I Am In My Zone, Y'all!

Hi, Everybody!

 

I trust that you’re all having a great evening.

Just in case I didn’t make it obvious enough, I’m in the zone right now. Finals are coming up next Thursday, and I’m studying everything that I think is gonna be on the test. Yes, I know what y’all are thinking: “Natasha, you only have one class during this summer session. Why are you stressing?”

Well, I can assure you that I am not stressing, but as you know, my family considers it a sin to half-ass anything. Come on, y’all—I know I haven’t said it in a while, but as my Grampa Clark used to always say: If you’re gonna do something, use your full ass!”

And that’s exactly what I intend to do.

Ever since my last blog post the other day, I made sure that I take at least three hours to study for my finals. Y’all can ask Ruby—hell, she’s even been quizzing me, just to make sure that I’m not slipping. She tried to trip me up on yesterday, though. She asked me a question that I know we did go over in class, and I let her know about it. Ruby then said, “You’re quick on your toes, ain’tcha Tasha?” I just simply winked and let her know that I couldn’t be tripped up… although, as I mentioned earlier on, I don’t know what’s gonna be on the final. Perhaps Ruby did that to let me know that the very least thing could be on the test. That’s what I’ve been studying like a mad woman—I’ll be damned before I get tripped up! I’ve come too far from where I started.

Speaking of which, I reckon it’s time for me to close up today’s blog post and let this noggin of mine rest up a bit. Rest assured, though: I’m gonna be right back on it tomorrow. Until then, y’all be sure to keep your girl lifted up in prayer.


Peace Out!
Natasha

Almost At My Destination, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone!

I trust that everyone had a great Easter weekend, much like me. I spent it with my Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Keith, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica in Nashville, and I want y’all to know that I attended my second consecutive Sunrise Service yesterday, and stayed until the end of Sunday School. When we got home, we had dinner, and then they dropped me off at the campus around 9pm CST. I talked to Mom and Dad for a minute, and then around 9:45pm CST, I was knocked out like a light.

So, here we are now—Monday, April 21, 2014… and y’all know what that means: I gotta get mentally prepared for these here final exams. My first final is this Wednesday evening—that’s when I take my Psychology of Exceptional Students. Then I have the double-whammy on Thursday; I take my General Psychology final at 8am, and then I take my Mathematics for Elementary Teachers final at 1pm. And then on Friday, I take my Intermediate Algebra final at 8am, after which I am done with the final module of my sophomore year.

I may as well give y’all a heads-up that y’all may not hear from me until this Friday, what with all this studying and everything. If that’s the case, I am once again requesting that you all keep me in your prayers—I wanna make y’all proud!

Until the next time, I’ll holla at’cha!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Progress Report of Sorts

Happy Friday, Everybody!

We are literally one week away until the end of this here 2013-14 school year. I don’t think I’ve ever been so thrilled about a school year coming to an end! Lemme tell y’all: I’ve come to expect the unexpected here at Rust College, but I never expected this module to work me like it did. This module was the most that I had ever worked… but I loved every last minute of it! I enjoyed proving myself that I could go the distance. I recognize and realize that I was not in competition with anybody other than myself, and look at me now, y’all!

Although it’s been a minute since I’ve seen a progress report, I was informed by my Intermediate Algebra instructor that I have managed to maintain a 93 percent overall in the class. Instead of giving my instructor the usual spiel, I simply acknowledge that it was nobody but Jesus, and I left it at that. And if I couldn’t get better news, I have discovered that taking the Intermediate Algebra class has helped me in my Mathematics for Elementary Teachers class, in which I have an overall 89 percent. Now, I’m not saying that I’ll be teaching Algebra to my little kindergarteners, nor am I saying that I’m an all-star math whiz—I’m simply saying that I have applied myself this module and reaped plenty rewards!

Well, I reckon I had get going, but before I do, I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time out to pray for a sista—as y’all can see, your prayers were heard and your encouragement was well received. And even though I know that I will ace next week’s finals, I am still soliciting prayers from you all. Together, we can make this final module a successful one!

Until next time, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

I'm In The "Final Exam" Zone, Y'all!

Good Monday Afternoon, Y’all!

