Who let's me do this???

I'm my own worst critic, but seriously... I stuttered way too much! I think I was a little nervous! Check out my video interview talking about my life at Albertus! I filmed this back in September, it's great to see it all done! :)

By the way... Don't you hate the thumbnails?! It caught me in mid-sentence!

December is already gone?!

Hello, hello, hello!

December has come and gone, as it always does.  This was a big one; I turned 21 and I concluded my last fall semester of my undergrad. Crazy stuff!  I’ll do a little recap to catch you up on my month!

I turned 21 on December 4^th! I went to a few places with a couple of my good friends in downtown New Haven.  It was a great night and I am very thankful to have good people to celebrate with!

I made the decision to apply to school to go for my Master’s degree right away.  The last thing I want to do is lose the skills it takes to be a student.  I am currently working on my applications and I am really excited for the programs I am applying to.

I took a bartending class at Connecticut School of Bartending and I graduated valedictorian! I took the class so I could easily find a job and make some extra money to pay for grad school.  Education is an investment of time and money but it pays off in the end! J

Christmas was fabulous.  Every year we open presents at my parent’s house.  My brothers, sister, my parents, and myself, all gather in the living room and watch each other unwrap our surprises.  My grandpa joined us this year, which was a lot of fun.  I was happy to see him.  We have a light breakfast as a family and watch A Christmas Story on TBS, since it runs 24 hours!  From there, we went to my cousins house for our “dinner,” which takes place in early afternoon.  My aunts, uncles, cousins, and my gramma are all there.  We laugh and joke, and truly enjoy each other’s company.  We make numerous movie references including but not limited to singing “Fra rah rah rah rah, rah rah rah..”  (NAME THAT MOVIE! GO!) 

Hard to believe that New Years Eve is Monday and 2013 will be here.  I will be graduating… very soon.  It is truly shocking to think about how fast time has gone…

 

Open House 2012

On Saturday, Albertus Magnus College held its Open House to perspective students and their families.  Prior to the event, I was asked to give a speech about how I chose Albertus and my experience here.  I was truly honored to be asked.  I spoke about how Albertus was the only true choice for me and the positive impact the community, the classes, and the professors have had on me. 

The morning began with a breakfast luncheon, where I was able to sit with President McNamara, Nilvio Perez, and a few other distinguished members of the college community.  It was great to speak with them on a casual level.  I was extremely nervous to speak (who wouldn’t be?!)  but they calmed me down and reassured me that I would do great.  When it was time for me to speak, I spoke as though I was conversing with my little sister as she was visiting colleges.  I spoke from the heart and wanted them to understand the spirit of the campus.  I was shaking throughout the entire speech, but I hid it! 

When I was done, several families came up to me to tell me how good I did and how inspirational I was.  I did not expect this at all but it made me feel as though I made a difference.  I hope that my words made an impact and encouraged these perspective students to look into Albertus a little further.  AMC is such a unique place, you become a family and it is truly special. 

How did you choose Albertus if you are a current student? 

To perspective students: What are you looking for in a college?

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them! I’d love to discuss Albertus with you! J

Softball

I have made a huge decision this week.  Are you ready??I’m playing softball for Albertus! I played my freshman year and started training during the fall of my sophomore year, but quickly realized that I would not be able to play because of my class schedule.  I have always had a soft spot for softball, I love it.  The entire game excites me, especially as I play!  I made this decision after working out with my good friend, Krista, whom is the captain.  I went to the team meeting and after thinking about it (for about twenty minutes) I decided that I could and should do it. 

My parents were really supportive of my choice to play again.  They were excited to see me happy about playing the sport.  My parents are my biggest supporters and I know they will come to as many games as they can, just like they did when I was a freshman. 

Before the season begins, I will be stepping up my workouts and start practicing as much as I can.  I have made plans to work on passing and to go to the batting cages.  I’m anxiously waiting for the season to start. I foresee a great season filled with laughs, hard work, some growth. 

New Blog Space!

Welcome to my new blog! I'm just learning how to use Blogger so please excuse my sad excuse for a layout!

Since my last post (on my other blog!) a lot has happened! I am officially done with the first half of my student teaching experience. Five weeks certainly went quickly! This last week would have been week six but because of the hurricane, DHHS has been closed all week. Madison took a very hard beating from Sandy and most of the town is without power.

