Sapere Aude!

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Only a month into the semester and I feel like I’ve been in school for way more. So far I have all A’s in my classes. My goal is to keep up my grades and pull a 4.0. This is a high expectation but I think I can do it.  I am more motivated this semester because I am in classes I actually like. I’m taking EDRD (education reading), Math, English, and Theatre.

EDRD is my favorite! I am learning how to teach children to read. In two weeks I will start a project called “Read Aloud.” Basically, I meet with a class once a week for 5 weeks. I observe, help, and even teach a little. Part of the assignment is to prepare a read aloud. I pick a book and make a lesson plan surrounding that book. I will read the book to the children and have activities to do before, during, and after I read the book, all the while being assessed and graded. I’m a little nervous but excited at the same time. Another project is called the Emergent Reader. This reading stage starts at birth and last till the child begins to read. I will assess a child’s reading level then turn in a paper with it. These are really simple teaching assignments but I can’t wait to start them.

As for the social portion of my life, I’ve gone to a play, been to the square, and went to an engagement party. In May my friend is getting married and I am a bridesmaid. I think this is the weirdest part of college. The people around you start getting married and relationship priorities change. Not that I am in any hurry to find a soul mate, but it is scary to think that you could find your potential husband. Especially where I am. Getting married at a young age is very prevalent in the south. All the young woman want to find their southern gentleman, get married, and have babies. It’s a little scary sometimes. I keep thinking, “don’t you want to travel and see the world before you settle down.” But I have found that most people in the south have no desire to experience other countries and the culture they have to offer. I have never understood this. I can’t even fathom why some one would not have the aspiration to visit other countries. The world has so much to offer and as corny as this is, it’s ours for the taking. Respect it, treat it well, take care of it, and most importantly learn as much as you can from it. As Immanuel Kant says, “Sapere Aude!” (dare to know!)