Overcoming Challenges

The central theme of this weeks activities stood out to me to be overcoming challenges together. Through the resolution of the Supreme court case of Brown vs. The Board of Education the world was shown that separate but equal does not mean equality. This spurred a lot of forward momentum for special education and help for those people struggling from physical or mental limitations. As I studied the required materials this week I was reminded of the movie Hidden Figures. The women working for NASA during the 20's when segregation was still roaring. These women had equal facilities as the white men but were still segregated in common areas like coffee pots and restrooms. These limitations were forced upon them and it was a great struggle for them. However as NASA pushed through with their space programs the white men needed the help of these brilliant African American women to be successful. In their selfish need they overlooked how these differences would negatively affect the work flow produced. Once this realization was made and remedied the forward progress of their programs increased tremendously. This is the case that we are all in when it comes to our own struggles. Sometimes we get caught up in our own struggles and never realize the difficulties of another person, who happens to be struggling right along with you. Thankfully the Supreme court cases discussed were focussed outward and helped to establish Special Education organizations to help people to struggle together to succeed instead of working apart to the detriment of all those involved.

Exceptional Students

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for anyone who tries their best to do something. It doesn't matter how simple the task may be for me but how they themselves are feeling. This week I was able to apply some of the talks that we read to a real life situation with my niece. Annabelle has autism and she is a doll! Some days are more difficult then others and it shows on my sisters face. They live in New Zealand and consequently we FaceTime quite frequently. This week on a more trying day I spent time catching my sister up on life as Annabelle jumped on the bed, couch or chair where my sister was talking to me. She had a brief moment of dismay and hopelessness and a few tears were shed. The next day I recalled the talk,  "The Moving of the Water" by President Boyd K. Packer. In his talk he reminds us about perspective and how if we lose our eternal perspective everything will be more difficult. "You parents and you families whose lives must be reordered because of a handicapped one, whose resources and time must be devoted to them, are special heroes. You are manifesting the works of God with every thought, with every gesture of tenderness and care you extend to the handicapped loved one. Never mind the tears nor the hours of regret and discouragement; never mind the times when you feel you cannot stand another day of what is required. You are living the principles of then gospel of Jesus Christ in exceptional purity. and you perfect yourselves in the process." As future teachers I think it is incredibly important to realize the stress that sometimes becomes involved with our exceptional students. Some days will be good and some days will be rougher but as we remind ourselves of their worth and love them just as the Savior loves us everything will work out and all will be uplifted.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1991/04/the-moving-of-the-water?lang=eng

Return on Investment

As a teacher we never know the situation a student comes from or goes home to. The activities from this week helped me to realize many different things. From the Saving Brains video the most important days are the first 1000 days. It is crucial to have children experience positive stimulation, protection and nutrition. These things are necessary for success. Just like Maslow's hierarchy of needs the basics have to be met before development can continue upward. One day at a time makes a difference. As students come into classrooms teachers need to be aware of their students and help intervene when necessary.
The Abuse and Neglect video was eye opening to what the process is when there is a problem with abuse or neglect. I didn't know each state had different specifications for what is proof of abuse or neglect. It is a teachers responsibility to be aware and aid when needed. They need to keep track of situations and notes with the CPS so that they can investigate if necessary.
Whitney Elementary is an awesome place. The principal is dedicated to student success and also success at home. Miss Gahn, the principal- said, "If you do what you do with integrity and intent you will shine." She is an inspiring woman who made a great impact on the children at her school. The hope she has for the children of her school is just like the hope the parents have for their children despite their current situation. The needs of children are universal and since they can meet those needs those students will be successful. This week was rough and I found myself not having enough time to get things done. Today I woke up to a tire on my car with a nail in it and a slow leaking tire. While I was at the car shop, waiting for the repair to be made a few children came in. In the waiting room was a man watching a rated R movie. The children were trying to ignore the TV but there wasn't anything else to do. I asked the man if we could change it to something more appropriate. He said of course and left the room handing me the remote. Upon changing the channel one of the children recognized me from being an aid in their classroom. They didn't want to say anything to the man but they were thankful that I did. Most times it isn't the fault of the children that they suffer but it definitely makes their lives more difficult. As teachers our responsibility is to pay attention, have hope in our students future, and do everything we can to help them be inspired to continue despite their circumstances. When we take the time to invest in our students lives they feel that reassurance that what they are doing is correct and when given that chance the return on that small investment is a new life of learning and confidence.

