Reflecting on Leadership for Change!

This cake is from Jennifer & I we wish you all the best......... Dr. Rock, YOU ROCK!!!!!!


The Sound Bite:
The one thing that I have learned this semester is FEAR can be conquered!

Personal Reflection:
I have read my entire blog. I felt sadness & joy reading my blog. Sadness of some of the hard times I have had, & joy of accomplishing many goals of mine. From my Son's defeat in not being able to finish out the football season and the many emotions he showed, to being able to teach not one, but three seventh grade class rooms.


I can honestly say that FEAR is not a huge factor for me anymore. Maybe because of believing in an Awesome God and Overcoming fear through prayer. Overcoming being in a classroom for more than an hour X3 and engaging them in activities and them actually loving it. The students reflection of me was tremendous. They wanted me to teach the class on a permanent basis. This really made me feel good.


I really feel I have grown more this semester than any other semester. Maybe, it's because of my mind set, Retiring in "2012", closing one chapter & begining another. So, I do understand how Dr. Rock feels to start a new chapter in life. It's like you have been giving a second chance to live. A chance that you never thought you could be given but it has been granted to you.

For the first time in such a long time I feel that my priorities are in order. I've been given a life sentence to ...LIVE!!!! I'm not afraid anymore, I'm stepping out on Faith, confidence, love and it feels really good. Almost like the Prince when he found Cinderella, his true love.

I have achieve observing & teaching, and I am set to teach 12th graders on Dec. 12th. I never dreamed that students would enjoy me as much as I enjoyed them. This was truly a revelation for me. I have my lesson in order for my 12th graders (Thanks to Dr. Rock) & I am excited about this workshop. I found myself saying some of the same things Dr. Rock has said to her students. This is going to be life changing!!!
I am also happy that once I "retire" I will have a job working with someone I love and admire! This is really been an incredible semester for me. Not just in this class but in my Anthropology 102 class. I have done some things in this class that I would have never done because of FEAR.
Conquering FEAR in one class has given me the ability to do it in another.

My husband doesn't really understand, right now, but that's ok.

The 3 things I enjoyed in this class:


1. The Professor


2. Conquering Fear


3. Working through challenges, and working with students


Professor Rock was one of the best professors & friends I have had. She is motivating,encouraging, engaging, caring, sincere, and loving.

The last 3 blogs, I have said how much I am going to miss her, & that hasn't changed. But what I do realize is that at some point in our lives we have to love and let go. When you let go it is exhilarating & refreshing for both sides. Hopefully, we will stay in touch, still communicate with each other. You have help me conquer my fears through interviewing & doing the thing I want to do. I am relieved that I have been diligently working through challenges & some of my biggest fears. The students in Leadership has been great & I really believe that ALL have received a lot from the class.


The 3 things I disliked in this class:


1. Interviews


2. More Interviews


3. Trying to figure out my goals/Planning Wall


I know this is crazy, but because this was a big Fear of mine I disliked interviewing until I saw the benefits in achieving this goal. It was hard asking people for interviews that you didn't know & I guess more because I was afraid of rejection. Afraid that they might have thought my questions were ridiculous.
Instead my questions were embraced & some of my role models kept giving me more & more information even when I didn't asked. It has been great.
I also, disliked the Planning wall it took forever to do this & when I was done it look like a five year could have done a better job.

The 3 things that can make this class better:

For you, To keep teaching it!!! So, here's a toast to you... I Love you & I will miss you, Best Wishes........Love, Angela

Work The Plan

After leaving class on Monday last week, I felt good. My classmates & Professor Rock made me feel invincible. Especially when I announce to the class, I would be RETIRING in "2012". I got to thinking it will be 31 years of service that and I am happy to have served it. Then, it hit me that I have 22 more hours instead of 29 to complete my BA :).
The next day The UIC Early Outreach program called me & asked me to substitute this pass Saturday Nov. 21, 2009 for 7th graders. Wow!!!I was so overwhelm that I was speechless. OMG,imagine that!!! Did I do it?? You bet I did from 8:30am-12:30pm. What an experience that was. I could not believe, that I was not nervous, or afraid. I said a prayer & God delivered me.I went in that classroom like I had been teaching for years. I could not believe it myself. I had an activity for them for most of the class. I had them work on the packets of homework the teacher wanted them to do in the last 20 minutes of the class. I was nervous that I would not keep their interest but there was no problem in keeping their interest.. And, you know what everything was GREAT! I kept hearing Dr. Rock & one of the things she would always asked the class after doing an exercise. I asked "Why did I ask you all to do this exercise"? Their reply was "because you love us', because you want to get to know us", and I said Yes I do love you & care about each of you. They then asked if I could stay on and be their teacher from now on! I told them I'm sorry Ms. Padem would be back Dec. 5th. They all sighed (three classes) LOL. I found myself saying the same things Dr. Rock say" I know it's exciting, but I need you to hold it down. I had to asked them to be courtesy to their classmates & their substitute teacher.
So, Kudos to you Dr. Rock! I am going to really miss you here @UIC & I am overwhelm by the kindness & love you have shown to me over the years.
My Sunday night meeting with myself is to push forward to Dec. 12th and be the best I can be in the workshop for the 12th graders.

