A little about where I work now :)

U.S. News & World Report Gives Franciscan University Top-Tier Ranking

For the 14th consecutive year, Franciscan University of Steubenville has received a top-tier ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, 2015 Edition. Franciscan University was ranked 30th overall among 146 Midwest Universities.

Among 12 evaluation categories, Franciscan University ranked 8th best for freshman retention rate and 8th best for its overall graduation rate. Taken together, these two categories demonstrate that students who begin their education at Franciscan University like what they experience and remain at the University until they graduate.

Earlier last week, the National Catholic Register placed Franciscan University among 38 “faithfully Catholic” colleges in its 2014 Catholic Identity Guide. In July 2014, FORBES Magazine named Franciscan University to its list of America’s Top Colleges 2014, which put Franciscan in the top 8 percent of all the 4,500 colleges FORBES considered.

Life is a circle

Back in college (the first time, as an undergraduate...ha!) I remember hearing a neat expression from one of my best friends from high school.  It went something to the effect of, "Life is like a circle.  For good or ill, everything comes back around again".  I remember liking it so much that I made it my signature line in my email when I set up my first email address.  Recently, I was reminded of that expression when printing out my schedule for this semester.  Anyone who knows me knows I recycle paper to a fault.  I always have scratch paper on hand and would rather print out articles, coupons, to-do lists, and well, you name it, on scratch paper rather than using "good" paper.  Printing out my Fall 2014 schedule was no different.  When I printed out my new schedule for my new job in this new state I flipped the sheet over to see what I had printed the current schedule on and had to laugh at the irony.  I had printed Fall 2014's new schedule on my plan of study that was drafted in May 2011.  For those of you not familiar with UNCG's paperwork, I had to complete a plan of study outlining what courses I planned to take and when in an effort to outline my plan of classes/study.  I remember working on that plan of study during my first semester of PhD classes and how at the time it had been an incredibly daunting task.  I remember thinking that I was in for a loooooong three more years at the end of that first year.  My how fast time can go....and here I am starting a new plan and thinking I'm in it for the long haul...but I wonder if in five years I will look back and wonder where the time went.  Lately it seems the days are whizzing on by but the weeks are taking a longer time to tick on by but I suspect that is due to Adam and me counting down the days to "next time" (less than a month now!!).  Anytime you are counting down the days to something, time has a way of slowing down for you.  So, for now, I sign off wishing you a good evening and to embrace all that comes with the moments we are fortunate to be given for they will be nothing but a fleeting memory sooner than we would like to admit.


On a side note.....did you know this??

 

Some things don't change

Guess what I did this afternoon!

I FINALLY finished unpacking!!!  One month ago from today I returned to Ohio after having spent ten glorious days with Adam, his family, and other friends who had met us out in California.  I remember all too well the feeling of sadness as I left my Aunt and Uncle's house in PA and made the 45 minute drive to Ohio.  For I knew that by driving west out of the best state ever to my new home that the summer was officially over for me.  I was closing the door to the summer of graduating and moving from NC, to the summer of planning for next year's wedding, to the days of staying with my parents at their home, and to the quick visits I had managed to squeeze in with some friends while staying at home.

I have made a career out of first days of school.  I had eight first days of school as a teacher before I moved down to NC for my PhD program.  August 2010 brought a whole new kind of first day of school.  I will never forget coming home from my first official day as a UNCG student and my brother and sister-in-law running to the door asking, "Well, how was it?!"  Their excitement and curiosity about my first day as a PhD student and as a graduate assistant were contagious and the two children at that time, Mason and Clark, could sense something was different.  The next three years added more responsibilities, research, and more children to the mix.  By August 2013, when I crossed that threshold down in High Point, the noise levels were a bit higher but so was the amount of love.  Oh how I miss my sweet NC niece and nephews and seeing them when I would come home from school.  Check out this picture from one of their first days of school my sister-in-law posted the other week.

  I love how you can pick up on their personalities even with their backs to the camera.  I wasn't there for this photo but I imagine that Mason is gently guiding Clark to stay turned around who is giggling with glee and wanting to turn around to his left to look at the camera.  Braden was startled by little Nick who couldn't resist reaching out to him as he stood with the "big kids".  Braden, the ever trying to keep up with his two older siblings seems irritated or surprised by this sudden gesture.  Anyhow, I just love these four little ones and miss seeing them and hearing all about their days on a daily basis.  I also can't forget my adorable PA nephews.  They, too, are enjoying their days that seem to be filled with adventures and fun!

Looks like Thomas and Ben are trying to be another set of twins.  They have twins on both their Mom's and Dad's sides of the family.  :)

So, these days, I don't have children who serve as a break or distraction from my schoolwork.  I now have the quiet days I used to long for but my lap and arms are empty.  I no longer have sticky fingerprints on my laptop or screen from where they would point to the "movies" I would show them.  However, I hear their voices and laughs in the "movies" of them that I show while teaching.  We even got to skype the other night when my parents were babysitting in NC where I got to talk with each of the four NC kiddos.  I also look forward to staying with the PA boys in a little over a month when Adam and I spend the night in Carlisle!  I also think Dusty Shamrock is thoroughly enjoying being the only "kid" in my life right now too as he gets all the attention of not only me but also my two housemates and any company we receive.  He has been quite the popular pup on our daily walks as the children on the street greet him and ask to pet him.

So, yes, in spite of missing the children in my family (and their parents and other relatives of mine) as I move forward with this semester, I have been enjoying getting to know my neighbors and housemates.  In fact, this morning, as I waited at the back of the church I think I may join for a colleague and her family, who walked in but one of my housemates?!  To think that one of my concerns about moving to Ohio after a summer at home with my parents and the last four years with my brother and his family that I was concerned I would have to go back to attending church alone as I did for so many years when living in Harrisburg and York!!  Of all the weekends I've been living here in Ohio, I have yet to attend mass by myself.  I also look forward to, in the future, attending mass with Adam at my side.

After attending mass this morning, I returned to the house to finish the LAST of the unpacking by going through the two boxes that for some reason I just couldn't unpack for the longest time.  In the one, I came across a bright blue binder.  Thinking it was left over from one of my undergraduate classes from eons ago, I flipped it open  to find my schedule of classes from my junior year.  That was the year I lived in an apartment on "Frat Row" with Ashley, Tracy, Amanda, and Monika and the year we all turned 21/22.  I remember this schedule hanging on my bedroom door and cracked a smile when I saw the butterflies, glittery heart stickers, pictures, and rainbow colored font.  Yeah, some things don't change. 

What was under the schedule though was something that stopped me in my tracks.  My eyes had landed on an Evaluation Team Report dated 10/30/84 that had been conducted right here in OHIO.  An educational vision consultant, audiologist, occupational therapist, education specialist, and school psychologist had completed this report that was divided into several sections.  These last few weeks, in one of my classes, we have been talking about assessment and the referral process for special education eligibility.  It was so surreal to be reading these reports after having taught up and coming teachers about these and also thinking back to my eight years of being a case manager of these reports for my students when teaching.  The report had been typed on a typewriter and the following phrases jumped out at me,

• non-verbal cognitive functioning at least in the average range with some skills substantially above age level
• vision and perception appear to be areas of strength
• information available indicated age equivalent functioning at 5.4 years which is approximately one year above expectations for chronological age

Then, I skimmed over the audiological report from 10/03/84.  In it was such jargon like,

• Certainly, student seems to be progressing extremely well and prognosis looks extremely good for future progress (well, that's a relief!)

My personal favorite write-up came from the Low Vision Report though.

•  Megan presents a picture of a fantastic little lady (I was 4 1/2) who has vision and perceptual skills more than adequate for the educational setting (nice to know I was a fantastic little lady as a kid).

The Psychological Report, dated 09/21/84, was the most interesting for me to read.  I can only imagine what all of this testing and talking with all these folks must have been like for my parents.  I've done it so many times from the other side of the table as one of the so-called experts.  I have been working very hard with my current students to help them realize that early intervention is rooted in family-centered practices and to be diligent of working with the parents and families as collaborators rather than working with them as the experts imparting their worldly knowledge in an effort to help their children.  It is reassuring to read that the method of assessment in the early 80's consisted of a variety of measures as I had just lectured last week!  Some interesting statements from this particular report included,

• Megan presented as a very attractive, pleasant, and socially self-assured child (hopefully I still am as an adult..ha!).  She separated well from her father to accompany this examiner into the evaluation room.

