Now that I'm here even after the kids are gone, it's a pretty cool experience to see how the school is run from behind the scenes.
There's alot to be done in the administrative office! Sometimes I kind of thought admins were left sitting around with nothing to do, but that is far from what happens in here! Answering calls from parents of students and prospective students, development projects, putting together the 1st newsletter to go home, ordering school supplies, getting student files together; that means updating current students, creating new students, and finding space for former students. Basically, just making sure that everyone gets taken care of in whatever ways they need.
It's all good exposure to what I'll be doing someday for the rest of my life! :)
~Miss Haywood
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Day 15 -- FINISHED
I know I'm late, with the holiday weekend and all, you have to excuse me!
But overall, I'm glad to have had this experience. I feel that it's definitely invaluable to my future! I'm glad that the staff invited me over to come share this experience with them.
I don't want this to be a short post, but I really don't have the words to express how happy I am to have some classroom experience! I really appreciate the time I've spent with my coworkers and what they've taught me!
I can say that it's a good position to be in. Having been where these kids are now, they have a solid example of what the school can do for them if they stick with it and do their best. Not only that, but an example of how far they can go in life no matter where they come from or the troubles they face in their home life.
~Miss Haywood
But overall, I'm glad to have had this experience. I feel that it's definitely invaluable to my future! I'm glad that the staff invited me over to come share this experience with them.
I don't want this to be a short post, but I really don't have the words to express how happy I am to have some classroom experience! I really appreciate the time I've spent with my coworkers and what they've taught me!
I can say that it's a good position to be in. Having been where these kids are now, they have a solid example of what the school can do for them if they stick with it and do their best. Not only that, but an example of how far they can go in life no matter where they come from or the troubles they face in their home life.
~Miss Haywood
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Day 14
Student selections.
It's been one of the longest days so far. It basically boils down to the students who do well as far as behavior, academics, and their social skills. It was pretty easy to decide who stays. The tough part was deciding who goes and why.
Some students aren't strong academically. Some students don't want to be here. Some students are too much of a behavior problem. The most sad is the students who don't have the support from the parents and families. It's really hard to hear those stories about what their home life is like. Some of these kids have been through and seen things that a child that young should never have to! My heart is heavy for those kids. As bad as you want those kids to have a positive environment, you can't do anything to change it. No matter how bad they want to succeed, their surroundings have everything to do with whether they will or won't and why.
As a teacher in a private school where the kids are chosen, the school has an ability to get rid of the problem children. When you teach in a public school where everyone has to go somewhere, I don't know (and have to figure out) how those teachers deal with those students. WHat more can you do for them? I think that my compassion and sensitivity to those students will be great characteristics that will make me a great teacher to all kinds of kids.
~Miss Haywood
It's been one of the longest days so far. It basically boils down to the students who do well as far as behavior, academics, and their social skills. It was pretty easy to decide who stays. The tough part was deciding who goes and why.
Some students aren't strong academically. Some students don't want to be here. Some students are too much of a behavior problem. The most sad is the students who don't have the support from the parents and families. It's really hard to hear those stories about what their home life is like. Some of these kids have been through and seen things that a child that young should never have to! My heart is heavy for those kids. As bad as you want those kids to have a positive environment, you can't do anything to change it. No matter how bad they want to succeed, their surroundings have everything to do with whether they will or won't and why.
As a teacher in a private school where the kids are chosen, the school has an ability to get rid of the problem children. When you teach in a public school where everyone has to go somewhere, I don't know (and have to figure out) how those teachers deal with those students. WHat more can you do for them? I think that my compassion and sensitivity to those students will be great characteristics that will make me a great teacher to all kinds of kids.
~Miss Haywood
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Day 13
Two days left!
At this point, staff (including myself) is working on the student selection process. This is the part where we decide who stays and who goes. It's hard for me because I think that all students, no matter their background or issues, just deserve a chance. BUT that's just not possible (sad face, I know!). Some of the 5th and 6th grade classes have up to 26 students and only 15-17 can stay!