Hurricane Sandy was a crazy storm. My hometown, New London, had some serious damage especially down by the water. The beach washed up onto the road, beaches were destroyed, and many are without power. My family's home was extremely lucky and only lost power for about a half hour. We also lost our shed; it blew away with the high winds, everything in it stayed though! Our fence was destroyed too, so my dogs are a little upset that they can't wander around the backyard at the moment. At my apartment in Middletown, we did not have any damage at all. My roommate and I were watching movies throughout the entire storm. At some points, we felt our house shaking from the high wind speeds, but nothing big occurred. We went for a walk the next day and there were some branches down but our town was lucky.

Having this week off has given me plenty of time to recollect myself. I was able to catch up on some much needed sleep, get ahead in lesson plans, and spend time with friends. I'm thankful that my friends and family were safe through the storm and I hope all of you were as well.

 

If you are free Saturday afternoon (November 3^rd) the Men’s Soccer team is playing Norwich University in the GNAC Championship Game!  The game is at Albertus Magnus College at 1 PM Come out and support the team! GO FALCONS!

Good luck, boys!!

CC 280- Service-Learning: Across Borders

I have always wanted to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. It has always been a goal to help others in a way that would forever change their lives. Albertus Magnus, for the first time, has created a class that will enable me to achieve this goal! Corey Schmidt has created a class for the spring semester that will allow students to experience service learning and travel to Montreal, Canada during spring break to aid Habitat for Humanity.
Yesterday, I was able to meet with Corey to discuss this class and I fell in LOVE with the idea of the class. I am interviewing with her Thursday for the chance of partaking in this experience. Having an experience like this will only make me a well-rounded person. I believe that helping others and volunteering your personal time is the ultimate gift you can ever give. It is the gift of you. You are changing lives and enjoying yourself at the same time.
After getting information about this class, I was able to just talk with Corey about student teaching and my future goals. I was able to speak with her candidly and learn more about things I may want to do in the future. One idea that I have been toying with is guidance counseling. I have been thinking about doing my masters in this. Corey and I had a wonderful conversation about programs and the process. We also talked about careers in higher education and working in an Admissions field.
I really loved being able to speak to Corey as I did because it gave me ideas for what I may or may not be interested in. I don’t know where I will be by the time graduation comes around. I have SO many interests that it is a little overwhelming. I want to make a difference in people’s lives and I can do that through the classroom, the guidance office, a spring break volunteer project, or just being a mentor. I can’t really see pass December, so the idea of graduation and the search for a job seems like a long time coming but in reality, it is right around the corner. Wherever I end up, I know I have the support of so many people. I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and what doors will open. I know that I am on the path to a successful and meaningful life where I can help others and make my dreams of changing the world, a reality. Is there anything else a person can want? NO! I’m thrilled to have so many opportunities available to me.


The following picture is a comment I received last week and truly means the world to me. I have so many people who believe in me and that is the greatest gift I will EVER have.

Forty-nine days to go!

The fifty days of my student teaching officially began today. The funny thing was that I could not even worry about my lessons because I have spent the last three weeks stressing, that I had absolutely no energy left to do so. My lessons went well! I taught two freshmen classes and they seemed to respond well to me being in the front of the classroom. The butterflies kicked in right before I needed to speak. I was concerned that I would not be able to draw my students in and that I would not be able to fill the entire class period. I am so happy that the lessons went well. Relief was the only emotion I felt as I walked out of DHHS today.


I’m thankful that I have had so many people tell me I can do this. I do not always have the most confidence in my abilities but everyone else does, they truly have an unfailing faith in me. Who can say that? That more than one person believes in you so much? I’m so lucky. I feel encouraged, motivated, and inspired by the people who have helped me get to this point. I will never be able to fully communicate my appreciation for my friends, family, professors, teachers, advisors, and mentors. I am going to push through this stressful yet rewarding experience and make everyone proud but also, myself. I’ve gotten to this point with hard work, dedication, and strength.
The road to a degree is a hard and rocky one at times, but once you get that good grade, that awesome internship, a good student teaching experience; you feel on top of the world. There have been many times where I did not think I could handle the stress and the work load of being a college student, but look at me now! I’m a college senior, working three part time jobs, student teaching, getting good grades, and working towards making a difference. Don’t give up, that’s my advice to every student. If you want to go to college and you’re not sure how you will pay for it, don’t give up, you’ll find a way to reach your goals. If you’re a college student struggling to get the grades, ask for help and work hard, you can do this. Everything you’re doing is worth it! (Sorry, I get a little cheesy at times!)

Busy Weekend!

Sorry it has been so long since my last post, I have been nursing myself back to health! I ended up having laryngitis and a sinus infection. It has been such a terrible week just because I haven’t been able to move at all! I am now feeling a little bit better, still coughing and wheezing, but my fever that I’ve had for three days broke late this morning. I was so relieved for that! I was supposed to take over my freshmen classes this week but my health kind of ruined that idea, so I will start on Monday.
I did have a busy weekend, which probably didn’t help my illness. On Friday night, I went home to New London for a work meeting. Saturday morning, I worked as a tour guide in the Admissions office. I gave tours to two great families. They were such a joy to spend my morning with. After that I went back to my apartment and relaxed before having to head to my new job which is at Elevate/ Alchemy in New Haven. I work in the front of the club, just taking emails for their email list. I asked for a job to work at night and I got one! It’s a lot of fun, I get to meet and talk to a lot of new people which is right up my alley! I got out of work around 2:30-2:45 AM and I decided to stay at my friend’s apartment which is much closer to school than my apartment.
I had to be at school for 6:45 AM to head to the Students in Admission Forum at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The Forum was so much fun and I was able to learn a lot about other schools’ tour guide and blogging programs. It was very interesting and informative. I also was able to meet Sarah Dussault, who I have known of for a while. She is a fitness blogger and Youtuber. I’m not going to lie; I’m kind of a huge fan! Overall, it was a great day and it was fun to spend it with a few other tour guides including Olivia Palmer, who is also a blogger!
On Monday, I did a video interview for Albertus publications. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed telling my story at Albertus. I have had such an amazing experience here that I want to be able to share it with other students and perspective students. If you get involved and have fun, your experiences and opportunities will expand. What will YOUR story be at Albertus?

First Full Week of Classes

This is the first full week of classes at Daniel Hand High School. When Monday rolled around, I was so tired and wasn’t sure I’d make it through the week but I have, yay! I did my mini lessons that are required for my Practicum. I taught two freshmen lessons and a junior class. The mini lessons taught me a lot. I’m learning through trial and error, what works and what doesn’t. That’s the point of this experience and sometimes I lose sight of that since I am a perfectionist. I want to do well, not for me or my grades, but for my students! The lessons that I am presenting are to enforce skills that they will need through high school and eventually college.
I am very lucky to be at Daniel Hand, because I am able to learn and take in as much information as possible. The English department is very supportive and kind. They are always telling me that the nerves I have are completely normal and that they experienced the same thing (and sometimes still do). I observed four other teachers and it was interesting to watch how each have their own teaching style, and the students respond differently. I really enjoy seeing them instruct a lesson, because it gives me ideas as to what my teaching style may be. I also felt really inspired watching them, because it all came so naturally to them. It is something to aspire to become, a teacher that is completely at ease in front of their students. I need to work on that still, but it will come with time.
Another great thing about my endeavors is that I am completely supported by the Albertus community. I have friends who are always checking in on me to see how it is going. I also have professors and faculty that check in on me. I think one of the greatest feelings is knowing that everyone has an unfailing faith and confidence in my abilities to be a teacher. I was given a huge compliment by my advisor; she said that I am a great teacher. Me? A teacher? I guess I am and it is hard to think of it like that, because I do not feel all that removed from being a high school student. I graduated in 2009 and there is not much of an age difference between my students. I am carrying myself in such a way that they see me as an authority.
Tonight was Back to School Night, and the parents ran through their children’s schedule. I talked a little, just saying that I have enjoyed my time with their kids thus far and I’m excited to continue to work with them. The greatest part of the night was when I was leaving I had a conversation with one of my juniors. She begged me to take control of her class and then she opened up to me about her personal life. This something that I do not take lightly, because that means I am building a trusting relationship with my students and that I could make a difference in their lives. I really am honored that this student trusted me enough to talk to me about things going on in her life; it means so much to me!
Tuesday morning is the first official day of student teaching. I will be taking control of the two freshmen classes and will be their teacher. The assignments, the lessons, the instruction… it will all be on me. I’m nervous and excited. I want to do well and I want the lesson to be successful. I have gotten to a point where I can only try my best and that will have to be enough. I will be pushing myself for the next three months: grading, teaching, creating, and still being a student myself. It will be tough. I will be stressed out, but I know that I will be able to do it with the support of everyone in my life.

I want to take moment to thank EVERYONE that has talked to me, compliments me, advised me, educated me, or even told me I couldn’t do this… this all motivates me to be better. My family and friends have been so supportive; I would not have made it this far without them. The faculty and staff at Albertus have been amazing, as well. I consider myself extremely lucky to be going through the education program at Albertus, because I’m not sure I would be having the same experience if I was a student at another school.
For now, I am going to go finish lesson plans for next week. There is always something to be done… oh, the life of a teacher!

