Time is flying by beyond fast. A lot faster then I had imagined it would. I love my birthday and I am excited thinking about its arrival in two weeks from today, but I'm also thinking about the fact that my birthday means one month of time left in San Diego. After this week we have 6 weeks of school left. The last day of school is on June 18th. It's also the date we are to say all of our goodbyes to everyone we are close with around here by. June 19th, 20th and 21st will be spent doing intense cleaning of our house from sun up to sun down. June 22nd we fly to Philly for end of the year retreat and on the 26th we fly home. June 27th I am a free women...with nothing to do.
Yes, it is currently May 4th and I still have absolutely no idea what I am doing with my life come June 27th. I'm starting to think about applying for jobs. It's so difficult to do though with working full time. I really don't have the time or the energy to look for jobs as much as I should. I really want to live in Philadelphia. I don't know why exactly but it's something I have been thinking about for a while. Not only do they have some good non profits (the field of management I want to get into) but I just really enjoy the area. I've realized this year that I enjoy living away from home a lot. Philly is the perfect area in which I am a distance from home and on my own in a sense, but close enough that I can drive there in 8 hours if I wanted to. I'm also kind of thinking about school...haven't really figured out what yet, but the option is there. I'm thinking about getting my masters in theology, business or education. As much as teaching PE drives me crazy, I think it's mainly because of the fact that it's PE and I would really enjoy it if I could have control of the class and not be playing sports so much. Theology because I think it would be good in the non profit field. And business because well...thats why my bachelors is in! Who knows though. We will see where this next month and a half takes me!
Although this year is beginning to come to a close and it's hard not to focus on what I'm going to do next year, I'm trying to concentrate on the now and really enjoying the rest of the year before it all flys by. We have tons of community events planned...seems like we're booked until we leave! There isn't too much throughout the beginning of May. As the end roles around though on the 23rd we're headed to the wild animal park, on the 24th I'm headed to Disney Land with Mike, Anne and the 8th grade class. The 26th we're going to a padres game and June 2nd we're headed to Disney Land as a community with the tickets the priests gave us for Christmas! I think there is more as well but it's all I can think about at the moment.
As much as I am still trying to just get through the days of work, I do enjoy it all sometimes. It's by far one of the hardest things I've done in my life but definitely worth it. Sometimes the kids drive me crazy and other times I can joke around and have fun with them. Today a first grader came to hug me and told me I was the best PE teacher ever, but then I have 7th grade and have them telling me I pretty much suck. So it don't know what to think. I still have trouble controling 7th and 8th grade, but i'm seeing it now as they're never going to listen to me. 7th grade did tell me today while they weren't having PE that it's not just me, it's the volunteers in general that they don't ever listen to...so that does make me feel a bit better!
I'm proud of the fact that I have actually posted something as I was feeling it. Kairos was awesome...my post on that will hopefully be coming very soon!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
This Is Our Time
I've been avoiding this post forever. I started to write it about two weeks ago but ended up getting so angry as I was writing that I just had to stop. This post recaps the 8th grade retreat, which was now what seems like a while ago. The past couple weeks of school I was so angry at the 8th graders that I couldn't write about how great they were without getting even more mad. So, I am writing it now from home, 3,000 miles away. But all of that will be in another post soon to come.
I would say one of the biggest things I did this year and one of the things that I really am the most proud of thus far, is 8th Grade Retreat. Every year the 8th graders have an overnight retreat at Kamp Kuper (about 45min-1hr away from San Diego) which is planned by the Augustinian Volunteer at the school. I mainly planned the entire retreat on my own. Anne helped as well and thankfully Mike came along to help with the boys.
I was extremly nervous going into the two days ahead. Not only because I was in charge of 27, 13 year olds who are pretty crazy, but also because these kids have been looking foward to this retreat for most of their elementary grades. All they were talking about from the moment we got back from Christmas break was how excited they were for this retreat.
The retreat was like your typical retreat, except a little shorter and a little less intense seeing as they are only 13 years old. The retreat ran from Wednesday morning until Thursday afternoon. Wednesday they arrived, we started with the ice breakers. Then went into the Friends talk from Mike and Family talk from Anne with small groups following both of them.
Me with my small group
They then had confession and mass. All of that was followed by a photo scavenger hunt with their small group...i think that is what got them really excited about everything we did, finally "bonding" with their groups (my group won in the end btw!)
My group doing on of the pictures on the scavanger hunt...a conga line! They were smart and thought smallest to tallest...gabe, justin, esteban, sebastian, reyna, lillian, marisa, sal and will.
At night we did some retreat like activities. The "reach out and tap someone" game (yes, for you merrimackers reading this I had to change 'touch' to 'tap' because they can't handle anything slightly inappropriate) which took a bit to get into but ended up working really well. The 8th grade teacher and I were discussing how the game will probably work better with more mature classes in the future. We then did the dream circle chain (yes, I took it from MORE!). I had them doing dream stuff in computer class so they were prepared. They had to write their realistic dream on one side of a strip of paper and their unrealistic dream on the other side. We then connected them all together and the chain is now hanging in their classroom which is nice. Following all of that they recieved letters from their family and friends which was always great, and since they had never been on a retreat before they weren't expecting it.
Night time was not nearly as crazy as I thought it was going to be. Anne, Mike and myself were responsible for staying up until they all went to bed. Anne and I went to bed at 5 and woke up at 7. Mike went to bed at 6 in the boys cabin. I was slightly worried they were going to go crazy because all they were talking about for weeks was the pranks they were going to play. But, they didn't end up playing any and the girls just ended up trying to stay as late as they can. They listened to music, danced, played games and talked about boys and kissing for the night. It was cute to hear all of them...brought us back ten years.
Thursday I gave the God talk. I felt like it actually went pretty well and they got soemthing out of it which was nice. They exchanged gifts and did affirmations afterwards and then we gave them the chance to ask us questions they wanted to about high school, college, ect and finally headed home!
Mike, Anne, Pat Motz (the 8th grade teacher) and I with all the 8th graders
I think the two days were a great realization for me. They are a lot older then I see them and at the same time a lot younger then I see them. I saw everything that they are going through at such a young age...family difficulties, caring a lot and struggling with grades, and even actually having a strong faith in God at such a young age. They are a lot younger then I see them because they cared a lot more about free time and were constantly talking throughout the two days which made me see how they wanted to go for the fun, not always just the retreat stuff.
From what I hear though, they seem to have loved the retreat...I don't know if it was because they got to miss three days of school or because they actually really enjoyed what we did, but at least they still had fun. They are still typical 13 year olds. Some of the other teachers asked if they did any growing up at all over the two days. I say yes. They may still be mean to everyone, including me, but at least they are mean kids who actually semi like me now!
I would say one of the biggest things I did this year and one of the things that I really am the most proud of thus far, is 8th Grade Retreat. Every year the 8th graders have an overnight retreat at Kamp Kuper (about 45min-1hr away from San Diego) which is planned by the Augustinian Volunteer at the school. I mainly planned the entire retreat on my own. Anne helped as well and thankfully Mike came along to help with the boys.
I was extremly nervous going into the two days ahead. Not only because I was in charge of 27, 13 year olds who are pretty crazy, but also because these kids have been looking foward to this retreat for most of their elementary grades. All they were talking about from the moment we got back from Christmas break was how excited they were for this retreat.
The retreat was like your typical retreat, except a little shorter and a little less intense seeing as they are only 13 years old. The retreat ran from Wednesday morning until Thursday afternoon. Wednesday they arrived, we started with the ice breakers. Then went into the Friends talk from Mike and Family talk from Anne with small groups following both of them.
Me with my small group
They then had confession and mass. All of that was followed by a photo scavenger hunt with their small group...i think that is what got them really excited about everything we did, finally "bonding" with their groups (my group won in the end btw!)
My group doing on of the pictures on the scavanger hunt...a conga line! They were smart and thought smallest to tallest...gabe, justin, esteban, sebastian, reyna, lillian, marisa, sal and will.
At night we did some retreat like activities. The "reach out and tap someone" game (yes, for you merrimackers reading this I had to change 'touch' to 'tap' because they can't handle anything slightly inappropriate) which took a bit to get into but ended up working really well. The 8th grade teacher and I were discussing how the game will probably work better with more mature classes in the future. We then did the dream circle chain (yes, I took it from MORE!). I had them doing dream stuff in computer class so they were prepared. They had to write their realistic dream on one side of a strip of paper and their unrealistic dream on the other side. We then connected them all together and the chain is now hanging in their classroom which is nice. Following all of that they recieved letters from their family and friends which was always great, and since they had never been on a retreat before they weren't expecting it.
Night time was not nearly as crazy as I thought it was going to be. Anne, Mike and myself were responsible for staying up until they all went to bed. Anne and I went to bed at 5 and woke up at 7. Mike went to bed at 6 in the boys cabin. I was slightly worried they were going to go crazy because all they were talking about for weeks was the pranks they were going to play. But, they didn't end up playing any and the girls just ended up trying to stay as late as they can. They listened to music, danced, played games and talked about boys and kissing for the night. It was cute to hear all of them...brought us back ten years.
Thursday I gave the God talk. I felt like it actually went pretty well and they got soemthing out of it which was nice. They exchanged gifts and did affirmations afterwards and then we gave them the chance to ask us questions they wanted to about high school, college, ect and finally headed home!
Mike, Anne, Pat Motz (the 8th grade teacher) and I with all the 8th graders
I think the two days were a great realization for me. They are a lot older then I see them and at the same time a lot younger then I see them. I saw everything that they are going through at such a young age...family difficulties, caring a lot and struggling with grades, and even actually having a strong faith in God at such a young age. They are a lot younger then I see them because they cared a lot more about free time and were constantly talking throughout the two days which made me see how they wanted to go for the fun, not always just the retreat stuff.
