Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question

1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.

FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Sunday, September 15, 2013

This week taught me...

This week has taught me that there will always be adversities, even when you think things could not get more difficult. It would seem that everything in my life has turned to shambles. I don’t believe that I have dealt with more difficult things, in such great multitude, during my life than I am now. But then that is how it always seems when you are in the thick of problems I suppose. I have always been a person with a never ending “to-do” list. I come from a family background of hard work, and doing for others before you do for yourself. Even on holidays when my family gathers, we do things for the members of the family in need of help with choirs or home repair projects. This being said, hard work and dedication come as no stranger to me. But of late, it seems that things are piling up to the point that I cannot find relief, even in my sleep. All of these weights that have had me pulled down come to a head last weekend when I found out that one of my top students had passed away during a basketball game from a, then unknown, heart condition. He was 15 years old with a world of options available to him. He was a D1 college basketball prospect during his freshman year as a varsity player, a honors society member, and probably the most respectful young man I have ever met. He was a definite favorite of mine (though I know that I am not supposed to have favorites, but then, we are after all human). So it goes without saying this was a difficult week to say the least for myself and my students. With all of my inability to turn my mind off this week to sleep, I was able to finally come to the realization that all of these pressures I have been feeling, all of this weight surmounting on my shoulders, it is all self inflicted. Things can only get to you if you let them. I attribute this fruition to Twon, no matter what he was always facing his adversities with a smile on his face. No matter what you can only do what you are capable of. It matters not what others can do; only what you can do. As long as you are giving life all you have to give, you are living a fulfilling life. Twon lived his life to the maximum and he was able to finish it doing the thing he loved the most in life. I also want to give a big thanks to my friends, their daily support and ideas helps me to continue putting forth my best efforts and keep the passion alive in my class, even during the worst days.

5 comments:

chris said...

I have learned this week not to take life for granted. Sometimes in life we can get so caught up in our own struggles that we overlook how incredibly blessed we are. When you see a student that in every way had his whole life ahead of him and every opportunity at his feet, suddenly pass away, it helps you to put life into perspective. I can only think of his family and what they must be going through. Less than a year ago, Carver had another student suffer the same fate during Christmas vacation. This student was in my class and had so much to live for. In addition, today the shooting at the Navy yard also made me think. We need to stay focused and positive and make the best of every day we have.

Nurse TJ said...

WOW Trenton, what a week you have had! Bless your heart!!! I wont't even pretend to know the magnitude of the situation that you are dealing with. It is always so tragic to lose anyone, especially a young person. The fact that you positively impacted by Twon's life says that his life was not in vain. I am so sorry that you and your school family are having to experience this. Death has a weird way of putting everything into perspective. I pray that you are able to find peace very, very soon. Be encouraged and take care of yourself!!

Jama said...

Trenton, I am so sorry to hear about Twon. These kids really do become family and a loss is so painful. I hope you find some peace and joy in his memory, and please let us know if there's anything we can do to ease your stress. Your NTI family loves you!

Taylor said...

I am sitting in my office (during my planning period) and crying right now because I feel so over-whelmed and so under-appreciated. I can definitely relate to having everything pile up at once and feeling like you can't find any relief. But as I read your eloquent post on the loss of a student, I feel guilty for feeling sorry for myself. The old saying "someone is always fighting a tougher battle" is ringing true right now. Trenton, I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. I hope you find much needed relief.

Dr. J said...

Trenton you have a heart and soul that I hope your students see and wish to develop in themselves. You have my deepest sympathy in your loss.