Sick Little Student Teacher

I have been working in the high school for a week and I am already sick! Thank goodness for DayQuil… I’d be miserable without it! Major downfall… I have to miss the Welcome Back dance tonight so I can sleep!

I have found out that I will be taking over the freshmen classes on September 18th and the juniors on the 24th. There is a lot of lesson planning ahead of me! Today, one of my freshmen students came up to me and asked how long I had been at Daniel Hand. I responded, “As a student teacher, same amount of time as you!” She seemed surprised and continued. She told me about a club she was planning on starting at the school. It is called “Rachel’s Challenge,” and it is an anti-bullying group that started after Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine shooting, was killed. This student had participated in this group in middle school and wanted to continue it in the high school. She asked me if I would be the advisor for the group. It nearly broke my heart to inform her that I will only be at the high school until the end of the trimester in November. I told her that I would love to help and be a part of the group while I am at Hand. I felt very honored and proud that she thought of me. It made me realize that I am making an impact by being there. That is probably the biggest compliment I will ever be able to receive, knowing I am making a difference in the lives of my students. That is my ultimate goal, to make a difference. I am very proud of this.

Last Day of Orientation

 

 

Today was the last day of Orientation! It was such a great experience and I am very proud of the Student Orientation Counselors! They had to pick up the slack while I was student teaching during the day and they did a wonderful job. The returning students moved back today and tt was great to see all the people I have grown attached to over the last few years.
I received my first grade book and my staff parking permit today. It made me feel so… official and important. It really doesn’t seem real… I’m a senior? I’m a student teacher? WHERE DID THE LAST THREE YEARS GO?! I have to admit, I am rather excited to be at this point in my life, but I can’t believe how quickly it came. I remember my Orientation. I was so eager to move in and meet all of my classmates. I came to school that day wearing my new Albertus Magnus College shirt and a HUGE smile. My SOC was awesome… Tiffany Williams… (HI TIFF!!!) She made me feel a part of the community, immediately. She is a huge reason as to why I became a SOC my sophomore year. I wanted other people to have the same experience that I did. The first night… I spent in the common room of McAuliffe Hall with my new friends. Sam Farley was the first person I hung out with. It seems like it was yesterday.

I have decided that green tea will be my new best friend. I wake up before the sun, five days a week. I’m really hoping my body adjusts to that because 5 AM comes rather quickly. This student teaching experience is going to be a journey. Mrs. Landa, my cooperating teacher is so supportive and encouraging. She makes sure that I have all the information I need so that I may be successful.

August 27th

My alarm went off… 5:00 AM! I’m a student teacher today.

 

The entire ride to the school was spent calming my nerves, telling myself I can do it, and remembering all the kind and encouraging comments I received from friends, family, former teachers, and the faculty at Albertus.

When I started to walk through the hallway, I became completely overwhelmed, and there were so many students hugging and catching up. I reached Lisa Landa’s classroom and I began to calm down. My juniors were first and we had a shortened class period. It happened so quickly, it was kind of a blur. Freshmen entered the classroom next and I felt the same way as them: shy, meek, and nervous. After their class, I perked up and felt more comfortable.

This was day one. I am officially back in high school but on the other side.

 I’m the teacher!

Senior Year?

Senior year is here. WHAT?! I’m in my final lap at Albertus… does not seem possible.
Over the summer, I worked two jobs and worked on New Student Orientation details. This week, the Student Orientation Counselors are working together to prepare for the new students to arrive on campus Sunday morning. There is tons of energy in the campus center as we are working. I love working with the SOCs, because they are an amazing group of students.
Orientation starts Sunday and goes until Tuesday. Tuesday is also the day when the returning students move back. Starting Monday, August 27, I will begin my student teaching experience. I’m BEYOND nervous and excited; it is quite the mix of emotions. I’m teaching two freshmen classes and one honors junior class. It will be interesting to see the students from the teacher’s perspective as I try to educate them.
I have also moved into my first apartment this year! I am living in Middletown with my best friend of sixteen years, Shannon. Our apartment is so cute and in really quiet neighborhood. I am happy to be able to blog again and keep everyone informed about my experiences as a senior. Expect more posts about Orientation, we are working very hard and cannot wait to meet the new members of our Falcon family!

The picture above is the Orientation Survival Guide that we gave the SOCs this year!
Orientation Survival Guide:

• Highlighters to brighten your day
• Band aids to heal someone’s hurt feelings
• Gum to stay fresh
• Hugs and kisses to know you’re loved
• Paper clip to hold everything together
• Elastic band to be flexible
• Lifesavers to lean on your support system
• Erasers to know its okay to make mistakes
• Marbles in case you lose yours!
• Tissues to help you and others with your needs