Making decisions for 5th grade has been pretty easy so far because their all new and some stand out already as excellent students and others, not so much. 6th grade is harder because some of them were here last year and feel entitled to their seat. I think of what their parents might say if they can't come back next year. At the same time, it's up to the student. They have to want to be here.
I'm a little nervous on this part. My opinion on these kids really counts. The meeting for student selection is tomorrow! Let's hope all goes well.
~Miss Haywood
At this point, staff (including myself) is working on the student selection process. This is the part where we decide who stays and who goes. It's hard for me because I think that all students, no matter their background or issues, just deserve a chance. BUT that's just not possible (sad face, I know!). Some of the 5th and 6th grade classes have up to 26 students and only 15-17 can stay!
Making decisions for 5th grade has been pretty easy so far because their all new and some stand out already as excellent students and others, not so much. 6th grade is harder because some of them were here last year and feel entitled to their seat. I think of what their parents might say if they can't come back next year. At the same time, it's up to the student. They have to want to be here.
I'm a little nervous on this part. My opinion on these kids really counts. The meeting for student selection is tomorrow! Let's hope all goes well.
~Miss Haywood
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Days 11 & 12
This week I am with a particular teacher, instead of grade. I am sitting in on the girls' and boys' math classes. It's pretty boring for the most part...lol...But the interesting part is still getting to see the teaching styles. These two teachers are like night and day. As far as that goes, I've been watching and taking notes trying to figure out what type of style would suit me. It has to work for classroom management in general as well as the personality of the teacher as well. I'm super nice and I think that's a disadvantage at times. The kids will definitely test you to see how far that niceness goes (trust me, I know from experience LOL)! I don't like to be mean or strict, but sometimes that's just how it goes. I suprised myself in the beginning, but you have to crack that whip a few times to let them know you mean business!
At this point, I've learned the ropes. Dealing with the kids is routine now. I feel pretty confident and comfortable with them. The only thing that scares me is handling them on my own. With some more experience, I'm sure I'll conquer that too.
I feel like this experience has been absolutely beneficial to me. What I've learned is invaluable to my future. I'm just glad I could get this type of experience this early on. I'm getting into my education courses in school so when I read about these things in the texts, I can come back to this and I'll know exactly what's what in there!
~Miss Haywood
At this point, I've learned the ropes. Dealing with the kids is routine now. I feel pretty confident and comfortable with them. The only thing that scares me is handling them on my own. With some more experience, I'm sure I'll conquer that too.
I feel like this experience has been absolutely beneficial to me. What I've learned is invaluable to my future. I'm just glad I could get this type of experience this early on. I'm getting into my education courses in school so when I read about these things in the texts, I can come back to this and I'll know exactly what's what in there!
~Miss Haywood
Day 10 -- End of week TWO
Fridays are always a little more hectic so bear with me here when I miss Friday posts.
I wouldn't have had much to say. By this point, it's very obvious who will and won't be staying.
That's it for Friday's post...not much here. Everything I needed to sum up for this week was done in Day 9's post.
~Miss Haywood
I wouldn't have had much to say. By this point, it's very obvious who will and won't be staying.
That's it for Friday's post...not much here. Everything I needed to sum up for this week was done in Day 9's post.
~Miss Haywood
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day 9
When you come full circle and you know you have...it's like your destiny is staring you right in the face. You know exactly what it is you're supposed to do at that point. People say that you manifest your own destiny, which I absolutely believe to be true. In some cases, you have to let your destiny manifest you (if that makes sense). What I mean by that is you can't be afraid to live up to your own potential and highest expectations. You can never be afraid of failure. The only failure in life is in not trying. Regardless of what I do in life, whether I end up teaching or not (I plan to, but God's plan is greater), I know that I'll end up doing something great! I know that I'll be an inspiration to someone somewhere! And that's all the purpose I can ask for.
There was this song sung at my 8th grade graduation called My Time Has Come by Destiny's Child and I happened to hear it on a mixed cd I put together a long time ago, and it just made me feel like I've come full circle so far. Even though I have so much more to do, so much father to go, I know that I haven't come this far for nothing.
It was announced that an 8th grade girl had been dismissed from the school this morning and it was kind of solemn. You spend all of middle school with the same people and one person gets let go (or chooses to leave) so close to the end. I imagined what it would have been like if one of my classmates left so close to the end. I don't think we all would have been the same class or people. I think it would have brought us closer, though. It's a crazy world!
~Miss Haywood
There was this song sung at my 8th grade graduation called My Time Has Come by Destiny's Child and I happened to hear it on a mixed cd I put together a long time ago, and it just made me feel like I've come full circle so far. Even though I have so much more to do, so much father to go, I know that I haven't come this far for nothing.
It was announced that an 8th grade girl had been dismissed from the school this morning and it was kind of solemn. You spend all of middle school with the same people and one person gets let go (or chooses to leave) so close to the end. I imagined what it would have been like if one of my classmates left so close to the end. I don't think we all would have been the same class or people. I think it would have brought us closer, though. It's a crazy world!
~Miss Haywood
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Day 8
I feel like the best things I'm gaining from this experience is the ability to be more patient and understanding. Anyone who knows me knows that I may not exactly be the MOST patient person in the world, but working with kids definitely makes you patient. And I think what goes hand in hand with that is becoming more understanding. I know that these kids are very smart and capable children, but sometimes there may be other things in their life that affect them, whether it's positive or negative. In the latter case, you definitely have to be patient and understanding. Even when a kid acts out, you definitely have to understand that their negative actions may not come out of pure defiance, but underlying issues that they struggle to deal with or just don't know how to handle otherwise. And of course when you stop recognizing that negative behavior, because they want some type of attention from you, they'll see that they need to change it to positive behavior in order to get that.
After school today I had a chance to sit in on a workshop for graduates who are now juniors and seniors in high school facing the looming process of college applications. It really cool. Some of them hadn't seen each other in a while and they were pretty excited. It reminded me of my classmates "back in those days." (LOL! Yea, I said it. What?!)
Sometimes I catch myself having these flashbacks. Someone will say something or look a certain way that just takes me back. It's amazing how I see so much of my classmates and I in these students. The 8th grade girls trying to be sneaky and I'm thinking, "Honey, me and my girls wrote the book!!" (Literally lol....we were the 1st girls to graduate!) ...By the way, I'm dying to say that to them lol...looking for my opportunity!
Going back to what I was saying about what I'm gaining from this experience: It's pretty amazing to see so many different teaching styles. I've had some awesome teachers myself, but I was never really paying attention to HOW they actually taught the class. From their classroom demeanor to how they actually teach the information, these teachers have got it going on! Pretty amazing to say the least.
Well we're halfway through the program and I'm taking everything in as best as I can. It'll be great to relax and review my blog in about 2 weeks when I'm not waking up at 6 am!
~Miss Haywood
After school today I had a chance to sit in on a workshop for graduates who are now juniors and seniors in high school facing the looming process of college applications. It really cool. Some of them hadn't seen each other in a while and they were pretty excited. It reminded me of my classmates "back in those days." (LOL! Yea, I said it. What?!)
Sometimes I catch myself having these flashbacks. Someone will say something or look a certain way that just takes me back. It's amazing how I see so much of my classmates and I in these students. The 8th grade girls trying to be sneaky and I'm thinking, "Honey, me and my girls wrote the book!!" (Literally lol....we were the 1st girls to graduate!) ...By the way, I'm dying to say that to them lol...looking for my opportunity!
Going back to what I was saying about what I'm gaining from this experience: It's pretty amazing to see so many different teaching styles. I've had some awesome teachers myself, but I was never really paying attention to HOW they actually taught the class. From their classroom demeanor to how they actually teach the information, these teachers have got it going on! Pretty amazing to say the least.
Well we're halfway through the program and I'm taking everything in as best as I can. It'll be great to relax and review my blog in about 2 weeks when I'm not waking up at 6 am!