From what I hear though, they seem to have loved the retreat...I don't know if it was because they got to miss three days of school or because they actually really enjoyed what we did, but at least they still had fun. They are still typical 13 year olds. Some of the other teachers asked if they did any growing up at all over the two days. I say yes. They may still be mean to everyone, including me, but at least they are mean kids who actually semi like me now!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Lenten Reflection
Each year, a variety of Augustinian Volunteers, alumni, friars and friends write lenten reflections that can relate a lot to what we are doing this year. Today was my day to write so I figured I would also post it here! I know that mine is pretty much the end one, but to check out all of them go to http://osavol.org/Lent_10/Reflections.html
Wednesday, March 31
http://www.usccb.org/nab/033110.shtml
Is 50:4-9a; Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34; Mt 26:14-25
As Augustinian Volunteers, we are faced with a variety of challenges throughout our year. Although a difficult workday or tension with a community member is definitely a challenge, I believe our greatest challenge is learning to let faith lead our lives. It’s hard to think of a difficult day or a challenging moment as something that is leading us to where we are meant to be, but in order to truly let faith lead us we need to first have trust. Trust in ourselves, that we are working hard and that we can see the positive side of everything in which we are doing. Trust in God, that he will not give us any challenges we cannot handle or that we’re not ready for.
Most importantly, for this year at least, Trust in Community. Isaiah says in today’s reading “The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together.” It’s not only trusting in our individual community, but the community that surrounds us. The Augustinians, our co-workers, alumni and roommates all give us strength and make us realize that there is always somebody supporting us.
Sometimes it is difficult to focus on what is going on in the moment, but if we look at each instance we can take strength from God in each situation. We can form relationships, make a difference at work sites, support and be supported in community, and truly realize that through it all faith leads each one of our lives.
Katie Kupski
Current AV, San Diego
Wednesday, March 31
http://www.usccb.org/nab/033110.shtml
Is 50:4-9a; Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34; Mt 26:14-25
As Augustinian Volunteers, we are faced with a variety of challenges throughout our year. Although a difficult workday or tension with a community member is definitely a challenge, I believe our greatest challenge is learning to let faith lead our lives. It’s hard to think of a difficult day or a challenging moment as something that is leading us to where we are meant to be, but in order to truly let faith lead us we need to first have trust. Trust in ourselves, that we are working hard and that we can see the positive side of everything in which we are doing. Trust in God, that he will not give us any challenges we cannot handle or that we’re not ready for.
Most importantly, for this year at least, Trust in Community. Isaiah says in today’s reading “The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together.” It’s not only trusting in our individual community, but the community that surrounds us. The Augustinians, our co-workers, alumni and roommates all give us strength and make us realize that there is always somebody supporting us.
Sometimes it is difficult to focus on what is going on in the moment, but if we look at each instance we can take strength from God in each situation. We can form relationships, make a difference at work sites, support and be supported in community, and truly realize that through it all faith leads each one of our lives.
Katie Kupski
Current AV, San Diego
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Catholic Schools Week
So, what I am currently trying to do is update the past two months or so in a matter of a few entries. I decided I wanted to post an update, but it isn't going to help at all without the months before it. My last update was at the end of January. The next thing I can think of that really made a big impact on my year thus far was Catholic Schools Week. It's something that really showed me just how great the school I'm working for is.
Catholic Schools Week began on Sunday, February 7th with an open house they had to show off some stuff the children had been doing. At each of the masses that day they had parents speaking to the parishoners about what a catholic school meant to them, and the principal/my supervisor, Dan O'Neal, asked me to speak at the 5:30pm youth mass about catholic schools in my life (which is nothing except for college!) So here is what I wrote:
"For those of you who may not know me, my name is Kaitlyn Kupski. I am a recent college graduate and this year I am working as an Augustinian Volunteer here in San Diego. As a full time volunteer I was placed to work here at St. Patrick's School and was asked to speak to you all briefly today regarding the kick off of Catholic Schools Week.
Through high school I attended public schools and for my higher education I chose to attend Merrimack College, an Augustinian school in Massachusetts. As much as I enjoyed the education I had as a child I was excited for the opportunity I was about to embark on. At Merrimack I truly found the Augustinian spirituality and saw what a catholic community actually was. A catholic school gave me the chance to participate in retreats and more importantly service opportunities where I was able to serve God's poor and needy in a variety of different ways. I was able to learn about Catholicism in my everyday life and embrace all of St. Augustine's teachings. I always knew that there was something missing in my life and throughout my time at Merrimack I found God.
I knew my senior year that I wanted to continue to serve and really grow in my faith post college, so I chose to do a year of volunteer work. I didn't have many logical choices behind my decision to become an Augustinian Volunteer other then the fact that I knew God was truly calling me to this path. In the five months I have been working at St. Patrick's School I have been beyond impressed with the quality of educationl; not just what they are learning, but how they are learning it. I was immediately struck by the community here and finally understand the importance of a catholic education. Each person here looks out for one another and really does care for each other. A catholic school is more then just learning about God, a catholic school encourages intellectual growth, nurtures faith and inspires action. Although I do believe I recieved a good education in a public school I am now seeing from St. Patrick's what more a catholic education can offer. These children have a guiding force in their life that I was not lucky enough to have as a child.
As catholic schools week is beginning I challenge all of you to think about what a catholic education has done for you and what it can continue to do. I have been blessed to even now learn what it means to have a quality education and I am looking foward to all that I can learn from St. Patrick's and catholic schools in the remaining 5 months I will be an Augustinian Volunteer here in San Diego."
The rest of catholic schools week was great. Monday was Hat day, which means I obviously rocked my Boston hat. Tuesday was crazy day, Anne and I decided to go all out and plan somewhat matching outfits...