The Frozen Tundra

Back to the good old frozen tundra it is! Luckily it hasn't snowed much lately! Upon arrival there were two feet of snow on my poor California car and Tori was not too happy to start up! The semester is going strong, two weeks in and still straight A's. I feel like it is going to be a great semester... despite the white frozen stuff. 

Picture Perfect

This weekend has been great! My Best Friend (Brittany) came up to Rexburg to visit me! It's been great to have her here. We started off the 4th, almost immediately after her plane landed with the great opportunity to use my photography skills to photograph our friend's (Bethany) family. It was a great way to start of the 4th of July weekend. With more than 500 pictures taken and wonderful times had; the 4th started with some Perfect Pictures. We picnicked it out by the Snake River in Idaho Falls waiting for the fireworks to begin. Played a few rounds of "Go Fish" with the few random kids who came creeping as we were playing Speed. One little boy couldn't read the big numbers, so I helped him out a bit! The day was great. Then on the 5th, we started out the day with a trip to Monkey Rock. (aka a snow run-off with a little waterfall) That was fun, and now we look like little red Lobsters. Today has been a blast! I feel like Sunday will forever remain as my favorite day of the week. Since it is the first week of the month, it was Fast and Testimony meeting. Since the semester is winding down and many of us are going to be off track next semester, testimony's were shared with thankful hearts for the people around them. This ward really is great with getting to know one another and finding small and simple ways of serving. I have really grown to love this ward. This past week I spent my free time preparing for the photo shoot and preparing a lesson for Relief Society. I was so nervous I just couldn't keep my hands from shaking. Even this morning I was unsure of the absolute outline for my lesson. My mind was just running with Ideas from what I had studied. It was a great relief to have so much participation in class that I was able to follow the Spirit and direct the discussion where others needed it to go. I seriously love teaching! It's something about discussions and marker boards that just gets me excited to share what I have loved learning about!

Here is a sample of this weekend: Enjoy!

View of Sunset from Rexburg Temple

Rexburg Temple

Contrasting Clouds

Creepy Bug

Patriotic Temple

Natural Star

Our Fireworks

Idaho Falls Fireworks

REXBURG!

Well, I've been up at school since returning from our family cruise in January! It's been great to be back in school, hanging out, doing homework and all those other things that come along in college! My car came, Her name is Rosie! Brianna and I tend to have adventures in our onesies, ok so maybe one, but more are in the works! The weather here seriously can't make up its mind. The last one is all in one day!

What's New?

For an RM... (Responsible Member) like myself (ok, Im working on it still, but a new twist on an old acronym is always good right?) there are a whole lot of things new. Well to be honest not as many as expected. But Im working on it alright?! I've got a job! That's new. Point for me! I've been spending lots of time with family. Sharing my testimony all along the way! Its been interesting to see how my mission has effected my ability to speak with those "scary strangers" I never would EVER in my craziest dreams talk to before my mission. Conversations come up easily and I am absolutely in LOVE with sharing this gift I have in my heart! 

Beach Adventure with Mom once when we got off work early!

Visiting WA to see Dad and getting back on the Tugs bright and early!

A Traditional Juker Thanksgiving! Missed Mom though!

Seeing my Kaiser for the first time in about three years! He remembered me!

Odie, Grandmas dog, He is spoiled but sure is a cutie!

Hunting for our Christmas tree!

Monica and I were Tree Protectors, Protecting our tree from the sketchy looking people!

Once we had our tree full of character inside!

Visiting the Los Angeles Temple with my family and enjoying the Christmas lights there.

My Tribute to Sweden! I sure do miss it!