Intro to my 1st UNOFFICIAL paper for Chapman.

Part of my summer assignment

It is a work in progress, but here it goes

My entire life has led to this culminating point at Chapman University. The inspiration to become an expert knowledgeable in the field of disability studies has been drawn from various points of my own life.  Deciding to pursue my doctorate in education, with an emphasis in disability studies was not a decision taken lightly. This decision was made after years of contemplation and careful thought on how a doctorate can help me in my field, and what I believe I could contribute in return. It is through thorough reflection of my own life and of the brief interactions that I have already experienced at Chapman, that I have carefully conceptualized the contributions I hope to make in my field.

Countdown: 2 more days

This is it... I have two more days before my life of oranized chaos begins.

This should give you an idea of how exhausted I was from this week ------> I went to bed at SEVEN PM LAST NIGHT and woke up at 7:15am this morning. WOWWWWW. That is a first!!!! Who goes to bed at 7pm on a Friday night? This might be the first of many! It was an ideal evening for me!

I am working on a paper for Chapman right now that is due tomorrow and I spent the entire week diligently working on the preparation of my classroom for the upcoming year. I have already had several challenges to overcome and stressful situations to consider and figure out how I will manage them in my classroom. I will begin the year with ELEVEN students. For a classroom for children with Autism, this might prove to be a difficult feat, but one that I know I will be able to manage. I will also begin with 7 adults in the classroom, another difficult task to be able to manage & coordinate, however this is also an other task I know I will be able to manage due to the carefully thought out structure and organization of my classroom.

So, ready or not... here we go. My classroom is set.

My love: There are no words for the gratitude and appreciation I feel for everything you have done for me this week. I NEVER would have gotten through this week or completed everything I needed to do if it was not for your help. Everything you did was VERY important to the structure and success of my classroom. Thank you!

Vacation is OVER

As I look at my clock I realize that it is now past 11pm and I am still frantically working to prepare things for my classroom. I will probably stay up later and later as the week progresses and still wake up by 7 am.

I also have realized that vacation is now over. I had a great vacation. It was great while it lasted... but now, it is time to get to business...

I have officially started juggling my personal life, work, and school... and trying to fit the gym in there somewhere along with eating healthy.

SO FAR? I have had mild success...I could have said I'm failing, but I prefer to look at things optimistically.. I have only started....and I am sure I will get better at this as time goes by...

I can do this.

I will do this.

Even if things are already lining up against me. I will just have to rearrange that line!

In other GOOD news: I officially was notified that I received a small fellowship from Chapman, YAYYYY.

Oh, and one of my most beloved and favorite students contacted me today.. He abruptly moved away last spring and I had not heard from him since. I was able to speak with him and his mother today and I have to say it truly brought a smile to my face. It helped remind me why I do what I do and to put aside the work drama that has already been occurring at the beginning of this school year. In the end, what matters most is what I do in my classroom and what I do for my students in realizing my classroom vision. It is for students like him that I work hard and stay up late to prep materials for.... It was amazing to have a conversation with him. He truly is a sweet boy and I look forward to hearing great things from him.

Still on Vacation

Vacation is coming to an end soon.
It has been a sweet run with some eye opening moments.
I can't believe it is almost over, but I'm looking forward to the new challenges the 2010-11 year will bring.
I'm READY!

But I'm a little nervous :)