There has been so much going on since I last wrote here, one of them being a reason for the demise of my updates – RIP laptop. Though, when one thing passes, something new comes along, be it a used desktop with a completely updated system or an amazing new nephew! Either way, life picked up again, I did not mourn the laptop for too long.
Anyhow – I shall begin to summarize the fall semester. For my education courses, I spent a full day at a rural high school learning the ins and outs of teaching for a full day. I absolutely loved being there and working with the kids, but I just cannot stand most of the courses I need to take and the hoops to jump through. At least I don’t need to take any social justice courses this semester! I couldn’t take many math courses due to a job I took as a learning assistant for another math course, so statistics and history of math were the extent of my mathematical advancement. I ended the semester quite well with a 4.0 and a surprised but satisfied look on my face.
I spend two weeks of my winter break at home and the other two or three weeks back up at school manning the building for the early arriving residents who play sports during the break. While home, I decided to take my chances and began applying to the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at nine different locales nationwide. The positions are competitive and I only have one last application to mail out. It is so nervewracking just waiting for the possibility of an answer. This program would be so amazing to be a participant in! The chance to get some experience in actual research would greatly aid my decision to become a teacher or to go higher and earn a doctorate. I am still on the fence about how high I wish to go, I need this to reassure me one way or the other. Other people can tell me all they want that I am quite good at mathematics, but I have not seen all the areas I need to excel in in order to be a great professor and researcher. Basically – I need to convince myself of this.
If I do not get into any of these programs, I have a backup program – Semester At Sea (SAS). One of my resident assistant colleagues had done this trip over the previous summer and it sounds amazing. Taking a cruise ship, students embark from Nova Scotia and visit seven to eight countries before docking in Virginia. This list includes Alexandria, Egypt and Greece! This would be an opportunity I wouldn’t be able to pass up! The students also take courses while on the cruise ship during the travel time. Of course, this would only be second to the REU programs for a couple reasons. One, REU will help me progress in my career and two, I get paid a stipend for REU and I would have to pay for SAS. Either way, I cannot wait to get any opportunities like these!
This semester is amazing so far! I think I am using the word ‘amazing’ far too much today, I shall find new descriptors for your sake. As for why it is so incredible already, I only have two education courses and no practicum to date! I dread driving out to Syracuse in winter weather just to sit in a classroom for a mere two hours. As of right now, I have not been placed and do not have to worry about it just yet! On top of that, I am taking statistics B, analysis, and number theory and I am loving what we are doing. I just so completely enjoy doing the homework and learning all the new material that I may use this summer or anytime in the future.
All in all – life is at it’s best.
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Here’s another song that I am currently addicted to. Absolutely love the vocals!
Addicted To Academia 