The weaknesses on all the paperwork related to articulation in some areas and (this was a surprise) slightly low muscle tone in both upper extremities (my arms?) and through the trunk.  Perhaps this was why I went into baton as an extracurricular activity?  Haha.  I also was unable to recite the alphabet (for shame!) but was cited as "a hearing impaired (eeeeek, that phrase is like nails scratching on a chalkboard for me) who was a delight to work with!" in the education specialist's report so that was nice.

Behind all the official looking reports and documents, I saw the familiar handwriting of my mother.  She had kept a log of all the contacts and phone conversations she had had with various specialists and staff.  What dedication and hard work raising me must have been especially with three other little ones to consider.  I'm thankful for the long hours and hard work on the part of both my mom and dad because I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I am today if not for them.  At the end of the binder were old worksheets and manipulatives we used when "playing school"...see, I was destined to be an educator from the start but what delighted me the most in these old papers was seeing letters from the John Tracy Clinic out in Los Angeles, CA.  My parents had enrolled in correspondence education and received materials/letters/advice/suggestions from this institution.  Who would have thought 30 years later this little girl in Ohio they all worked with would be in Ohio (again) and marrying a boy from CA soon.  Again, God's plans astound me to the point of just sitting here and shaking my head.

Something else that blew me away were all the references to my father in this paperwork.  My Dad was the one who usually accompanied me on such "visits".  I have so many childhood memories of riding with him to the ear doctor and audiological appointments during the school day and if we were lucky, we would go through the drive-thru of McDonald's on the way back to school..hehe.  As a professional, I can probably count on one hand the number of times fathers were present at my evaluations/meetings/conferences.  This makes me think of the research my colleague and friend, Margo, is doing with fathers.

 I initially posted this on Facebook last night but this evening, after my unexpected find in my last box as I completed my unpacking, this meme takes on a whole new meaning.  I'm so blessed to have been born into the family I was with all their support and love.  The outcome might have been very different otherwise.  Perhaps the report from Delaware that is tucked away elsewhere that says I was an "uneducably retarded child" might have been a self-fulfilling prophecy had the circumstances and familial environment been different.  One will never know but these experiences just further reaffirm my belief that we all must work together to improve as a society for our children.  As so many of my current students state through their work and responses, we must work to raise each other up to be the best versions of themselves they can be whether it be as a teacher, a parent, a sibling, an aunt or uncle, or just a kind smiling face as we partake in our daily walks around the neighborhood.  That was how I met a new neighbor friend who happens to be a mother of an autistic teenager.  I can't wait to see what else I find as I unpack these figurative boxes in life.

Just like the Energizer Bunny, the 3MT just keeps on giving and giving and giving...!

Thank goodness it is Friday.  What a looooong week this was!  I feel as if I've hit a wall; surely it's much too early in the semester to feel this way!  The novelty of the new semester has worn off already, we've completed the first exam in half of the classes, and I'm enjoying being back in a regular routine.  On the one hand, the days are going by quickly with not being able to get everything done within each 24 hour segment yet on the other hand, the weeks seem to be draaaaggggiiiinnnngggg on forever...which brings me back to my first sentence.  I'm SO happy it is Friday again.  I've no place to be until Sunday morning when I head to church which means I can slow down a bit, get caught up on things around the house, try to tackle my to-do list that is a mile long and even squeeze in a bit of blogging.  I kind of want to go out to the kitchen and open a bottle of wine but will refrain.  I have a feeling if I sipped some of that yummy goodness, I might end up relaxing so much that I would fall asleep!

So, instead, I opted to read my students' responses to the three minute video I showed them in class this afternoon.  The other day, at the end of class, a student asked me what I had done my dissertation research on...this question came one day after I discovered the news that the research will be published very soon!  So, I decided to share with them the video from last fall's 3 minutes speech competition.  If you don't remember that task, click here to learn more about it.  This video was instrumental in Adam's & my initial conversations by the way!!  :)

Before showing the video during class today I instructed my students to write down a takeaway point for their future teaching (of Science and Social Studies) and have listed them below so I can always remember this snapshot in time of these young soon to be teachers and their ideas of what their futures will look like.  At the conclusion of the video, half of the class applauded!  I certainly wasn't expecting that to happen.  To think that nearly a year ago I was working long hours on creating this speech...I would never have imagined that I would use it the following year in one of my classes.  How blessed am I to have a job in which I can carry out my teaching, research, AND faith in this way!!  Some of the written student responses were really sweet and others made me think of things I hadn't before considered.  I'm so incredibly fortunate to be working at this fine institution with students who so obviously care and have a passion for our faith as well as making a difference as a teacher.  Somebody pinch me please!

• People's environments (community, family, home, friends) influence the way they respond to different types of atmospheres.  Therefore, I can expect my future students to be more/less responsive depending on how they react in different situations.
• I thought it was really interesting that how someone identified themselves has a lot to do with the setting they are in.  This makes me want to assure my students are in a setting in which they can be the best versions of themselves.
• From Dr. K's presentation I found that my takeaway point was on the communication.  With children having different types of disabilities it can be difficult to communicate and be social with peers and teachers.  I find it to be a mission for me to have all my students be able to understand no matter what it takes.
• Applying this to science instruction I could use interviews to conduct a study.  I will need to understand how students with disabilities may view themselves and how their identity can be influenced.  I will want to try to foster an environment that will lead to a positive self-identity.
• As a teacher someday, I want to give my students equal attention.  So many times during my early experience I have noticed teachers who favor one student over another.  By using the approach that causes a person to love before they teach, they can treat not only their students equally but everyone they encounter equally.  That will be important throughout one's whole life.
• Interactions with others, setting/context, and life experiences all play a role in the identity of students, and how they view themselves is very important.  It is good to take their perceptions of themselves into consideration instead of just "judging the book by its cover" from the start.  This is so important for all teachers to know because every student is a unique individual with his/her own story, and they all deserve to be given the opportunity to learn and grow into the most full versions of themselves.  Also, being open-minded in your perceptions of students allows them to be more open to learning!
• Identity is fluid.  Student may choose a different identity according to a certain setting.  A teacher should not assume that a child is well off and has an easy time socializing and making friends simply because they do well in the classroom.
• Identity changes according to settings, life experiences, and people's perceptions, etc.  I think this is something teachers should be wary of in their classrooms.  Each student has a different background that should be respected and the learning environment should be conducive to all students' learning.
• Identity changes with environment and social interactions.  Students need to feel comfortable with who they are and not feel as if they are out of place.  If the teacher understands better where the student is they can better be facilitators of knowledge.
• As a teacher, you must always be aware that a student's identity is largely formed in the classroom.  Be careful in how you judge/shape your students.
• I think it is important to realize that people may view themselves one way, but their caregiver may have a different view.  It is important to realize that students may see themselves differently, either positively or negatively.  Do not judge a book by its cover.
• The way we define both ourselves, our students, and the way our students define themselves greatly affects their ability to learn.  We should not judge a book by its cover and we should not let students' disabilities define them.
• The point about judging a book by its cover is so applicable, especially when teaching.  It's important in social studies classrooms to look past social and cultural stereotypes and norms and go deeper.  This goes for perception of students as well as instruction of backgrounds.
• A student's interactions, life experiences, and settings have a lot to do with how a student will perform academically.  This can tie into their life even further when they have any kind of physical or mental disability.
• It is important that as a future teacher, I should realize that children have their own personal identities.  With this fact in mind, it is important to foster their individuality and creativeness so that they know they are special and one of a kind.
• Using a multicultural book-I would have students make assumptions "judging a book by its cover" and then have the students read and reflect on what changed now that they have read the story.
• Identity can change depending on the setting.  We must be aware of how we perceive students because they may view themselves differently.

Ups and downs and all around topsy turvy!

Good:  The technology worked in ALL four of my classes yesterday when teaching.

Not so good:  I made a few mistakes in two of my classes last night.

