Beijing: Round Three!

Beijing's got a hold on me, and I'm not going anywhere! (Well, until vacation time where I'll set off exploring somewhere new...and this summer when I am home for 4 weeks). The point is though, I've signed a contract to come back and teach in Beijing for my third year. Exciting! A few changes are happening in that I'll be transferring to the International school in the city to teach. Broadening my horizons and becoming a city girl again! (Right now, I'm living in a small village outside the city. And I mean a SMALL village. Me, my fellow Canadian teachers, and many many Chinese families and retirees). I'm extremely excited for what is to come and for new beginnings. I'm really enjoying my life right now as an expat living abroad! The opportunities are endless and there is so much I still have yet to see. It's a big world out there folks, and we only have one life. Might as well go big!

PS - Home in 75 days! :)  

April Fools' in Classroom 2004.

To those of you who read my blog - HELLO! Long time no see. Sorry to have left you high and dry. I keep saying out loud "I need to blog. I need to blog! I NEED to blog!!" And I have been working here and there on a LONG post about my Spring Festival vacation, but it's not quite finished yet. Soon! I thank you for taking interest in my life and my goings on. I don't think of myself as a very interesting person, but I'm glad that you want to stay up to date on my life. Because I love catching up with all of you, too! 

*******

April Fool's as a teacher is a lot of fun! The students are always on their guard, always trying to trick you, and are sometimes easily tricked themselves. Today, I had several students attempt to get me to "check if my shoe laces were tied" (I was wearing ballet flats) and get me to wipe my face because "there's something on it right there." I even had one student tell me he heard I was getting fired! Out of all the tricks and games, one student successfully had me wipe at my face when he told me I had ink on my chin. He had bragging rights for the day. 

Today, I got my students good! Last year I pretended I lost my voice and that worked well. Until someone caught on and screamed "APRIL FOOLS'" and then my cover was blown. But this year, I vowed to not crack. I vowed to not smile. I vowed to convince them that I was NOT joking! 

As the bell rang, I had my principal come in and make an announcement to the students...

"Everyone have a seat please! Shhh! Okay, I have some bad news. We received an email this morning from the government of New Brunswick. As of today, all students will complete the ESLA exam in Grade 10 and not in Grade 11. But it gets worse. The test will be tomorrow." 

Sidenote: ESLA is the exam the students need to take at our school to receive their New Brunswick diploma which allows them to attend universities in Canada and the United States. 

The students gasped and groaned and a few cried "OH NO!" However, some of the students were on their guard and a couple whispered to their friends "It's a joke." "April Fools'" "She's not serious." This is when I stepped in. 

"Guys. I know it's April Fools' and you think we are tricking you. But it is just a coincidence that this is happening on April Fools' day. This is not a joke. It is very serious. We've talked before about this test and how important it is. We wouldn't joke about such a thing." 

This is the point where things changed. Students jaws started to drop. You saw panic start to set in a little bit. But some still seemed a little skeptical and not phased by my prank. I knew I needed to act sterner and a little more agitated. 

"So today we have a lot of work to do. Essentially, we are going to teach you all of the Grade 11 knowledge you need for this exam in our 40 minute class."

Yelps of "WHAT?!" and "SERIOUSLY?!" came from all corners of the classroom. And guys, I didn't crack a smile. (If you know me, I am NEVER successful at pranks because I always burst in laughter or am grinning. I was quite proud of my acting!) 

"Okay. I think you guys will be successful in the listening and speaking portion of the exam." I pretended to be a little scattered in my thoughts and actions. I even stopped and talked to myself sometimes being like "No, that won't work." and "There's not enough time, Melissa!" I really made them think I was going crazy! "So, I think it's best if we work on your writing. For ESLA, you need to write TWO five-paragraph essays. You guys are getting really good at writing one strong paragraph. But today you need to step it up and write 5 paragraphs about one topic. Okay, take out a pen and a paper and write a 5-paragraph essay about your favourite movie. You have ten minutes to do this." 

Students were frozen. They were so overwhelmed by all the information I was giving to them that they just didn't know what to do. Some got out a paper and pen and started writing furiously. Others sat frozen, mouths open, breathing heavily. Others were just looking straight ahead saying "What? How is this possible?" One student even slammed his pen down on the table and yelled "Impossible! Ten minutes is not enough time." I yelled back to him: "That's all the time we have!" 

I circulated around the class urging the students to work faster, put pressure on them, reminded them how important their success was. I handed out pens to students who forgot them and sternly told them how important it is to bring a pen to a test, in which I received responses of "But we didn't know!" 

"Okay guys! I changed my mind. Scratch out everything you just wrote. I want you to do a different topic that I think you can write more about." 

"What?!" 

"I want you to write a 5-paragraph essay about how Melissa is the most clever teach you've ever had because APRIL FOOLS'" 

Nothing. They all froze. And then one student yelled "I KNEW IT!" and then the class erupted in cries and yells of "OHH!" "OH MY GOSH!" "WHAT!!!!" and "AHHHH!" They laughed. A couple of students teared up in relief. Others pointed at me and said "You are SO tricky!" My favourite response though is the student who said: "Melissa, you should quit being a teacher and become an actor. You are much better at acting!" (I'm not so sure if this was meant to be an insult or a compliment...) I got applause and we all laughed and replayed the moments out loud for about 10 minutes. It was a pretty good moment! And it went so well! 

