Thank You.

"Your students will be luckier than they realize to have you as their teacher. And this time I'm not teasing or giving you a hard time - I mean every word of it."

I have learned a lot in my first full year as an education major. I've learned techniques for teaching elementary math, how to properly select and expose children to literature, and methods for incorporating multiculturalism into the classroom. But none of that compares to what I have learned from the man who is quoted above, Professor Kevin Spink. Going into my children's literature class, I expected to read some picture books, learn about important genres, and get an easy A. I didn't expect to learn so much about how to be a quality educator in a content-based course. Professor Spink taught me about authenticity and the importance of being your true self in the classroom. He provided me with a peek inside of the minds of children based on his own experiences. He encouraged me to constantly evolve and better my abilities as a teacher. He became an example to me, one that I will remember for the rest of my career. He is a kind, passionate, and inspiring man. I could never thank him enough for all that he has taught me and for how much him believing in me has encouraged me to become the best teacher I can be for my future students.

B.S.

I just wanted to share a sweet moment that happened the other night while I was out to dinner with my sweetheart. 

Ben had a gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket so we decided to treat ou'selves (Parks & Rec. fans fo' life) and head to Olive Garden for a rare off-campus meal. I was most looking forward to the breadsticks; I actually eat them for my meal! As soon as the basket arrived, I dove right in and began cutting my breadstick into 4 thin pieces, just like my mom always used to do for me when we would eat at Olive Garden. Now, Ben had been teasing me about my little quirks all day and this particular one put him over the edge. He just sat there eating his soup and cracking up at me meticulously slicing up my breadsticks. I typically don't get offended when he makes fun of me, but since he had been doing it all throughout the day, I felt a little silly about my (apparently) odd habit. I tried not to let it dampen my mood, because I knew he wasn't doing it spitefully. But then he went and took the last breadstick without even offering to share! I became even more upset (obviously!), but I just kept eating and tried to not let it get to me. The next thing I knew, a plate of 4 perfectly cut breadstick slivers was on the table in front of me! Ben smiled at me and said "I accept you for who you are."

I am so lucky to have a man who treats me the way Ben does. That simple act reminded me of several Decembers ago when I was first falling in love with him. Even after 2 years together, he still makes me blush. He is the most wonderful part of my day.

Now I'm going to go eat my leftovers!

I'm going home!

Being an out-of-state college kid has taught me 3 things.

1) Never sign up for a class that starts before 10 AM.

2) Having a car and a home-cooked meal is a privilege, not a right.

3) I have the best parents in the entire world.

Most teenagers are excited to move out and finally get away from their parents after high school, and I was one of them! Why else would I have chosen San Diego (not too far from home, but far enough that they couldn't come visit every weekend)?! After a couple of months on my own though, I realized that this whole distance-from-everyone-I-love thing was not for me. My relationship with my parents isn't like most 19-year-old girls'. They have this awesome parenting style where they're my friend and invite me to talk openly with them about literally anything, but at the same time they maintain a level of parental authority over me. I never understood why my friends always had to lie to their parents about what we were doing or where we were. I realize now that it's because they didn't have the same trusting relationship that I do with my parents.

My dad is my ultimate hero. He has worked insanely hard his entire life to give me this fortunate life I have. He's also a budding little chef. It's so cute how excited he gets about new recipes he learns from The Food Network. He'll make a thorough list of everything he needs (another cute tendency of his) and the meal will be on our table the next night. I never used to care for his experimental cooking, but having to live off of Panda Express and dining hall food for 5 months really changes your idea of real food. What I admire most about my dad is his opinionated, argumentative, and strong personality. He will argue his point whether he is wrong or right, but isn't too proud to admit when he is wrong. He encourages me to think bigger and to never limit myself. I take after him a lot in the personality department and I am so proud of that.

My mom is my best friend. We disagree on almost everything and always bicker, but we are basically the same person. She knows absolutely everything about my life. I'm not exaggerating either; if I've done it, thought it, or said it, she knows about it. She's great at comforting. Something about that motherly instinct maybe, but she just seems to know how to do or say exactly what I need when I need it. She's loud and obnoxious and all of my friends love her. She is generous and thoughtful and genuinely cares about everyone she has ever known. I never used to appreciate all she does for me, but being without her for so long has really opened my eyes to how important she is to my everyday life.

The point of all this sentimental-ness is to give a prelude as to why I'm uncontrollably excited for tomorrow afternoon. Instead of spending this weekend alone in my dorm I get to spend it with my parents, my grandparents who are in town visiting, and some of my other extended family. They booked me a last minute flight home (not cheap, by the way) and I have been counting down the hours ever since. 

To summarize: I'm just really excited to get home and see my favorite people!

We love Disneyland.