Life as a Middle School Teacher…

I dedicated about a month of my time as a substitute teacher at a middle school.  The very first day was filled with challenges and an overwhelming sense of stress.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  The days seemed to get easier yet harder at the same time.  Teaching Math and Science never crossed my mind… neither did teaching 12 year olds soon turning 13.  What was I thinking getting myself into this situation?  Is this the challenge God felt that I was 100 apable of doing?  Each day was a battle with not just the students, but the administration as well.  It was the closest hold I have ever had towards having my own classroom.  The students questioned my authority… they pushed me to my limits… yet I only shed my tears one day after school.  The support I had from other teachers was extraordinary!  The V.P. was compassionate and supportive in so many.  She was the one person that told me to, “Hang in there!”  She believed in me and questioned why I have never had a fulltime position.  She constantly reminded me of what great of a teacher I am.  She has helped me realize that it is not because of me for the reason why I been receiving calls stating “We have selected someone else for the position”. The students that respected me will forever be in my heart.  I love teaching… it is my passion!  I feel that it is my calling to help change society one student at a time.  My goal is to show the students that I am that one person who believes in them… “failure is not an option” in my classroom! 

We make decisions everyday.  We are faced with questions that constantly run through our minds in search for answers.  Is it really worth it?  My specialization is in the elementary level.  Tomorrow I will go back to what I know and embrace the experience whole heartedly.  It will guide me towards my ultimate question on my mind… will I go back on Monday for my interview?

            Yesterday, I was the host for our monthly U.N.I.T.Y. rosary.  It was so uplifting and spiritual that even my husband’s cousin, Liem, could tell that I was at peace once everyone left my house last night.  The great part about our gathering was incorporating prayer intentions for everyone to participate in.  Before we started praying, everyone listed prayer intentions on my whiteboard.  Each intention was said during every mystery.  After the rosary we just hung out and ate cake.  We laughed, we cried from laughing so hard, and we were all in good company.  As religious as my family is, we never really started praying the rosary together.  However, my mom does light the house candle everyday and occasionally we would say a family prayer.  I truly believe in the saying, “Families who prays together, stays together.”  This is true with my family from church.  A group of my fellow church friends and I have started a new group, which I mentioned earlier.  U.N.I.T.Y., which stands for “Understanding, Nurturing, Inspiring the Youth”.  Our group consists of youth and young adults that are motivated to “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord”.  We are a close group with an enormous heart.  This month we are planning on having a “Friend’s Movie Night”.  This is Manang’s great idea :D  We will be showing the movie Hotel Rwanda and afterwards have a short discussion on the movie.  One the 23^rd of July we will be having a BBQ at our church in commemoration to our brother, Reggie Lacosta, who will be leaving for Iraq this September.  I was so sad to hear that he was leaving, but I know he’ll come back home.  I’m just going to miss playing basketball and football with him the months that he will not be here and also seeing him on Mondays and Wednesdays at church.  I know God will be watching over him. 

So, my life has been good these last couple of weeks.  My best friend was home the whole month of June, which was great.  I actually go out when she is home.  Since almost all the schools are on summer break and no teachers are requesting subs, I have been tutoring two students who used to attend Kid Angel, the after school literacy program I used to work for.  I really enjoy working with them one-on-one because I know that teacher’s now-a-days cannot offer that to their students, especially since teacher’s aides were removed from the classroom.  Speaking of classrooms, it would be so awesome if I could have my own classroom this year.  If I don’t, then it’s okay because I have already been offered a long-term substitute job in Poway. This is the best way to get noticed by a principal. HAPPY THOUGHTS!

Well, that’s all for now from me.  I wish you all a great Fourth of July weekend.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANETTE and JAJA

big shot bob

AMAZING!

i finally watched it...

and i'm speechless!

*edit

6/9/05

Now I've found the words.  It took me forever to finally watch this movie.  Everyone kept telling me that it was a great movie and that I would definitely cry (which is not a shocker for me).  The funny thing was... I didn't even cry... I SOBBED :D  I know that it is a full on predictable chick flick, but oh man... it just got to me.  Afterwards - I sat on my couch in awe.  I couldn't even explain the feeling that I had.  I was sad, yet hurt... but then happy at the same time.  I have never had this type of a reaction to a movie.  I mean, even when I had to pause the movie to go the restroom... I started crying while I was on the toilet.  NOAH... oh my goodness.  For a man to be that fine and that giving has to be a crime.  Hello... can we say "One in a million MAN!"  I thought it was so funny that the other guys name was "Lon"... hmmm... sounds like "Lan".  Again... please don't get me wrong readers.... my man treats me right... "actions speaks louder than words".  And for those who know Lan... this statement totally pertains to him. Wow, this movie truly portrays the effects of beginning love.  It's so new... yet so mushy and disgusting.  However... I miss those butterflies. 

awwwwwwwwww... time to go!  Schools out and I need to get outta here!

Thanks Manang and Bev for watching the movie with me... it was great crying with you :D

I love Noah...oops... I mean... I love Lan

hahahaha... "that's gay"... what Lan would say

Graduation… words cannot simply describe the emotions one goes through while they are standing in line… hearing the graduation theme song playing in the background.  The graduate begins to reminisce of their first day of school... 

As you walk through the University, your mind and body is filled with anxiety and anticipation.  The thought of graduation is unheard of since it feels too distant to be conceived.  All of a sudden the crowd in the stand begins to cheer.  All you hear are blow horns and groups of people yelling frantically trying to get their loved ones attention.  Your section stands up… ten people are ahead of you.  As you start walking towards the stage… you quickly think about what you are about to do after you shake the President's hand.  The announcer says your name… you did it… it’s over.  As you sit back into your seat… you open up your degree holder and see… a piece of paper telling you that you will receive your certificate in the mail in the next 6 months.  As you think about your years in school... you finally can sit back and breathe.

Graduating from college is an enormous accomplishment.  And I am so proud and happy for all the Class of 2005 Graduates.  Today I am flying to Boston to witness my best friend graduate from Boston College with her Masters in Social Work.  This has truly been an amazing ride for this girl and it is so uplifting to see her accomplish her goal. 

CONGRATULATIONS:

Beverly – Boston College, Masters in Social Work

Carlenne – San Diego State, Masters in Theater

Agnes – Cal State Long Beach, Bachelors

Cherlyn – Cal State San Marcos, Bachelors

Jomelyn – San Diego State, Bachelors

Michelle – San Diego State, Bachelors

Wil – San Diego State, Bachelors

Virgil – San Diego State, Bachelors

                                          C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !

                                                          love, mare