First Semester Complete

As of yesterday, I completed my first semester of graduate school at Wayland Baptist University - Albuquerque. After eleven weeks, I can now say that graduate school has been a great adventure, thus far. My face to face class, met on Tuesday nights, had six students and was a great way to get started in a new educational setting. I made a few friends within the class and learned strategies for teaching students in the classroom. My project for this class was focused on the writing of F. Scott Fitzgerald, which sparked an interest in reading more about the Jazz Age. One never knows when there might be a chance to teach a unit that includes such a unique culture. My online class had twenty students, studying from all different WBU campuses, but mostly from the Texas area. It was interesting to compare the differences in educational requirements, settings and expectations between New Mexico and Texas, through online discussions. Both of my professors were very knowledgeable about the subjects being presented in the courses. I am very glad I chose to continue my education at Wayland. I love the smaller class sizes and community. For summer session, I will be taking two classes online and one face to face. I am excited to see what will be covered in these three classes. The new adventure has just begun, but I am well on my way to earning a Master's degree in Education Literacy. I am also in my fifth of seven weeks of a long-term substitute position. The third grade has some really fun moments and I am getting to know the students more each day. I have had so many wonderful learning opportunities while in this classroom and I am grateful for all of the things I have learned. It's hard to believe that summer is almost hear, but I look forward to swimming, bike riding, hiking and spending some free time away from teaching and doing homework...even in the midst of taking three classes. May God bless you as spring comes to an end and summer begins! Julie