Final Exam!

Another week of final exams are finally hear again. Still cannot believe that another semester has moved so quickly and everybody is looking forward for summer vacation. So far i have completed 2 exams and i have 2 more to go. For somehow I feel ok about them. I found something that helps me not to worry about them. I wish I could tell but I think it is best not to reveal in my opinion. It was even best for me to take my exams in the academic support center for extra time which makes things better. I have all the time I need and not worry about anything else. Once I take my last exam, I am free from a difficult semester and move on to something else. I wish everyone a wonderful summer and see you all again by the end of August.

The ending of the semester

I cannot believe that our second year of college is almost over. For me, I still cannot believe how I made this far. For one day, you started as a freshman in your first year; making new friends, learning about the classes and activities, and finding your position in school. Now it is still my second year, I cannot wait to finish it. It has been quite a challenge for me this semester. All of the papers, observation projects, reading and participation was a lot of work, but it was well worth it. Although my year is not yet over. I am excited of traveling abroad in Germany for a couple of days studying the modern era of Germany from the years 1871 to the present. I am glad I made it this far and we shall all be proud of ourselves to make the best of it.

The Use of Classical Music

While doing your homework, have you ever use some kind of back-up to make you more relaxed and not stressed out. For instance, putting the television on while you are working or put you favorite band group or solo artist to calm you down. During the weekend, I was writing a paper for my history class and somehow I became confused and lost. I took a short break until my sister discovered something that both of us find it useful and calm; listening to classical music. My sister said it is sufficient and calm. While writing her study guide for school, she was listening to either Mozart or Beethoven and she actually work on it for so long she did not noticed the time. She suggested to me and for somehow it is very calm and lively. I worked on my paper and i have completed at least 2 1/2 pages done in an hour and half while listening to original scores from "Lord of the Rings" or lively and spiritual celtic music. Im beginning to use non-lyrical music more often and while Im doing work and listening to the music and the same time, it is less stressful and I hardly pay attention to distractions. If you feel like doing this too, take my word for it, it calms the nerve and lets your mind really focus.

The Easter Rebellion

For all those who are of Irish heritage and know some history of Ireland, today marks the anniversary of the well-know Easter Uprising. I am pretty interested in Ireland, its mythology, legends, culture, and including its history. Today, over in Dublin, the Irish honor the rebels who fought aganist its British occupants. The main purpose of this day in Ireland was pursuing a brekaway from British rule. Its the year 1916, the British were tangled between two conflicts, WWI and Ireland. Irish rebels wanted to gain independence from Great Britain, but they would not allow it. On this day, the Irish fought back the British Army and what became a full-fledged battle. Most of the fighting took place at the Dublin Post Office, in which you can still see the bullet holes in the columns. Although the Irish rebels were not successful, but it mark a beginning of gaining Irish independence. For those who are Irish, this is an important and interesting event on how Ireland became an independent country. In Dublin, it is considered an honorable day.

Morristown trip

There are over various places in the world that history occurs. Anywhere we stand on or live on, history has occurred. New Jersey has a key role during the American Revolution. Of course we all heard of George Washington's crossing the Delaware River to Trenton and the Battle of Princeton that rallied Patriot spirit. On friday, I went to Morristown , New Jersey where has a part in the American Revolution. It was encampment site where Washington and his army spent a crucial and brutal winter of 1779-1780. While in Morristown, my cousin and I hiked in this woods called Jockey Hollow, where the main encampment is and the ecosystem was beautiful. We passed remaining huts and open ground where the Continental army starved, slept, drilled and fought for their lives to retain their spirits. Walking all over the area was hard to imagine how Washington would rally his men and prepare for the most important event in American history a year later, Yorktown. I cannot wait to go back to Morristown and tour other historic sites.

Back From Easter Break

Well now Easter Break is over and now it is time to get back on the bike and peddle to ending of the semester. This Easter Break was well and it was perfect for me to relax from the excruciating projects. During my break, i have completed my observation project for my special education class. I truly enjoyed myself with the teacher and the class. They were hardworking, dedicated, kind, honest and inspiring group of kids. Whenever i have a chance to observe them, I enjoy helping them with some questions or discuss about the stories they read during class. The special ed. class were remarkable and i really hope to see them again in the future. Easter Break was pleasant for me to see my family and friends. We always have pleasant conversations, play games and enjpy the good times. But now it is over, it is the time to work hard and somehow enjoy the rest of the semester. Lets Finish the Semester together!

Some days are better than others

At times when i feel lost and confused, i ask myself some certain questions. I ask myself "what should i do to keep me moving forward?" "How can i be able to trust myself for making the right choices?" After having a bad day on tuesday with school, i spend some time thinking of what should i do to make myself better. After thinking, i remember something what my parents told me that i never forgotten that makes me better. They told me "Some days are better than others." I actually find it very helpful for me. They told me that quote ever since i was in high school. One day after coming home from school, i had a crucial day with a class i was confused with and friends that picked on me. When i told my parents about it, they told me to forget about it and start the next day as a brand new day. And it worked. Whenever i had some days that are bad, i just start the next day a fresh new start and forget the previous never happend.

Status at School

I consider the spring semester the most difficult i have ever went through. Its not that im doing horrible or anything, but i find myself thinking that i might consider myself a failure. Today during my history class, i just got back my outline for my history paper that i was looking forward to write about, but my teacher does not aprreciate it. I don't know what she wants from me or what she is expecting from me as a student. Im doing so far ok with mey other classes, but for the first time i having problems with a history class. I don't what to give up on my major. My goal is to achieve my goals and to show everyone else that i am not a failure.

Back from Spring Break

Still i cannot believe that spring break is over. Now is the time to get back on your feet and finish the rest of the semester. I maybe nervous at the moment, but as long as i steady myself, i will be ok. During spring break, besides spending most of my time with friends and putting some work hours in, i filled in more observation hours for both of my education classes. I have finished my hours for secondary education in my old high school and now i am in the process of wrapping up my hours for special education class. I have to say that spending my spring break with the special ed. class was the most fun i ever had. The kids were comical, exciting and hardworking. The teachers were very nice and made the class interesting to learn. I do have to say my Spring Break was fun and i wish i can do it again.

Heroes

I keep asking myself the question what actions and character makes a true hero? A lot of people in society conisder heroes to be anyone that they admire. A police officer, a Hollywood star, a rock star, a soldier, a doctor, it could be anyone or anything. As a history major, i honor a group of courageous and honorable group of men who stood up for what they believed in the most. On this day over a hundred years ago, America honors the soldiers who fought and died at an old Spanish mission called The Alamo. For those who do not know this legendary battle or why do we need to know the event, well i like to give a brief history and why I consider them as heroes. In 1835-36, Mexican general Santa Anna was on a mission to expel American and European immigrants of moving into Texas. Once he invaded Texas, Texans decided to fight back to gain indepence.

Although there were battles fought in Texas, but The Alamo was more important. San Antonio de Bexar was Santa Anna's last chance of getting back in the effort of the war. Due to warning, over 180-250 men were supposed to defent the town, but fighting 4,000 Mexican soldiers would be serious. The Texans retreated to the Alamo and fought for 13 days of sacrificing their lives of what they believe. Among those 180 men who fought with the them were William Travis, Jim Bowie and the famous David "Davy" Crockett. On this day, March 6, Santa Anna set up a plan to attack. 4,000 soldiers stormed the walls and the 180-250 defenders fought whatever they need to push the soldiers back. But once the soldiers reached over the walls and no more ammuntion, every soldier had fallen.

Now what makes these defenders remembered as heroes and why we need to know the event? These men were remembered as heroes because due to lack of support and low of ammunition, these men knew they have to fight and they knew they were gonna die for what they believed in. "Remember the Alamo" was the battle cry for the Texan army. It was that famous quote that made the Texan knew they died as heroes and the remains must continue to win. I do not considered someone who won 10 MVP awards as a hero, I don't consider an actor who made over 100 movies in 20 years, I considered these men as heroes because they would never give up on something worth fighting and without no help, they only way was to continue to fight and die not gloriously, but honorably. Remember the Alamo!

Use of Technology during Class

Technology in today's society has become very useful and attracts a lot of attention to the students. As we can see, students have been into these new technologies that can be use socially and educationally. Everyday, children have such interesting and useful technology that provides useful gadgets. Some of these handy equipment include: computers, iPOD, IPAD, iTUNES, Kindles, iMAC, iPHONE, Blackberry cell phones and other useful equipment. All of them have something in common. They have games, videos, notebooks, pictures, recorders and downloadable media. Yesterday, during my observation in my old high school, the teachers in every content area are required for one day to only use technological equipment, whether than worksheets or chalkboards. The history teacher that i observed used only Smartboard and his computer for support. The teacher introduced the class a template game to introduce the Roaring Twenties. The game was a matching game. There were a total of 24 boxes and each had either a picture or name of that person or event. To support and help the teacher out, i was aloud to pick the students and let them try to match the boxes. The other technological game was called "Drag and Drop". There were two columns and a bunch of words dealing with the same topic, The Roaring Twenties. To use the Smartboard, the students can place either word on opposite sides of the columns and make sure that the terms are correctly matched. For example: Clarence Darrow goes on one side and Scopes trial goes on the other. I really enjoyed using only technological equipment during class. It gives me a idea in the future on how i can actually can create certain interactive games and make it seem more exciting for the students.

Special Education Field Experience

6 hours filled in and many more to go. I'm making good progress in field observation project for special education. Every friday afternoons i go to Pequannock Valley Middle School to observe an inclusive and in class support special ed. class. Both the teachers and the students are very friendly and make you feel like part of the group; even if your called "Mr. Austin", it kind of grows on you. During my observing of the in class support group, the class was assigned to read about a story that took place during the 1950's Southern United States. The teacher allowed me to start the reading for the class and i get to pick a student to read a paragraph or two and ask the class some particular questions. That day made me felt what a true teacher is all about and i realized on how being a teacher is about caring for the children's needs.

Confidence.

So far things have been steady lately here on campus. The classes, social activities, assignments, etc.  Its a lot of work and progress to get the good grade. Somebody once said "the more you work hard, the greater you achieve." I believe in that. During all my years as a student I always find ways to keep myself focused and never give up. Have you ever find something that keeps you stressed out or think positive and not negative. Everyday i always keep myself steady and paced by something that makes me who I am. There is always a lot of hardship that somehow makes me terrified. But the best thing I say to myself to stay on target and never lose focus is be confident. Confidence is the key to relax yourself from stress and fear. Before taking a test and I get nervous about it, I always believe in myself and be confident of what you know best. Without confidence, I would never be that hardworking student as I am. Confidence stills exist with me today and I hope someday you should be the same way about too.

Field Experience

So far for the past two weeks, i have been participating in field observation project for my education class. The assignment is to observe a high school classroom for the next 40 hours. While i am observing the class, i have to write down some notes about the teacher qualifications, methods, techniques and motives on how to handle a class and to teach students that particular topic. As a history major also, i am happy to observe history classes the teacher is assigned to all year. The classes are US History I and II and Modern World Studies. The first day of observation was to write about the teacher's background, classroom setting, lesson objectives and behavioral management. The lessons were very interesting. One class was finishing the French Revolution and unto the Napoleonic Era. The other class began to learn the origins of WWI. I enjoy watching the class and help out with my teacher, it gives me ideas on how to be a good and caring teacher.

Full week of school

This week marked my first full week of school. It felt like it went by so quickly but i still got a long way ahead of me. So far i like my new classes, especially my history class. To me taking US history class again is repetitive. I read so much on history and i just know it by heart. I thought things might be very stressful to me, but as long i have confidence i can do anything. The papers are a little too much, but it is somewhat a new challenge for me. I am ready to work hard again and i will be ready to take those chances. Go Giants!

Today is my very first day of the Spring Semester. I have never felt so excited of seeing my friends and my teachers i have not seen since the Fall Semester. Of course i feel very nervous at the moment with all these assignments, research projects, etc. But once i take my time on them and carefully plan them out, i will have nothing to worry about. So far this class is interesting, Instructional Tech., but there are a lot of assignments and projects we need to work on. To me it would not be so bad because i like to learn something new. I may not get the perfect grade in this class, but i willing to prove myself i can accomplish and never give up!