Congratulations Class of 2009!

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice, it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." Winston Churchill

For whatever reasons we all had starting our Master's program at the University of Guam, it was our choice to do so. Our paths crossed and life is better because of the choice we made.

Looking back at the past two years, we have accomplished so much and we are better individuals. Thank you Kate, Lorna, Lucille and Sheila for being the "Inner Circle" that I needed the most. I am so proud to call you my friends and to have shared this wonderful experience with all of you. Thank you Dr. Stoicovy and Dr. Rivera for your guidance and endless encouragement when there were so many times that I wanted to give up.

Lastly, I would like to end with our class motto:
"Each of us must be the change we want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

Our Journey

“Success is not a destination, it’s a journey.”

Zig Ziglar

Part of tonight’s dinner conversation was connected with this quote when we all reflected our humble beginnings... the decisions we had to make...the first power point assignments....

As we approach the end of our journey, we reflect on how we began and where we are….We all had different reasons why we began the graduate program of Language and Literacy but somehow we ended up as a cohort- the most exciting one that Dr. Stoicovy and Dr. Rivera will ever have.

Our journey began when we walked into our first classes at SOE. After almost 4 semesters worth the grad work, we are better writers, readers, teachers and most of all better individuals as a whole. Now our success is what we make of what we have learned.

Congratulations to all of us who make up the UOG’s Class of 2009!

May 31st, here we come!

"There is a good reason they call these ceremonies "commencement exercises." Graduation is not the end; it's the beginning."
--Orrin Hatch

When we graduate on Sunday, May 31, it will not be a closed chapter and the end of learning. It is going to be the beginning of a new chapter.




I really enjoyed this evening's atmosphere. It was full of excitement and pride. I didn't have a chance to feel a bit of sadness of missing everyone soon. There won't be any more drives to UOG, at least for a while. I will truly miss the Inner Circle. I am sure our professors will miss us a whole lot. They have never had a group of Master's candidates with such energy. If they start to feel a little lonesome, well, there's ESL! This is my final blog for ED 644. May 31st is just around the corner. Signing out now!

Congratulations to all my Inner Circle friends!

Here's to the Class of 2009

Master's of Education

Language and Literacy

Tear, Sniffle, Smile, and Move On

"The most practical, beautiful, workable philosophy won't work - if you won't." --Zig Ziglar

No matter how ethical or well thought-out your philosophy is; if you are not willing to live out your philosophy, then it is useless and nonexistent.

We are truly living our philosophies. I always believed that learning never ends. I remember hearing a philosophy that included, "To teach once is to learn twice." Everyday that I learn to teach and teach to learn, I am living my philosophy.

It has truly been a wonderful ride. As Cef said, "...the journey has just begun." I'm in love with that saying in that we feel it is the end; however, it is only a new beginning. I thank you Dr. Rivera and Dr. Stoicovy for all that you have done for me. Your encouragement, guidance, and never-ending faith in my potential has lead me to succeed. You are both truly engraved in my heart!

The "Inner Circle" is one that I will always remember - a truly genuine group of individuals. You all deserve well. Best of luck in all your endeavors!!! CEF, thanks so much for the beautiful gift; I adore it!!!

And a closing quote to live by...one that has seen me through...

"At times, we may fail. At times, we may make mistakes.
But we must never make the mistake of failing to try. People deserve nothing less."
My wonderful father, Angel L.G. SantosWISHING YOU WERE HERE...

The Final Blog

"Obviously, there is little you can learn from doing nothing." Zig Ziglar

One cannot expect to be successful if they just sit back and wait for life to come to them.

The last blog...the last class; I cannot believe it is here. I had a wonderful time tonight with wonderful people. Just like Cef, this experience has been an absolute highlight in my life. When I am 80 years old, sitting on my porch in a rocking chair, my time at UOG with the inner circle will be a cherished memory. All I can say is thank God for facebook and email: saying goodbye isn't as hard as it used to be.

See you all on the 31st (or 27th)!

Kate

Family Celebration

"Successful men are influenced by the desire for pleasing results. Failures are influenced by the desire for pleasing methods and are inclined to be satisfied with such results as can be obtained by doing things they like to do. The common denominator of success-the secret of every man who has ever been successful-lies in the fact that he formed the habit of doing things that failures don't like to do." Albert Gray

We are all successful because we push ourselves everyday to be the best in everything that we do. Sure, there may be bumps along the way, but the great part is that we can pick ourselves up and try again.

Our family celebration was so perfect in every way. The decoration, food, gifts, awards, powerpoint, pamphlet and company were just amazing! I didn't expect that it could be so beautiful. It goes to show how we are such hardworking individuals who strive for excellence in everything that we do.

Thank you to my Inner Circle! It has been a worthwhile experience. I couldn't have done it without all of you by my side every week. I'm going to miss being excited in coming to class and see and learn what we are going to do next. The ride is coming to a stop, but the journey has only begun.

Treasured Success

“Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you’ve got.”
Jim Rohn

In reflection, the first word that comes to mind is – stagnant….There comes a time in one’s life when things come to a standstill. Until change is made, things will remain as is.

In education, there will be less development until things are done to excel academically. With change, one becomes knowledgable and informed. One learns to question and think critically making a positve change in the community and the world.

Our students would not have seen success in their reading goals if the effort was not put in and our diligent guidance.

As graduate students, we would not be close to our graduation walk if we did not complete the research to write the papers and create the power point slides to present.

Tonight’s literacy celebration is a testimony of our hard work and our team spirit!

A million thanks to all of you who made it a treasured success!