The Budding System

First Steps:
This week was my Observation for the Saturday College Program. I can't tell you how much joy this brought me. On my way to the program the excitement grew and my heart start racing, and I begin for the first time to feel a sense of accomplishment toward my goals. It really felt good! As I parked the car & started across the street many memories came rushing back to me. Except this time I wasn't going there as a parent but as a future scholar. Seeing old friends, parents, & staff and the warm welcome they gave me had me warm & fuzzy all over. This gave me so much inspiration to pursue my TouchStone with love and compassion.

The Director asked me was if I nearing my journey and I replied "YES" AND I am retiring in "2012" with 29 more hours to go. I'm telling you I got this memorized in my sleep! I jokingly said "maybe I can come & work for you". Do you know what she said "Angela that would be wonderful". Wow, I didn't even anticipate a response at all, but just like Dr. Rock said "You must come out of your comfort zone" It feels really good to be able to do the things you have such a passion for. Even, if I fail it's OK just get back up & try again. Great advice I tell my kids this all the time but for some reason I didn't apply it to this goal.
Nevertheless, I observed (2) 7th grade classes Math and Language Arts. In Language Arts some of the students were energetic, and some were disconnected. Maybe because it was early, or they were not feeling it. I know my oldest son was one that hated to go. This was unfortunate because this program is so AWESOME! Especially for the ones who have a love for learning. I made all of my children go, but my daughter & my youngest son got the most out of it. My youngest would have really thrive had his brother would not have been such a negative influence for him. If he had took my daughter as a role model he would still be in the program. I truly love this program but this program is not for everybody.
My last observation was a 9th/10th grade science class. They just happen to be doing class presentations on case studies which were very interesting. the first group was not prepared and they stumbled all over their presentation. They were not knowledgeable of the case they were presenting & they had long pauses on their subject.I started to think back on my role models who said they wanted students that were prepared for class and ready to learn. I don't know how long they had for their presentations, and the teacher asked them before anyone started if they wanted to meet before they presented. They ALL said no!

Second group was well prepared, introduced themselves, spoke clearly and was very knowledgeable on the case they presented. They answered questions and wanted to present the other groups cases until the teacher stopped them. Enthusiastic & eager to learn this was great!!! I clearly saw the differences & I totally get it now. The information my role models gave was very insightful and helpful on all levels.
I still can't tell you which grade level I want to teach. But, this was the most incredible experience I have had.

I also, went to Dr. Rock so she could give me pointers on my lesson plan for Dec.
12th. She has given me so much inspiration over the years & she has shown me ways to better myself on all levels.

She has nurtured me & now she has open her hands & let me go... I know I am going to succeed in my dreams because she has shown me the way. We all know there is a time when our parents/teachers must let go and when they do we are afraid. Like myself but I am going to succeed beyond my wildest dreams. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!! I love you DR. Rock!!!!
Finally, Jennifer & I are on the buddy system but we have not had a chance to communicate. I failed to get her phone number so this is something we will be work on.
I am truly going to miss you DR. Rock!! I can no longer be your TA and this chapter is coming to a close but my heart is always open.........

Moving & Shaking

Photo courtesy of http://www.csideaworks.com/new_images/progress.gif.
When I think of Moving & Shaking Beyonce comes to my mind. Although, I am not moving & shaking as much or as well as she can. As a matter, of fact if I moved that fast I could possibly break some parts of my body we don't even want to mention. Nevertheless, I am a Work in Progress & quite slowly I might add. You would think that because this class is all about you; one would want or be eager to move & shake to get things done or get their lives in the order in which they are trying to achieve. This one hour workshop has given more anxieties than I care to have. It makes me wonder is this really what I want, can I possibly be any good @this, or am I just kidding myself.

Barbara Sher is right on it (Let Them be Mad). My husband made a statement to me that has really stuck to me. I am going to share it because for one it really bothered me. He knows my dreams & aspirations & I have shared with him my teaching workshop that's coming up very quickly & I will be observing this Saturday @the program. Unfortunately, I let this statement bother me so much that it has raised doubts about the path I trying to pursue. So, here it is: He told me I was acting STUCK UP, and I didn't care about anyone but myself. Hum imagine that! I know you are saying so that's not so bad.
Well it is, Where did that come from & what the h... does that mean. We have been married for over 20 years & I have been knowing him for over another 20 years. So, I ask how can I possibly be acting stuck up. Because maybe I'm trying to make a better life for us & our children. Is it because I'm not asking his permission to move ahead with my dreams? Is it because he feels afraid, scared, or even threatened which he will never admit to?
How can I possibly be acting this way for something I don't even have (yet). So,I am even more determine to finish it's been to long & I am looking ahead for not just me but my family. I don't think that's selfish. It has bothered me so much I have not registered for classes next semester, and I feel even more afraid to stand in front of those student than I did before. I was just overcoming that fear when this was placed upon me.
So, I can tell you that the second step I didn't do because I'm working through the First step. Maybe later this week I can have that system in place but today it's not there.
Sorry.........................

Get Into ACTION!

Lights, camera, ACTION! I can tell you the tasks that I needed to complete were to finally sit down & start my lesson plan for my upcoming Teaching experience @UIC Early Outreach Program. Barbara Sher is correct my planning wall has led me to the door & now it's time for action! But, my enemy of FEAR is overtaking me and holding me back. It's like Satan trying to manipulate me & making me think that I am not worthy of taking another step. I can tell you I don't want to feel like an idiot in front of the students and the program who have trusted me. I want to have a full hour of information that they can use. My mind is working @100 miles an hour, telling me, hey you should do this; No try this! It can be very challenging trying to accomplish this goal.

