest intentionally in solitude with the LORD that 27-hour road trips, day-long hikes, and 7 days without showers create deep bonds to be okay with being broken, to love when it's hard, and to chose to say yes to my beloved that my heart is filled by open country, blue skies, and holding chickens the wonder and humility that comes with seeing a loved one begin to follow Jesus that my heart has a deep burden for children with disabilities and longs to teach & love them how to find a new apartment and begin to adjust to the idea of creating a new home how important family is; in every shape and form
I am a very happy woman today. I am full of sweet tea and excitement and thankfulness.
I am grateful for... ...my dear friend Hannah visiting me this weekend! ...Jordan living in the same city as me again #holla. ...works of God in mine and Samuel's relationship these past few weeks. ...future plans. ...alexi speich posting good music on her wall. ...the story of Jane Eyre. ...nights on my bed with the Christmas lights on. ...Taylor Swift's Blank Space because I swear it will never, ever get old. (Ever.) ...adventures planned for the evening! ...SUNSHINE SUNSHINE SUNSHINE SO MANY DAYS IN A ROW! ...being just a human. ...the Christian's alaska mug and the conversations I've had with Mary while holding it. ...mornings with my Father, who I am learning to trust. ...soup each evening, routine and filling. ...my job at the bookstore because it's the clerical work I've always wanted since I was a little girl. ...writing a brief autobiography on why I became a teacher, and moving myself to tears. (ha, not hard.) ...every single human being reading this little blog. What to do when it is -3 degrees?
Go outside and romp around in the woods, of course! Big falls is pretty spectacular during sunset after a fresh snow, let me tell ya. |
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December 2022
I'm guessing I'll have it all figured out by the time I turn 30.
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