Anne and I in all of our gear in front of the house before work int he morning.
Wednesday was grandparents day/perfect dress day. So they all had to show up in their best uniform attire. Thursday was Sports Day (wore my Brady jersey of course!) which during the last period was the annual students vs. teacher volleyball game. The 7th and 8th graders play and the teachers obviously won...for the 11th year in a row. Anne and I were getting afraid cause the students were looking good in PE, but they didn't win!
All the teachers that played, after we won!
Friday was Diversity Day which was also a half day. The kids came in dressed up in clothing from their heritage and all brought in some type of food for their heritage as well. In the last period before going home, I didn't have classes, so I had the ability to go around to every single class and try all of the delicious food! I can definitely say that I am beginning to break out of my shell of being a picky eater...I'm not all the way there yet, but I'm getting there!
I think really loved catholic schools week because I was really able to see the love the kids had for their school. They showed me how much I can really love the school. I was able to have fun at the school and with the kids and I think that is what made me enjoy my work. Now that I am able to have fun with the children I can truly enjoy their presence and the love they give.
Catholic Schools Week began on Sunday, February 7th with an open house they had to show off some stuff the children had been doing. At each of the masses that day they had parents speaking to the parishoners about what a catholic school meant to them, and the principal/my supervisor, Dan O'Neal, asked me to speak at the 5:30pm youth mass about catholic schools in my life (which is nothing except for college!) So here is what I wrote:
"For those of you who may not know me, my name is Kaitlyn Kupski. I am a recent college graduate and this year I am working as an Augustinian Volunteer here in San Diego. As a full time volunteer I was placed to work here at St. Patrick's School and was asked to speak to you all briefly today regarding the kick off of Catholic Schools Week.
Through high school I attended public schools and for my higher education I chose to attend Merrimack College, an Augustinian school in Massachusetts. As much as I enjoyed the education I had as a child I was excited for the opportunity I was about to embark on. At Merrimack I truly found the Augustinian spirituality and saw what a catholic community actually was. A catholic school gave me the chance to participate in retreats and more importantly service opportunities where I was able to serve God's poor and needy in a variety of different ways. I was able to learn about Catholicism in my everyday life and embrace all of St. Augustine's teachings. I always knew that there was something missing in my life and throughout my time at Merrimack I found God.
I knew my senior year that I wanted to continue to serve and really grow in my faith post college, so I chose to do a year of volunteer work. I didn't have many logical choices behind my decision to become an Augustinian Volunteer other then the fact that I knew God was truly calling me to this path. In the five months I have been working at St. Patrick's School I have been beyond impressed with the quality of educationl; not just what they are learning, but how they are learning it. I was immediately struck by the community here and finally understand the importance of a catholic education. Each person here looks out for one another and really does care for each other. A catholic school is more then just learning about God, a catholic school encourages intellectual growth, nurtures faith and inspires action. Although I do believe I recieved a good education in a public school I am now seeing from St. Patrick's what more a catholic education can offer. These children have a guiding force in their life that I was not lucky enough to have as a child.
As catholic schools week is beginning I challenge all of you to think about what a catholic education has done for you and what it can continue to do. I have been blessed to even now learn what it means to have a quality education and I am looking foward to all that I can learn from St. Patrick's and catholic schools in the remaining 5 months I will be an Augustinian Volunteer here in San Diego."
The rest of catholic schools week was great. Monday was Hat day, which means I obviously rocked my Boston hat. Tuesday was crazy day, Anne and I decided to go all out and plan somewhat matching outfits...
Anne and I in all of our gear in front of the house before work int he morning.
Wednesday was grandparents day/perfect dress day. So they all had to show up in their best uniform attire. Thursday was Sports Day (wore my Brady jersey of course!) which during the last period was the annual students vs. teacher volleyball game. The 7th and 8th graders play and the teachers obviously won...for the 11th year in a row. Anne and I were getting afraid cause the students were looking good in PE, but they didn't win!
All the teachers that played, after we won!
Friday was Diversity Day which was also a half day. The kids came in dressed up in clothing from their heritage and all brought in some type of food for their heritage as well. In the last period before going home, I didn't have classes, so I had the ability to go around to every single class and try all of the delicious food! I can definitely say that I am beginning to break out of my shell of being a picky eater...I'm not all the way there yet, but I'm getting there!
I think really loved catholic schools week because I was really able to see the love the kids had for their school. They showed me how much I can really love the school. I was able to have fun at the school and with the kids and I think that is what made me enjoy my work. Now that I am able to have fun with the children I can truly enjoy their presence and the love they give.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Jaunary thus far
January has been a strange month because I have been everywhere from home to midyear and then back to San Diego. Home was a little overwhelming, but still great. It was supposed to be my time to relax but it turns out that I did just the opposite. I wanted to get in seeing lots of people so I was always on the go and not at home nearly as much as I wanted to be. Not that it wasn't great to see people because it definitely was. It was awesome to be with my family again, especially my mom. I think the best part of being home though was finally being able to meet my god-daughter, Emma. She is the cutest little girl I have see and it was really hard to have to leave her and Colleen and Matty.