As you all can tell by the title of today’s blog post, I’ve got a couple days left until my final exams, and I am in the zone! Though I haven’t talked much about my academic life up here at Rust, I can assure that I have not be caught slippin’—my grades are still as strong as they ever have been. As a matter of fact, I’m still bustin’ out those A’s in both classes… heck, let me put it this way: ¡Estoy haciendo muy bien en ambas clases!

Basically, I just said that I’m doing very well in both classes. And for the record, I tried to find a third class for this module, but as you probably guessed, I was unsuccessful in doing so. I’m cool with it, though—I’ll just find an extra class to take for the next module.

In the meantime in between time, I am quite focused on my final exams for this week. I don’t know if I mentioned it or not, but I take my Language Arts K-8 final this Thursday at 10:30am CST, and I take my Spanish II final on Friday at 8am CST. My original plan is to remain focused on my Language Arts final, mainly because I have a feeling that my Spanish II final will be muy muy facil. At the same time, I don’t wanna mess around and not study for Spanish II at all. I’m probably gonna study a little bit for it tomorrow, but for now, I’m gonna focus on my Language Arts K-8.

With that said, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Preparing for Finals, and a Tribute to Viscera

Hi, Everyone!

It’s about that time again, y’all—I am officially one week away from taking my final exams.

Since the start of the Third Module, I’ve done exceptionally well in my two classes. My love for teaching has really been on display in my Language Arts K-8 class, and as for my Spanish II class… well, let me put it this way: Mi profesor dice que lo estoy haciendo tan bien, ella está cuestionando si realmente soy una chica de Cali. Mi profesor de español también dice que tengo una habilidad natural para enseñar una clase de español en el futuro.

I only have one thing to say: Très bien pour moi!  Hahaha!

Well, I really don’t have anything else to talk about today, so I’m just gonna close up this here blog post and start all over again tomorrow. I know, I know—it’s very rare that I post short blog, and I guess there really is a first time for everything. Besides, as I previously mentioned, I’ve got finals coming up next week. I can tell you this, though: When I get into my studying mode, I’m unstoppable… next week ain’t gonna be no different than any other time!

Oh, before I close today’s blog post, I do need to make an announcement: On behalf of my family, we would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of wrestler Nelson Frazier, Jr., who passed away this past Tuesday. When I first started watching wrestling, I knew him by his Viscera persona, but my mom and dad knew him better as King Mabel. He was only 43 years old, y’all—as a matter of fact, he had just celebrated his birthday on Valentine’s Day. One thing’s for certain: Whether he was the fun-loving hip-hop rapper, the mean hip-hop king, a member of the Corporate Ministry, or even the scary Big Daddy V, my family will most definitely miss him.

Thanks for the memories, Big Vis!

Peace Out, Y’all!
Natasha

Preppin' Up For Next Week's Finals

Hi, Everyone!

Here it is—Monday, October 7, 2013, and it’s the week before finals.

Yes, I realize the blog that I posted this past Saturday, but as it turns out, I had my dates mixed up. I’m so grateful that I double-checked, just to be sure. I’m even more grateful that Ruby corrected my error. And then too, I’m just as grateful that I spent pretty much all Saturday studying, so it’s not really a big loss—it’s all good from here, y’all!

I can at least give you an update on each class, though… actually, I need not even mention my Foundations of Education class on account of I’m excelling to even beyond my most wildest imagination—yes, I did in fact say “beyond my most wildest imagination.” I really enjoy that class, because it reaffirms what I’ve been saying all along. I keep tellin’ y’all that I was born to teach, yet y’all don’t believe that fat meat’s greasy, so I gotta keep on understandin’ it to y’all; eventually, y’all will get the picture.

I forgot to mention that I had a surprise pop quiz this past Thursday in my Biblical Studies class—I had to recite all 66 book of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Well, I am also happy to report that I recited them perfectly—that is to say, without stuttering or stammering—and I got all of ‘em right. I tell y’all: Sometimes I amaze even myself. And check this out: My instructor said that because I am such a natural, he would like to speak to my pastor personally and let him know that I should in fact be a Sunday School teacher on account of my dedication and heart… sounds like more affirmation, y’all!

