WeebWhat?

The current class I'm taking had the students create an on-line portfolio of various types of writing that we've discussed thus far in the semester (using weebly.com). I'm told it will be beneficial for me to create a similar portfolio with various subjects for teaching to use with my resume when searching for future teaching jobs. In light of that, I'll certainly be updating this site. However, since I'm not sure when the professor will get around to marking what's there no updates will be made until after December.

Nonetheless, enjoy! vlakeportfolio.weebly.com (Yes, a few things I stole from my blog...)

The Look.

You need not see what someone is doing
to know if it is his vocation,

you have only to watch his eyes:
a cook mixing a sauce, a surgeon

making a primary incision,
a clerk completing a bill of lading,

wear the same rapt expression,
forgetting themselves in a function.

How beautiful it is,
that eye-on-the-object look.

-WH Auden

That 'eye-on-the-object look' is why I'm taking a 4 credit Math class next year which frightens me to the core.

That 'eye-on-the-object look' is why I'm registering for classes over the summer in a different city than I live and work.

That 'eye-on-the-object look' is why I'm a student at two different schools and looking at a third.

That 'eye-on-the-object look' is why I'm slowly but steadily and assuredly pursuing an elementary education teaching certification.

I love seeing these little humans learn. I love watching children develop an understanding of the world. I love meeting them where they are and walking forward hand-in-hand, asking questions and answering them together. This inspires me. This energizes me. This gives me the 'eye-on-the-object look'.

(Even enough for me to brave a 4 credit math course... oh man.)

Mr Wystan Hugh Auden, you got it right. You put words to my passion. Thank you.

Last Saturday of April 2011

07.00


09.00

12.30

14.00



17.00

19.00

20.00

22.30

Back to School

Number 2 pencils are sharpened and a little notebook is packed away ready for day one of classroom sitting. I'm auditing this first Monday night class to get a sense of what is expected timewise (and brainwise!) before I jump into taking courses for credit and making any other kinds of commitments.

I hope the "freshman fifteen" aren't true the second time around!

Academic Afterthought

"Something else an academic education will do for you. If you go along with it any considerable distance, it'll begin to give you an idea what size mind you have. What it'll fit and, maybe, what it won't. After a while, you'll have an idea what kind of thoughts your particular size mind should be wearing. For one thing, it may save you an extraordinary amount of time trying on ideas that don't suit you, aren't becoming to you. You'll begin to know your true measurements and dress your mind accordingly."

Text: J D Salinger
Illustration: Norman Rockwell