Is Ignorance Bliss?

Dear Classmates,

I am really into getting educated, understanding different cultures, and growing as an individual. However, some people around me come from cultures and families that have strict constructed views (with no real educational basis). They just follow the script their parents did with minor changes. I, on the other hand, always try to weigh the value of these "values" and criticisms. I try to adopt a new way, a better way, a better system. But sometimes it is too hard to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, it hurts to know a lot. I often wonder if these people who are ignorant and don't think of what they are told, are better off. Are you like that? Do you just believe in what people around you do? Do you follow those traditions or do you question them? Do yo sometimes feel your brain hurting because of what people have made up based on no evidence? I mean does anyone have a right to make generalizations about any group of people? and the questions keep circling!

Should Teachers Take Drawing Classes?

I am a horrible artist and every time I attempt to draw something on the board, my students laugh at me (or should I say laugh "with" me). I will never forget how this one time I drew a dog and it looked like a dinosaur! Today, I was teaching articles and attempted to draw a unicorn, but as usual it looked ridiculous (like a monster). I personally think my horrible drawing skills are beneficial to my students because a)they make them laugh b) they sometimes feel better about themselves because they can draw better, and c) they never forget the word because reason "a" and reason "b" really stimulate their brains! I mean honestly, I don't want to improve my drawing skills since it's such a good attention getter. What do you think? Should I take drawing classes? This is a serious question... :)

Las Vegas I Miss You!

I love going to Vegas. It's such a fun city. There is literally something to do for everyone and it doesn't matter if you are 1 or 99 years old. For example, I am a night owl and I don't like sleeping early. When I go to Vegas, I get so thrilled by seeing people wide awake at 4:00 a.m. I don't like to gamble and maybe that's because I don't exactly know how but it's nice to see people taking risks and trying to win. Another thing that is great about Vegas is that almost everyone is a tourist. Tourists are usually in a good mood and it's fun to get to know different people. The workers are also friendly in most places including the airport. My friends and I missed a flight and were freaking out. We talked to the lady who worked there and when she announced our names on the microphone for the next flight, she referred to us as "the three drama queens." I mean who would joke like that at LAX? The strip itself also looks very nice at night since there are lights everywhere! It is so festive! The shows are also great and like I said you can never get bored at Vegas well... that's if you have enough money to spend on entertainment! Lastly, of course if you desire so, you can get yourself a shot of vodka or an apple martini at 5:00 a.m. ;) I miss Vegas :(

Indecisiveness

Since this is our first blog, I am not sure what to write so maybe I can write about "indecisiveness." This may or may not interest you but if you think carefully, you might realize that you are indeed indecisive! I became aware of this trait in college and understood how it could impact my life positively and negatively. Now you may ask how this is relevant to you and the answer is that being indecisive may greatly affect your teaching!

In my opinion, indecisiveness allows you to be a flexible person and thus a flexible teacher. When you are not sure about what you want exactly, you consider all other options and understand that rules are not written in stone. If your original plans don't work due to something going wrong, you may turn to plan B without hesitation. In fact, because you are indecisive, you always have a plan B or even a plan C. This may be helpful in the classroom since sometimes things don't work out. For example, you may have trouble with technology, the copy machine, or not have students who are in the mood for your activity.

Now there are also some drawbacks to being indecisive. If you don't know what you want, you may procrastinate in making a final decision and starting a task. This may leave you feeling frustrated. If you cannot decide between two activities, you may wait until the last day when you have to choose one and then not have enough time to prepare the activity. You indecisiveness may also lead other people into making decisions for you and remember because you are flexible, you will conform to their decisions. That may be OK with you unless later you realize that wasn't what you wanted! Being indecisive in the classroom may also frustrate your students!

My suggestion is to be moderately indecisive depending on the situation. If you are out with your friends and it's supposed to be a spontaneous night then you should be fine. If you have lots of class time and you don't need to cover important materials then that is OK too. However, if you have important decisions to make and you have no time to waste, then go ahead make a decision regardless of its consequences! Any other advice?