We have been discussing the historical events and eras that have shaped the course of education throughout history. Reflect on an event in your life that has shaped the course of your life with relation to education. It could be an event that affected your course as a student, your decision to enter the education field or your ideals as a future teacher. Include the event, at what age the event occurred and the manner in which it affected you.

I cannot recall any pivotal moments when I decided, "I'm going to college." In my family, it was never a case of "if you go to college," rather, "when you go to college." Looking back I realize that I was fortunate to have been raised with that mentality. I lived in a poor neighborhood with my Mother and younger sister. My Daddy called once a month or so; not because he didn't care, but because it was all that was allowed. Even within those short conversations, he ALWAYS inquired about school and asked about college. I also happened to be blessed with wonderful, caring teachers. Teachers who took the time to work with us individually and encouraged creative thinking, problem solving, independence, and group collaboration. Academically, I excelled. Statistically, I was dealt a losing hand. I believe what set me apart from my peers is that I didn't know I was losing. I didn't understand the rules of the game. Fast forward. Scene: Freshman year of high school. Two girls become pregnant. Best friend moves away. Sophomore year: Four more pregnancies. Gang violence breaks out. Several peers begin to drop out. Junior year: Best friend drops out. More pregnancies. Drugs become a second language. I move to Indiana and my little sister and I become very close. Together we realize that we do not want to live the way we were raised. At the time, "A's" came easy for us. They weren't a big deal. It wasn't long before we realized that those easy "A's" were our Golden Tickets to Freedom. To Success. To Happiness. Homework took on a new meaning. I was working for my future. Senior year provided me with the opportunity to Cadet teach with first graders. The school I was in reminded me of the neighborhood I had lived in. When I asked one of the kids what he wanted to be when he grew up, he told me, "oh, I'll probably work at McDonald's with my Mom." At that moment I knew I had to teach. As adults, we need to lay the foundation for success down early. I want every child to know that it doesn't matter where you come from or what your parents do. YOU can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. 

Week 1- Introduction

Week 1, 2nd Semester= COMPLETED!!!
Well, almost. I will be here, at the library, for several more hours completing assignments from all my classes so that I might enjoy a stress-free weekend. On that note:

The purpose of this Blog is to reflect on the ideas and disscusions presented in my Elementary Education 231 Course: Family and Community Relations.
My instructor, Mr. Emery J. Peck, will be viewing each and every one his 52 students RIVOTING weekly reflections.
If I were to learn only ONE thing from my education courses here at Ball State, it would be how to reflect. Goodness knows it is included in every single course.

This week our instructor "humanized" himself. I will forever have an image of him chasing his little spoiled dog around the block, thus making him late. He was not late to THAT class, but one day he will be, and regardless of his excuses, I will blame it on the dog, unless of course the REAL reason is much more entertaining, then he (YOU, Mr. Emery) must share!

We also went over the syllabus. I am looking forward to this course because it covers issues that have been mentioned, but not practiced in my other classes (maybe that's why it has it's very own course and specialized instructor? hmm... food for thought).
I LIKE that we have several work days. All my courses this semester are going to be time consuming.
Finally, today, exactly 2 1/2 hours ago, we had our first discussion on the importance of parental involvment in the classroom. My group made a list of reasons why parents might hesitate to donate their time/resources, and I am pleased to say that my group had thought of ALL the reasons he mentioned, and then some! While the lesson contained much valuable information, I was not surprised by anything I heard.