As I was writing this, I thought that some people might think I was a cruel teacher. But it was all a joke and I did it with a class who I knew would find it funny! Which they definitely did, because the next class that came to my room were congratulating me on my well thought out prank. 

Teaching on April Fool's Day is fun! Get creative, guys. I remember the jokes my teachers played on me and my classmates when I was a student. I once had a teacher that gave us picture books that wouldn't open. I had another teacher in high school make us do a retest (THAT MADE NO SENSE!) after telling us we had all failed the previous curriculum test. I think my students will remember this joke for a long time to come. I know I will! 

Being a Teacher.

This week has been quite a week at work. It's challenged me and it's made me so grateful to be in the profession I am in. I love my job. I've said it time and time again. I am one of those lucky people that always knew what I wanted to be. And that's being an educator. Working day in and day out with some amazing students who continue to inspire me and confirm that I'm doing exactly what I was a meant to do. I can't imagine having any other job. 

Now, before I continue, I need to make a disclaimer. I am in NO WAY writing this post today to toot my own horn, to make myself seem like some almighty human being, to be self-righteous. And if you think otherwise, than I suggest you don't read any further for you will only become angry and annoyed (haha!). You should know, I'm writing this today because I experienced something I want to remember. Because when I started this blog, I started it for me. So that I would have a place to write down my thoughts and experiences, to look back and see how I've grown and remember the things I've had the joy of doing. And that's why I'm writing this post today. 

At our school, the students in grade 10 take part in an english speech competition. This year, four of my students were of the five chosen to represent our school in the competition. For almost two months now, the students have been writing, rehearsing, and practicing their pronunciation in anticipation for the competition. Some of them have been coming to see me twice a week for extra help on their speech. It's easy to say that they have been working diligently and meticulously. They were motivated. 

Tonight was the competition. I was so proud of them as they stood up there and did their speeches. They listened to my advice, were poised and spoke so eloquently! As a teacher, I've honestly NEVER felt so proud. In the end, two of my students tied for third and two of my students got honourable mentions. 

Afterwards, I went to them to give high fives and congratulations. Three of them looked and me and said, "I'm sorry." My heart dropped to the floor. I said, "Don't be silly! You did awesome! And I'm extremely proud of all of you." Their heads dropped and they walked away. 

My heart broke. Into what felt like a million pieces. We took pictures and the smiles on their faces were so forced. I tried again to cheer them up by saying, "Way to go! I'm so happy." And they again said "I'm sorry." 

I was so dumb-founded. Why were they sorry? So I asked. And the response I got will forever be engraved on my mind. "I feel like a disappointment. That I am a shame to the school. Because I didn't win." I could have cried. I still want to cry. I felt like it was a reflection on my teaching. I racked my brain trying to figure out how they got the impression that if they didn't win that I would be so angry or disappointed in them. Whenever we rehearsed, I was sure to tell them all of the things they did well with before offering my suggestions for improvement. I high-fived, told them how much they had improved, and commended them on their hard work. I honestly can't think of a time where I ever displayed any other emotion. 

What I have learned over the last year and a bit is that the culture of the Chinese education system and Chinese students is very, very different from that of the western lifestyle. Much of the classroom culture here revolves around competition and being number one. It's engraved in their minds that if you're not first, you're last and you've failed. And I know that these pressures are felt in students and children all over the world, I've just never experienced it within such a large number of students in one classroom. If nothing else, this pressure and mindset makes the students highly motivated, involved, and conscious of their grades and progress. This is a refreshing attitude to see in students as a teacher and in most cases, makes my job very enjoyable. But today was not one of those days. 

I also know that at age 15 or 16, you can't always see the bigger picture and look on the positive side. That ability comes with growing up. However, once I got the three students out of the auditorium and in to a more private area, I spoke to them about how it's okay for them to be upset, angry and frustrated with their performance. I've been there. I've gone in to something confident and aiming to win and didn't achieve my goals. I've been upset with myself and beaten myself up about my performance. I still do it. But there has to come a point where you look at something and say "Okay, I can't go back and change it. But I can move forward and decide how I can be a better person because of the experiences I've had."

And this is what I (attempted) to teach those students tonight. I gave them examples, spoke to them about how to be grateful for the experiences you get to have, and what they can do to move forward. I know they listened, because they nodded and responded with their own opinions. I told each of them how I thought they had grown over the course of doing this assignment. And I ended by challenging them to go home tonight and think of at least one thing that they can be thankful for because they got to have this experience. 

And as they walked away, one student turned around and said to me "Thanks for being my inspiration, Melissa..." Two of the other teachers were standing there as he said that to me, and I turned to them and fought back tears. They patted my back and said, "You are such a great educator with special talents when you talk to the students. They respect you." I never thought that as such a young teacher would I ever impact any students the way some of my teachers did in high school. 

