My Desire to Teach

Hi, Everyone!

So, yesterday evening in my Foundations of Education class, I was given an assignment… and it should be no surprise that it was another paper to write. I wonder if Grampa Clark, Uncle Anthony, and Mr. D had to this much writing when they were in college… hahaha!

In any event, I am to write a five-page paper explaining why I desire to be a teacher, which grade I would like to teach, and what I plan to bring to the table—in other words, I am to describe a unique attribute that no other teacher has. Well, judging only by the successful results of this past summer when I taught the Cradle Roll class for a couple of Sundays, I would say that my most unique attribute is the fact that I am a big kid at heart, and it’s because of this attribute that allows me to connect with the little kiddies. I don’t think I mentioned this before, but you can ask my St. Matthew Baptist Church Family—every Sunday, both before and after church, those little Cradle Roll kiddies made it their business to flock to me, as though I was their version of Mother Goose. I swear, it is just the cutest thing! Some of the kiddies even call me “Miss Natasha,” which is so sweet. And as far as which grade I would like to teach… well, I’ve already made it perfectly clear that I would love to teach kindergarten. However, if I had a second preference, then I would choose to teach either First Grade or Second Grade.

And while it’s fresh on my mind, I’m gonna tell y’all why I chose to teach the little kiddies: Mrs. Ingrid Martin. I may have mentioned her once or twice, but Mrs. Martin was my kindergarten teacher some many moons ago. From what I understand, she is still teaching the little ones up at my old elementary school. I was hoping to catch an interview with her, seeing as how my paper is due next Monday—and now that she’s been crossing my mind as of late, I reckon I’ll go ahead and write her a letter at least. Truth be told: Mrs. Martin was the greatest kindergarten teacher that I ever had; she was sweet but strict, hard-hitting but soft spoken. And I may have mentioned once upon a time that her youngest daughter had graduated kindergarten with me. Speaking of which, Mrs. Martin was even more so strict on her daughter than she was everyone else—she didn’t believe in special treatment or nepotism! I know this all sounds strange, considering that we were kindergarteners, but yet and still, this was the makeup of Mrs. Martin’s character.

Well, y’all—I guess I had better get started on this here paper. Here’s what’s funny: I haven’t written anything down yet, but judging by the brainstorms and research, I have at least three and a half pages already! With that said, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow, but in the meantime, y’all take care and be good.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Still Passionate About What I Do!

Hey, Y’all!

So, check this out: Yesterday evening in my Foundations of Education class, we had an icebreaker session. My professor instructed us to give our name, our hometown, our main reason for attending Rust, and what we hope to do with our major after we graduate. Well, it should come as no surprise that I was primed and ready for this icebreaker session, so much so that I started forming everything all of my thoughts in my mind.

Well, I was the eighth individual to go up next, so when my professor called on me, I could literally feel every muscle in my face—that’s how hard I was smiling! And afterwards, I took a big deep breath, and this is what I said:

“Hello to you, all of my fellow teachers. My name is Natasha Renee Stewart, and I am a native Los Angeleno; that’s right, y’all—I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I have strong familial ties here at Rust, in that my great-grandparents graduated from Rust in the classes of 1927 and 1928, respectively; my grandmother and her best friend of 60 years graduated Class of 1957; and my great aunt graduated Class of 1959. Here we are, some fifty-four years later, and the tradition continues through me. Now, after I graduate and obtain my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, I hope to return to Los Angeles and obtain a position as a loyal and devoted kindergarten teacher—the kinda teacher who is passionate about what she does, and certainly one who shows that she gives a damn about her students!”

Oh yeah, y’all—I was pumped up!  It’s kinda funny, though, because I didn’t realize what I said until after I sat down and took a breath. I ultimately apologized to my professor and the class for my outburst, to which my professor said: “Don’t worry about it, Miss Stewart—besides, you have already shown that you are extremely confident, fully responsible, and totally passionate!”

Like I’ve been tellin’ y’all: I makes it do what it do, because… THAT’S WHAT I DO!!!

Okay, y’all—it’s time for me to close this here blog post and get to studying on my first quiz in Spanish I. The test is not until Friday, but y’all oughta know me by now—I’m gettin’ a head start on studying as we speak. Me gustaría que cada uno de ustedes para decir una oración que me aplico a mí mismo y estudiar mucho para esta prueba, para que pueda obtener al menos una calificación bastante decente. Loosely translated, I am asking for y’all to pray that I study hard and apply the knowledge to memory, that I get at least a fairly decent grade.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care and be good.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Back to Class

Hi, Everybody!

Well, the first day of class has officially come to pass…. I promise that it was not my intent to rhyme; that was nothing more but a pure spur-of-the-moment happenstance—hahaha!

But seriously, I had an eventful and quite informative first day of classes, and I also had a moment of clarity. Check this out: My major is Elementary Education, of which you all are aware—and I spoke grammatically correct as well. How about that? Hahahaha! Anyway, I was looking through my catalog, and I noticed that very few classes in my major have the “EDU” prefix. I was really confused as to why I had to take certain classes that I perceived had nothing to do with my major, and that’s when it hit me: If I am to be this great kindergarten teacher that I desire to be, then I’m gonna have to teach these same classes. And I took it one step further—a whole nutha level, if you will—and was reminded that I was once an elementary school student. Needless to say, after having that huge epiphany, I finally purposed in my heart to accept the challenge… like I had a choice in the first place! Hahaha!

Well, I can tell y’all now: This is only the beginning of the first module, but I’m already loving Introduction to Biblical Studies, Spanish I, and Foundations of Education. I’m still trying to get acquainted with this PRAX I Seminar class. From what I understand, this is a requirement for all aspiring teachers—and I truly comprehend that I have to take this course; I guess I’m just a little concerned on account of the title. It was barely fifteen minutes into the class, and I was already showing signs of concern. I know that I’ll do alright as long as I apply myself, but Heaven help me if I’m not the least bit intimidated. Then again, it’s only the first day of class—and incidentally, my instructor did tell us that he understood how we might be intimidated and somewhat standoffish, considering that it’s the first day; however, he guaranteed that we would do fine so long as we come to class, participate, and show him that we are dead serious in pursuing a career in shaping young minds.

Well, hell—in that instance, he ain’t said nothin’ but a word!

By the way: Seeing as how we have gone our separate ways—academically, that is—Ruby, Theo, and I will not see much of each other until perhaps lunch and dinner. And additionally, we all have to take our own respective 6pm classes this semester, so we really won’t be seeing a whole lot of each other. Oh, speaking of which, my Foundations of Education class is every Monday and Wednesday at 6pm—this is the first time that I’m taking a night class, but it’s all good. This is one of those rare times where I have a valid reason to be out at night… and I am amazed that this one gentleman in my class offered to walk me to my dorm. I was very appreciative of him, even though I kinda had my guard up a little. Let’s face it: I don’t know much about him, other than his name is Craig and he’s from the A-T-L. However, I will give the brotha some brownie points for being such a gentleman. All I gave him was a thank-you and a smile, and that was it.

Well, I reckon I had better close this blog and turn in for the night, but I’ll definitely be hollin’ at y’all tomorrow. Just remember this: Though the levels may be a lot higher and a tad more challenging, my name is Natasha Renee Stewart, and I’m here to show the world—SO BRING IT ON!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Real Passion For Teaching, Tho!

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog is a real simple one, but I’m sure y’all figured that out by reading the title.

I just got a call this morning from the Sunday School superintendent at my church, and she says that she put in a good word for me with Pastor Clark. I’m gonna just cut right to the chase: From now until I return to Rust next month, I’m gonna teach the Cradle Roll class at church. This is just the type of training that I need if I am to ever become a kindergarten teacher. I gladly welcome this responsibility, but I am curious as to what happened to Sister Helmsley—I mean, she is an excellent teacher; she’s been teaching the Cradle Roll class since… I just thought about it: I was in her class when I was a little Cradle Roller. I wonder if she mentioned my name or something. Oh, well—the bottom line is that I have a chance to show off my skills as a teacher, and what better way to start than at Sunday School. That means I gotta get a lesson plan together, as well as a syllabus, and some goodies and treats for when my students show that they’ve learned something!

Oh, yes—the wheel are indeed a-turnin’ in my head, y’all! I’m very excited about this news!

And then too, I am reminded about a conversation I had earlier this year with Ruby and Theo about being tough enough. You know, there’s an old saying that has been modified six ways from Sunday, but it goes: “Actions speak a helluva lot louder than words.” Nowadays, this generation says: “There are those who talk about it, and there are those who be about it.” Well, I stand firmly in great faith to let the world know that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, truly beez about it! It’s one thing to dream it, but now I’ve got to prove that I’ve got what it takes. I’ve wanted to be a kindergarten teacher ever since I was in kindergarten. Granted, my Grampa Clark was the inspiration behind my decision, but lately I’ve noticed that children have more or less flocked to me. I could be at church, in the grocery store, at the mall, or on a date with Ray—some child is gonna approach me some kinda way, and my inner teacher/nurturer will start activating.

Now, that right there is passion—I don’t think it can get any more passionate than that. Then again, I’ve just been told that I’m gonna be the Cradle Roll teacher for the next six Sundays, and I’m already talking about a lesson plan and some goodies for the little ones. If that don’t show that I’m ready, then I don’t know what will!

Well, speaking of my passion, I had best get to working on my lesson plan right now. I do not want to be caught slippin’. After all, Jesus did tell us to be ye also ready! Yes, I am aware that the scripture speaks more than what I see, but I’m just merely expressing that I’d rather be overly prepared than not prepared at all. So, with that said, y’all take care, and I shall holla at y’all tomorrow.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha