Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Finally Found a Church!
After months of searching for a church home, I have finally found one and I am very happy about it. For the past 2 months, I have been attending Greater Exodus Baptist Church in North Philadelphia. I found out about the church because of one of the comments to my previous post about looking for a church. The church is absolutely fitting for me. First and foremost, it feels like a place that is sincerely dedicated to the mission of Christ. The spirit-led church is dedicated to worship and spreading the message of Love to others through service, programming, and ministry. It is absolutely incredible to be apart of such a place. In addition, they host multiple services on different days of the week, which works nicely with my schedule. Also, the church has members of all ages. Oh, and its a Black chu'ch so people aint afraid to stand up, clap a little, do a little two-step in the pew... but also, church doesn't last for 3 days. #Amen
Monday, January 28, 2013
Educon! Disneyland for Educators
Pardon me for always comparing things to Disneyland. I didn't really have that type of childhood and that's all I know in terms of something that is really awesome, so I am going to use Disneyland. Yes, Educon is Disneyland.
Every year, Science Leadership Academy hosts a conference that attracts folk from across the country and furthermore, world. Educators and administrators alike visit SLA classes, attend conference sessions, sit on panels, and engage in meaningful convo about progressive, student-centered education. From technology to social justice, an array of topics are explored.
It was a relief to enter one of the Educon sessions after the abysmal time I had taking that awfully bias Praxis test (aside: 130 questions to test my knowledge of history and 2 questions on African GEOGRAPHY and not one question about the Black experience. Thanks for telling me that I have no history, Praxis exam. Much love -_-). Anyways... after taking that dreadful Praxis test, it was nice to attend amazing workshops. I attended one workshop about using digital text. The presenter did a great job explaining how digital texts (i.e. video, film, youtube) can be used in the classroom. Also, the people in attendance also did a phenomenal job sharing ideas and engaging in discussion. I also attended a session about teaching empathy in the 21st century- in this session, we discussed the ways in which students can use local and global issues to simultaneously build socioemotional skills and an awareness of the world in which they live in. Also, I was on a panel! Being the new-guy here, I sort of felt like Michelle from Destiny's Child (what business did I have serving on a panel, like I knew something about something lol) , but I had a ton of fun!
Please believe if I am in Philly next year, I will definitely be in attendance at next year's conference. I would encourage everyone to check it out.
Every year, Science Leadership Academy hosts a conference that attracts folk from across the country and furthermore, world. Educators and administrators alike visit SLA classes, attend conference sessions, sit on panels, and engage in meaningful convo about progressive, student-centered education. From technology to social justice, an array of topics are explored.
It was a relief to enter one of the Educon sessions after the abysmal time I had taking that awfully bias Praxis test (aside: 130 questions to test my knowledge of history and 2 questions on African GEOGRAPHY and not one question about the Black experience. Thanks for telling me that I have no history, Praxis exam. Much love -_-). Anyways... after taking that dreadful Praxis test, it was nice to attend amazing workshops. I attended one workshop about using digital text. The presenter did a great job explaining how digital texts (i.e. video, film, youtube) can be used in the classroom. Also, the people in attendance also did a phenomenal job sharing ideas and engaging in discussion. I also attended a session about teaching empathy in the 21st century- in this session, we discussed the ways in which students can use local and global issues to simultaneously build socioemotional skills and an awareness of the world in which they live in. Also, I was on a panel! Being the new-guy here, I sort of felt like Michelle from Destiny's Child (what business did I have serving on a panel, like I knew something about something lol) , but I had a ton of fun!
Please believe if I am in Philly next year, I will definitely be in attendance at next year's conference. I would encourage everyone to check it out.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Update for the Week
This week has been incredibly hectic, I do not even know where to begin. I haven't had much time to really reflect on anything but classroom instruction, so let me use this forum to vent. This might be a therapeutic post.
This week has been one of those weeks. For one, I wish I could be home (in Jersey) and taking care of some things that need attending to. Its always unfortunate to recieve news through the phone and not in person. It feels even worse to get news about something you should be involved with, but can't. I think that is the one thing I am really sort of resenting about this program, in some way. One of the reasons why I came to Penn was to be able to tend to the real-life responsibilities that I have, but due to the design of my program, I am not able to go home. I'm feeling some type of way about this.
Aside from that, I'm super blessed to have finished everything that I need to finish. I didn't write this in any of my past posts, but I was REALLY sick for a good month and a half. the words of my grandmother rang through my head during this time and reall got me through. She always says, "I don't have the luxury of being sick. I have things to do." Yup, that's basically what happened in my life and as bad as this might sound, I'm happy I pushed through. I was able to finish all of my coursework, do some really cool lesson planning, and not be bogged down by the challenges of life.
Anyway, back to my weekly update. So aside from resenting my inability to visit the fam, I grinded on my Penn reading and essays. I did a ton of grading and I am FINISHED! YAY! I've been training with a trainer at the gym- homie is bigger than me, which is exactly what I need to get big. Working out and prayer have both been nice escapes this week.
There were three things that made the horridness of Monday- Friday, liveable.
1. There was one highlight of my week and that was the carrying out of debates in my African American History class. These students were AMAZINGLY IMPRESSIVE. They showed out and showed off. From the bills/resolutions they wrote, to the passionate, fiery debate that they promoted, these students did the dang thing and it made me so proud.
2. I saw my roommate. We're basically the best of friends, for those who don't know, yet we never see each other. Beeing that we're both in the struggle, we both would work in the (warzone that is the) living room til 2/3 am everyday. Fun times!
3. Educon! OMG, fo'real'dough- best thing in life. I am going to have to devote a full blog post to Educon.
Upcoming posts: I found (been found) a church! I beat walking pneumonia! Educon! Amazing Coworkers! Sleep! Weight training. Job searching. Social Life (or lack thereof), Independent Study
This week has been one of those weeks. For one, I wish I could be home (in Jersey) and taking care of some things that need attending to. Its always unfortunate to recieve news through the phone and not in person. It feels even worse to get news about something you should be involved with, but can't. I think that is the one thing I am really sort of resenting about this program, in some way. One of the reasons why I came to Penn was to be able to tend to the real-life responsibilities that I have, but due to the design of my program, I am not able to go home. I'm feeling some type of way about this.
Aside from that, I'm super blessed to have finished everything that I need to finish. I didn't write this in any of my past posts, but I was REALLY sick for a good month and a half. the words of my grandmother rang through my head during this time and reall got me through. She always says, "I don't have the luxury of being sick. I have things to do." Yup, that's basically what happened in my life and as bad as this might sound, I'm happy I pushed through. I was able to finish all of my coursework, do some really cool lesson planning, and not be bogged down by the challenges of life.
Anyway, back to my weekly update. So aside from resenting my inability to visit the fam, I grinded on my Penn reading and essays. I did a ton of grading and I am FINISHED! YAY! I've been training with a trainer at the gym- homie is bigger than me, which is exactly what I need to get big. Working out and prayer have both been nice escapes this week.
There were three things that made the horridness of Monday- Friday, liveable.
1. There was one highlight of my week and that was the carrying out of debates in my African American History class. These students were AMAZINGLY IMPRESSIVE. They showed out and showed off. From the bills/resolutions they wrote, to the passionate, fiery debate that they promoted, these students did the dang thing and it made me so proud.
2. I saw my roommate. We're basically the best of friends, for those who don't know, yet we never see each other. Beeing that we're both in the struggle, we both would work in the (warzone that is the) living room til 2/3 am everyday. Fun times!
3. Educon! OMG, fo'real'dough- best thing in life. I am going to have to devote a full blog post to Educon.
Upcoming posts: I found (been found) a church! I beat walking pneumonia! Educon! Amazing Coworkers! Sleep! Weight training. Job searching. Social Life (or lack thereof), Independent Study
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I am officially crazy. Officially.
I'm such a nerd. Basically I sacrificed my sanity for academics. Lawd please be with me.
I am actually very excited about the potential loss of sanity. I signed up to do an independent study with Professor Erick Grimes who taught the course Psychoeducational Interactions with Black Males ,which I took last term. There was so much powerful material and thought that resulted from that course and I felt compelled to continuing working with him and some of the members of my class. I am very excited about the opportunity, as there are quite a few important projects and material that will be explored over the next couple of months. In the same vein, I am also nervous. Classes have barely began to distribute assignments and I am already overwhelmed. I know that this term is going to be incredibly rewarding individually and professionally as a result of this course, but man I am going to be working my butt off.
I will post updates about my experiences in this independent study particularly, because I know it is going to be an amazing experience. With that said, please keep me in prayer. PLEASE.
I am actually very excited about the potential loss of sanity. I signed up to do an independent study with Professor Erick Grimes who taught the course Psychoeducational Interactions with Black Males ,which I took last term. There was so much powerful material and thought that resulted from that course and I felt compelled to continuing working with him and some of the members of my class. I am very excited about the opportunity, as there are quite a few important projects and material that will be explored over the next couple of months. In the same vein, I am also nervous. Classes have barely began to distribute assignments and I am already overwhelmed. I know that this term is going to be incredibly rewarding individually and professionally as a result of this course, but man I am going to be working my butt off.
I will post updates about my experiences in this independent study particularly, because I know it is going to be an amazing experience. With that said, please keep me in prayer. PLEASE.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Finally Back
It has been a good minute since I last posted. I pray that all of you reading out there had restful and enjoyable holidays and that the new year is starting off right.
Its good to be back in Philadelphia for spring term. I spent a good amount of the holiday break in New Jersey, which was awesome. I cooked a lot and spent time with family. I also spent a good amount of time resting and trying to recover from illness. Feeling better from rest and family time, I am ready to take on 2013.
This should be quite a busy time for me. I am now student-teaching for full days and I am also completing courses (including an independent study, which I will blog about separately). I am still working as a graduate assistant and am involved in a few city initiatives. As exciting as all of this is, its slightly terrifying- I pray God gives me the strength to complete everything that I need to do this term.
Its good to be back in Philadelphia for spring term. I spent a good amount of the holiday break in New Jersey, which was awesome. I cooked a lot and spent time with family. I also spent a good amount of time resting and trying to recover from illness. Feeling better from rest and family time, I am ready to take on 2013.
This should be quite a busy time for me. I am now student-teaching for full days and I am also completing courses (including an independent study, which I will blog about separately). I am still working as a graduate assistant and am involved in a few city initiatives. As exciting as all of this is, its slightly terrifying- I pray God gives me the strength to complete everything that I need to do this term.
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