I had the word "Inspire" engraved on the inside of my T-ring for many reasons. But the most important one was that I wanted the idea of inspiring to motivate me to grow and to impact others the way some of the most influential people in my life have inspired me. I want someone to look back years after graduating high school and remember that they had me as a teacher because of the way I inspired them to follow their dreams. And tonight, when that student said those words to me, something sparked inside of me that's hard to explain. Something that makes me want to grow more, do more, see more, and be more. Those words made me proud. Of him, for being so brave and standing up in front of over a hundred people and saying a speech in a different language and doing it so professionally and confidently. I was also proud of myself, of the work I do, and of the profession I get to share with so many others. Teachers are such influential people in a young persons life. For some, they see their teachers more than they see their parents. We need to lead by example, inspire them to be the best version of themselves, and shape them in to well rounded human beings. Being a teacher is so much more than the curriculum, tests, and grades. It's also about the morals, values, and lessons you teach them about life, love, successes, failures, and the world. Teachers inspire. 

I love my job. So, while today was difficult, I can use it to reflect, grow, and motivate myself to continue to inspire these students to go out in the world and be the best possible version of themselves as they can be. I get to be a teacher. And I am so lucky. 

On Having an Allergy in China.

A: I brought a gift back for you from my hometown.

Me: Really?! That's so nice of you! Thanks for thinking of me.

Student pulls out two apples (which might I add, were very sweet and delicious!) from a grocery bag.

A: My hometown is known for two things. One of them is apples. I hope you like apples!
He grimaces a little bit looking for approval. 

Me: Thank you so much, A! I eat an apple every day. I'm looking forward to my afternoon snack now!

A: My hometown is also known for seafood.

My heart sinks a little bit because I know exactly what's coming. 

A pulls a big box of seafood snacks out of the grocery bag. 

A: They are called...(pauses to translate what the box says)...dried shrimp?
He says it like a question because he is unsure of his translation.

Me: Oh, A! Thank you so much. This is so thoughtful of you. However, I can't accept the dried shrimps.

A: Oh. Why?

Me: Because I am allergic. They will make me very, very sick. Not because they are bad, but because my body doesn't like them.

A: Begins to open the box of shrimps. Ok, but maybe try just one?

Living in China with an allergy has been an interesting experience. A little back history - about 10 years ago I developed an intolerance/allergy to some types of shellfish. My doctor called it an allergy to red-veined shellfish (lobster, crab, and shrimp). Sometimes it results in being sick to my stomach for hours on end. However, most commonly, it ends in a cut-off airway, hives, and a lot of panicking. I'm equipped with an Epipen at all times. And while I've never had to use it, there have been some close calls (including a scare this summer where my brother...and my mom...and my dad...and well, my whole family, got a little upset with me when I chickened out of using it. Obviously the lectures came once I could breath again...)

What I have learned while living in China is that many locals don't understand what an allergy is. They can't comprehend how you can't eat something because it could kill you. The Chinese culture is a very giving culture, I find. They want you to experience and be a part of everything. They want you to understand what you are seeing, be a part of the activities that are happening, and taste all of the food. The insist, and pressure, and insist some more. But it's only because they don't want you to miss out. It's all coming from the kindness and generosity in their hearts.

One story sticks out in my mind so clearly. I was on a staff retreat in the Spring and we stopped at a restaurant on the way home. We were served this enormous lunch full of rice, soups, vegetable dishes, tofu, chicken, duck, and of course...shrimp. Lots and lots of shrimp. Everything sits on a "Lazy Susan" in the middle of the table and rotates. I was sitting beside one of my Chinese co-workers. When they shrimps went by, he stopped and offered me a piece. I politely said "No, thank you." He then picked a piece up with his chopsticks and set it on my plate saying, "These are very delicious. I'm sure you'll like them. Try!" This is roughly how the rest of the conversation went: 

Me: "It's not that I don't want to try it, it's that I can't. It'll kill me." 

Co-worker: "Ok, but it's delicious!"

Me: "I'm sure it is, and I wish I could try. But I can't. I'm sorry!" 

Co-worker: "But maybe just try a little bit?"

He just kind of looked at me and said, "Oh." And I felt bad. For something I can't control. I also felt so bad that morning last week when my student was so proud and pleased to be sharing a piece of his hometown with me. I paused before telling him I couldn't accept the second piece of the gift trying to decide the best way to deal with the situation. Some of the other teachers told me I shouldn't have said anything and just accepted the gift. But I didn't want to lie to him. I knew he'd ask me the next day if I tried some and if I liked it, and I didn't want to lie and say "Yes, they were delicious!" Also, I'm sure he (or his parents) spent a bit of money on these snacks. Seafood isn't cheap! And I wanted them to go to someone who would actually enjoy them and appreciate them. In fact, A said he would give them to his homeroom teacher because she loves seafood! I was happy that they found a good home! 

Hey! And maybe I've had it wrong the whole time! Maybe they are just all pretending to not understand. And when they insist that I try just one bite, even after telling them what the consequences would be, they were intending for the worst to happen...NAH! I'm just kidding.

What do you think? Should I have just accepted the treats? But when you're that allergic to something...you just don't want to handle them at all. I guess I could have given them to another teacher. I would have still had to explain to A that I couldn't eat them and they were wasted on me. 

Beijing: Round Two!

It's official, folks! Signed, sealed, delivered! I've put my name on the dotted line. Let the adventure continue! I'm officially coming back for my second year as a teacher in Beijing for the 2014-2015 school year. Despite the smog and the long term effects it's probably having on my poor lungs and body, the students and the experiences I've been having far surpass that downfall. I'm excited, hopeful, and looking forward to the adventures that are to come!

PS - Home in 102 days for summer vacation! 

To Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve.

Yesterday, I was teaching my students some new english phrases like "head over heels" and "wear your heart of your sleeve." I was having a hard time explaining what it meant to wear your heart on your sleeve to my ESL (english as a second language) students, so I brought out my superb acting skills. What happened next was one of the cutest things I've experienced as a teacher: 

PS - Brad, if you are reading this...I tend to use you as an example a lot in my lessons because my students have met you and they think you are funny. Don't let that go to your head. 

Me: When my brother finds out something sad, he will say "Oh, that sucks. That makes me sad." But, when I find out something sad *cue sobs, cries, and full body shakes.* 

Students laugh. 

Me: I wear my heart on my sleeve. I show my emotions easily and intensely. 

L: Melissa, I have a question. 

Me: Yes, L. 

L: What was your job before you were a teacher? 

Me: I was a student like you. I was a high school student, then a university student, and now I am a teacher.

L: Oh. Because you could be a famous actor! 

The students all started yelling "YA!" and clapping. I then said thank you and took a grand bow. 

I love my students and my job. They say the most wonderful things! 

Christmas in China.

Merry Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas. Seasons Greetings. Happy Holidays. Shèng Dàn Kuài Lè. 

No matter how many ways you say it, no matter how many times, it feels a little less so this year. I don't want to make this post sappy and depressing, because I don't feel that way ALL of the time lately. Just when I'm alone and able to reflect on my own thoughts - isn't that always the way. 

I went back and read some of my old Christmas posts from the last two years of blogging. This time last year I was back home for the holidays from Calgary. I was writing a post from the airport crossing my fingers my flights wouldn't be cancelled because of the snow. A year before that I was finishing up my first internship and heading to Saint John to celebrate Christmas. This year though will be very different. This year I'll be spending my first Christmas away from home. Away from my family. I wrote a post two years ago about traditions and how important they are to the meaning of Christmas to me. Many of those traditions are dependent mainly on family. And this Christmas my family is all the way on the other side of the world. Back home. In Canada. 

I have one day off for Christmas on Christmas Day. Which happens to be in the middle of the week. I guess a blessing in disguise is that I'm surrounded by fellow Canadians who are also away from their families this Christmas. Together, we will create new traditions, do things that will make the day feel as much like Christmas as possible, and I'm sure we will share stories of Christmas' past and reminisce on what we would be doing if we were home. I'm sure there will be tears and heartache, but then I have to remind myself how blessed I am to be on this adventure. To be seeing and doing these things that I have only imagined and dreamed of up until this point. That in itself is a gift in so many ways. The cultures I get to experience, the growing up I get to do, the amazing people I get to meet, the inspiring students I get to teach, and the finding of myself that occurs. These are things some people never get the chance to do, and I'm doing it all before I turn 25...just barely :) 

There is so much more I want to say, and so much more I want to reflect on, but I don't know how to start and I don't know how to convey how I am truly feeling. I think my friend Erin said it best this evening in that she just feels "numb." I have really loved teaching my students about how important Christmas is to me and the rest of the Canadians. In fact, yesterday one of my students out of no where wished me a Merry Christmas. I almost leaped out of my chair and gave him the biggest hug (I chose not to in fear that I would startle him too much. He's the jumpy kind). However, I think the smile on my face and my genuine thank you did the trick. That moment of kindness and warmth made all of my homesickness go away. For just a little while. 

Being an ESL teacher in China has actually put a wonderful new spin and touch on the Christmas spirit this year. Teaching these students about Christmas, the symbols and traditions surrounding it, the history, and what Christmas spirit is all about has been the starting of a new tradition I'm really looking forward to in the coming years. A highlight was when I delivered Christmas cards and candy canes to each of my students yesterday. They cheered and said thank you and Merry Christmas again and again. As I sat down and looked at them in their holiday excitement, I remembered how much I love this season of giving. I love that I got to share with these amazing students the wonderment that is Christmas. I don't know if it impacted them the same way that it impacted me, but it is a memory I will always cherish. 

So, looking ahead: Christmas away from home is difficult. It can be lonely at times. And the homesickness is always within reach. But thanks to my students, my friends, the internet, and Skype, I'm making this first Christmas a special one. One to always remember. 

Another China frist. 

Merry Christmas, everyone! Love you, always and forever. 

What Are You Thankful For?

Yes, I realize this is a day late. I'll just go ahead and point that out now and get it over with. So, today I taught my students about Canadian Thanksgiving. On Monday, I told them about how I got up early to Skype with my family back home while they enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner. Today, I taught them some new vocabulary surrounding the holiday and we talked a lot about what it means to be thankful. I told them that I am thankful for four things this year. This is what I said to them: 

"I am thankful for four things this year. I am thankful for my family back home in Canada because they always love me. I am thankful for my friends because they always make me laugh. I am thankful for the opportunity to come to China because I have always wanted to see another part of the world. And I am thankful for my amazing students because they make me love my job as a teacher!" They clapped and said that what I said made them very happy! I smiled.

Afterwords, I had them write in their journals answering the question "What are you thankful for?" You know what touched me most about their answers - that every single one of them, all 23 students in that class today, wrote that they were thankful for their parents and families!

"I am thankful for my parents...They gave me a chance to live in this world and I love them very much." - N

"I am thankful for my family because they give me warm and love." - A 

"I am thankful for that I can go to BCCSC, because it makes me confident and happy." - T

"I am thankful to be living in this magnificent world because there are many great things in the world that are waiting for me to discover." - J

"I am thankful for Melissa because she inspires* my passion for English (and I love games!)" - K

I love my job! 

*A little background story: In my fourth year at STU I purchased my T-Ring and had the word "inspire" engraved on the inside of it. I wear this ring every day. As a teacher, I hope that I can inspire even just one student to strive to do better, to follow their dreams, and to be the best them they can possible be. There is one teacher in my public school days that did just that for me. Mrs. Kelley - thank you!

Realizations: A Real Life Teacher.

I don't know how I feel about this. I know I've had this thought before, but for some reason it really resonated with me today as I went about my business. I mean, the whole reason I went to school was to have this career path. So how come today it all of a sudden hit me with a furious punch? Am I a "bad person" for not getting as excited about this aspect of my new adventure until now? Not gonna lie, slight disappointment on my part. Or am I being too hard on myself?

But yes, I'm going to China. Every once in a while I stop in my tracks and pause: Melissa, you're going to China and that's a pretty big deal! But today, my thoughts were in a different place:

....

Melissa, you're going to be a teacher. And I smiled. My own classroom. My own students. My own lesson plans. Goosebumps.

A real life teacher. That's me!

China, Here I Come!

That's right, folks! My life is taking another turn...this time towards Beijing, China! I have recently accepted a teaching position at the Beijing Concord College of Sino-Canada for the 2013-2014 school year. The finer details are still being worked out, and I myself still have some questions to be answered. But I am very excited, anxious, happy, overjoyed, and proud to have made this decision.

I guess I started thinking about this while I was completing my Bachelor of Education degree at STU last spring. Atlantic Education International Inc. came to STU during one of our professional development sessions to present to our class the opportunities they provided to those wishing to teach abroad. When I left the session, I was easily convinced that this was the path for me. But once the excitement and novelty of the opportunity wore off, I became nervous and unsure that I was prepared for such a drastic change and move. So, I put that idea aside and focused on a smaller move to Calgary. I have always thought since moving to Calgary that I made the best decision for me in the long run. I needed to know that I could live independently farther away from home. I think I have proven to myself that I can do so, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Calgary. It's a great city, with lots of things to see and do, and I haven't once for a second regretted making the move out here. 

When I was home for the Christmas holidays 4 months ago, I did a lot of thinking and reevaluating. Being home saw many people asking about my experience in Calgary, how I was doing, what I was doing, and how long I expected to be there. The more I was asked these questions, the more I began to reevaluate where I was and where I wanted to be. One of my best friends, Amanda, is currently living and working in Beijing, China with the same company I have accepted a job with. She works at a different school in Beijing, the Canadian International School of Beijing. Our many Skype dates, Facebook messages back and forth, texts, readings of her blog posts, and viewings of her pictures brought back the notion of applying to teach abroad. It was very evident to me that Amanda was gaining so much life and career experience in Beijing, and I knew I wanted something similar for myself. The night I landed back in Calgary after being home in New Brunswick for Christmas, I Skyped with Amanda for nearly 2 hours talking to her about where my head was at. I was easily convinced that this was what I wanted to do. 

And now, 4 months later, I have interviewed, been offered, and accepted a job teaching high school aged students in Beijing, China! CHINA! I'm moving to China, people!! 

I Love Love.

Wednesday's at my job are "Meltbead" days with the students. This is probably my favourite day of the week at work, and also the students'. Meltbeads are a neat craft for kids to build, experiment, and be creative. And let me tell you, my students are some of the most creative I've ever encountered! I've seen kids create robots, the earth, peace signs, men and moustaches, and a world of other creations out of these little beads during meltbead day! 

This past Wednesday, I created the meltbead below and this is the conversation that followed with one of my students:

Student: What does that say? 

Me: It says "Love"

Student: I love love!!

Me: What a coincidence, so do I. It feels so good to be loved, doesn't it? 

Student: I've never felt anything more good'er 

Have I said lately, how much I love my job and the kids I'm surrounded by on a daily basis? They really are fantastic and I'm at my happiest when I'm around them! 

