The Clarity of Grey

The semester has been well thus far. There has been plenty of reading and writing, which is to be expected with three English classes, but I've been doing much more of it in my two education classes. So the workload is certainly stressful at times, but ultimately, I feel like I'm gaining something from this work; something that's expanding my character and helping me to learn more about myself. Such is the work of enlightenment, is it not? That's what I love about my two majors: they're both thought provoking and discussion-based, as true education should be. I'm learning concepts instead of memorizing terms. I'm writing elaborate, critical essays instead of studying for multiple choice tests. I have found my niche, and I am pleased.

With this new sense of purpose, I'm becoming more aware of certain aspects of my persona I need to work on. Transcending to the rank of Teacher will require much more practice with presenting and discussing ideas, and a concrete sense of confidence in front of students. I am pleased to say that I have the opportunity this semester to practice on it.

I have been placed at Red Creek High School for my first block practicum every Tuesday from 7:55-11:30am, and couldn't be happier with my placement. I've been assigned to Mrs. Cramer, who is actually the wife of Mr. Cramer, my Junior High School biology teacher (who is one of my favorites). Like her husband, she teaches very well, and is very committed to her students. She seems very pleased to have me in the class, and expressed profound excitement after I offered her my services in the classroom - as if other practicum students just went to merely observe. I am really looking forward to working with her and the students of that class. She treats me like a student teacher - probably because I presented myself as one - instead of a mere observer, so therefore I might be conducting the class, leading group discussions, and tutoring students in need. I'm not sure what I did to appease the Luck Gods.

Needless to say, I've been too busy lately to worry about the future, which as Einstein says, "A happy man is too satisfied with the present to dwell too much on the future." I don't necessary feel a profound sense of happiness, but I am content with where I am, and can only survive this semester by taking each day at a time. Also, I'm not sure if a day ahead counts in Einstein's view, but I'm dwelling on tomorrow evening's festivities, for there's definitely plenty of fun in store.

Chill

There's a chill in the air - a very familiar chill. The flame of summer is slowly burning out, and with it the experiences that will fade into memory. Many will be cherished memories, while others will fall into the black pit of regret, ever yearning to be forgotten.

I would like to say that it has been a very productive summer full of practicing on my creativity and character-building. But I can not. It feels like my creativity decided to go on vacation as well and forgot to return. I've written very little with two or three attempts at a novel, a poem or two, some philosophical stuff, and the first scene of a play. On the whole it may sound like quite a bit, but it really isn't. All together it probably adds up to around 10-15 pages of work, but there was plenty of opportunity to do more, I just couldn't spark my imagination with enough inspiration.

I'd love to add more to this post, but a headache prevents me from doing so. To be continued.