Looking at Graduate Schools for Education

Hey everyone! I hope you guys are having a great Halloween Weekend!
I just wanted to give you a quick update on what's going on here with me :) I just finished up a crazy week here. I spent my whole week working on my presentation, lesson plans and paper for my Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Learners class. Last time I wrote I told you guys about my long nights in the library and it definitely paid off! I was really happy with my lesson plans and I think presentation turned out really well! For my third lesson plan I found this great experiment to use and I thought you might like to see it here!
So what I really came to write about is that I am starting to look at graduate schools for education. So right now I am looking at graduate schools that offer programs in English as a Second Language (ESL). I had thought about this kind of program before, but my Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Learners class and experiences at the International Institute of Erie have really confirmed that this is definitely something I want to do! I've enjoyed going down to the Institute so much that I'm going to continue going even though my required classes are over. I have been looking at schools like University of Pennsylvania, Duquesne University, Findlay University in Ohio, and Pitt, just to name a few :)

Dream Grad School for ESL!

U Penn would be my dream school because it's a great school, and it's out near Philadelphia. On the other hand Duquesne and Pitt are both great universities right in Pittsburgh, so I could live at home and save money. Lots of options to consider, but for now I'm looking at the programs, how they are structured and what kind of classes they offer. I've got a lot more research to do, and I'll definitely keep you updated of what I'm doing :)
Happy Halloween!

Fall Break

So I'm finally home! After a very busy week taking midterms and finishing up papers, it's time for some well deserved relaxation at home with my family! During our term here at Mercyhurst we get a Fall Break - which is a four day weekend right after mid-terms. I'm spending mine at home, some students go home with roommates or friends if they live too far away, while others just relax on campus and enjoy the peace and quiet. Here in Pittsburgh the weather promises to be on again off again rain and sun. I can deal with that :)
Earlier this year I made to you readers (and myself) A New School Year's Resolution to do more volunteering. So I wanted to update you and let you know I have been keeping my word! Now this was made partially easier because for my Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners class I am required to do 10 hours of Service Learning. Service Learning is when a class requires you to do some type of volunteer work that relates to the course. It helps you to really live out what you are learning. Since we are learning about teaching students who don't speak English I am doing my 10 hours at the International Institute in Erie (check out their site here!). So far I love it! I am working in an adult ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom where I am helping the teacher with English classes for refuges from all over the world. I even get to teach part of the classes sometimes! At first I was kind of nervous, but everyone there is so nice and patient, I'm not nervous at all anymore. I really love working here and I plan on staying on with them even after I finish my ten hours.  So is just a quick update of my little promise to volunteer more. And I encourage you to try and do the same! It's a great experience and really rewarding.
Talk with you soon :)

Senior Year - Ready, Set - Go!

So we're back at it again - new school year, new classes, new apartment, new people... you get it - lots of new! But don't worry - there are still plenty of old friends, some of the same professors, and as always good ole Mercyhurst! I'm back for my Senior year here at Mercyhurst and pretty darn excited about it! It's been a great year so far too! I mean we have only been in classes for a week and a half now, but I've been super busy already! This year I am taking 3 classes and 1 Lab. My classes are Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners, Supporting Literacy Pre-K-8, and Historical Geology which has a Lab. I like my schedule so far - I have 3 classes Monday/Wednesday, my Lab on Thursday morning, and one class on Fridays. Not too shabby eh? Plus I have a 15 hour practicum to do for my Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners, my Ambassador hours, working as the Soccer Club Secretary, and I am going to try to get a tutoring job at one of the local Middle/High Schools. Have I over booked myself? I don't think so!
This summer I decided that I was tired of "New Years Resolutions". No one ever keeps them past February, so why bother? I decided that instead of "New Years Resolutions", I would make a "New School Year Resolution". As a student that is when the year really starts for me. Which is why I think making the Resolution in January is so hard. I am already about half way through the school year, and pretty set in my ways. Now I'm not saying I won't make a "New Years Resolution" after singing Auld Lang Syne, but I am saying that I'm making my first "New School Year Resolution". Right Now.
This year I want to volunteer more, and be better at being on time.
So there you go readers - that is my first ever "New School Years Resolution"! You are welcome to join me in making one for yourself if you want! You can comment below and let us know what you decided or keep it to yourself if you want! I'm making mine here - because you all can hold me accountable for it!
So I hope you are having a great start of the year :) Because I am! I will blog again soon about more things going on here at the 'Hurst!
TGIF! Have a  great day!
PS Here are a few pictures of my Apartment! :)

Our Kitchen - with our Tree!

Living room... and lots of shoes!

Other side of the living room

Kitchen! I bought a portable Dishwasher on Craigslist over the summer and brought it with me :) (The apartments don't come with dishwashers.)