Somehow I can't believe there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C's. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy and the greatest of these is Confidence. When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably. Walt Disney

Faith and confidence in yourself will lead you to success. Nothing can stand in your way if you believe.

Like Sheila said, I too enjoy class this evening and the eye-opening, insightful discussion about possible career path and opportunities. I look forward to next weeks class and our reading curriculum presentations.

Have a great week!
Kate

"They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel." - Carol Buchner

This week was a bit of a challenge. Coming back after be out for a week is not easy. Not only do I have to get back into the routine of things, but so do my students. They were used to have a whole bunch of free time while I was gone and once I got back, it was down to business. I chose the above quotation because is summed up the reaction of my students when I returned. The were excited but not because of anything that I taught them or was going to teach them but rather the way I taught them and how they felt during the teaching process. The things that come out of my mouth are often times forgotten but the atmosphere is not.

Moving right along....

"We will either find a way, or make one!" Hannibal

When you come upon a road block, go around it or over it!

Another week is almost over, and I am moving right along on the projects and chapter reflections. I can't believe the semester is half over! Time is going by so quickly graduation will be here before I know it, but at the same time I want it to slow down just a bit as I am not quite ready to say goodbye to the UOG gang.

I hope everyone has a restful weekend. See you in class next week,

Kate

Do you believe?!?!

"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can do only as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve." Mary Kay Ash

I am going to step outside our academic pursuits for this post, I hope no one minds. This last week I had the opportunity to be part of history. Nothing world changing, but history non the less. This last week the Guam National Football team competed in a tournament right here on Guam against Mongolia, Macau, and the CNMI. The Guam National Soccer team has never won a match against an international opponent.... until now. Not only did we win our first match but we won the right to move on to the night stage of competition! No one outside of those directly involved with the team believed it possible. I saw first hand this week the implacations of the above quote. In order for you to achieve something great, first you have to believe it is possible!

Take 2

Ok, so this is the second time I'm trying this. I wrote this all out, clicked to upload an image and the entire page disappeared. This post is auto saving for some reason, but the one I just lost obviously didn't. So this all ties in well with my quote:

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

I have been at the end of my rope so many times with the activities for ED646 but I keep hanging on (I am stubborn--an attribute I keep telling my husband he should appreciate in me) and I am finally making some progress.

I met with a paraprofessional at Marcial A. Sablan last week for the mentoring project. I spent about an hour with her doing the interview and observing two lessons. She seemed to enjoy our time together as much as I did because our conversations about DI and paraprofessional training was very relaxed and comfortable. She invited me back "anytime" so I hope to visit with her again.

I have also been able to infiltrate McCool (DODEA). As you know, I was told by the superintendant's office that I could not conduct any projects at McCool because DODEA has no agreement with UOG. I was a bit annoyed with this because I am a parent and a volunteer and I only asked for an interview with the reading specialist and to observe a paraprofessional. I was denied anyway. For the review of a reading program activity I chose Read 180 because McCool uses this program. At the end of my rope and not being able to interview the reading specialist, I contacted the Read 180 teacher and explained my situation and asked if she perhaps might need a volunteer during the Read 180 session. She said "Absolutely!" so I am "volunteering" there next week. I have successfully finagled my way into DODEA.....for one project anyway--HA!

And now I will send this post--before it disappears too! Have a great weekend...

Kate

Motivation

Motivation is the fuel, necessary to keep the human engine running.
Zig Ziglar

First of all, Zig Ziglar has to go down as one of the coolest names ever! Now that that's out of the way. He uses the analogy of an engine and when I think of an engine, I think of movement or progress. So the fuel for the engine to that allows us to move forward or progress is motivation. After reading this, my first thought was; do i have enough fuel in my engine? So far my engine has been running smoothy. Hopefully, it'll continue to be that way.

Always learning

"The most successful people in life are generally those who have the best information." Benjamin Disraeli

I have learned so much just from listening to other people's life stories. I always have my ears open, life is one learning opportunity after another. Every person I have met has affected my life in some way. Whether it was good or bad didn't matter because I still learned something from them.

I enjoyed the short session tonight even if it took me longer to drive up to UOG. Sheila we missed you and your input which is always insightful. Good luck tomorrow with your appeal.

Have a great weekend!

Kate