~Miss Haywood
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day 7
This is my 2nd day working with the 6th grade girls and I'm so ready for this week to be over. They're nice girls as individuals, but when you get them all together, they are the most chatty people I've ever met.
I'm really working on my patience and understanding this week, though. The chattiness is a little frustrating, especially when someone is trying to give them directions. At the same time, I remember that my classmates (and I) were probably just as chatty as they are. There's 26 of them so I try to be understanding. I think they had a rude awakening today when they realized only 15 of them will be returning in the fall. That leaves 11 of them out, whether they're a returning or a new spot. I had to let them know that even as a returning student, your seat is not guaranteed! I hope they understand that, because at this point, I can't tell who the returning students are and they're supposed to be the ones who know what's going on. Not to say they're badly behaved, but there's 26 of them and 15 spots!
At this point, I've questioned (a number of times) if I'm positively sure the education field is where I want to be. I must say that despite any of the few behavior problems I've encountered, I am absolutely 100% positive! I know that no matter what I do or where I end up, I'd be great at it and able to make some kind of difference. I just feel that being inside of the classroom teaching is the one place that I'm sure I can make the most difference. If I can change one kid's life or inspire them to be better than they think they can be, then my job is done. I think about the best teachers and mentors I've had (and have) and the difference they made in my life. I'm in uncharted territory because before those people came into my life, I had never thought this far ahead. Someone made me believe in what I once thought was impossible! I want to be that person in someone else's life. Maybe I already am.
~Miss Haywood
I'm really working on my patience and understanding this week, though. The chattiness is a little frustrating, especially when someone is trying to give them directions. At the same time, I remember that my classmates (and I) were probably just as chatty as they are. There's 26 of them so I try to be understanding. I think they had a rude awakening today when they realized only 15 of them will be returning in the fall. That leaves 11 of them out, whether they're a returning or a new spot. I had to let them know that even as a returning student, your seat is not guaranteed! I hope they understand that, because at this point, I can't tell who the returning students are and they're supposed to be the ones who know what's going on. Not to say they're badly behaved, but there's 26 of them and 15 spots!
At this point, I've questioned (a number of times) if I'm positively sure the education field is where I want to be. I must say that despite any of the few behavior problems I've encountered, I am absolutely 100% positive! I know that no matter what I do or where I end up, I'd be great at it and able to make some kind of difference. I just feel that being inside of the classroom teaching is the one place that I'm sure I can make the most difference. If I can change one kid's life or inspire them to be better than they think they can be, then my job is done. I think about the best teachers and mentors I've had (and have) and the difference they made in my life. I'm in uncharted territory because before those people came into my life, I had never thought this far ahead. Someone made me believe in what I once thought was impossible! I want to be that person in someone else's life. Maybe I already am.
~Miss Haywood
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day 6
So this week, I'm working with the 6th grade girls during class and activities. It was an adjustment at first, just because I didn't know how to approach them. They're not as rowdy as the boys, but through my observation, I quickly found out they're sneaky little chatterboxes. I knew that from being a 6th grade student myself some many years ago, but part of adjusting to being on the staff is how to actually deal with that.
During classes, they were pretty well behaved. They're attentive and quiet. There was only once or twice that a teacher had to stop to correct some behavior issues. But once they had lunch and it was time to go off to activities....man let me tell you! It was like a had a whole new group of girls. They would...not...stop...talking! I was kind of embarrassed because volunteers come in from the community to run activities. So its me and this lady whose the volunteer telling these girls every 5 minutes to stop talking. She even made them go outside, run laps around the courtyard, and they STILL came back inside and continued to talk.
So I had to crack the whip.
I told them how disappointed I was at the 1st impression they gave, how their chit chatting while someone is giving instructions is totally disrespectful and completely unacceptable, and that I hope they come in tomorrow with different attitudes.
I really surprised myself. Working with kids will teach you things about yourself. I'm doing things that I didn't know I was capable of! Which is important to me to gain this experience because I plan to be a teacher in the future!
~Miss Haywood
During classes, they were pretty well behaved. They're attentive and quiet. There was only once or twice that a teacher had to stop to correct some behavior issues. But once they had lunch and it was time to go off to activities....man let me tell you! It was like a had a whole new group of girls. They would...not...stop...talking! I was kind of embarrassed because volunteers come in from the community to run activities. So its me and this lady whose the volunteer telling these girls every 5 minutes to stop talking. She even made them go outside, run laps around the courtyard, and they STILL came back inside and continued to talk.
So I had to crack the whip.
I told them how disappointed I was at the 1st impression they gave, how their chit chatting while someone is giving instructions is totally disrespectful and completely unacceptable, and that I hope they come in tomorrow with different attitudes.
I really surprised myself. Working with kids will teach you things about yourself. I'm doing things that I didn't know I was capable of! Which is important to me to gain this experience because I plan to be a teacher in the future!
~Miss Haywood
Days 4 & 5 -- End of week ONE
I didn't really have anything profound to say so I wasn't too worried about updating. Besides the fact that I was dead tired, my blog wasn't really on my mind (SAD FACE, I know!). But, I'm back, relaxed, refreshed and well rested.
By the end of last week (Day 4) I was completely worn out. Between working with the 6th and 5th grade boys, I just didn't have anything left. No energy or smiles. By Friday, I was just ready for the weekend. Ready to NOT get up at 6am and to just lay around all day. Which I did plenty of that all weekend.
Friday's staff meeting went well. Talking to some of the teachers, we have the same frustrations about some of the same students. This is when I came to realize that these same students come from rough backgrounds. They might come from single parent homes (which most of them do) but besides that, there's more going on at home. When I thought about it and really looked beyond their outward behavior, I see that they are just like any other student. They just need a little extra from you: extra patience, compassion, understanding, and kind words! When I say that, I think of one particular student who has soooo much potential! He just needs to work on the outward behavior to get attention and do positive things that will attract the positive behavior. I've grown pretty fond of the majority of the students and I want nothing but success for absolutely all of them! They all deserve the best.
~Miss Haywood
By the end of last week (Day 4) I was completely worn out. Between working with the 6th and 5th grade boys, I just didn't have anything left. No energy or smiles. By Friday, I was just ready for the weekend. Ready to NOT get up at 6am and to just lay around all day. Which I did plenty of that all weekend.
Friday's staff meeting went well. Talking to some of the teachers, we have the same frustrations about some of the same students. This is when I came to realize that these same students come from rough backgrounds. They might come from single parent homes (which most of them do) but besides that, there's more going on at home. When I thought about it and really looked beyond their outward behavior, I see that they are just like any other student. They just need a little extra from you: extra patience, compassion, understanding, and kind words! When I say that, I think of one particular student who has soooo much potential! He just needs to work on the outward behavior to get attention and do positive things that will attract the positive behavior. I've grown pretty fond of the majority of the students and I want nothing but success for absolutely all of them! They all deserve the best.
~Miss Haywood
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day 3
Everyday gets better and better! I'm really having a good time working with the kids. Their personalities are all very different and they bring different things to the group.
Even though it's still pretty early, you can see which kids are really fit for the school, and which kids aren't. As bad as you want everyone to have the same opportunity and stay at the school, not all of them will be back in August. Having the experience of going to the school myself, I know what it takes for them to make it, and I just don't see it in all of them. However, I do believe that all of them do deserve the chance, but it just doesn't work out that way. Knowing where they come from and the odds they face, it's kind of sad to think of where they may end up. You hope that they don't have to take that road, but that's just the reality of the conditions they face.
That's just what I've been thinking about today.
~Miss Haywood
Even though it's still pretty early, you can see which kids are really fit for the school, and which kids aren't. As bad as you want everyone to have the same opportunity and stay at the school, not all of them will be back in August. Having the experience of going to the school myself, I know what it takes for them to make it, and I just don't see it in all of them. However, I do believe that all of them do deserve the chance, but it just doesn't work out that way. Knowing where they come from and the odds they face, it's kind of sad to think of where they may end up. You hope that they don't have to take that road, but that's just the reality of the conditions they face.
That's just what I've been thinking about today.
~Miss Haywood
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Day 2
The kids are getting comfortable and starting to test my patience (yes, already LOL!). These boys made me work today, let me tell you! They were a little rowdy, but you know what they say, "Boys will be boys!" So you just have to relax with them and kind of let them go sometimes.
At other times, you have to be a little more strict and let them know who's boss! I had one kid who absolutely did not want to listen today and participate in afternoon activities. After a couple warnings and the volunteer instructor having to speak to him, Miss Haywood had to send him to the office. :( I hate to be mean or "that" teacher, but I had to. I hope he has a better day tomorrow.
Other than that, the day went pretty good. I'm really enjoying myself and learning alot. I'm an education major myself so the classroom experience I'm getting here is absolutely invaluable to me. I've tutored students before, but to actually have them look at me in the same way that they do their teachers is a pretty cool feeling. I'll always remember these kids and what they're teaching me as well.
I've said this everyday so far, but being part of the staff is absolutely amazing! Just talking with the teachers here, you can tell that they are very passionate and dedicated to these kids. Not only to teaching them, but making a positive difference in their life overall!!
~Miss Haywood
At other times, you have to be a little more strict and let them know who's boss! I had one kid who absolutely did not want to listen today and participate in afternoon activities. After a couple warnings and the volunteer instructor having to speak to him, Miss Haywood had to send him to the office. :( I hate to be mean or "that" teacher, but I had to. I hope he has a better day tomorrow.
Other than that, the day went pretty good. I'm really enjoying myself and learning alot. I'm an education major myself so the classroom experience I'm getting here is absolutely invaluable to me. I've tutored students before, but to actually have them look at me in the same way that they do their teachers is a pretty cool feeling. I'll always remember these kids and what they're teaching me as well.
I've said this everyday so far, but being part of the staff is absolutely amazing! Just talking with the teachers here, you can tell that they are very passionate and dedicated to these kids. Not only to teaching them, but making a positive difference in their life overall!!
~Miss Haywood
Monday, June 14, 2010
Day 1
I have to say that these kids are absolutely amazing!
Like I said in my last post, it's very different being part of the staff now having been where the students are now. There's so many students that I see and can tell that they have great potential to do amazing things here. Then, there are those students that have the same potential, but just need that extra push. Which is fine, they're still babies, really. Alot of them just need time to adjust to the rigorous schedule. They just got out of school last week and were already here by 7:40 this morning.
I felt like I had an outer body experience this morning. These kids are so amazing LOL! I don't care how many times I have to say it, you have to understand the level of amazingness these kids are on! We began the day in morning convocation, and these kids were already focused and ready for the day. Reciting the pledge of allegiance and the school pledge, you could tell these kids were ready to start the day. Which was surprising because almost half of them are new here. Even if they were apprehensive, there was definitely no hesitation to get involved with everything. You would have thought today would have been chaotic, but not at all. These are some of the most well behaved students I have ever seen.
It was a pretty long day, but overall I would say everyone got off to a great start! I sure did. I'm very excited to get started!
*Learning names is probably the hardest part so far!
~Miss Haywood
Like I said in my last post, it's very different being part of the staff now having been where the students are now. There's so many students that I see and can tell that they have great potential to do amazing things here. Then, there are those students that have the same potential, but just need that extra push. Which is fine, they're still babies, really. Alot of them just need time to adjust to the rigorous schedule. They just got out of school last week and were already here by 7:40 this morning.
I felt like I had an outer body experience this morning. These kids are so amazing LOL! I don't care how many times I have to say it, you have to understand the level of amazingness these kids are on! We began the day in morning convocation, and these kids were already focused and ready for the day. Reciting the pledge of allegiance and the school pledge, you could tell these kids were ready to start the day. Which was surprising because almost half of them are new here. Even if they were apprehensive, there was definitely no hesitation to get involved with everything. You would have thought today would have been chaotic, but not at all. These are some of the most well behaved students I have ever seen.