After her baptism with me and Eldon, her god parents.
Right from home we went to mid year retreat which was in Ocean City, on the shore in New Jersey. Alli and I were driving down in the volunteer cars, I had the Lawrence car and she had the Bronx car. We were supposed to leave Massachusetts by 9am so we could be at the retreat house by 4pm but due to a lovely snow storm we couldn't drive until it kind of stopped. So I left my house by noon and ended up in Jersey after picking a few others up along the way at 10pm. It was a very long ride but at least somewhat enjoyable. Mid year retreat was great. It was awesome to see everyone from all of the different sites and especially to spend 4 straight days with Alli. It was a nice way to ease back into the volunteer year after being home and gave us ways to really focus on what we are doing and how to continue to make the best of the rest of the year.
our car on the way down to midyear. almost there (only a few blocks away) after what felt like a million hours of driving.
during the community competition. our clue on the beach got blown away, but clearly we didn't care and decided to stop and take pictures instead!
Alli and I. We shared a room during midyear...felt just like when we lived together!
San Diego before our dinner out!
All of the domestic volunteers 2009-2010!
After midyear was straight back to San Diego. I am realizing that I do really love this place very much. In the beginning we missed fall a lot and thought the city was to cocky of itself. But now that we actually know our way around places and the fact that its sunny while its freezing at home, we are beginning to really enjoy it here. I love being able to wear shorts and dresses in January rather then bundling up in too many clothes. (although I hate that all of my dresses and such are summer clothes and they dont go with the season so I never know what I should wear here!)
The two weeks that I have been back at school have probably been two of the hardest weeks I've had here thus far. The first week consisted of getting the students back into the routine with me. Behaving, listening, ect. I forgot what it was like to be with children all day again and to just come home feeling exhausted. Running around after kids and yelling all day (mainly because we are outside and if I dont yell in general they can't hear me) is just plain old tiring. Meg and Sarah were here visiting me last weekend though. I loved being able to go out with them here, to show them where I live and where I work, having them meet my roommates and showing them lots of San Diego.
Meg, Sarah and I in Old Town.
out in PB (pacific beach) with melissa, also went to Merrimack and came down from LA.
This past week at school has been insanely difficult. San Diego has been having rain and storms all week which leads to having PE inside. I don't mind it too much because its a nice change from what we are usually doing, but the kids are crazy because of the weather and they can't get their energy out by running outside. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday we did things in their classroom, watched a movie or played 4 corners, heads up 7 up and silent ball. Thursday we brought them into the parish hall to run around but they were insane. It was probably one of the most difficult days so far. At the end of 5th grade P.E. a boy punched a girl in his class. I didn't see it so it was really difficult. Probably one of the more challenging situations I have been in.
But the rain is now gone in San Diego so lets hope that this week is much better! Since I have now done 4 updates in the past month I think I am on a good streak and I'm going to try to keep it up!
Adios! (My roommates are trying to help me learn spanish)
After her baptism with me and Eldon, her god parents.
Right from home we went to mid year retreat which was in Ocean City, on the shore in New Jersey. Alli and I were driving down in the volunteer cars, I had the Lawrence car and she had the Bronx car. We were supposed to leave Massachusetts by 9am so we could be at the retreat house by 4pm but due to a lovely snow storm we couldn't drive until it kind of stopped. So I left my house by noon and ended up in Jersey after picking a few others up along the way at 10pm. It was a very long ride but at least somewhat enjoyable. Mid year retreat was great. It was awesome to see everyone from all of the different sites and especially to spend 4 straight days with Alli. It was a nice way to ease back into the volunteer year after being home and gave us ways to really focus on what we are doing and how to continue to make the best of the rest of the year.
our car on the way down to midyear. almost there (only a few blocks away) after what felt like a million hours of driving.
during the community competition. our clue on the beach got blown away, but clearly we didn't care and decided to stop and take pictures instead!
Alli and I. We shared a room during midyear...felt just like when we lived together!
San Diego before our dinner out!
All of the domestic volunteers 2009-2010!
After midyear was straight back to San Diego. I am realizing that I do really love this place very much. In the beginning we missed fall a lot and thought the city was to cocky of itself. But now that we actually know our way around places and the fact that its sunny while its freezing at home, we are beginning to really enjoy it here. I love being able to wear shorts and dresses in January rather then bundling up in too many clothes. (although I hate that all of my dresses and such are summer clothes and they dont go with the season so I never know what I should wear here!)
The two weeks that I have been back at school have probably been two of the hardest weeks I've had here thus far. The first week consisted of getting the students back into the routine with me. Behaving, listening, ect. I forgot what it was like to be with children all day again and to just come home feeling exhausted. Running around after kids and yelling all day (mainly because we are outside and if I dont yell in general they can't hear me) is just plain old tiring. Meg and Sarah were here visiting me last weekend though. I loved being able to go out with them here, to show them where I live and where I work, having them meet my roommates and showing them lots of San Diego.
Meg, Sarah and I in Old Town.
out in PB (pacific beach) with melissa, also went to Merrimack and came down from LA.
This past week at school has been insanely difficult. San Diego has been having rain and storms all week which leads to having PE inside. I don't mind it too much because its a nice change from what we are usually doing, but the kids are crazy because of the weather and they can't get their energy out by running outside. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday we did things in their classroom, watched a movie or played 4 corners, heads up 7 up and silent ball. Thursday we brought them into the parish hall to run around but they were insane. It was probably one of the most difficult days so far. At the end of 5th grade P.E. a boy punched a girl in his class. I didn't see it so it was really difficult. Probably one of the more challenging situations I have been in.
But the rain is now gone in San Diego so lets hope that this week is much better! Since I have now done 4 updates in the past month I think I am on a good streak and I'm going to try to keep it up!
Adios! (My roommates are trying to help me learn spanish)
St. Pats
Yesterday, I was sitting inside watching a movie with 4th grade (we had indoor P.E. because of all the rain) and I began to think about how much I actually love the place. I love that I know all 152 students names and that I actually have some sort of a relationship with each and everyone of them. I have five months left at the school and I am going to make the most of it. In the past five months I have seen the students grow and I can only imagine how much they will continue to affect me over the remaining time. I can already feel how difficult it is going to be to leave the place.
Although I am finally realizing how much I like the place, I still find my job extremly hard. There are some kids, mainly 8th graders, who can't act properly. They talk back, which I'm pretty sure they don't do to any other teacher. It's only January and I'm running out of ideas of things to do with the kids. Mike and I are talking a lot more about lessons and using things that the each of us have done a lot more. Hopefully we will keep that up and can come up with lots more ideas together. So if anybody reading this knows of any games that I may not know already...please feel free to send them my way. I am also hopfully ordering more equipment this week so that can probably give me more things to do with the kids. My greatest challenge is coming up with things for the 8th graders to do. The computers also still don't have internet, but I believe a parent may actually be helping me with that so hopefully that will not be an issue soon.
I have personally set lots of goals for myself to keep me motivated thoughout the rest of my time at St. Pat's. I want to continue to be present at the school as much as I am. I do a lot there but I like that I can get so involved in the school. I want to work on my trust. In myself because I know that if I have set my mind on something I can do it and not feel as overwhelmed. In my community that they are there for a reason, to help me when I need it. And in God because I know that he would not give me anything that I would not be able to handle. I want to start to look on the possitive side rather then just the negative that occured that day. I want to live in the moment more. I always look foward to what is coming next whether is being something in particular or just the weekend, but by doing that I am not fully experiencing what is going on at the time. And finally I want to leave some kids of legacy at the school. Perhaps start a club or just do something in general to make me stand out. So with those, I hope that St. Pat's will help me to continue to grow.
Here are also some picture to finally give you a better idea of what exactly my job involves.
Our little tutoring corner in the computer room. We do one on one tutoring after school 4 days a week. I'm there everyday, Emily is with me on Monday's and Wednesday's and Anne is there on Tuesday's and Thursday's.
The computer room. There are 8 working computers. The colorfulness on the keyboards is the stickers I put on which they absolutly hate cause they can't see the keys.
The school parking lot, aka my classroom. You can see most of the school here too. Southern California schools don't really have hallways, all the doors are right into the parking lot which is where they have P.E. and recess.
The rest of the parking lot. It's hard to do things in here cause somebody always gets hurt. You can also see the church behind everything which is part of the school. The little building in the bottom right corner is the computer room from the outside.
The area where they eat lunch. There is only one class of each grade and 3 grades eat at a time. The door on the right behind the tables is the P.E. closet. The fact that it is so small shows you how little equipment I really do have.
Me leading the class in stretches. We start every class by having them line up on their poly spots and stretch and then running 2 or 3 laps around the yard (what they call the parking lot) and then we play whatever game we are doing.
Me with the kindergarten class. During the times where I don't have classes I go into different classrooms and help the teachers where needed. Tuesday morning's I'm with the kinders.
Although I am finally realizing how much I like the place, I still find my job extremly hard. There are some kids, mainly 8th graders, who can't act properly. They talk back, which I'm pretty sure they don't do to any other teacher. It's only January and I'm running out of ideas of things to do with the kids. Mike and I are talking a lot more about lessons and using things that the each of us have done a lot more. Hopefully we will keep that up and can come up with lots more ideas together. So if anybody reading this knows of any games that I may not know already...please feel free to send them my way. I am also hopfully ordering more equipment this week so that can probably give me more things to do with the kids. My greatest challenge is coming up with things for the 8th graders to do. The computers also still don't have internet, but I believe a parent may actually be helping me with that so hopefully that will not be an issue soon.
I have personally set lots of goals for myself to keep me motivated thoughout the rest of my time at St. Pat's. I want to continue to be present at the school as much as I am. I do a lot there but I like that I can get so involved in the school. I want to work on my trust. In myself because I know that if I have set my mind on something I can do it and not feel as overwhelmed. In my community that they are there for a reason, to help me when I need it. And in God because I know that he would not give me anything that I would not be able to handle. I want to start to look on the possitive side rather then just the negative that occured that day. I want to live in the moment more. I always look foward to what is coming next whether is being something in particular or just the weekend, but by doing that I am not fully experiencing what is going on at the time. And finally I want to leave some kids of legacy at the school. Perhaps start a club or just do something in general to make me stand out. So with those, I hope that St. Pat's will help me to continue to grow.
