Yesterday I met with my academic advisor at UNO. Even though this lady gives me a ton of homework and so much of it seems like busy work, I am learning the most from her class, and I really enjoy going to it. I went to her to figure out my classes for next semester, as we’re getting ready to register, and I found out that UNO is only offering a couple of the classes I need left. I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to finish in the three semesters like I planned, so I wanted to talk to her to be sure... Also, I was concerned that without a full-time status, I wouldn’t get my student loan, which would ultimately determine whether I would be able to go to school. SO... it was so encouraging to talk with her. She was surprised that they allowed me to register for five classes, being a fulltime student and a fulltime employee. She was surprised I was doing well... :) I told her I was changing jobs, and that I was looking forward to the part-timeness of my new job because then I could get caught up on all my field experience hours. She told me I was well on my way to finishing all my classwork by this time next year, and then entering into my student teaching (which I hope to be in my classroom that fall anyway). SO... that’s exciting for me. So technically, it will still take me four semesters, but classwork wise, it’s only three. So next semester I will take three classes if the financial aid office will let me keep my loan. If not, she told me to talk to a professor about taking an independent study class for reading intervention (which is what my new job is) and then sign up for a reading class that will help me in that field. That way my unit won’t be a complete waste of time and money. SO... I still may have to take four or five classes, but hopefully I can take only three and still get my loan. I am glad I met with her. We talked about the class I’m in with her--classroom management. She said I have a good head on my shoulders, and I really seem to know my stuff. I told her, well I’ve been working with kids since i was a kid, and it all kinda comes natural to me. She said she thinks I really helped this girl in our class who is also working with little ones (she’s got 1 to 2-year olds, Lord bless her). The girl felt kinda lost in class, trying to seek out help from the class, but not really being able to translate what we’re doing in class (which is geared for prek-3rd grade), and my professor thinks some of the things I’ve said really encouraged the girl. I hope so. I told her it was hard for me at first, but it started to make sense, and I’ve been able to take some key things and apply them.
I am sad a little bit that tomorrow is my last day in my classroom. I am happy a lot that tomorrow is my last day in my classroom. I feel confident that Mary is going to do wonderful with whomever they put with her. I pray that the match is a good one. We were a good team, Mary n I. I will miss her take charge, take initiative, and ability to keep the kids’ attention longer than I. I look forward to what God has in store for me though. I am excited to work with Ms. Liz next week and learn from her. I am excited to meet my new students, and to see what reading intervention is all about. I am excited to the doors that this job is going to open. I will miss my cuddles from a couple of my kids, but I will not miss the poopy diapers and biting and hitting and screaming. I am sure I will deal with something new at Davies, but I am hoping it’s a little more manageable. :)
Well, naptime is over, so I had better go...
aP