My first step was to ask Educators what would they do as an attention getter to start the class off. I've gotten some really good responses like do a survey to see how much they know, ask specific questions on whatever you are trying to convey, play a clip of a movie, play music. Well, I have not decided on that yet because I am trying to get as many responses as possible & if anyone that's reading my blog has any suggestions please comment on them @the end of this blog.

My second step was to come up with a concrete lesson plan that make sense in what I'm trying to do. Well, I can tell you FEAR has set in; but I managed to put something down on a piece of paper. Barbara Sher states I should prepare, be informed give instruction & most of all for me to rehearse. I don't know what I'm doing & I don't want the students to know that. I want them to say she was great when can she come back again. We'll have to see if that will be the case.
This chapter (9) is one of the best chapters for me because these are things I've asked myself. What I am going to wear; how do I act, & most of all what am I going to say? It really hits home!
However, I will get my kids to role play with me; I think they will be honest & they will help me tweak my worst & best case scenarios.
Finally, I will make an appointment to meet with Dr. Rock so, she can help me with my survival skills.

Reaching Out III

You would think asking people that's doing the thing you want to do for interview's would be easier by now. I can tell you it is not and it generates some anxiety on my part.
Nevertheless, I asked another one of my son's teacher's for an interview & he was very happy to know that I wanted to teach.

I can tell you though teachers want students that are serious about their success. I did interviews with teachers from a College Preparatory and they all mirrored that they wanted students that were focus, and attentive.

Mr. L'Aku' interview was motivating & I learned that if students are not serious with their success it is a hard and long tasks to get them there.
I really would like to thank all of my Interviewers it really has been inspiring for me & I look forward to working with 12th graders.

I can definitely tell you that with these interviews; I have decided I want to teach 12th graders. I believe I can offer more to the students who have decided or planned for their success. Not that they want change their mind in the process but they have some clarity of what they want out of life!

Here's Mr.A'ku Interview:

Hi, Ms. Dade.


Here are my answers to your questions.


Who would be in your perfect class?
Only attentive, studious, focused, well-behaved pupils.


What would you want them to know?
Coming into my class they should know how to clearly express themselves in writing. They should also have strong algebra and reading comprehension skills.


What would you want to share with them?
I'd share the topics of Environmental Science and Physics. I'd also try to encourage them to be patient and to remain focused on scholastic achievement.


Were there any moments where you may have felt discouraged, encouraged, or unsupported and how did you overcome the challenges you faced?
During times when I feel discouraged I recall that there will be low moments in the workplace just like there will be high moments. The low moments are changes for self-improvement, so I just try to stay positive and remember that these times are only temporary. Usually things end up not being as they seem, and people often make things worse by dwelling on what worries them and making mountains out of molehills. Lastly, I leave work at school. I don't carry too many things home with me to think about or to actually do. I am pretty successful at keeping my professional and personal lives separate. It helps if you know how to manage things and keep them in perspective.


Finally, do you have any advice about what my next steps should be to accomplish my goals in wanting to become a teacher for children from 7-12th grade?
I'd start by talking to children about their perceptions and expectations as far as school is concerned. You can learn a lot by listening to the children and I think that adults generally assume that the perceptions, expectations, and concerns of children aren't worth considering. Certainly, we have to provide for the children but, at the same time, we need to address their wants and needs.


I hope this helps! Good luck!


Mr. A'Ku

Reaching Out II Part 2

These are the hands of my (2) football players! They were'nt so happy in posing for me but we got the job done after (5) takes.

I asked a friend of mine Professor Walker to grant me this interview on short notice & I really appreciate her giving it to me. I had almost forgot that she use to teach elementary students.

Trying to beat Cinderella’s clock sometimes is a little stressful. The problem is you think you have all this time & when you look up & your homework is due @ midnight. Kudos Professor Walker!

Thanks Professor Walker,
I really appreciate you giving me this interview on really such notice. My assignment was to interview someone that's doing the thing you wanted to do. However, I forgot you use to teach grade level & only remember that you were a college professor. That meant I couldn't interview you. However, since you did teach @elementary level & I began to think to myself with excitment you are re-qualified to give me this interview! I really appreciated that.

In addition, my goals when I graduated are to teach either 7th thru 12th grade. The Early Outreach program where my kids use to go has given me an opportunity to teach for 1 hour whatever level I choose. First, I need to shadow or observe the classrooms to give me a feel of which level I could better serve. Nevertheless, I need to come up with a lesson which is pretty scary for me.

Professor Walker’s Interview:
) In a perfect class, my students would be able to work independently.
-They would be excited about learning
-Their parents would be supportive partners in the education process
2) I would want them to know the foundational skills for the core subjects-i.e. reading/math
-they would need to know what is expected as far as appropriate behavior in the school environment
3) I would want to share with them a lifelong love of learning
- a desire to reach each individual's full potential
- a goal of completing college
4) I have felt supported when students learn and are able to apply what I taught them. Also, I have experienced students who I seen many, many years later and remember the good learning experiences they had in my classroom and thank me for them.
I have also been discouraged - After 13 years of teaching grades K-8, a career I have wanted since I was in 7th grade, I found myself burned out. The last year that I taught in elementary school was very stressful. Administrative demands, 32 second graders- 2 with special needs and no aide, parents with issues and three small children of my own all added up to burn out. My way of coping was to leave teaching and devote time to my family. This was the best decision for me and I have never regretted it. I didn't want to continue teaching if I could not give it my best.
8 years later, I returned to teaching at the college level. I now teach beginning teachers and am able to share my years of experience to help prepare them for their careers. I love teaching at this level and feel as though I am making a worthwhile contribution to the field of education.