Side note: Leaving for Vancouver tomorrow for 4 days. Updates and photos from the trip to come. Bon Voyage! 

I Love My Job.

Today a mother came in to pick up her son from Student Care. This is the conversation she and I had: 

Mom: "My son is loving Student Care this year, so much so that he wants to come on Friday when there is no school even though I'm going to be home that day" 

Me: "That's fantastic! Glad to hear he is liking it so much" 

Mom: "Last year, he used to cry when I told him he had to go to Student Care after school" 

Me: "Oh?" 

Mom: "Let's just say, we are so lucky to have you!" 

...This is how I know I've made the right decision when it comes to my profession. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful, amazing, and inspiring children and families.

Guys, I Graduated!

And with that, it's over. Wow. So surreal. 

On Wednesday, I graduated with my Education degree at St. Thomas University. It's hard to believe that 5 years has flown by with the blink of an eye. I guess it's true, time truly does fly when you are having a good time. 

St. Thomas University is a beautiful campus! The landscaping and architecture shine in the summer time. So as tradition has it, graduation is normally held outside weather permitting. Unfortunately, my graduation last spring for my Arts degree was held inside because of rain. Still a beautiful ceremony, but having an outdoor graduation is part of STU's charm. With fingers crossed and prayers had, the weather was gorgeous on Wednesday and we got to have our ceremony outside Wednesday evening. The scenery and atmosphere couldn't have been more perfect. 

With family and friends watching, I crossed the stage in front of George Martin Hall with smile in tow and accepted my hard-earned diploma from Dawn Russell. She congratulated me and wished me well, and I left the stage with butterflies in my stomach. Not the kind of butterflies you get when your sad or feel loss, but the kind of butterflies you get before you get on a roller coaster with four loops and you hang with your feet dangling. Butterflies of excitement! 

Thank you to my family and friends for constantly supporting me, encouraging me, loving me, and reminding me that everything gets done. There were difficult times, happy times, and times were I just wanted to give up. Memories were created, best friends were made, and I thanked the stars everyday for granting me this life changing experience.

Goodbye student life, hello adulthood.

Update.

I had to remind myself again this weekend that I started this blog for me, as a means for journaling and recording down the moments in my life that I don't want to forget. If you're reading this, you being dedicated to reading my blog and taking an interest in the goings on in my life is just the cherry on top that puts a smile on my face day to day. Like I said to my mom this weekend, "It's good to feel loved." 

On April 29th, almost 2 months ago, I moved in to my very own first apartment. It's a small bachelor apartment in an apartment complex that (if you cut down the trees in front of my window) looks over the St. John River. Prior to moving into this apartment, I lived in a university owned house with four other girls. I thoroughly enjoyed living with them, and we certainly had some good times. However, I felt that I was at a point in my life wherein I needed to see how well I could live on my own and discover what it felt like to really be independent. In addition, with ideas floating around in my head of moving away to another province possibly on my own, I wanted to see if I was capable of really being alone and if it would cause me to be lonely. I am a firm believer in there being a strong difference between being alone and being lonely. I am happy to report 2 months in that there has yet to be a day living in this glorious apartment wherein I have felt lonely. Considering that I am rarely ever home due to the fact that I am in school 6-10 hours a day Monday - Friday and work every weekend, it's nice to come home after a long day and go about at my pace not worrying about disrupting anyone else. Might I add that it's nice getting to decorate and set up your living place however you want. Here's some pictures of my new digs: 

Alberta plans are moving along nicely. Still no luck on the job front, but I see those prospects looking up when I finally arrive in Calgary. Pretty sure that my soon-to-be roommate and I have secured a place to live, which is comforting to know. Once school is finished and I've graduated, packing will begin and farewells will be in order. Speaking of which…

HOLD THE PHONE! This is my last week of school. Where did the time go? Remember back in August when my gut was dragging on the floor because I was so nervous about starting and the butterflies in my stomach were sickening - Literally - Was sick as a dog during the first week of school. And now, with only a week left of classes, two small assignments left to write, and four group presentations, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter. Really, my reflection on the last five years of university needs its own blog post (or two, or three) but let me just say right now that the Melissa of five years ago is very different from the Melissa today. These changes for the better have much to do with the amazing people I have met and befriended over these years. You know who you are, and I'm sending you all hugs of thanks and love.

So, to the Melissa reading this down the road - you're doing just fine :) 

Just A Reminder.

Don't Quit

Unknown Author 

As things go wrong as they usually will, 

When the track you're climbing feels all uphill, 

When you're salaries are low and your debts are too high;

You would want to smile but you'd have to sigh. 

When car is making you down a bit, 

Rest if you need to but do not quit. 

Life is hard with its own twists and turns, 

As sometimes everyone of us learns. 

When many a failure turns inside out, 

When you could have won if you had turned about. 

Do not give up even when steps are slow, 

You just may succeed with another blow. 