Yucky:  I didn't get accepted to present my dissertation research at CEC in CA where I realllllly wanted to go in April for professional (and obviously) personal reasons.

So incredibly better than I could dream up:  Just got the email saying my dissertation research will be published this fall/winter!!! 

Next stop on this roller coaster we call higher education??  Unknown.  ;)

Woof! Woof!

I came across this website earlier today and couldn't help but smile as I read through these reasons and viewed the pictures.  To all my fellow doggie lovers, enjoy!

http://barkpost.com/reasons-to-date-dog-owners/

Small things can mean the most sometimes

Sometimes the little things are what mean the most.  

A slice of a layered chocolate cake with cream cheese icing a neighbor made as a welcome to the neighborhood gift that takes the edge off the hunger.

A little brother sharing a Youtube video of a favorite band's concert instructing you to listen to a certain part that pertains to your livelihood.

A new colleague and one of your housemates also popping into your office to wish you luck as you head off to your first day of teaching.

Texts from your sisters-in-law letting you know they're thinking of you.

A housemate checking in to say goodnight as you work yet another long night in unpacking and getting organized with schoolwork and putting the office together.

It is receiving a gift you were meant to receive back in March when you accepted the job from your new colleagues.  Apparently it didn't make it to me in the mail in NC and was hand delivered to my office in Ohio instead.  I can't wait to wear the fuzzy warm FUS sweatshirt with pride and will enjoy looking at this card in my office each day.

Students who share the same values as you - - - there seems to be an authenticity about them and true spirit for service!  I can't wait to get to know them better this semester.

A loving fiance who tells you to not worry when there is not enough money in the account to cover the bills and the long awaited pay day is not for another looooong 28 days because a) what will it solve and b) things will work out in the long run in spite of the rough patches now.

Working alongside others who profess your belief...I mean we started our school year on Monday afternoon with a mass, singing songs like this one and hearing during the homily about how the focus is not on grades but on living our lives filled with the Holy Spirit!

Parents (and friends) who excitedly call, leave voicemails, and text asking how the first couple days of a new job are going.

An advisor who still thankfully advises and shares her wisdom even though I've "flown the coop".

Taken individually these are all small things but when put together, they are huge...especially when battling dark days.  Yes, today the sun is brilliantly shining, the fall-that-will-soon-be-here-breeze is blowing through the windows, and I've got my cuddle bug by my side yet there is a sadness and an ache within me.  At first I thought it was due to financial stress (I realized last night that my bank has started charging me a monthly fee since there has been no direct deposit since late April when I last got paid) and many wedding expenses are looming over the very near horizon in spite of the balance dipping dangerously to a big fat zero.  Then, I thought these restless feelings might be from anxiety over the new job and teaching.  Last night, during my third class of the day, after having made a couple mistakes, it took nearly four hours of working on the calendar/syllabus and fielding emails from students  before I felt satisfied with the corrections I had made.  Or maybe it's because the explorer in me is itching to get out there and see what's around these parts.  This is the longest I have lived somewhere without going out and seeing what's around here.  Granted it has been less than a month but with traveling, getting situated at work, and trying to unpack/get organized, in addition to the lack of finances, there hasn't been time nor the means to go out and seek adventure.  Perhaps it's the fight or flight instinct kicking in but I want nothing more than to go explore and find something new to experience but due to circumstances I can't right now.  Then there is always the missing Adam part even thought we "see" each other everyday on Skype.  His sense of humor definitely helps though.  Just now when I mentioned a new restaurant that was opening in this town, a buffet, he said that I should play this song (Patrick, you will like this) on the way to the restaurant:

LOL!
I wonder what it is that God wants me to work on...perhaps it's to continue growing in patience...to work on self discipline...to bear my crosses with more grace and humility (aka less complaining)?  Perhaps it is all of the above in terms of growing in these virtues...yes, truly a little bit of everything! 

