
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Let's be EXCELLENT!

I think I can...I think I can...I think I can
I THINK I CAN...So I am the last to blog...it's no biggie! Every one saves the best for last. I am so glad that we have started our last semester on a happy and spirited note. I am getting myself prepared for a more intense semester this time. I will be on my knees saying a few hundred prayers to hit "target." Well, it is always a good feeling to have such great support from my colleagues. Welcome back, everyone!
Quote: "Thought flows in terms of stories -- stories about events, stories about people, and stories about intentions and achievements. The best teachers are the best storytellers. We learn in the form of stories." -- Frank Smith
This does not need a lot of reflection and interpretation. Every day that we meetand interact with another human being is a story in itself. We take that story and share with others. We are all teachers.
Blog this!

Welcome to another semester of hard work!
Up, up, up and away we go....This has to be a favorite graphic...It always reminds me of the purpose of our pursuit of completing the graduate program...It's may be a struggle for us but with our diligence and a tenacious attitude, we will succeed.
Quote: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -- Benjamin Franklin
In any aspect, an effective teaching tool is to have the learner touch, feel, taste, smell, hear, and see what is being taught. The learning becomes meaningful and authentic! As educators, we must consider the varying learning styles to meet the students' needs and their success!
You ALL are GREAT!
Okay, CONFESSION... so the "Inner Circle" thing worried me before we met tonight. I had preconceived thoughts of difficulty as an 'outsider'. I have my little inner circle of inspiration (attached picture), so I know how special your relationships mean to one another.I want to thank you all for being so wonderfully welcoming and open to me tonight. It eased my anxiety and erased my preconceived thoughts. There's no doubt in my mind that you all are WONDERFUL people with BIG GOALS just in reach...yes, Cef, just in reach. Lorna, thanks so much for taking on the 'Cash' for 'Check' request. As easily as you agreed to that small deed says a lot about you! Cef, I do recall meeting you once or twice through Yolanda. It's great to get a chance to know you better. Lucille, your outgoing personality is a replica of mine when I'm comfortable with my surrounding...and you've made it so comfortable for me to be in this course. Kate, you're still my idol as a graduate student. I'm sort of your little tail...following right after you...BEST OF LUCK with everything... ;-) You're a wonderful bunch, and though I'm a semester behind you all, I'm hanging onto the string that's tied to your 'circle' cheering you all on!
My quote: Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of becoming." -- Goethe
Deep thought ;-)... Believe in the dreams of those around you. Envision their potential and remind them of their potential - that way, you will lead them to their highest potential.
I SEE YOUR POTENTIAL KATE, CEF, LUCILLE, AND LORNA. YOU ALL CAN DO IT!!!
"Quite the brown-nose...aren't I?" j/k
And so it begins....

......our last semester. I want to cry, cheer and throw up all at the same time. Our first class meeting was like all the rest: overwhelming with feelings of "this will never get done and the last class seems so far away". I know though, that on the last class session I will say, "I can't believe how fast this semester went!" Then I'll cry because it means I'll be moving soon. I am really looking forward to being back on the mainland again because I'm a true blue crazy city girl, but I will miss you all so much I can't even bare to think about it! When I think about Guam I will always be thinking of the inner circle! (Which is why Cef and Lucille need to make Facebook profiles so we can chat and stay in touch and high five in cyberspace....see I told you I'm on a mission!). Have a great week everyone!
And for the record: the quote Sheila was talking about at the end of class is from Lorna. I knew it didn't sound like mine :)
Almost forgot the quote!
"Every time you wake up and ask yourself, "What good things am I going to do today?," remember that when the sun goes down at sunset, it takes a part of your life with it." --Indian proverb
This says to me, live each day as if it were your last. Be inspired and inspiring, take chances, and help others. Think about your actions and ask yourself, "is this how I want to be remembered?"
Kate
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Let the countdown begin!