Success comes with failure on the inside to out, 

With that silver tint in the clouds of doubt, 

You may never tell how close you are, 

It could be near even if it feels so far, 

So stick to with your greatest, strongest and hardest hit, 

It's when things seem worse that you should not quit!

This poem correlates greatly with the long, full, and gruelling day I've had today. To all my BEd friends out there, two more days! 

Motivation.

This week I started volunteering at the school that I did my internship at. It's been over a month since the last time I saw all my students. When I woke up Monday morning, I was feeling a little funky and a little off. Even my roommate Amanda noticed and mentioned in the kitchen "you seem a little off today." I was hopeful that my visit at the school later in the afternoon would perk me up, and it did just that.

Lunch hour was just finishing and the students were gathering books and papers out of their lockers as I walked down the hallway towards my old classroom. When they noticed me, there were yells of "It's Miss Dickinson!" "We missed you!" and I was bombarded with hugs and high fives. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, and I replied over and over again "I missed you all, too!"

While sitting in the classroom working one on one with some of the students, I was reminded as to why I am in this program and completing a degree in Secondary Education: for the students. Witnessing their successes and enthusiasm motivates me to do my best everyday.

Before leaving, I had this conversation with my cooperating teacher:

Teacher: "How did you make out today?"

Me: "You have no idea how badly I needed this. Thank you." 

Teacher: "I noticed you were working with [student] today. I want you to know that [student] has been struggling putting anything on the page lately. Just having you here today motivated them to write a page and a half of their autobiography. That's says something about you." 

I left with a warmth in my heart and a smile on my face and a reminder of how motivational and rewarding the teaching profession is. Despite the fact that finding a job is proving to be difficult, I think that I've chosen the perfect profession.

"The best way out is always through."

- Robert Frost

The Hunger Games.

It isn't to often while being in classes that I am able to read books that I want to read or are on my "Must Read Book List." However, when given the opportunity to read a book on this list FOR one of my classes I was quick to get on the train. In my english methods class we are required to work in a book club reading young adult fiction. Our group was quite keen on reading The Hunger Games, especially hearing all the positive and exciting feedback from our students. I remember during my first couple of weeks at my internship every class was shown the trailer for The Hunger Games movie. After watching it five times, I was dying to read the book and find out how the games played out for Katniss and Peeta.

Last week I finished the book. I couldn't put it down! Every chapter ended on a hook. Normally I don't enjoy gruesome details, but this book was so vivid and my imagination was stretched to new limits that I couldn't wait to read the next chapter. I was sad to see the novel end, but brimming with excitement to start reading the next novel in the series: Catching Fire.

I'm not going to get into details about the book because I don't want to give anything away for those who wish to read it or are waiting anxiously to watch the movie like myself. I will say though that if you like an action-packed novel filled with cliff hangers and interesting character developments, this novel is for you.

To get you excited and foster a love and desire for this novel the way I did, here's the trailer from YouTube.

Comment and let me know what you think!

Enjoy :)

(Image via Wikipedia)

Friday, Friday.

Wednesday was my last day at my internship. A bittersweet day. I was working at such an amazing school with some of the most amazing students. I loathed leaving them all. That's the bitter part. Now, I'm on my Christmas vacation. I'm spending the next week at my Grandmom's. My parents, brother, Grammy D, and my dog Jake are coming here on Saturday. And for the first time in a LONG time, my entire family will be together. That's the sweet part :)

This week has been a good week. I experienced a minor funk at the beginning, but thanks to Amanda, Alex, and some delicious wings the funk quickly disappeared. With Christmas only 2 days away, I'm finding myself thankful and humble for what I am blessed with in my life.

This week saw:

~ Christmas cards and cute gifts from my students.

~ Christmas movies like Elf and The Santa Clause

~ Taking in what the city had to offer for Christmas light displays. This house was top notch, a little overboard, but quite breath taking.

~ Finishing my Christmas shopping. Dear brother: You were the hardest to shop for this year. Next year, make a list :)

~ My last day at my internship. The students planned a surprise pizza party for noon hour. Though I had a inkling that there was a pizza party, I had no idea that there would be cake and a card signed by the students. I was pleasantly surprised and had to hold back tears. I honestly can't express in words how much I have enjoyed, learned, and loved these past 7 and a half weeks with the students. They have opened my eyes to the joys of teaching and I've learned just as much from them as I have from sitting in classes. I can't thank them enough and I'll miss them terribly!

~ Making Skype date plans with my best friend, Sara. She and I live in the same city, but because I'm home for Christmas vacation for the next 2 and half weeks, we thought it would be an awesome idea to Skype between now and the time I come back. A first for us :)

~ A messy road trip to my Grandmom's. Freezing rain and dark roads made for a long journey. But I am so happy to be here now!

Tomorrow Grandmom and I will be baking up a storm. Christmas Coffee Ring, Chocolate Roll, Marshmellow Squares and Ice Cream Squares. Pictures and blog post to come!

My blog posts for the next 2 weeks will be sparse. With Christmas this weekend, life will be busy and family filled. I'll be home for 4 short days, then the family and I are off to Florida for a weeks long vacation! Needless to say, I'm very excited!

If I don't get back on here before Sunday, Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!
Thanks for reading :)

Imagine via weheartit

Monday.

Last week was another fantastic week. I can't believe how quickly December is flying by. Only 6 short days till Christmas, ladies and gentleman.

I'm linking up with Amanda to talk about all the things I've loved over the last 7 days!

~ A week full of advent fun. Amanda and I made a donation to a charity, drank hot chocolate and watched Friends, and went to Christmas at the Playhouse! …speaking of which….

~ I went to Christmas at the Playhouse this year - which is something I've wanted to do for the last 4 years. I've heard of other people going and loving it, and I knew that it would be something I would also love. AND I DID! The music was amazing, the acting was great, and they sent a powerful message to their audience about perfection.

I think my favourite part was when they song "O Come All Ye Faithful." It was so good. A man and a woman did a duet of the song, which a huge choir of 30 people backing them up. It gave me the most goosebumps I've had in a long time and literally took my breath away. There was a tear or two, too. If I'm in the city this time next year, you bet your bottom dollar I'll be back again!

~ I downloaded new Christmas music this week. A few John Mellencamp songs ("I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus") and the new Michael Buble Christmas album. Fantastic and definitely putting me into the Christmas spirit.

~ Amanda gave me my Christmas present this week. It was a Christmas ornament that says "Christmas Together, Nothing Better." It now sits pretty on our Christmas tree in the living. A perfect symbol for the traditions and Christmas joy we have shared together this month.

This is what the verse on the box for the ornament said.
Awww.

~ I had a great conversation with my Dad on Facebook chat last week. He asked me to quote him in my next blog post. So here it is Dad - I hope you're reading:
[When talking about what we got members of our family for Christmas - so there would be no duplicate gifts]: "being together is a big gift in itself...right!! You can use that quote in your next blog"
Love you Dad!

Dad and I bringing in the Christmas tree for the house. Thanks for all the help, Dad!

~ Another great Sunday supper was had last night. It was much smaller, and we ordered pizza this time. The plan was to watch a Christmas movie, but the chatting and catching up trumped the festive film. Which I didn't mind at all, because we had a sweet dance party in the living - remotes as microphones and all! 

Thanks to all my friends and family for making last week another fabulous week. Here's hoping for the same this week! Wednesday is my last day with the students, and I am not looking forward to leaving them. I'll miss them lots. Blogposts about my last day to come!! 


xoxo

Traditions.

This week in class we are discussing with the students how the holiday season is celebrated in different cultures. Today, I had a chat with the students about some of the traditions they have at home on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I was interested to know how many of them woke before the sun and had their presents opened by 8am. I would say more then half the class fit into this category. I then shared with them how my family goes about Christmas day and it was amazing how many of them were shocked at my traditions. I think some of them thought they were pretty bizarre compared to their traditions.In telling them my stories, I got a pit of excitement in my stomach to see my family and share the joy of this holiday season with them.

In our family, Christmas truly is an all day event. It's been a rule since I can remember that the presents do not get opened until after breakfast and all the dishes are done and the turkey is in the oven. So, while enjoying a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as a family we open our stockings. When that's done and we've oo'd and aw'd over our trinkets, Dad starts cooking an enormous and divine breakfast. Uncle Mark and his family venture over from around the block, and we usually sit down to dine on a wonderful breakfast feast around 9:30 or 10:00am. Just thinking about the deliciousness of that morning is making me drool here on my keyboard!

Afterwards, the grandkids usually clear the table and dishes get underway. Another round of coffee or tea is poured, and we cram into Grandmom and Grandad's living room. Rachel and Rebecca (my younger cousins) begin to distribute gifts, and one at a time we open our presents. No two people open a gift at the same time - we want to see what everyone gets. By the time we finish the present opening, it can be sometimes almost 2pm or later. After a nap (cause the morning and early afternoon is exhausting!), we begin eating again - app's and a delicious turkey dinner with ALL the fixings.

As I'm telling my class this, I see their jaws drop in amazement. Many of them yelled out "I couldn't wait that long to open my presents!" "That sounds brutal!" "How do you contain your excitement?" I reminded the class that my brother and I are older now (Brad is 19, I am 22 - soon to be 23!). After explaining the age situation to them, I had one of my eager beavers yell out "But you wouldn't have time to play with your toys before your turkey dinner!" I laughed out loud and couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I gently explained to him that because my brother and I are older, we don't get toys anymore - mostly clothing and gift cards. His face turned to utter shock! "What's a Christmas with no toys to play with?" I smiled again, and said "Thanks for your concern, sir. But I love the gift cards I get. However, my favourite gift has to be spending the time with my family." He agreed that that was a pretty spectacular gift in itself too.

Day after day I am amazed by the intelligence and kindness that my students show. With less then a week left with them, I am coming more and more to the realization of how much they have impacted me, taught me, and how much I'm going to miss them in the new year.

On a different note, as I write this blog post I am enjoying the music of Michael Buble and his Christmas album. Currently, this has to be my favourite Christmas song this holiday season (you were right mom, a tear jerking song - but it just hits home):