However, this morning, while reflecting on all the changes that have occurred in so quick a time when I think back to last fall, I sit back in amazement.  A year ago, I was starting out a new school year just like I am now but down in North Carolina.  I had spent the summer prepping for the one course I was teaching (like how I prepped for the four I have this year).  I'm so grateful for the experiences and opportunities I had while at UNCG to further expand and grow my skills.  Without them, I surely would have had a more difficult time this past summer preparing for Ohio!  Several housewarming and congratulatory cards I received from friends recently all expressed the same underlying sentiment....at all the happy news going on in my life...graduating, getting a new job, moving to a new state, getting married in 268 days (yay!)...yes, it's enough to make your head spin (multiple times).  As one co-friend put it, "your life has been a whirlwind...but we would expect nothing less!"  Mom lovingly wrote in a card, "Dad and I are right beside you.  Adam is too.  But more than anyone, the Lord is holding your hand and even pulling you forward leading you to the places and people of your future".  Yes, He is doing this even if I want to stay holed up inside and try to keep things as they are or if I think I can't because of budgets (or lack thereof).  He will always provide a way even when you think there is no way.  So then why the periods of darkness when by all accounts, life should be all glittery and made of brightness right now?  I think I stumbled upon it today when praying and reflecting.  First, we wouldn't appreciate the good times if we didn't have the bad times.  Ok, cliches aside....St. Augustine, who's feast day is today, more eloquently states,

"Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would not have been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace...Our hearts are restless until they rest in you O Lord".

That quote is full of imagery but what struck me was my sense of wanting to explore the area and feeling a sense of restlessness with not being able to focus long enough to get things unpacked or to finish a project or adequately plan for a lesson.  Am I looking to fill up my time with being adventurous when I should rather instead focus on being still and looking inward?  Perhaps this is why funds have run out when they did.  Perhaps this is why the lows are given to us...so we can look upward and reach higher than we have in the past. 

Another reference to St. Augustine I reflected on today comes from Pier Giorgio Frassati, an inspiration behind many young adults groups across the world and also someone I admire.  In my eyes, he is a terrific example of how us young folks should live out our vocations as Catholics while being in this world but not of the world:

"Meanwhile, these days I alternate my arid studies with the most beautiful readings of St. Augustine; my soul has never till now experienced so forcefully such infinite pleasure, because through those powerful Confessions one feels a little of the joy that is reserved for whoever dies in the Sign of the Cross. Today I bitterly regret having wasted my time and to have waited till this advanced age to savor such pure joy." -- From a letter to his friend Marco Beltramo,1924

Reading this quote reminds me of all the books Adam and I have been reading.  We both have different copies of the book Frassati refers to in his quote above so I'm looking forward to the time when Adam and I will read the books together to compare the differing versions.  Right now we're in the middle of reading a Dave Ramsey (The Total Money Makeover) book and a Kimberly Hahn (Life-Giving Love) book so have been learning a lot in the way of money and children that has been helping us when discerning our future plans.  How fortunate we are to have these resources and better still, to have found someone who is willing to spend the time exploring and learning new things together.  I pray that never changes!

Speaking of which, I think it's about time Dusty Shamrock and I get out there and explore more of this neighborhood during our daily walk.  It seriously feels like we've gone back in time living in this little corner of Ohio.  The ice cream truck comes around most evenings complete with the jingling music, children are active and actually playing outside rather than being glued to technology and TV, doors and windows are left open long into the night where the lights twinkle through the etched glass, fathers throw baseballs to their sons in the front yard (saw Dr. Scott Hahn doing just that the other night), mothers push their babies in strollers on the sidewalks, people safely walk the streets throughout all hours of the day, neighbors call hello to one another from their porches and cars, and welcoming cakes are distributed to newbies like my housemates and me.  These last few days of summer remind me of summers from the past in Dayton, Aliquippa, and Frackville.  It's been great experiencing all of this during this transition time and waiting period in my life.  I definitely do look forward to experiencing it with Adam less than a year from now!  

After a year of cultivating more patience, growing in self-discipline, increasing moderation, working on my relationship with God, and practicing more control, the reward will be to have my husband at my side as we explore all that God has to offer in the bright future!  However, the present is equally as glittery and sparkly and I can't wait to see what will happen next...every little bit of everything, no matter how big or small they may be, and the ups and downs as they all weave together to create this wonderful thing we call life!!




"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world" ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu