I started my first day as a student teacher today. It went very well. I enjoyed meeting the students and was happy to find I knew most of their names. Of course my studying (matching the class list to last year's yearbook) helped too!
We have a great class this year, with two new kids who fit right in immediately. The returning students were courteous and kind to the new students, to myself, and to their teacher. I left feeling tired, but happy and confident in the year. Day one, at least!
I'm fortunate to be working with a really great team of teachers. There are three 5th grades at my school and the teachers collaborate very closely on their lesson plans, activities, and expectations. This year they are having "homerooms" and the students will be rotating between the three classrooms for different subjects. The room I'm in is the writing room, the other two are math and social studies. This will be one step towards transitioning the fifth graders from elementary to middle school. I think the idea is a neat one. It allows the teachers to focus more on teaching their strengths (math, science, writing) and it allows them each more time to develop comprehensive lessons plans. The students get an introduction to schedules and different teachers per subject, all within the comfortable confines of their elementary school. I'm excited to see how it plays out through the year.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Friday! Week one done.
Clearly daily postings are not going to happen around here. UVEI orientation ended yesterday, Thursday. It was a really great week of meeting new friends and learning new things.
We had a week long project to teach a 10 minute lesson with a partner. My partner and I decided to teach a poem called "Dreams" by Langston Hughes to the group. It's a nice little poem and she knew the ASL to accompany it. We taught the group the poem and had them practice the sign language. The lesson planning was interesting and challenging as they gave us loose guidelines but we hadn't had any real lesson planning lessons. We spent a lot of time discussing how best to co-teach, how to position ourselves to be most beneficial to the class, how to position the class, and, most importantly, what are we really trying to teach!? We had a chance to do a dry-run with another pair the day before our lesson, and we gained valuable feedback from that. On Thursday afternoon we taught our "class" the poem and the sign language. It was really fun and it was interesting to see how we adjusted our lesson plan on the fly to account for the previously unknown environment and students. It went very well.
We were in groups of ten people, five sets of partners, and everyone got to teach a lesson. In addition to our poem, we learned about how to construct a healthy compost pile, how to tie a strong knot (I forgot the name of it though!), more about healthy eating and exercise, and how to make a paper airplane. Which leads me to my next thought...
I spent today at school for the final in-service day. I asked a ton of questions, collated papers, stuffed folders, and attended a staff meeting and a district-wide employee recognition ice cream social! It was a busy day. The district IT was fighting a DOS (denial of service attack, which pretty much takes down their network) so the teachers were all stressed about last minute emails, printing, and presentations saved online. All was resolved by lunch time though.
At our staff meeting I sat quietly in the corner, feeling like an intruder. I made a quiet joke about it to my mentor and our awesome school counselor. I said I feel like a parent wearing teacher clothing and sneaking in to the meeting. They laughed. She patted my knee and said, "You're one of us now! You get to hear all the secrets." It felt good to be there. :)
The first activity we did at the staff meeting was a communications game. Half the room (my side) made paper airplanes. The teachers at my table were saying they don't know how to make airplanes, so I stepped right up and demonstrated the process I'd learned just yesterday at UVEI. They all followed along. Then we had to partner up with the other half of the room, stand back-to-back, and verbally instruct our partner on how to make the same airplane. My partner did an awesome job, but the partners of my tablemates did not. Apparently I did not teach my neighbors well enough, as they were unable to reteach the skill! They said the lesson learned is that cheating is bad. :) For those of us who created matching planes (original and replicate) we got to fly the replicates for a distance challenge. My partner's plane won! Yay for my first staff meeting and yay for my UVEI colleagues who taught an excellent paper airplane lesson!!
I am now very tired and still need to learn many names before Monday. I'd like to know most, if not all, of the students as they come in on Monday.
We had a week long project to teach a 10 minute lesson with a partner. My partner and I decided to teach a poem called "Dreams" by Langston Hughes to the group. It's a nice little poem and she knew the ASL to accompany it. We taught the group the poem and had them practice the sign language. The lesson planning was interesting and challenging as they gave us loose guidelines but we hadn't had any real lesson planning lessons. We spent a lot of time discussing how best to co-teach, how to position ourselves to be most beneficial to the class, how to position the class, and, most importantly, what are we really trying to teach!? We had a chance to do a dry-run with another pair the day before our lesson, and we gained valuable feedback from that. On Thursday afternoon we taught our "class" the poem and the sign language. It was really fun and it was interesting to see how we adjusted our lesson plan on the fly to account for the previously unknown environment and students. It went very well.
