Impending Graduation

I am graduating from Eastern Kentucky University on Saturday. I can hardly believe that it's almost here. It seems like only a few months ago I made the crazy decision to move to Kentucky. Student teaching is practically over and what an experience it was. It has absolutely confirmed my decision to become a middle school math and science teacher.

With no actual job lined up or real plans after graduation, I would be lying if I didn't admit that my wanderlust is flaring up. I'd love to just move somewhere new and start teaching but I am planning on moving back to Columbus to find adventures in my hometown. I think I might miss the "mountains" of Kentucky though.

I have a few draft posts I need to work on about some adventures I have experienced this year. I luckily have plenty of free time to write more blog posts. This is a habit that I need to get into before I start teaching. I would really like to keep a blog for my future classroom and keep track of my experiences here. I guess that's all for now. I need to stop procrastinating and get some packing done!!

For Women Who (Want to) Travel Alone

For Women Who (Want to) Travel Alone

Here's a link to an article I read about traveling alone. As an independent woman who has trouble finding fellow adventure buddies, I thought it was a good read to remind me of things I need to keep in mind.

T-minus 1 day until Costa Rica!

In just over 24 hours, I am leaving for Costa Rica. To say I am excited is putting it mildly. I'm ECSTATIC!! I mean wouldn't you if this was going to be your view?

We have a pretty small group of teachers, but I'm sure it is going to be a great time. We just received our finalized itinerary. For anyone who wants to see what this  magical adventure entails, here's the itinerary.

Day 1 - Travel to Costa Rica. Stay at Hotel Villa Zurqui


Day 2 & 3 -  La Tirimbina Biological Reserve  where we get to do awesome activities like the Bat Program, rainforest hike, sustainable development, night walk, journaling, art, and more!

Day 4 - 6 - WIDECAST Pacuare is three days of turtle patrols for the majestic Leatherback Sea Turtles, sea turtle ecology, volunteering, research development, journaling, art, and more.

Day 7 - Cultural Exchange at a local high school and overnight stay at Bella Vista Ranch. While at Bella Vista, I hope I have time to get a closer look at the volcano.

Day 8 - White water rafting down the Pacuare River with Explornatura & our celebration dinner!

Day 9 - Travel back to Kentucky

To not overwhelm myself with excitement, I'm going to craft it up tonight by tie dying some T-shirts to pack with me!

Until next time, Adventure Buddies!

Combat Paper Project visits EKU

The Combat Paper Project came to EKU in the fall. It was a great experience turning an old uniform from my deployment into art. We spent three days in the Ravine on EKU's campus. The weather cooperated and we had gorgeous days to turn our old uniforms into art. I can't believe I forgot to post this! What an experience!

Check out http://www.combatpaper.org/ to have them visit your neck of the woods. 

Let the countdown to Costa Rica begin!

I know... it's been forever since my last post and that one wasn't even that great. Don't worry, blogisphere, I've been practicing my blogging skills and I think I might be getting better. Fast forward to today... I'm going to Costa Rica in April! AHHHH! So exciting. I'll be traveling with Ecology Project International, http://www.ecologyproject.org/ to work with leatherback sea turtles. No big deal, just international travel, sea turtles, rain forests, and white water rafting. It's like the ultimate adventure and I get school credit for it!

We had one of our classes tonight about the trip. One of our reading assignments is this awesome website, http://www.turtleprotection.org/english/home/. I can't wait to be there taking amazing photos and experiencing the rain forest! I learned that poison dart frogs are only harmful if I pick them up and lick them so I can't wait to get up close and personal with them, minus the licking. 

All the talk about packing lists, what to bring, and our possible itinerary has me giddy like a kid at Christmas. Luckily Santa did pack my stocking full of things for this adventure. Red Light head lamp, deet-free natural bug spray, camping toilet paper. 

Now added to my must have list

Waterproof camera

Biodegradable toiletries

a pair of pants that zip off to shorts

I can't wait. Reading about sea turtles, Costa Rica, ecology, and learning some Spanish. I can't wait to learn more so I can post more later!  

NASA PSTI Experience

I went to Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX for the July 2012 PSTI program. PSTI stands for Pre Service Teacher Institute. It is an awesome opportunity for education majors to get hands-on, real world , inquiry-based training. The program provides information, tools, activities, and networking activities. Throughout the week, we have heard from amazing guest speakers, learned about the programs of JSC as well as the programs that are available for teachers.

It was an amazing week as indicated by the photos. I was able to meet Christopher Kraft and Clay Anderson (a real life astronaut!). I made new friends and learned many activities for my future classroom. I touched a real moon rock and part of an astroid that had particles 8 billion years old. The NASA PSTI experience is something that I recommend to any pre-service teacher. 

LONG time, no post

It's been a long time since I've posted but I'm going to make another start with this blog. I am going to try going back in time and write about a few adventures I have had so far and don't want to forget. I'm also going to try writing about what I am reading, ideas about my future classroom, and the like.

I'll keep this morning's post short and add a few of my favorite quotes and photos. Enjoy!

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -- Nelson Mandela

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -- Mahatma Gandhi

Bike Riding among the wildflowers

Warrior Dash June 2012 with my Dad!