Here are also some picture to finally give you a better idea of what exactly my job involves.
Our little tutoring corner in the computer room. We do one on one tutoring after school 4 days a week. I'm there everyday, Emily is with me on Monday's and Wednesday's and Anne is there on Tuesday's and Thursday's.
The computer room. There are 8 working computers. The colorfulness on the keyboards is the stickers I put on which they absolutly hate cause they can't see the keys.
The school parking lot, aka my classroom. You can see most of the school here too. Southern California schools don't really have hallways, all the doors are right into the parking lot which is where they have P.E. and recess.
The rest of the parking lot. It's hard to do things in here cause somebody always gets hurt. You can also see the church behind everything which is part of the school. The little building in the bottom right corner is the computer room from the outside.
The area where they eat lunch. There is only one class of each grade and 3 grades eat at a time. The door on the right behind the tables is the P.E. closet. The fact that it is so small shows you how little equipment I really do have.
Me leading the class in stretches. We start every class by having them line up on their poly spots and stretch and then running 2 or 3 laps around the yard (what they call the parking lot) and then we play whatever game we are doing.
Me with the kindergarten class. During the times where I don't have classes I go into different classrooms and help the teachers where needed. Tuesday morning's I'm with the kinders.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Long time no see!
So, I have realized since being here that having a blog is definitely not my forte, but it is something that I want to work on in the coming months. Since I haven't REALLY updated since October, I'm going to try to sum up the first half of my year. My last post is also the blog entry that I had to write for the program so that is there too. I will be doing multiple posts regarding the first half of the year, but this one is meant to sum up community life. Because it would be wayyy to long to write everything out, I am doing this one in a variety of pictures. I think they sum up better what the year has been as well.
Community life is what I have really loved the most about this year. In a matter of just 5 months my five roommates: Ali, Anne, Chris, Emily and Mike have already changed my life in a great way. They are what keeps me going each day and really make me realize how great this year is. They're the ones who cheer me up when I've had a bad day, make me laugh and smile, do random things with, and now even eat healthy and work out. We pray together on a regular basis which gives us the time to reflect on everything that we are doing and have meals together a few times a week. I love those moments because of the time that the 6 of us share. And because of those moments I have seen God in my community more then anybody else this year. I'm having a hard time realizing that this year is already half way over. It really feels like about a month ago that I was applying to the program and eventually graduating from college. All I can say is that I can't imagine myself anywhere else other then in San Diego, in this house and with these people this year and I am really looking foward to all that I have left. But anyways...onto what we have done thus far!
The year started out in August at orientation meeting all of the Augustinian Volunteers, but most importantly, my community.
We then took off from Orientation in Philadelphia to head to San Diego! Yes, we all fell asleep on the plane!
We met Deac, our site supervisor, a person who has helped us so much and has affected our lives in a great way since being here. He also taught us how to surf!
We've made multiple beach trips, many during the day where we layed in the sun and went swimming and many at night where we would just lay down and look at the stars for a while.
We celebrated Mike's 23rd birthday the mexican way on our 2nd floor deck!
We headed to the 5th grade teacher from St. Pats house to celebrate Oktoberfest!
We saw many, many animals at the San Diego Zoo! A great trip that everybody should do at somepoint.
Mom came to visit! It was great to be able to show her everything that I had been doing here thus far. She was able to see St. Pats where I work and spend 4 days meeting my roommates. It was definitely great to see her.
We tried doing some dance and gymnastics moves in our front yard (its great living in San Diego where it is always warm).
We went to Julian, California. It is a little over an hour away from San Diego and at a higher altitude. We expected it to actually feel like fall because of that and we were excited because we missed the season a lot, but alas it was not cooler at all. In the 90 degree weather we still had a nice mini road trip, did some hiking, bought an apple pie, got cider and went pumpkin picking.
We have fallen in love with Hercules. Ali has friends that are Navy nurses out here and one of them has Hercules so we watch him sometimes while she is doing crazy shifts. Hes probably one of the greatest dogs ever.
We had a party at the house and finally decided to utilize our backyard. Turns out we actually have friends here in San Diego other then us and the Roderick's!
Ali and I went to LA for the weekend and stayed with her friend that is volunteering there for the year. We saw the chinese theatre, the hollywood sign and lots of other fun touristy things.
We hiked Lake Poway to Mt. Woodson. One of the favorite things we've done all together...and it was great exercise, over 8 miles!
We went to the Classy Awards! Hogar Infantil la Gloria, the orphanage that Anne and Chris work at and our friend Dan is the director of in Tijuana, Mexico was up for Charity of the Year and Won! It was so much fun to be able to get dressed up and get excited for something great for the orfa.
On my week of for thanksgiving, Emily, Anne and myself went bike riding around Coronado. You can only kind of see how great this island is in the picture.
One of the best days ever, we celebrated Thanksgiving together! The day started off with the girls doing a 5K for St. Vincent de Paul Village where Ali and Chris work...my first 5K! We came back and started to get things ready and then went outside to play a game of football since it was 80 here. The evening then followed with an awesome dinner and desserts and a great night together. The 6 of us plus Dan and Mike Roderick and Chris' brother that was here, all had an awesome time staying in and having fun. It will definitely be one of my most cherished memories of this year.
We have seen all sorts of beautiful sunsets. My favorite place to see them is at Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach. Right on the water and the view is perfect.
We've spent time at the orphanage in Tijuana all together. It's a place that has stolen my heart. Even not knowing any spanish I have fallen in love with all of the amazing children there. I am now motivated to learn spanish and I can't wait for all of the times that I can head there the rest of this year.
We have found our new favorite bar, Bar Pink. It's been a great change from our usual down the street bar, Hamilton's.
We went out for a nice dinner together before leaving for Christmas at Coronado brewing company. After we got frozen yogurt and walked to Hotel Del to see the Christmas tree, then came home and exchanged secret santa gifts and spent the rest of the evening together.
And that is Augustinian Volunteers San Diego 2009-2010 first half of the year in a nutshell!
Community life is what I have really loved the most about this year. In a matter of just 5 months my five roommates: Ali, Anne, Chris, Emily and Mike have already changed my life in a great way. They are what keeps me going each day and really make me realize how great this year is. They're the ones who cheer me up when I've had a bad day, make me laugh and smile, do random things with, and now even eat healthy and work out. We pray together on a regular basis which gives us the time to reflect on everything that we are doing and have meals together a few times a week. I love those moments because of the time that the 6 of us share. And because of those moments I have seen God in my community more then anybody else this year. I'm having a hard time realizing that this year is already half way over. It really feels like about a month ago that I was applying to the program and eventually graduating from college. All I can say is that I can't imagine myself anywhere else other then in San Diego, in this house and with these people this year and I am really looking foward to all that I have left. But anyways...onto what we have done thus far!
The year started out in August at orientation meeting all of the Augustinian Volunteers, but most importantly, my community.
We then took off from Orientation in Philadelphia to head to San Diego! Yes, we all fell asleep on the plane!
We met Deac, our site supervisor, a person who has helped us so much and has affected our lives in a great way since being here. He also taught us how to surf!
We've made multiple beach trips, many during the day where we layed in the sun and went swimming and many at night where we would just lay down and look at the stars for a while.
We celebrated Mike's 23rd birthday the mexican way on our 2nd floor deck!
We headed to the 5th grade teacher from St. Pats house to celebrate Oktoberfest!
We saw many, many animals at the San Diego Zoo! A great trip that everybody should do at somepoint.
Mom came to visit! It was great to be able to show her everything that I had been doing here thus far. She was able to see St. Pats where I work and spend 4 days meeting my roommates. It was definitely great to see her.
We tried doing some dance and gymnastics moves in our front yard (its great living in San Diego where it is always warm).
We went to Julian, California. It is a little over an hour away from San Diego and at a higher altitude. We expected it to actually feel like fall because of that and we were excited because we missed the season a lot, but alas it was not cooler at all. In the 90 degree weather we still had a nice mini road trip, did some hiking, bought an apple pie, got cider and went pumpkin picking.
We have fallen in love with Hercules. Ali has friends that are Navy nurses out here and one of them has Hercules so we watch him sometimes while she is doing crazy shifts. Hes probably one of the greatest dogs ever.
We had a party at the house and finally decided to utilize our backyard. Turns out we actually have friends here in San Diego other then us and the Roderick's!
Ali and I went to LA for the weekend and stayed with her friend that is volunteering there for the year. We saw the chinese theatre, the hollywood sign and lots of other fun touristy things.
We hiked Lake Poway to Mt. Woodson. One of the favorite things we've done all together...and it was great exercise, over 8 miles!
We went to the Classy Awards! Hogar Infantil la Gloria, the orphanage that Anne and Chris work at and our friend Dan is the director of in Tijuana, Mexico was up for Charity of the Year and Won! It was so much fun to be able to get dressed up and get excited for something great for the orfa.
On my week of for thanksgiving, Emily, Anne and myself went bike riding around Coronado. You can only kind of see how great this island is in the picture.
One of the best days ever, we celebrated Thanksgiving together! The day started off with the girls doing a 5K for St. Vincent de Paul Village where Ali and Chris work...my first 5K! We came back and started to get things ready and then went outside to play a game of football since it was 80 here. The evening then followed with an awesome dinner and desserts and a great night together. The 6 of us plus Dan and Mike Roderick and Chris' brother that was here, all had an awesome time staying in and having fun. It will definitely be one of my most cherished memories of this year.
We have seen all sorts of beautiful sunsets. My favorite place to see them is at Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach. Right on the water and the view is perfect.
We've spent time at the orphanage in Tijuana all together. It's a place that has stolen my heart. Even not knowing any spanish I have fallen in love with all of the amazing children there. I am now motivated to learn spanish and I can't wait for all of the times that I can head there the rest of this year.
We have found our new favorite bar, Bar Pink. It's been a great change from our usual down the street bar, Hamilton's.
We went out for a nice dinner together before leaving for Christmas at Coronado brewing company. After we got frozen yogurt and walked to Hotel Del to see the Christmas tree, then came home and exchanged secret santa gifts and spent the rest of the evening together.
And that is Augustinian Volunteers San Diego 2009-2010 first half of the year in a nutshell!
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