Dreams, by Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
for if dreams die
life is a broken-winged bird
that cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
for when dreams go
life is a barren field
frozen with snow.
We were in groups of ten people, five sets of partners, and everyone got to teach a lesson. In addition to our poem, we learned about how to construct a healthy compost pile, how to tie a strong knot (I forgot the name of it though!), more about healthy eating and exercise, and how to make a paper airplane. Which leads me to my next thought...
I spent today at school for the final in-service day. I asked a ton of questions, collated papers, stuffed folders, and attended a staff meeting and a district-wide employee recognition ice cream social! It was a busy day. The district IT was fighting a DOS (denial of service attack, which pretty much takes down their network) so the teachers were all stressed about last minute emails, printing, and presentations saved online. All was resolved by lunch time though.
At our staff meeting I sat quietly in the corner, feeling like an intruder. I made a quiet joke about it to my mentor and our awesome school counselor. I said I feel like a parent wearing teacher clothing and sneaking in to the meeting. They laughed. She patted my knee and said, "You're one of us now! You get to hear all the secrets." It felt good to be there. :)
The first activity we did at the staff meeting was a communications game. Half the room (my side) made paper airplanes. The teachers at my table were saying they don't know how to make airplanes, so I stepped right up and demonstrated the process I'd learned just yesterday at UVEI. They all followed along. Then we had to partner up with the other half of the room, stand back-to-back, and verbally instruct our partner on how to make the same airplane. My partner did an awesome job, but the partners of my tablemates did not. Apparently I did not teach my neighbors well enough, as they were unable to reteach the skill! They said the lesson learned is that cheating is bad. :) For those of us who created matching planes (original and replicate) we got to fly the replicates for a distance challenge. My partner's plane won! Yay for my first staff meeting and yay for my UVEI colleagues who taught an excellent paper airplane lesson!!
I am now very tired and still need to learn many names before Monday. I'd like to know most, if not all, of the students as they come in on Monday.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Day Two
Day two at UVEI. Another great one!
This morning we watched an awesome video on Changing Education Paradigms by Sir Ken Robinson.
I've seen this a few times and it's just amazing. The illustrations, the ideas, the execution. Just perfect. I love his point that you can't meet the future by doing what you did in the past. I think too many times we try to do just that. It worked before, why isn't it working now? When our current education system was created, during the Industrial Revolution, it meet the needs of the time just fine. Students needed to know basic reading and math skills. The Three R's. In today's environment though, students need to know so much more, but more importantly, students need to know how to process the complex information available to them (to us all!) and how to find accurate, reliable information.
This is a great video. I'd highly recommend you watch it, a few times.
Did you know the rate of ADHD increases as you head east? Why is that? One of my classmates said it's because it's colder on the East coast and people tend to stay indoors more. I disagree. I don't have an answer, but I don't like that one. If the map is correct it's primarily the south east. I wonder if it has to do with economics and education levels?
This morning we watched an awesome video on Changing Education Paradigms by Sir Ken Robinson.
I've seen this a few times and it's just amazing. The illustrations, the ideas, the execution. Just perfect. I love his point that you can't meet the future by doing what you did in the past. I think too many times we try to do just that. It worked before, why isn't it working now? When our current education system was created, during the Industrial Revolution, it meet the needs of the time just fine. Students needed to know basic reading and math skills. The Three R's. In today's environment though, students need to know so much more, but more importantly, students need to know how to process the complex information available to them (to us all!) and how to find accurate, reliable information.
This is a great video. I'd highly recommend you watch it, a few times.
Did you know the rate of ADHD increases as you head east? Why is that? One of my classmates said it's because it's colder on the East coast and people tend to stay indoors more. I disagree. I don't have an answer, but I don't like that one. If the map is correct it's primarily the south east. I wonder if it has to do with economics and education levels?
Monday, August 19, 2013
First day at UVEI
Today was the first day of UVEI orientation! It was great! I'm so jazzed to be surrounded by people, all with varied life histories, all pursuing the same path I am. It is so motivating!
We did a compass point activity to discuss personality types. It was interesting to see how many people were in the "Just do it!" crowd. I fell into the South "caring" crowd. I was torn between that and the West "details" group, but we had to chose just one so I went with South. We discussed strengths and weaknesses of our own personality type and how it might play into our interactions with others and our teaching styles. I can see how it takes all types of personalities to successfully run an organization. You need the go-getters, but you also need the big picture people, and the details people, and the "caring" group which we decided could also be called "moderators" or "peacekeepers." It takes all kinds.
I'm not going into a full play-by-play, because really, who needs that? I'm just going to say that I am so happy to feel so confident on this path. Towards the end of the afternoon I caught myself spacing out a bit (I tend to do that!) but for the first time in my educational career I caught myself and thought, "Wait, this is important! I need to know this information!" I want to know this information!
On the down side, this week over-laps with my school's in-service week, so I'm bummed to be missing all the classroom setup and staff meetings. I'll be in school on Friday though, for the final push and a few remaining meetings. I wish I could be there for everything! At school and at UVEI and home reading a ton of books... and, of course, paying attention to soon-to-be neglected my family. /)
We did a compass point activity to discuss personality types. It was interesting to see how many people were in the "Just do it!" crowd. I fell into the South "caring" crowd. I was torn between that and the West "details" group, but we had to chose just one so I went with South. We discussed strengths and weaknesses of our own personality type and how it might play into our interactions with others and our teaching styles. I can see how it takes all types of personalities to successfully run an organization. You need the go-getters, but you also need the big picture people, and the details people, and the "caring" group which we decided could also be called "moderators" or "peacekeepers." It takes all kinds.
I'm not going into a full play-by-play, because really, who needs that? I'm just going to say that I am so happy to feel so confident on this path. Towards the end of the afternoon I caught myself spacing out a bit (I tend to do that!) but for the first time in my educational career I caught myself and thought, "Wait, this is important! I need to know this information!" I want to know this information!
On the down side, this week over-laps with my school's in-service week, so I'm bummed to be missing all the classroom setup and staff meetings. I'll be in school on Friday though, for the final push and a few remaining meetings. I wish I could be there for everything! At school and at UVEI and home reading a ton of books... and, of course, paying attention to soon-to-be neglected my family. /)
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Time
I am eager to begin the UVEI program in two weeks. Eager to get started learning to teach. I have just one nagging hesitation. Time. Where will I find the time to do everything I do now, PLUS work full time and have homework!? UVEI estimates 2-3hrs of work each evening. As it is I'm exhausted at the end of each day. I think the obvious answer is that I won't find the time to do everything. Not even close. It will be a matter of delegating to a very kind husband and two helpful (hopefully!) children. It will be a matter of stepping back, letting go, ignoring what doesn't get done, and trying to focus on the important things. At times it sounds scary to me!
Then I read the welcome emails from others attending UVEI this fall. People with more kids than me, people with younger kids, people who are moving, people who are divorcing, people who are marrying (one week into the UVEI program!), people with their own lives and their own busy schedules. All coming together to face this challenge and step onto a new path in life. I read their emails and I feel motivated! If they can do it, I can do it, and likely we will all struggle with similar things.
Learning together...
... and keeping each other awake!
Then I read the welcome emails from others attending UVEI this fall. People with more kids than me, people with younger kids, people who are moving, people who are divorcing, people who are marrying (one week into the UVEI program!), people with their own lives and their own busy schedules. All coming together to face this challenge and step onto a new path in life. I read their emails and I feel motivated! If they can do it, I can do it, and likely we will all struggle with similar things.
Learning together...
... and keeping each other awake!
Something to keep in mind...
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled."
- Plutarch
- Plutarch
Thursday, August 08, 2013
Back to school shopping
The kids and I did a little back to school shopping today. It made me sad to think that I won't be walking them into their classrooms this year on the first day. I've always enjoyed that part of school. Saying hi to their teachers and classmates, checking out the room, etc. I'll miss that this year.
However, as I was looking at the school supplies I couldn't help feeling excited about the idea of having my own classroom some day! Fresh school supplies, fresh faces, daily good mornings.
Changes are coming!
However, as I was looking at the school supplies I couldn't help feeling excited about the idea of having my own classroom some day! Fresh school supplies, fresh faces, daily good mornings.
Changes are coming!
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Blog reboot!
I read an article today about student teacher as researcher ("Student Teacher as Researcher: Accepting Greater Responsibility for Learning About Teaching" by J. John Loughran, Australian Journal of Eduction, 2004) that talked about the use of anecdotes. He says the use of anecdotes helps you take ownership and understanding of a situation, and allows you to frame and reframe your practice. Sure. Anyway, that got me thinking about blogging, which reminded me of this old blog that's been kicking around. I'm a stream of conscienceness kinda gal!
I like to blog. It's a great way to capture my thoughts and review them later. It is tidier than scattered notebooks around the house. I think I'll dust this thing off, rename it (the nursing career never took off :/ ) and give it another go.
This time I begin my journey in education.
A quick update since my last post in 2006. Just a few years have gone by. I've had another baby. Had a few jobs. Have a new house. A new state.
My youngest started kindergarten last year. I'm always thinking ahead and had started considering the idea of teaching as a possible career choice. My wise mother suggested substitute teaching as a first step, so I considered that and discussed with friends and dillied and dallied. One day last fall the principal at school stopped me on the way out and said he'd heard I was interested in subbing. I said, "Wellll...." He said, "Please?!" That was about all it took. I filled out the paperwork, got myself fingerprinted and background checked, and before I knew it I was subbing. In PE. Day one. Welcome to school!
As the year went on I subbed in every grade, every special, many aide positions, and nearly every single classroom. I was also working a part-time office job at the time and trying to decide which I preferred. One chilly morning as I was sitting alone in the office I found myself really wishing I was at school. Really. I realized that the days fly by at school and the people make me happy. Even the challenging ones. Mostly. There were a few that made me less than happy, but that's bound to be the case in any career.
So I decided teaching would be my path. After much consideration and consensus (I like to ask around!) I decided to apply at the Upper Valley Educators Institute. They offer a one year program that results in a certificate and 24 continuing education credits that can be applied towards a Masters degree if I so decide to take that path in the future. Their program is fairly unique in that it's like an immersion program with most of your time spent in an actual classroom, not taking classes.
This fall I will be a teacher intern in 5th grade, four days a week there and one day a week at the UVEI for special sessions. During that time I'll have solo teaching days and one solo teaching week where I will be responsible for designing the lesson plans and running the show.
Next spring I'll be a teacher intern in kindergarten at a different school. Same schedule except this time I'll have more solo days and two weeks of solo teaching.
I'm feeling really confident about the whole thing so far. I really appreciate my mom's advice to substitute teach first because I feel like I got a lot of the classroom unknowns out of the way already. I understand how the days go. Where things are. What is expected of students at different grade levels and in different classrooms. I've stood up in front of a class and "taught" (ie: followed the plan left by the teacher). I've sent kids to the principal's office, I've dealt with fights, I've shared in the excitement over accomplishments, etc. This upcoming year I can really focus on learning to teach, instead of just being overwhelmed by the new environment. I will be great.
My one small point of anxiety is just the unknowns of our family routine. I'm lining up the logistics and hoping all goes well. I'm also hoping I won't have the 2-3 hours of homework that the UVEI mentions! That would be a challenge on top of working all day and parenting all night.
Here's to another mid-life (can't quite call it quarter-life like I did before) career shift. Hi-tech professional. At-home mom, with many little side jobs. Teacher. Bring it on!
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I like to blog. It's a great way to capture my thoughts and review them later. It is tidier than scattered notebooks around the house. I think I'll dust this thing off, rename it (the nursing career never took off :/ ) and give it another go.
This time I begin my journey in education.
A quick update since my last post in 2006. Just a few years have gone by. I've had another baby. Had a few jobs. Have a new house. A new state.
My youngest started kindergarten last year. I'm always thinking ahead and had started considering the idea of teaching as a possible career choice. My wise mother suggested substitute teaching as a first step, so I considered that and discussed with friends and dillied and dallied. One day last fall the principal at school stopped me on the way out and said he'd heard I was interested in subbing. I said, "Wellll...." He said, "Please?!" That was about all it took. I filled out the paperwork, got myself fingerprinted and background checked, and before I knew it I was subbing. In PE. Day one. Welcome to school!
As the year went on I subbed in every grade, every special, many aide positions, and nearly every single classroom. I was also working a part-time office job at the time and trying to decide which I preferred. One chilly morning as I was sitting alone in the office I found myself really wishing I was at school. Really. I realized that the days fly by at school and the people make me happy. Even the challenging ones. Mostly. There were a few that made me less than happy, but that's bound to be the case in any career.
So I decided teaching would be my path. After much consideration and consensus (I like to ask around!) I decided to apply at the Upper Valley Educators Institute. They offer a one year program that results in a certificate and 24 continuing education credits that can be applied towards a Masters degree if I so decide to take that path in the future. Their program is fairly unique in that it's like an immersion program with most of your time spent in an actual classroom, not taking classes.
This fall I will be a teacher intern in 5th grade, four days a week there and one day a week at the UVEI for special sessions. During that time I'll have solo teaching days and one solo teaching week where I will be responsible for designing the lesson plans and running the show.
Next spring I'll be a teacher intern in kindergarten at a different school. Same schedule except this time I'll have more solo days and two weeks of solo teaching.
I'm feeling really confident about the whole thing so far. I really appreciate my mom's advice to substitute teach first because I feel like I got a lot of the classroom unknowns out of the way already. I understand how the days go. Where things are. What is expected of students at different grade levels and in different classrooms. I've stood up in front of a class and "taught" (ie: followed the plan left by the teacher). I've sent kids to the principal's office, I've dealt with fights, I've shared in the excitement over accomplishments, etc. This upcoming year I can really focus on learning to teach, instead of just being overwhelmed by the new environment. I will be great.
My one small point of anxiety is just the unknowns of our family routine. I'm lining up the logistics and hoping all goes well. I'm also hoping I won't have the 2-3 hours of homework that the UVEI mentions! That would be a challenge on top of working all day and parenting all night.
Here's to another mid-life (can't quite call it quarter-life like I did before) career shift. Hi-tech professional. At-home mom, with many little side jobs. Teacher. Bring it on!
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Monday, May 22, 2006
Harder than necessary
These prereqs are kicking my butt! Not the classes, just the logistics. :/ It looks like I'm going to be taking four classes at four different colleges - and no financial aid for any of it :( I took the A&P I at a local community collge ($700 - easy A) and, as you know, I'm trying to test out of A&P II through an online college ($250). I signed up for Microbiology at a community college right next to where I work, and found out it's going to cost me $1450!!! Damn! So I tried to apply for federal aid. The nice lady at the FAFSA office told me that student aid should cover all of it (individual classes at different colleges). The nice lady at the financial aid office at my nearby college told me that I can't get anything. Apparently Pell Grants are only good for undergrads, and student loans are only good for 6+ credits per semester. My measly 4 are gonna cost me a boatload. I was hoping to take my final class, Chemistry, at this same nearby college, but they don't seem to offer it in the evenings. Grrr.... So now my options seem to be find another college, or switch to part time work this fall or next spring and take classes during the day. I *never* thought that the logistics of the prereqs would be so damn hard. I hope this isn't an omen of things to come.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Brain mush
It occured to me today that the reason (in part) I'm having so much trouble focusing on my studies and figuring out where and how to take classes, how to pay, scholarships, etc... is that for the first time in a long time I really truly need to think. I need to use my brain and really read stuff. Wow! I haven't done that in a long time. It sounds dumb, but really. This occured to me at work today when someone asked me a question and I said "I don't know" and they said "Ok" and left. My job is such that I really don't ever think about much. There are tons of problems that could be thought about, if I had the time and desire, but I don't. It's just too easy to ask someone else. Hmmmm.....
Monday, May 01, 2006
A whole new career
Sometimes it strikes me how weird it will be to have a whole new career. Things that I'm used to doing and consider myself good at (web design, development, etc.) will no longer matter in my new life. I also find myself looking forward to the day that Alan and I can work together again, then I have to remind myself that that will no longer be an option either. It's just weird to think about.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Studying hard
I'm not really a self-motivated person, but I've made the decision to take an Excellsior exam to receive my credits for Anatomy & Physiology II. The exam actually counts for part I and II, so I'll have duplicate credits for part I.
In order to do this though, I have started spending Thursday nights at Panera Bread. It's been working well so far. I pick up the boy from daycare, meet the hubby for dinner and baby swap, then stay at Panera for 3 hours until closing. I'm pretty proud of myself and I think I'll do ok on the exam. I was hoping to take it in June, but I'm not sure I'll be ready by then. I may have to increase my Panera Bread time to 2 nights a week, or else try to get some studying done at home as well. I have a lot of trouble with that though, as I'm always distracted by the boy, or the dishes, or the bed :)
Closing time now so I have to go. Send me "good studying" vibes so I can stay motivated and pass this exam (which I've already paid for!!)
In order to do this though, I have started spending Thursday nights at Panera Bread. It's been working well so far. I pick up the boy from daycare, meet the hubby for dinner and baby swap, then stay at Panera for 3 hours until closing. I'm pretty proud of myself and I think I'll do ok on the exam. I was hoping to take it in June, but I'm not sure I'll be ready by then. I may have to increase my Panera Bread time to 2 nights a week, or else try to get some studying done at home as well. I have a lot of trouble with that though, as I'm always distracted by the boy, or the dishes, or the bed :)
Closing time now so I have to go. Send me "good studying" vibes so I can stay motivated and pass this exam (which I've already paid for!!)
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Deferring
I decided to defer my nursing program until next May. Originally I was planning on taking the 2 year (4 semester) plan starting in Aug '06, but instead I'm going to take the 1 year (3 semester intensive) plan starting in May '07. Both plans graduate in May '08. I think this will be better because it gives me more time to get my prereqs done, gives Alan time to build up his hosting business, and gives both of us time to bring our overall financial situation a little closer to the black before I give up my hefty salary.
I got a package from Binghamton yesterday, which must have gone out before I alerted them to my change of plans. I'm glad I got it, but it was a bit overwhelming. The packet was full of information about what needs to be done before classes start in May. We have to order uniforms, name tags, medical supplies (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, pharmacology kit(???), etc.) We also have to take the professional level CPR training, get vaccinations, get a specific type of insurance AND attend an orientation in April. All of this results in many hundreds of dollars before we even start registering for classes. As I read through the information all I kept thinking was "I'm soooo not ready for this just yet!" However, like I said, I'm glad I got the packet this year so I'll know what to expect for next year.
I got a package from Binghamton yesterday, which must have gone out before I alerted them to my change of plans. I'm glad I got it, but it was a bit overwhelming. The packet was full of information about what needs to be done before classes start in May. We have to order uniforms, name tags, medical supplies (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, pharmacology kit(???), etc.) We also have to take the professional level CPR training, get vaccinations, get a specific type of insurance AND attend an orientation in April. All of this results in many hundreds of dollars before we even start registering for classes. As I read through the information all I kept thinking was "I'm soooo not ready for this just yet!" However, like I said, I'm glad I got the packet this year so I'll know what to expect for next year.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Sheep brains anyone?
I narrowly escaped a brain disection today! Half way through class my teacher says "Oh, I need to take the brains out of the fridge." We all say "brains???" She says, "Yeah, didn't I tell you we are disecting sheep brains tonight?" Geezz.... you gotta give a person fair warning before expecting them to disect brains on a Tuesday night. Luckily (for me, others in class weren't so happy) we ran out of time so we'll get to do that fun project next week. At least I can mentally prepare myself anyway - and remind myself that brain disection was my sister's favorite part of college :)
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Work related stress
We have this big conference coming up next month and my job has gotten progressively more stressful this past week. As an implementer (versus a visionary - the only two roles at my company) a lot has fallen on my plate lately. Stuff I don't know about falls out of the visionary's heads and on to my lap, and always due yesterday.
On my way home today, after a particularly annoying day, I started thinking about what life as a nurse would be like. Every job has it stressors, I'm aware of that, but I wonder how they will be different in the healthcare field. I can envision two scenarios.
Maybe the stressors of the job will be less annoying because the job itself is more fulfilling. Maybe it will be easier to deal with stupid things because overall I know I'll be having a positive impact on people's lives, instead of just designing brochures and spam for the world. Or... maybe the stressors will be that much more difficult because they affect people's lives, not just brochures and spam. If a boss makes a stupid decision now it sucks, if a nurse's boss makes one, it could be fatal. Maybe the stress will just be tons worse?
It's kind of scary switching into a field I've never been in. I think I have the professional, Office Space world down pat. I wonder what I'm getting myself into.
On my way home today, after a particularly annoying day, I started thinking about what life as a nurse would be like. Every job has it stressors, I'm aware of that, but I wonder how they will be different in the healthcare field. I can envision two scenarios.
Maybe the stressors of the job will be less annoying because the job itself is more fulfilling. Maybe it will be easier to deal with stupid things because overall I know I'll be having a positive impact on people's lives, instead of just designing brochures and spam for the world. Or... maybe the stressors will be that much more difficult because they affect people's lives, not just brochures and spam. If a boss makes a stupid decision now it sucks, if a nurse's boss makes one, it could be fatal. Maybe the stress will just be tons worse?
It's kind of scary switching into a field I've never been in. I think I have the professional, Office Space world down pat. I wonder what I'm getting myself into.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Swirling mess
Life is so hectic these days. I have these three swirling messes, moving targets, that are all interdependent. Once I nail one down I'm sure the others will fall into place nicely. But there is just never time to do anything.
SM #1: Housing
Need to find somewhere to live. As I said before, we found one nice place, but the lease date is May 1, which is too early. However, depending on how the employment situation goes, we may be able to go that early. Or we may have to stay here as long as possible (July) so I can work as long as possible.
SM #2: Employment
Obviously. Alan has begun job hunting, but the tech jobs in upstate NY are slim pickings. We've also been looking for telecommuting opportunitites. If we could nail down employment though, we would have a lot more decisiveness on where we need to be and when. I think I'm going to tell my boss today (if I don't chicken out). There may be some telecommuting options here that would help solve this dilemma.
SM #3: Pre-reqs
On top of the obvious housing and employment, I also need to work in 3 more pre-requisite classes. I had a great plan for taking them at Binghamton during the two summer sessions, but when I met with my advisor last week she said no, no, no. Apparently all three conflict with each other!! What kind of goober schedule is that? She was nice enough to give me options (online, test out of some of them, local community college, etc.) I can also (possibly) take another one up here. Soo... what I take and where will depend on where we are living at the time. Maybe the solution is to decide on how I want to take the courses and register. Then housing and employment will have to be coordinated around that. Hmmm... it's good to write things done sometimes :)
SM #1: Housing
Need to find somewhere to live. As I said before, we found one nice place, but the lease date is May 1, which is too early. However, depending on how the employment situation goes, we may be able to go that early. Or we may have to stay here as long as possible (July) so I can work as long as possible.
SM #2: Employment
Obviously. Alan has begun job hunting, but the tech jobs in upstate NY are slim pickings. We've also been looking for telecommuting opportunitites. If we could nail down employment though, we would have a lot more decisiveness on where we need to be and when. I think I'm going to tell my boss today (if I don't chicken out). There may be some telecommuting options here that would help solve this dilemma.
SM #3: Pre-reqs
On top of the obvious housing and employment, I also need to work in 3 more pre-requisite classes. I had a great plan for taking them at Binghamton during the two summer sessions, but when I met with my advisor last week she said no, no, no. Apparently all three conflict with each other!! What kind of goober schedule is that? She was nice enough to give me options (online, test out of some of them, local community college, etc.) I can also (possibly) take another one up here. Soo... what I take and where will depend on where we are living at the time. Maybe the solution is to decide on how I want to take the courses and register. Then housing and employment will have to be coordinated around that. Hmmm... it's good to write things done sometimes :)
Friday, February 24, 2006
Bummer on the house
Alan talked to the rental lady yesterday. Apparently all was not as it seemed :(
We asked her to fix up the little shower in the "efficiency" (in-law apt) - which at our visit she said worked fine - she now says it can't be used because it's not vented and they won't fix it. She also said that although the original lease date was July 1, they now want to move it up to May 1. These are two pretty big strikes, which is a bummer because it is a nice house overall and because I don't want to drive out to Binghamton to house-hunt again :)
Tonight was a business night (shareholder meeting - BLAH!) but maybe we'll be able to put more thought into our future this weekend. We'll see.
We asked her to fix up the little shower in the "efficiency" (in-law apt) - which at our visit she said worked fine - she now says it can't be used because it's not vented and they won't fix it. She also said that although the original lease date was July 1, they now want to move it up to May 1. These are two pretty big strikes, which is a bummer because it is a nice house overall and because I don't want to drive out to Binghamton to house-hunt again :)
Tonight was a business night (shareholder meeting - BLAH!) but maybe we'll be able to put more thought into our future this weekend. We'll see.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Hmm... should I keep this up?
So obviously my nursing blog isn't as gripping as I'd hoped. Who knew that there would be so little time in life. I'll post a few quick highlights and see if I can get better at updating this thing.
Accepted!
I got accepted into the BSN program at Binghamton University! I wasn't too worried, but it felt great to hear the final OK. Now I just have to pay them my deposit then it's official.
Visiting
We took a trip to Binghamton this past weekend. It was nice. Rosy and I took an official tour of campus while Mom played babysitter. We also went apartment hunting and found a really great house. Alan is trying to get in touch with the management company today to sign the lease. It's an old house with 4 bedrooms, brand new bathrooms (with skylights) and it even has a fireplace with a mantle and a mirror over the mantle! I loved it. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy - but so is most of Binghamton. The house is right on the edge of a business district, so it's family neighborhood on one side and business a few houses away on the other. I'm sure it will be fine though.
Pre-reqs
I'm taking Anatomy & Physiology I right now at a local community college. I also have to take A&P II, Chem, and Microbiology. I learned this weekend that all three of those courses conflict during the summer sessions at B. Soo.... I'm gonna have to figure out some other way to take them. That's Challenge #1.
Challenge #2
My challenge, your challenge, and most everyone else's (except those 8 in Nebraska!) is $$$. Once I quit my comfy job we will be close to broke. Over the next few months we will be focusing on rectifying that situation. Wish us luck! :)
Accepted!
I got accepted into the BSN program at Binghamton University! I wasn't too worried, but it felt great to hear the final OK. Now I just have to pay them my deposit then it's official.
Visiting
We took a trip to Binghamton this past weekend. It was nice. Rosy and I took an official tour of campus while Mom played babysitter. We also went apartment hunting and found a really great house. Alan is trying to get in touch with the management company today to sign the lease. It's an old house with 4 bedrooms, brand new bathrooms (with skylights) and it even has a fireplace with a mantle and a mirror over the mantle! I loved it. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy - but so is most of Binghamton. The house is right on the edge of a business district, so it's family neighborhood on one side and business a few houses away on the other. I'm sure it will be fine though.
Pre-reqs
I'm taking Anatomy & Physiology I right now at a local community college. I also have to take A&P II, Chem, and Microbiology. I learned this weekend that all three of those courses conflict during the summer sessions at B. Soo.... I'm gonna have to figure out some other way to take them. That's Challenge #1.
Challenge #2
My challenge, your challenge, and most everyone else's (except those 8 in Nebraska!) is $$$. Once I quit my comfy job we will be close to broke. Over the next few months we will be focusing on rectifying that situation. Wish us luck! :)
Monday, November 21, 2005
PS.
I did my shadowing last weekend. It was great. I'm too tired to go into detail now, but it definitely reaffirmed my decision. I still want to shadow in the NICU, but that will come later. Maybe I'll give more detail later. Maybe not. This blog isn't turning out to be as detailed as I'd hoped, but c'est la vie.
Application submitted
Well, I did it. Payed my $$ and submitted my app to Binghamton University. Now I have to write a personal statement :) I've been mulling it over in my head for many days now. Maybe I'll try to get it on paper soon. I wonder how long it takes before I hear back from them. When I spoke to the woman there she said she was almost done reviewing Spring semester apps and would then move on to the fall semester ones. Silly me didn't think to ask for an ETA on that. Oh well. Patience, patience...
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