I am not sure what your next steps are as I'm not sure where you are currently in the process. I can generally suggest that you map out the steps that you need to take to reach your goal and follow them. It also helps to share your goals with someone who can encourage you as you move towards your goal.
I hope that this helps.
Donna

Reaching Out II

I am really grateful to Ms. Clark for giving me the opportunity to interview her for the class. She was extraordinary in her advice & giving me a chance on short notice to grant me this interview. It really says something about a teacher character to always be willing to help her students & especially students that are not in her class. She has given me some concrete advice about my future. What’s really great is she says the older you are going into this profession the better. This was a concern of mine & she did not even know it. So, I thank her for this most AWESOME interview and the tools I need to be successful in my career.
Here’s her response:
No problem! If someone else is interested in undertaking this wonderful profession...I would recommend the older the better...I love to teach at the high school level. Students are always willing to learn more. They have a lot of issues and concerns and most of them have nothing to do with my US History class!!

So, let me try to answer your questions...
1. Who would be in your perfect class? My perfect class would be any set of young adults who come to school. I know I could say all students who love history would be the perfect class but I love any student who comes to class each day and ready to learn. I appreciate the students who have to struggle to get here are live a very difficult life but still come each day to learn.

2. What would you want them to know? I would like for my students to know how to find the answers to their questions. I want my students to be critical thinkers who know that the only difference between an educated and an uneducated student is that an educated student knows where to look for the answers. Students who just sit and wait for the answer to be given them are not going to be successful

3. What would you want to share with them? I would like to share with my students the love of history. I would like them to see that each day they create their own history and what they do today will impact their future. I would also want to share with them that they can do anything if they are motivated to make a difference in their lives

4. Were there any moments where you may have felt discouraged, encouraged, or
unsupported and how did you overcome the challenges you faced? The only times I get discouraged are when other teachers give up on students or who don't do things that would benefit the students. The other times are when a student dies by the violence on the streets and then I wonder what good I am doing for them if this is their reality. The only thing is that I know that they need a solid education to make it past the harsh life that they are faced with each day. I am encouraged when students say, "I never knew that" or "that was interesting"...little things make teachers feel appreciated.

Final advice for you...you MUST love teaching in order to do this profession...you need to be able to make fun of yourself (because they do it for you anyway and if you can't laugh at yourself that it will be a long road!)...ALWAYS be prepared for each day you teach (they can sense when you are unprepared!)....GOOD LUCK

I hope this helps please let me know if you need anymore

Mrs. Katie Clark

Optional Activity in class:
Our group shared hard times & we really bonded. We all came away with it's ok to have hard times & you know what? We all felt better after we all shared in this feeling!

Reaching Out

I interviewed Clyde Pickett, a Director for Multicultural Development from Ohio Northern University . He is really someone I look up to & cherish. He puts my mind at ease with the loving and fatherly care he gives to the students. My daughter & so many other students go to him for advise, strength, encouragement, motivation, and he is an inspiration to parents as well as students. My mind is at ease while my daughter is @ONU. I have not seen a University where this type of loving care & nurturing is given the way he & the Multicultural Development has expressed it! Here is my interview with him.

If you had a choice:
1) Who would be your perfect students?
2) What would you want them to know?
3) What would you want to share with them?
4) Were there any moments where you may have felt discouraged, encouraged, or unsupported and how did you overcome the challenges you faced?
5). Is it more rewarding do you think to motivate and groom students’ vs. teaching them in the classroom?
6).Finally, do you have any advice about what my next steps should be to accomplish my goals in wanting to become a teacher.
Mrs. Dade,

Thank you for the e-mail. I’m sorry I missed your visit to Ada this weekend. I was actually out of town. I’ll make sure to look into Professor Rockquemore. You will find my answers to the questions below. Please let me know if you need any other information.


If you had a choice: 1)who would be your perfect students? I don’t believe in the concept of perfect students. I think that is the beauty of the work that I do. I have the opportunity to work with students from all different backgrounds and with different skills sets.
2) what would you want them to know? I would want all of my students to know that they are capable of anything. So many of our students limit their expectations. I work proactively to increase the expectations of my students. If they aspire for greatness and understand that it is obtainable, they can do anything.
3) What would you want to share with them? I share with them the awareness of resources to make their journey easier. For my students it means, scholarships, tutoring and other support services, as well as community partnership and engagement opportunities.
4) Were there any moments where you may have felt discouraged, encouraged, or unsupported and how did you overcome the challenges you faced? I have certainly felt all three. I have been discouraged and unsupported at times by the lack of success with some of my student programs and the lack of institutional support for some of my programs. I decided to move forward by focusing on helping all of the students I could to be successful. I am always encouraged by the feedback from my students and parents who openly show appreciation for the support that we are able to provide. I too am encouraged by the academic success of my students.
5. Is it more rewarding do you think to motivate and groom students vs. teaching them in the classroom? I think they are equally rewarding.
I know you deal with a lot of students & their personal issues, but how do you keep them motivated to stay @ONU? ?I keep them motivated by stressing the long term benefits in obtaining a degree from ONU. I also stress the importance of student engagement. If we can keep students involved and engaged in activities at ONU, we will be able to keep them at ONU.
Finally, do you have any advice about what my next steps should be to accomplish my goals in wanting to become a teacher. I would first ask what level you want to teach. Once you have that in mind I would suggest moving towards volunteer opportunities in a class setting to make sure that it was the appropriate career choice.




Clyde

Clyde Wilson Pickett
Director of Multicultural Development

I asked Dr. Urmani Director, of the Early Outreach Program for an interview. She has been a role model of mine for many years. My children used to attend the Saturday College here @ UIC. The program is phenomenon & I recommend it to anyone who has children & want a quality program to help them actually be ahead of their home school. We would getup every Saturday & they would learn math, science, language arts. They would even work in labs for an enriching experience. My daughter was lucky enough to get in the program in 6th grade. She also, was able to one of fifty that was selected across the United States in a program geared towards being a doctor. The Physician Scientist Program housed students all over the country & they were lab assistance in trying to find cures for many diseases. It was great she lived in the dorms @Temple University in Philadelphia for six weeks and then the next year for 8 weeks. She went to Washington, & UIC working very closely with Doctors who were doing research and trying to find a cure. She could say words that I could only dream of. I would always tell her to tell this person & that person what she was working on. I really loved that program it was great! Dr. Urmani was instrumental in getting Denisha (my daughter) in that program. She took her under her wing and groomed her. Not just her, but all my children. Her staff is the greatest they also, are very nurture ring but they don’t accept any non sense.
I asked her basically the same questions listen to her response.
Dear Angela,

Certainly, I will do the e-mail interview:

Answers:

If you had a choice:
1)who would be in your perfect class?
A perfect class for me would have 85% students who are eager to learn.
They would be students who love a challenge and are determined to be
successful in school and in life. Their eagerness keeps the class
interesting. Their self-motivation is the catalyst to improving the
performance of all the students in the class. They would feed off of each
other and strive for excellence and have lots of fun doing it. The other
15% would be a mixture of students who are academically challenged, have
had failures in school, are turned off to learning (because they have had
bad teachers), are handicapped physically and/or mentally, or autistic.
These students would be embraced by the 85%. Because they are in an
exciting learning environment, they would be transformed into excited
learners. The capacity of the 85% to help change the learning environment
would be crucial to making the class perfect.


2) What would you want them to know?
I would want the students to know how to read and perform basic
mathematical computations. I would want the 85% to know that they are
capable of conquering the world and they are born for success, and that
there is no challenge to hard for them to accomplish. They can even
change an individual with a bad attitude toward school into a positive
attitude and help them achieve success.

3) What would you want to share with them?
I would want to share with the students that they are born with the
capacity to be successful. There is nothing too hard for them to
accomplish, if they set their minds to it. They are made for success and
they can achieve it, if they are in the right environment. This would be
an environment that they create first in their minds and then in their
world.

4) Were there any moments where you may have felt discouraged, encouraged,
or unsupported and how did you overcome the challenges you faced?
There have been times when I have felt discouraged and unsupported, but
the moments when I have been encouraged have far outweighed those other
times. Every time I see the light go in a child's eyes, or see a child
loving learning, or help a child achieve a particular learning goal that
we have set, I feel so very excited. I feel invincible. This is what
encourages me and helps me overcome the challenges that come with being an
educator.

Finally, do you have any advice about what my next steps should be to
> accomplish my goals in wanting to become a teacher for children from
> 7-12th grade?
My advice to you would be to begin hanging around good teachers, who have
mastered working with adolescents. You need to be around teachers who
still believe that children can learn and want to see them achieve. You
need a mentor who is not afraid of teens. You need a gifted educator to
shadow who can show you how they do what they do so very well. First, get
yourself a mentor. Second, begin looking at the kind of school in which
you would like to serve as a teacher. Begin helping out at the school.
They may have extracurricular activities in which a teacher could use some
support. Third, begin tutoring a child who needs help. Fourth, shadow an
exceptional educator.

You are on your way to achieving your dream at the highest level of
perfection.

Be blessed.

Deborah Umrani, Ph.D.
I have to say Dr. Urmani has given my a chance of a life time. She has agreed to let me observe classes
Nov. 12th & she has also agreed to let me teach for one hour in Dec. I am excited & afraid @the same time.
I want to say Thank You Dr. Urmani, & I love you for believing in my children & ME!

Plotting A Path

HARD TIMES...................

I wanted to start my blog with Hard Times (Chapter 5) because this has been a very challenging week for my family, particularly my SON! Last week my son Getzman was playing in his high school football game hurt his ankle (so, I thought). When he got home he told me he heard something crack!

I can't tell you how mortified I was by that simple statement. His ankle was swollen & he limped something horrible. So, my husband & I told him to ice it. So, the next day, he got up to go to Church & it had really ballooned. So, I asked my husband to look it at & he determine he might have something broke, & that he should probably go to the hospital.

So, we discuss that maybe if he iced it a little more he would be OK. Well, the swelling did go down a little he said," he felt OK".

Now, I did call the doctor & he just happened to be closed on Monday & he told me if I was really uncomfortable take him to emergency. Well, Monday came & he wanted to go to practice, now his ankle is still swollen & I'm thinking it should have went down more by now. Of course, I told him no & we had his ankle x-ray & saw something that didn't look good. We had to wait until the next day for the report.

My heart fell to the ground when they told me he had a fractured ankle. My husband told my son the results, & you know what....He cried so hard, and for so long because he can't finish out the season. My heart just ached to see my son cry like that. I don't ever think I saw my son cry like that. It was horrendous! I felt so helpless there was nothing I could do for him. My husband, 21 year old daughter & I tried to console him. He is so depressed & I weep silently for him.

I was sent to a specialist & of course he needs a MRI, and crutches & I have to wait for a referral before I can do either. I am so upset that my son is in need of crutches & I have to wait for a referral! This is one of things President Obama is trying to eliminate.

The bright side is he can still walk, & we do have health care. Maybe in his senior year he can play again. (APPLAUSE)

I just needed to blog about hard-times because when you love someone & they hurt you hurt too!

Goal 1

My first goal is get the Director of the Early Outreach program to let me observe 7th-12th graders in her program on Saturdays.

This will enable me to conclude @what level of students I am passionate about teaching.

I started this process last year & had to wait until the program began again.

I am excited & frighten at the same time. My kids are motivating & afraid for my students.

Can you imagine that??

Exercise 2

My five contacts are:

1. Dr. Urmani

2. Ms. Bacia

3. Ms. Richards

4. Mr. Mitchell

5. Mr. Pickett

6. Mr. Aku'

7. Ms. Gill

8. Ms. Gardner

9. Ms. Henson

10. Ms. Henderson

Optional:

I really enjoyed the Success Team. Everyone had wonderful ideas & they were thoughtful, and compassionate in helping other students with other careers that fit into their touchstone.

However, some were a little confused about their targets, & I am sure that they have re-read GoalSearch page 68-80 in their WishCraft books and are on their path to their targets!

Remember, Barbara Sher says "The way you go about actually choosing your target will depend on what your touchstone or dreams that are your passion".

Also, don't forget it depends where you are in your life. Please review this section it will help you establish your TARGET!

The Sixteen Personality Types - High-Level

The Sixteen Personality Types - High-Level: "ENFJ
Popular and sensitive, with outstanding people skills. Externally focused, with real concern for how others think and feel. Usually dislike being alone. They see everything from the human angle, and dislike impersonal analysis. Very effective at managing people issues, and leading group discussions. Interested in serving others, and probably place the needs of others over their own needs".
In addition, I share this with famous people like Ronald Regan (??), Pope John Paul II(???), Nick Nolte (:), Tony Blair & Katherine Graham.

This is the second time I took Myers- Briggsthis test & it is amazing how accurate it is with the analysis of my personality. I did notice this time my strengths were more even across the board 56 62 50 56. than the last time it was 22,12,62,78. Not really sure what that means, but I'm thinking I know now more than ever this is what I'm destined to do.

I learned more about myself in this one exercise that I ever imagined.

The movie Choclat was enjoyable & I learned that no matter who you are you can always learn something from the least person you expect.

ENFJ

"You are:
moderately expressed extravert

distinctively expressed intuitive personality

moderately expressed feeling personality

moderately expressed judging personality"

What Is Your Touchstone?

Dream: Teacher for 7th-12th graders

Touchstone: To be one of the best teachers in the United States

Role Model: Peggy Little, Kerry Bacia, Mr. Gowey, Ms. Richards

Target: To be on the cover of Time Magazine

I want to be able to teach children the importance of African American studies. Also, to teach them to be well rounded adults in an unconventional style of learning. I will be retired from my job in 2012. I want to start a new career on teaching students the importance of knowing who they are and knowing how to achieve their touchstone.

What is my Personality type?

ENFJ!

Chocolat

"Chocolat" was a movie that I did not think I was going to enjoy. Surprisingly, I did enjoyed it! Love, hate, mystery, romance and a little bit of voodooism was very intriguing.

I enjoyed the romance with Johnny Depp, and Vivanne. I have to admit my mouth was watering for some of that Chocolate. If I could have had one piece......

The little girl Anouk really tickled me when the urn carrying her grandmother fell on the floor. Her mother was pulling & tugging her & threatening to discipline her. But when that Urn feel & she tried to scoop her grandmother back in the box she told her mother "OK" I'm ready to go now. The woman who was beaten by her husband became strong & became a great organizer! It was a good movie.

Kudos Professor Rock!

What Do You Love?

Who do I Love?

I love my Family & Friends

Step #2

I ask one my cousins (C) who helped raised me when my grandmother passed away, I was about 12 years old, & an uncle (U) who was presently living in the house with my Mom, Grandmother, and my 3 siblings the questions below.

1. What was I like in the first five years of my life?

Cousin Tootsie in the White Blouse, & Uncle Bob this past summer @ my 85 year old Aunt B-day party.

(C) You were very shy, quiet and a sweet little girl.

(U) Angie, you were quiet and well behave.

2. What things did I love, what games did I like to play, what did you think was unique about me?

(C) You use to love to play with your dolls. She couldn't remember anything unique about me!

(U) Angie, I use to run the streets hustling so I can't remember anything unique about you, or anything you liked to play with. You were just a normal child.

3. What did you think I would become when I grew up?

(C) I thought you would be a professional person like a secretary. However I never thought you would have three kids because you weren't the nurturing type. Uh, not sure what she meant behind that.

(U) Angie, again I never gave it any thought!

These interviews were the hardest interviews I ever had. My uncle just kept it real he was hustling in the streets & couldn't care less what I was like or what I liked to play with. He didn't give me a second thought. He boldly stated all I remember about you that you were quiet, and normal. What's normal???

I guess what was more disheartening is neither one found anything unique about me when I was a child.
My daughter gave me a very heartfelt interview & as a Mother you never know what stays with them & what falls by the wayside.

Mom,

You are a very dedicated and determined woman; you are dedicated to finish school which is something I admire about you. You are caring, loving, hard working and helpful. You are bold, not afraid to speak your mind and tell people, how you feel. If something is not done correctly , or if you are not satisfied with the results EVERYONE knows you will not tolerate that! You are a firm believer in God and standing up for what you believe in.

You always tell me "If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything". Mom you helped me be the person, I am today by your witty personality and all of your strengths that I have listed.

Thank you so Much.

I Love you

Denisha!

Wow! What an eyeopener this was for me. I love you too.

I had a positive and wonderful experience when I interviewed four of my friends and asked:

What do you think my greatest gifts/strengths

Sherri Arriazola said:

"She's strong willed.

She's not easily swayed.

She is very caring to her co-workers, unless they don't deserve it.

She is a hard worker.

She gets her tasks done on time.

She knows how to delegate.

She has a pleasant telephone voice.

She carries a professional demeanor, but she also know how to have a good time.

She goes out of her way for the ones she loves.

I want her to adopt me, but I am still waiting...."

You already know.....I adopted you a long time ago.

Elizabeth Villa states:

Hi your strengths, Angie you are a very kind person to everyone. You always have a smile and a joke when things are great or when things are bad. You would be able to make a person smile when they feel upset. You are a very dedicated person to your studies are your job because you are able to balance both out. You try your best to help out anyone that may require your assistance. Basically, you are overall a great person!

Elizabeth, thank you so much for all your caring words!

Anabel Saucedo comments:

Angela Strengths:

Some of the strengths Angela has is she is always smiley and in a good mood. When she walks in the Bookstore she brings joy and a positive vibe.

Having Angela around the workplace is also fun. Another strength she has is that she is always helpful & kind. A lot of people are rude and mean but that the opposite with Angela.

When I read this poem this first person that came in my mind was Angela:

A Strong Person vs A Person of Strength

A strong person works out everyday to keep their body in shape.

A Person of Strengths builds relationships to keep their soul in shape.

A Strong person isn't afraid of anything

A Person of strength shows courage in the midst of their fear.

A Strong person won't let anyone get the best of them.

A Person of Strength gives the best of themselves to everyone.

A Strong person makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future.

A Person of Strength realizes life mistakes can be unexpected blessings and capitalizes on them.

A Strong person wears a look of confidence on their face.

A Person of strength wears grace.

A Strong person has faith that they are strong enough for the journey.

A Person of Strength has faith that is in the journey that they will become strong.

Unknown Author but by the Turtle Zen website.

What a beautiful poem! I love it thanks for thinking of me.

You know you never know what you really mean to others. I feel blessed to be surrounded by friends who love & care about me. I love you all...

Evelyn Chapina comments:

The Strengths of Angela Dade

.Professional

.Responsible

.Kind

.Caring

.Articulate

.Intelligent

.Patient

Angela is a great worker and wonderful friend. I can always count on her to assist me at work, and her friendship is very valuable to me.

Evelyn your friendship is very valuable me to too.

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Good question, I made a lot of stupid mistakes this week & totally mis-understood instructions, among some other things that have put me in a bad situation. I really thought, I was helping & instead I made a mess of things. This has left me feeling frustrated, and angry with myself. You know it's harder being frustrated, and angry with yourself than anyone else. You can forget about someone else, but at the end of the day you are still stuck with you!

Why am I taking Leadership for Change?

I am taking this course as a TA. I want to make a difference in young people lives & need guidance to show me how to achieve my goals.

What do I hope to get out of this course?

I hope to get more knowledge the second time around. You know it's almost like watching a movie there are things you see the second time you watched it, you didn't see the first.

What especially attracted and fascinated me as a child?

Music fascinated me as a child. I had a tape player that my Mom bought me & I always wondered how sound use to come out of it. Barbie also, was one of my favorite toys. I use to play with her for hours at a time.

Which senses did you live most through or did you enjoy them equally?

I have to say touch & hearing were 2 of the five senses that I enjoyed the most.

What did you love to do or daydream about?

I use to daydream about being Michael Jackson's girlfriend. The Jackson Five were hot! My sister & I would fight over who was Michael Jackson's girlfriend. I am still in shock over his death although he has been gone for over a month now.

What were the dreams & fantasies that you never told anyone?

I always dreamed that Micheal Jackson & I would be husband & wife.

Does it still feels there's still a part of you that still loves those things?

No, that fantasy is no longer part of my life. Especially, since I am married & Michael never knew me & he is dead.

What talents or abilities might those early interests and dreams point to?

I am not really sure what they point to,but it would be interesting to find out.

Understanding Yourself

Pick a Color:

I am Turquoise Blue, I represent serenity, and calmness. I can make anyone smile when they look how beautiful I am. i am unique because I represent two colors in one. I am the color of my daughter's prom dress which is beautiful up against her skin. When I thought about it, I am my brother's favorite color. He named his daughter Tourquisha!

The Private -Eye Game:

The person who lives in this space loves to dress well. She has suits, and dresses that any woman with style would love to wear. She enjoys the brightest colors to reflect how cheerful she is, and the darkest colors that identifies her as warm and caring. Her books on the bookshelf represent that she is very much into African American history. Books that represent Lynching, to the Color Complex, to The African American Odyssey. She has several Bibles, self reflection, journals, and books that get her in touch with her spirituality. Her furniture has warm colors, and it is durable because she has children. However, she has added glass tables in her living room, and kitchen, and she is surrounded by mirrors throughout her space. I can tell she uses the reflection of the mirrors to reflect on her thoughts. She has surrounded herself with all types of music R&B, Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, and she has a little of some 3 Mo Tenors. She has a brick fireplace to keep her warm in the winter and central air that will keep her cool on hot summer days. I can tell she is computer savvy because she owns more than one computer. I can tell she likes, and believes the products that she sells( Pampered Chef). Her kitchen, and closet are over flowing with them. I can tell she likes plants. There are many of them and for her it probably . represents growth

Seeing Yourself as Others see you (Version #2 Creating Your Own Cheering Section)

Barbara Sher states "if you've got even a little nerve try Version 1".

I am not generally shy, but I can be imaginative so, I going to go out on the limb & try Version 1. I picked my husband because he is someone who I love and trust and he will be honest with me.

I can tell you it wasn't easy because he feels more like the subject than I do (hum mm imagine that).

He wrote " You are very spiritual, loving, giving, trustful, loyal, and you are a good cook". It's a wonderful thing & I tell you I am surprise by some of his responses. He said these wonderful things about me & yes I am claiming them. I choose not to pick people that are famous like Albert Einstein, or even Oprah. I pick the people who are truly loving & they really got my back. I will not trade the people who I cherish for someone rich, or famous.

I wrote their names down and close my eyes and I imagined that I was one of them.

Getzman (husband) handsome, intelligent, loving, quick, eager, comical, trustworthy, compassionate, spiritual, great father, great husband, and provider.

Denisha (daughter) beautiful, smart, funny, compassionate, loving, humorous, passionate for others, speak Spanish.

Getzman Jr. (son) smart, funny, love to talk on phone, love body physic, smell good, loyal to friends.

Jacolbi (son) articulate,s,art very observant, loving, like African American History, speak Italian

Twenty Things You Like to Do:

Being with my husband,taking care of my children, taking my children to the movies, going to class it's a privilege for me, spending time with friends, spending time with family, eating a meal together, going to Church, going shopping, looking @the sunset, looking @ the moon, helping others, traveling, going to concerts, exercising with others, watching ducks/geese in a pond/lake, watching my children grow up, driving my car, going to work, spending time reading my bible, spending time with God, praying for family, friends, and others, having some me time.

Your Ideal Environment::

In what imaginary environment would your best self emerge?

My best self would emerge in a hot climate. Mostly along the ocean and beach shores with my husband. I imagine that my children are grown, out on their own leading wonderful productive lives. We are be retired with nothing to do but lye on the beach enjoying life. Cancun, Hawaii, is ideal. We have a house right on the ocean floor where when we awake every morning with the hot beautiful sun greeting us. We enjoy the beautiful sound of the waves hitting the shore and color of the water is exquisite. My husband is thankful God gave me to him and he can not imagine life without me. (Vice versa). No amount of water could be put out the flame that him & I share. We are sharing our wonderful life with our grandchildren in this wonderful climate on the beach.

Your Ideal Day:

Every day is my ideal day. I thank God every morning for giving me & my family another day to try to do his will and for giving me the wisdom and the knowledge to try and make a difference in this world.

What are you doing?

I am retired living on the beach with my husband. Which I am so happy about retiring in "2012"

boy am I looking forward to this!

Where

Any place Texas, California where there is a beach & where it is warm.

Who?

I eat, laugh, talk, sleep,share tender moments, share our spirituality, enjoy each other every day for the remainder of our lives. Now that's idea!

Fantasy Analysis:

What elements of your ideal day are absolutely indispensable to your happiness?

Indispensable

What:

Relaxing with my husband with sun shades

Looking @ the Sun

Looking @ the water

Where:

Anywhere the weather is warm.

Who:

My husband

Children/Grandchildren

Friends/Family

Optional but Desirable:

What:

Learning to play piano

Where:

Living in a beautiful home on the ocean shore.

Who:

All of my Indispensables are not optional.

Frills:

Cars

Own Business

Where:

Home on the ocean shore, but built up high so it won't be washed away in the storms.

What happens when you walk thorough an adjusted fantasy day w/ only the indispensable elements in it?

It is the most beautiful thing you ever wantto see.

What if any elements of that day do you already have?

I have mostly all the elements, family friends, and God is the head of my life. I enjoy each day as it is my last.

What elements of the adjusted ideal day are conspicuously absent from my life?

Retirement is conspicuously absent but whew in 2012 it's on!, That beautiful house on the ocean shore is also absent.

What stands between you and having your adjusted ideal tomorrow?

Time...I can not retire at this moment. I have to wait until ....."2012"