It was a pretty long day, but overall I would say everyone got off to a great start! I sure did. I'm very excited to get started!
*Learning names is probably the hardest part so far!
~Miss Haywood
Friday, June 11, 2010
"Sounds Good to Me!"
So today was my training for the internship that I begin on Monday. I must say, I am very excited to be a part of this program!
I'm going to be working at a school during their summer program. I absolutely love what the school is all about and what it has to offer to it's students, families, and the surrounding community. I guess I should mention that I also attended the school myself! It's just alot different being on the "Staff" side of things. It opened my eyes to how much work actually goes into preparing just for the first day, especially new students who may be a little intimidated by the rigor of the program.
I also was there for the open house today. It was so exciting to see new students and families who will be joining this school. It really took me back to a time that I hadn't thought of in a long time. Being on board as staff, I have quite the advantage over other staff members. Not only can I relate to the students, but I know exactly what they feel being new to the school. Looking at them as new 5th and 6th graders, I see myself (don't make me count back this far, I'm old LOL) 9 or 10 years ago! I remembered that very 1st day that I came to the summer program and how apprehensive I was. In the long run, it was probably the best place for me to really cultivate all the skills I have today as a student.
I can't even put a name to the feeling I felt as I introduced myself. My heart was pounding as I tried my best to explain to parents and tell them what the school can do for their student and family. I told them where I had been after I left the school and let them know that their student could acheive the same and greater.
I'm so passionate about what the school stands for and what it really does for students. I don't really know where that comes from. During my time at the school, I didn't really understand the significance or the difference it would have on my life. As I got older and realized that certain opportunities I had were because of this awesome school, something changed in me. I realized that I had to get involved and give back in whatever way I could to this school that provided a foundation for my success.
I know for sure that I will learn alot from this experience this summer. I want to be an inspiration, someone they can look to and say, "Well if LaDai did it, coming from the same place that we did, then so can I!" The most important thing that I want the students to take from me is that you can acheive whatever you set out to do. I know for sure that with some support, hard work, and patience...anything is possible! It's not a cliche and neither are these students!
~Miss Haywood
I'm going to be working at a school during their summer program. I absolutely love what the school is all about and what it has to offer to it's students, families, and the surrounding community. I guess I should mention that I also attended the school myself! It's just alot different being on the "Staff" side of things. It opened my eyes to how much work actually goes into preparing just for the first day, especially new students who may be a little intimidated by the rigor of the program.
I also was there for the open house today. It was so exciting to see new students and families who will be joining this school. It really took me back to a time that I hadn't thought of in a long time. Being on board as staff, I have quite the advantage over other staff members. Not only can I relate to the students, but I know exactly what they feel being new to the school. Looking at them as new 5th and 6th graders, I see myself (don't make me count back this far, I'm old LOL) 9 or 10 years ago! I remembered that very 1st day that I came to the summer program and how apprehensive I was. In the long run, it was probably the best place for me to really cultivate all the skills I have today as a student.
I can't even put a name to the feeling I felt as I introduced myself. My heart was pounding as I tried my best to explain to parents and tell them what the school can do for their student and family. I told them where I had been after I left the school and let them know that their student could acheive the same and greater.
I'm so passionate about what the school stands for and what it really does for students. I don't really know where that comes from. During my time at the school, I didn't really understand the significance or the difference it would have on my life. As I got older and realized that certain opportunities I had were because of this awesome school, something changed in me. I realized that I had to get involved and give back in whatever way I could to this school that provided a foundation for my success.
I know for sure that I will learn alot from this experience this summer. I want to be an inspiration, someone they can look to and say, "Well if LaDai did it, coming from the same place that we did, then so can I!" The most important thing that I want the students to take from me is that you can acheive whatever you set out to do. I know for sure that with some support, hard work, and patience...anything is possible! It's not a cliche and neither are these students!
~Miss Haywood
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