And of course, there’s my Spanish class. Now, I’m not one to brag, but then again, I was always taught that hay una gran diferencia entre ser engreído y tener confianza. I want to state for the record that I went on Google Translate to say: “It ain’t braggin’ if you can back it up, Baby!” And of course, I went all around the world in 80 days, just to let y’all know that I’m doing muy excelente in Spanish I. By the way, if y’all don’t mind, I just wanna say: Yo estoy aquí para mostrar al mundo, así que trae la acción!

Not much to talk about my PRAXIS I Seminar class, other than I am learning how to take the teacher’s test. I actually have yet to talk to my instructor and ask if the C-BEST is an equivalent to the PRAXIS. I reckon I’ll look into that sometime this week. I tell y’all, though—the fact that I am getting a grade just for showing up, is a victory in and of itself.

Well, that’s gonna do it for today, y’all—I’ll holla at’cha tomorrow.

Smooches,

Natasha

A Promise Made Is A Promise Kept

Good Morning, and Happy Beautiful Saturday!

I kept my promise to y’all—here is the first Saturday blog in two weeks. I would like to apologize for not updating y’all on the weekends, but I have a good reason: You see, I’ve been doing some kinda heavy-duty studying for these pop quizzes and midterms… and let’s not forget: I’ve got final exams coming up on next week. Y’all, I ain’t lyin’—final exams are literally just six days away!

I know some of you are thinking to yourselves: “Damn, Natasha… already?!”

Hey, I’m just as surprised as y’all! Nevertheless, I remain confident that I’m gonna ace these here classes, even the PRAXIS Seminar course. I’m probably gonna get a “B” out of that class, but I’m okay with it. I think y’all know my modus operandi by now: As long as my grade doesn’t fall under an 80 percent, I’m content with a solid “B.” Now, as far as my Foundations of Education and my Spanish class, I can safely say in great faith that I’ve got an “A+” in both those two classes.

And by the way: It ain’t being cocky if you can back it up!

Now, I’m checking out my schedule for the second module, and like everything else in life, there are some changes. For one thing, I don’t have a 6pm class for the upcoming module, so that’s a plus. I’m taking a lot of “intro” classes in the next two weeks; I’ve got Intro to Humanities at 10:30am, and I’ve got Intro to Social Sciences at 1pm. As for my 8am class, it simply says: “Fine Arts.” I’m kinda interested in that class… actually, I’ve gotta be honest here—I’m very excited about all three of my upcoming second module classes. I haven’t said this in a while, so let me just say it now:

I’m here to show the world, so bring it on!

Speaking of “bringing it on,” I had better get to studying right now; y’all already know that I don’t like to be left out of the loop—a sista’s gotsta get her study on. With that said, I’ll holla at y’all on Monday.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Special Update On Final Exams

Hi, Everyone!

I just finished my Physical Science exam at 9:15am CST. Notwithstanding the Periodic Table of the Elements, the finals itself had 50 questions; it was fifty percent multiple choice, twenty-five percent definitions, and the remaining twenty-five percent was fill in the blank. I ain’t gonna lie to y’all—I blanked out for a moment, but things started to come back to my remembrance thanks in part to a sincere and heartfelt prayer. And once I saw that Periodic Table of the Elements, it was on and crack-a-lackin’! I guarantee you that I got each and every one of those elements correct! Of course, just to make sure I didn’t miss any, I quadruple-checked my work, and I discovered that I ain’t miss not nann-one!

Overall, though, I missed at least three questions on the exam, but that’s cool—I’m still gonna get an “A” out of the class.

Now, I’m finishing up my final paper for my Grammar & Comp II final exam… actually, I’m printing it out right now. Y’all, I don’t mean to sound cocky or conceited, but we’ve got another winner. I want to personally thank my Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Auntie Gladys for their expertise and their pictures of their memories in Bearcat Country. Like I’ve been saying all week, I’ve got Rust College blood runnin’ through my veins. I trust that my instructor will be thoroughly intrigued and entertained when he reads my essay on the history of Rust College. For the record, I went the distance and typed up eleven and a half pages. Overall, I have a total of fifteen pages.

Oh, yeah—I went the distance!

And now, it’s time to prepare for my most favorite class! As you know by now, my final speech topic is: “What Makes A House A Home?” I’m all set and ready to go, y’all! This is my last speech, and it is literally the “be-all and end-all” of this class. I’ve been quite the orator, and I’ve come too far to slip up now. As a matter of fact, I’ve already picked out my purple dress suit for this, my final speech. I might even wear my faux eyeglasses… I said that I might—I haven’t made a decision just yet. Otherwise, everything else is taken care of. I just need to practice more on my speech and look over my notes to make sure I know what I’m talking about.

Well, y’all—this is it! Until tomorrow, y’all take care, and say a prayer for your girl!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Good News From Physical Science Class

Hi, Everyone!

This morning’s Physical Science class is living proof that The Lord is still sho’ nuff good!

Check this out, y’all: It’s no secret that I was studying my ass off for this pop quiz on the periodic table of the elements. Well, imagine my surprise when my professor said that today was the day that we were having the pop quiz!

Now, admittedly I was a touch nervous, but once my professor told us to begin, I took off to the races. I guess you can say that I had that Kanye West mentality, but this is what I found so amazing: I had studied the entire periodic table of the elements for the last couple of days, but there were only 25 elements on the quiz. And call me crazy or intuitive, but I had a feeling that those very 25 elements would be on that quiz.

Excuse me—were you sayin’ something?  Uh-uh—you can’t tell me nothin’!

I also want to point out that I quadrupled-checked my answers before I turned in my quiz… and it’s good that I checked for the fourth and final time: I noticed that I left Question #15 blank. I must’ve been writing so fast that I skipped one. Thank God that I looked again.

Well, needless to say, I got a perfect score on that quiz. Incidentally, I was also the very one to complete the quiz. My professor was all astonished at my performance—heck, I was all the more astonished—and before I left, my professor said to me, “Miss Stewart, if the results of this quiz is any indication of what I am to expect from you, I want to congratulate you right now.”

Excuse me—were you sayin’ something?  Uh-uh—you STILL can’t tell me a damn thang!

Well, y’all—it’s time for me to head on and get ready for my Grammar & Comp II class, and later on my Fundamentals of Speech class. I just thought I would share the good news about my Physical Science quiz with you all.

By the way, I’m not being cocky. Remember this: It’s not showin’ off if you can back it up… and with the curves I’ve got, I can damn sho’ back it up!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Quick Recap of Fourth Module Classes

Hi, Everyone!

It is a beautiful Saturday afternoon out here in Bearcat Country. Springtime is right around the corner, though, and that means that the flowers will bloom, the grass will be greener, and my allergies are gonna kick in… hahaha!

And while we’re on the subject of my college life, here is the latest news:

I have a pop quiz sometime in the upcoming week in my Physical Science lab, in which I have to know the elements, and I’m not talking about Earth, Wind, and Fire—Reasons, the reasons that we’re here… Sorry, that song was stuck in my head, but y’all do know that I’m talking about the periodic table of the elements. Yesterday afternoon, my professor told us to be prepared, and y’all already know: A sista’s gonna get her study on, because I will not be left out of the loop.

As for my Grammar & Comp II Class, I have a research paper that’s due next Friday, and I can choose any topic I wish. I’m gonna have to cite my references, add a bibliography—the whole nine yards. In case you haven’t been keeping up with me, I’m untouchable in English. Granted, I do use some colloquialisms from time to time, but when it comes to grammar, punctuations, and spelling, that’s where I excel.

And of course, there’s my Fundamentals of Speech class. As you know, I was racking my brain over the third item that best defines my character. Well, when it was turn to give my speech, I mentioned that my family photo album describes my love for my family and friends, and my Share Bear Care Bear symbolizes that I am a big kid at heart whose favorite color is purple. As for that third and final item (and these were my exact words): “I’m wearing it—a bright, beautiful smile!” The class chuckled, and I noticed that Theo blatantly mouthed the words: “You’re such a cornball,” to which I vocally said: “And I’ve made peace with it.”

Yeah, y’all—this is just more proof that I am truly enjoying this here module!

So, now that I have my schoolwork out of the way (with the exception of a composition and an upcoming quiz), I have truly earned this weekend. Some of you may ask: “What are your plans, Tasha?” Well, check this out, y’all: Auntie Gladys has invited me, Ruby, and Theo over for dinner tomorrow. She said for us to be at her house at 3pm CST, and she also left an important mandate to “make sure that y’all don’t eat nothin’ til ya get here, ya hear?”

Y’all already know what this means for me, Ruby, and Theo—ANOTHER ROAD TRIP!!!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care… oh, and don’t forget to change your clocks this weekend!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Theo's Tutoring Skills

Hi, Everyone!

First of all, I want to wish a Happy 46^th Birthday to my cousin Jade Diamond Coleman, a.k.a “Diamond Fly.”
Love ya, Cuzzo—continue shinin’ bright like a diamond! Hahahaha!

So, I had my first tutoring session in Geometry & Trigonometry yesterday evening, and let me tell y’all—Theo’s a damn good teacher.

The minute we met up in the library, Theo looked at me all serious and said, “Okay, Natasha—here’s the dilly-o: In order to understand Geometry, you have to be Geometry. Now, I know that sounds weird, but it’s true. Oh, yeah—and while I am more than happy to be your tutor, you have to use a study method that works for you. That way, when you take the midterm in a couple of weeks, you’ll be able to ace this bad boy. My only question to you is: Are you ready?”

I giggled a little, and then I said: “Bring it on, Theo—bring it on.”

Within a two-hour session, Theo taught me the different geometric shapes and sizes, and even explained to me that, believe it or not, geometry has its own language. I figured that I may as well learn said language while I’m in this class for the next seven weeks. Theo even helped me with a few questions that may be on the upcoming midterm, which is in three to four weeks.

Now, I’d be telling a bold-faced lie if I told y’all that I know everything about Geometry & Trigonometry, but I will say that Theo broke down the first two chapters for me in a way that I could understand, and I am very appreciative to him for that. I’m also grateful that he only taught me the first two chapters; after all, I only started the class a couple of days ago.

I can’t lie, though—I kinda wanted Theo to cheat for me, seeing as how he has already taken this class. Before y’all get uptight, I want y’all to know that your sweet little innocent Natasha has not turned over to the dark side. It was just a thought and nothing else, but thankfully I came to my senses and brought that horrible thought unto captivity.

Well, I’ll holla at y’all later, but please continue to keep your girl lifted up in prayer.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

One More Week Before Finals!

Hi, Everyone!

Here it is—Monday, October 8, 2012, just one week before my Gramma Jewel’s 77^th birthday, my Great Aunt Reesie’s 75^th birthday, and my final exams. Speaking of the latter, I’m taking a break from studying for my finals, so I can talk to you all for a moment.

I’ve created a studying system that, as eccentric as it may be (according to my roommate Ruby), works just great for me. The weird thing is that I don’t use the same studying methods for each class. It’s kinda hard to explain, but just take my word for it.

I’ve also taken a look at my schedule for the second module, and good grief—Rust College is really challenging me! I’ve got Biological Science and Intro to Computers/Basic Computer Concepts, starting Monday, October 22, 2012. My Biological Science class starts at 8am, and my Basic Computer class is at 1pm. Now, I don’t want to jump too far ahead of myself, but the computer class sounds relatively easy, given that I’ve been on a computer almost every day of my life. Now, as for that that Biological Science class—well, let’s just say that I’m gonna need my prayer warriors again. Ruby’s taking Fundamentals of Speech in two weeks, and I am so jealous of her because that class sounds like so much fun, and considering that I’m learning how to find my voice a lot, I can’t wait until I take that class next semester.

One thing that I noticed about Rust is that a student doesn’t start their major right away in their freshman year. They take “refresher courses” first, and then they go right into their major come sophomore year. I guess that makes sense, considering there are so many students who don’t know what they want to major in. Well, I know that I want to be a kindergarten teacher, just like my Grampa Clark was. I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill in that category—and I’m gonna do all I can to at least fill them halfway—but I’m also gonna cement my own legacy in this world.

Well, that’s enough of a break for now—time to get back to studyin’. Holla!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha