So, What's Next for Natasha?

Hi, Everybody!

Ever since I’ve been back home, I haven’t really done a whole lot of anything…  granted, I did go to church yesterday, and I received such a hero’s welcome! Pastor Clark made it emphatically clear yesterday during morning worship service that he and Mrs. Clark were excited and honored to witness my graduation ceremony at Rust. As a matter of fact, Pastor Clark said that mine was the first college graduation that he ever attended, and he was very impressed with the entire ceremony. He also made mention that when my name was called to get my degree, Mrs. Clark was yelling louder than he was… hahahaha!

Imagine that, y’all—looks like I’ve set the standards for my fellow youth and young adults at St. Matthew Baptist Church! I honestly didn’t plan on making history like I did, but I am humbled and honored to have achieved such a milestone in my young life.

So, now that I’m back home, what’s next for me?

Well, I had planned on just staying home all this week and not doing anything productive, especially considering that I dedicated four years of my life to Rust College. However, as I may have mentioned once or twice before, college life has completely made me over. Gone are the days where I would stay cooped up in my room like a hermit—Rust College has helped turn me into a social butterfly, and I reckon I’ll be fluttering around all day tomorrow. I just remembered that I’ve gotta buy some thank-you cards on account I’ve got a lot of people to thank for helping me along my latest academic journey. And believe me when I tell y’all—the list is extensively long! Yes, I know I made a redundancy, but that’s exactly how many people I gotta thank… and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Ruby, Theo, Craig, and Azalea are on that very list!

I also plan on visiting Mrs. Martin sometime this week… and I just remembered something: Before I left for Rust in Decemeber, I promised Mrs. Martin’s kindergarten class that I would pay them a visit when I returned home. I reckon I had better cash in on that promise…

And now that I think about it, they’ll be graduating themselves in about a month!

Well, y’all—it goes without saying, but my dance card is starting to fill up!

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

Smooches,
Natasha

Now That I Am An Official Rust College Alumna...

Hi, Everybody!

Even though my commencement was a mere three days ago, I still feel the excitement in the air now that I am officially a Rust College alumna. The reason why y’all didn’t hear from me at all yesterday was because I spent most of the day packing up and moving my things out of Emma Elzy Hall. I’ll be heading back to L.A. this Friday, which I count as a blessing on account of I’m just not ready to say goodbye just yet.

I kinda touched base on it a couple days ago in my late Saturday evening blog post, but I don’t think I went into full detail. I omitted the fact that I suffered a minor anxiety attack. Thankfully, I was lying down on my bed when it happened. I just started hyperventilating and my heart was racing like crazy. Let me ask y’all a question: Have you ever hoped, wished, and prayed for a dream to come true, and when that dream did come true, how did you feel? Well, lemme tell y’all: When I realized that I was just mere moments away from my commencement ceremony, all of those emotions that I had my freshman year returned maybe ten times worse! I think I had stated that it was the same emotions but a different scenario—well, the pomp and circumstance is over, but those emotions never left me. When I packed up my last item and zipped up my suitcase, I got hit real hard by reality. I actually had to look around the room for a couple of minutes. My days as a Rust College student are officially over, and I am now about to enter the real world, if I haven’t done so already.

Since I’ve moved out, I’m staying with my Great Aunt Donna until I leave this Friday… and now that I think about it, Neo Theo is leaving this Friday as well. I reckon we’ll meet up with each other at the airport. My fellow alumni have got to meet one last time before we officially go our separate ways… and we will, too!

Until next time, y’all take care, and I’ll holla at’cha later.


Smooches,
Natasha

And All of My Academic Credentials Are Officially Completed!

Hi, Everybody!

Well, it goes without saying, but yes—my Rust College academic career officially came to a successful close this morning. I completed my last final exam ever, and now it’s time to take it to… a whole nutha level!

Yes, I know that my last academic class was merely a seminar, but y’all gotta understand—that was no ordinary seminar, and I had to prove to my professor, my class, and myself most of all, that I had what it took to ace this class. Well, I proved myself once more and again, and I’m a winner in the long run.

So, seeing as how I have officially completed the world of academia, the only thing standing between me and graduation is plenty of space and a helluva lot of opportunity. I’ve thought about taking another elective just for the heck of it, but to be honest, I would much rather hibernate in my dorm room and catch up on some much deserved R&R. We shall see what I do come Monday, but I know that I am grateful that I have completed my last class.

Look out, Commencement—here I come!

Back At Bearcat Country, And All Is Well!

Happy New Year, Everybody—and greetings from Bearcat Country!

That’s right, y’all—I am back at Rust College, and I am ready to take it to… a whole nutha level! Now, I would like to state for the record that I had a great New Year’s Day celebration with my family… and of course, it was a double celebration, what with my Cousin Vanessa turning 26 and all (she’s a New Year Baby, don’t’cha know). And of course, there was my last Sunday at St. Matthew Baptist Church, where Pastor Clark asked me to give my church family a brief oratory. Well, never one to back down—especially nowadays—I walked up to the podium and said, “Well, all I have to say to you, my church family, is this: We are literally three months and counting until that great day that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.”

And I trust that 2016 kicked off in a big way for each and every one of you… shoot, just by the mere fact that this is Day #4 of a brand-new year is a great testimony for all of us. Millions didn’t make it, but I’m so grateful that I’m one of the ones who did.

So, as I am typing up this blog post, so many thoughts are running through my mind. For starters, I was totally thrown for a loop when I saw the results of the tornado that touched down just a few weeks ago. I couldn’t do anything except say a prayer for those who lost lives and homes, and then I thanked God that he spared my girl Ruby—after all, I’ve looked at Ruby as the sister that I never had, and her mom and dad have become my second parents lo these four years.  I am also grateful that Rust College is still standing strong, and that Ruby and I are this close to graduation.

And speaking of which, I got preregistered this morning, and much like I figured, I have only one class left that pertains to my studies, and it’s not until the fourth module. What am I gonna do with all this time on my hands? I mean, the last thing I need is an idle mind—and we all know who uses that for a workshop! Well, I’ve got plenty ways to keep busy, so I’m be pretty darn occupied until the fourth module.

Well, y’all, I really hate to cut this blog post short, but I gotta do so. Besides, it’s my first day back, and Ruby, Azalea, and I are having our first girls’ night since summer school… and y’all know that they wanna know what happened when I met up with Ray the other day!

Until tomorrow, y’all be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

And My Junior Year is Offically Done!

Happy Friday, Everybody!

Well, it goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway: My junior year at Rust College has officially come to a close!

Technically, it ended yesterday morning after having taken my last final exam—and I gotta state for the record that it was a helluva toughie, but I managed to pull through. And while I have this time, I want to also state that my junior year was very very challenging. I mean, this year was one of the most challenging years ever, all things considered. I’ll just say this: It gave no surcease whatsoever… well, that is until yesterday morning around 10:30am CST.

And yes, y’all—I learned me a new word: Surcease!

So, now that my junior year is completed, that means it’s time for my next hurdle—Summer School 2015. I know that I’ve mentioned this several times before, but I have two classes and my internship left… and come to think of it, I just realized that I am officially a graduating senior!

Of course, I cannot share this accolade all by myself—my fellow peeps have earned the aforementioned honor as well.

And it’s gonna go down this evening—Ruby, Theo, and I have invited Craig and Azalea to help us celebrate our greatest accomplishment at Pizza Hut… that’s right, y’all—we have two new members to our group. I haven’t come up with a catchy name for our group, but I know we can’t call ourselves the Tripod anymore… at least officially, anyway! I told y’all that a lot has happened since the start of the second semester, but as y’all were already aware, I couldn’t really post as much as I wanted on account of this busy academic schedule. I will say this, though: The addition of Craig and Azalea was made official sometime last week. I know that I mentioned them in previous blog posts, but I’ve probably done so in passing. One day soon, when I find time to do so, I’m gonna dedicate a blog post to them.

Well, y’all, I had best close up this here blog post and call it a day, but I at least wanted to holla at y’all and let y’all know what’s been up with me. I’ll definitely holla at y’all on Monday, but who knows—I may have something to talk about on tomorrow. Either way, y’all take care and have a great weekend.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Status Update

Hi, Everybody!

Well, with the exception of a few blog posts here and there, I haven’t really had a chance to talk to y’all like I want to. Then again, I did say that I wouldn’t be talking to y’all too much, what with these last three classes that I’ve got… and trust me when I tell y’all: These three classes that I’m taking ain’t no cakewalk! Don’t get me wrong—I’m enjoying them and I’m learning all I can in them, but I’m just saying that I can’t just can breeze by these particular classes like it’s nothing.

 

In case I didn’t mention it once upon a time, the three classes that I’m taking in this final module are: Methods of Middle School Instruction, Integrative Teaching Seminar, and Educational Technology. I’m not gonna lie to y’all—I kinda chuckled a bit when I discovered that I had to take a class that appears to be related to teaching middle school students, but then I got to thinking: Supposing I decide to change my mind and teach middle schoolers? Well, that’s what this Middle School Instruction class is all about! Personally, I feel that teaching kindergarten is my passion, especially considering that I love little children (hell, I was a kindergartener once upon a time)… LOL!

 

Also, I am happy to report that I made the Dean’s List for the third year in a row up here at Rust! I told y’all that I was here to show the world, and Rust College brought it on—and as y’all can see, I’m still doin’ the damn thing! Yes, I know that I’m talking outside myself, but that’s that confidence factor that I have. Do I have to remind y’all of what my Auntie Cherri says: “The most dangerous woman in the world is the woman who knows her worth.”

 

Well, trust me, Baby—I knows my worth!

 

And I would also like to announce that, after this module is completed, I will only have two more classes and my internship left, and I will be an official Rust College graduate. I have to take a look at my catalog again, and I also have to speak with my academic advisor as well. I already know that I’m gonna take my internship during the fall of the 2015-16 school year; it’s just a matter of those last two classes that I have left. Can I take them during summer school or not?

 

Well, y’all, I reckon I had better get going, but I shall holla at y’all later. Until then, take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Taking It Up A Notch in the Final Module

Hi, Everyone!

Well, y’all—we made it! We have officially entered the Fourth Module, and I am ultra-excited because this is gonna be the busiest module of my sophomore year. Check this out, y’all: I’ve got General Psychology at 8am CST, then there’s Mathematics for Elementary Teachers at 10:30am CST, and then there’s Intermediate Algebra at 1pm CST (I had to take a math elective, and this was the best one that I could choose. Now, as if that ain’t enough, I’m taking a 6pm CST class on Mondays and Wednesdays only, called Psychology of Exceptional Students. That class sounds like it’s gonna be some kinda interesting, and it also sounds like fun, too. I kinda can’t wait to take that 6pm class, because it kinda makes me wonder if I’m an exceptional student. As a matter of fact, that brings to mind a thought-provoking question: What are the characteristics of an exceptional student?

I shall find out this evening in my inaugural class session.

Oh, and lest I forget, I also want to let y’all know the results of my finals. Now, I’m really trying not to brag when I say this, but I was untouchable in my final exams. I know for a fact that I aced my Language Arts K-8 final, but when time came for me to take my Spanish II final… well, let me put it in a very delicate tone: I was like a whisper in the wind—y’all couldn’t see me! I zipped past that Spanish II final like it was nothing… I mean, I got every question correct. Hell, I even got the bonus question correct! Although it was optional, I still answered the question; I was asked to write a paragraph about an influence in my life, and I chose my Uncle Anthony. I don’t remember all that I had written, but I do know that I said: Mi tío Antonio es una gran influencia en mi vida, simplemente porque él es un maestro legendario, al igual que su padre antes que él. I basically said that my Uncle Anthony is a great influence in my life on account of he is a great teacher, much like my Grampa Clark.

And now, we enter the Fourth Module. So much is to be expected of me, but much like my personal theme song: Puedo y voy a llegar hasta el final. Puede ser difícil, pero voy a hacerlo, porque soy Natasha Renee Stewart, y yo soy un voz en este mundo!

I’ll holla at y’all later.

Smooches,

Natasha

My First Blog Post, Written En Español

Feliz miércoles, todo el mundo!

I'm going to do something different on the blog today. Just go ahead and read the next paragraph, if you will.

Voy a tratar de tomar entrada en el blog de ​​hoy a "whole nutha level." Mi misión es escribir al menos un párrafo en español, y aquí es mi incentivo adicional : Viendo como está programado mi examen final en mi clase de español para el próximo jueves ( 17 de octubre), estoy en modo de estudio. Hasta ahora, tengo una "A " en la clase, y deseo que en mantener ese grado. Mi instructor ya sugirió que me inscriba en la clase de Español II, indicó además que hablo español con grand precisión. Yo di gracias a mi instructor para su cumplido, y yo también le dije que lo mejor que pude que he conservado la mayor parte de lo que aprendí en la escuela secundaria. Naturalmente, tuve una conversación con mi instructor en español, bueno, a lo mejor de mi capacidad, de todos modos.

Wow, esto es increíble que yo escribí un párrafo completo en español ! Sin embargo, debo admitir que tuve un poco de ayuda de Google Translate, pero sólo un poco de ayuda. Yo creo que voy a seguir este blog hasta el final, es decir, voy a terminar lo que empecé.

Actualmente, todo esto es de las noticias que tengo para hoy. Lo sé, lo sé: "Qué pena, Natasha" Pero, tiene que admitir que me merezco crédito para ir a la distancia y probar algo diferente con mi blog. Desde mi primer día en la clase de español, siempre he querido probar publicar un blog en español y como se puede ver, he enseñado !

Bueno, eso es todas las noticias de hoy, pero voy a volver mañana con una marca nueva entrada en el blog. Hasta luego, y tener un buen día.

Abrazos y besos,

Natasha

Getting Mentally Prepared, Tho!

Greetings from Bearcat Country, Y’all!

Yes, I have once again readjusted to the good ol’ Southern life—and on top of that, I’m wearing one of my sundresses! I’m wearing the turquoise and aqua green one, and from the looks that I’m receiving, I must be some kinda stunning. I heard a couple of the boys refer to me as a “Phenom.” And hell—even Neo Theo looked at me a couple times and shouted: “Damn, Girl—wit’cho sexy self!”

What can I say—I just make it do what it do, because that’s what I do!

Anyway, seeing as how this is my sophomore year, it’s time for me to step it up a notch, y’all. It’s been a minute since I said this, but I am fully prepared to take it to a whole nutha level… hahaha! I still desire to be a kindergarten teacher, and now that I am an upperclasswoman (hahaha), I’ve got to show the world that I’m ready to tackle my major. One of the major classes that I’m taking this module is called Foundations of Education, and from reading the class description, it sounds both interesting and fun. Now, check this out: According to my Rust catalog, this particular class “is designed to present the social, cultural, political, and historical facts and philosophical ideas which have influenced the development of modern education” (Rust College General Catalog, 2012-2016).

Like I said in yesterday’s blog: I’m here to show the world, so bring it on!

Oh, by the way: I talked to Gramma Jewel twice yesterday—once when I got settled in, and again yesterday evening. I told her that I just had to hear her voice again because it was around this time last year that she helped me get adjusted to what was once unfamiliar surroundings. Well, even though those surroundings are now quite familiar, I still miss Southern Cali. Y’all know that I’m a Cali girl and I always will be; in light of that, though, a sista’s gotsta do what a sista’s gotsta do, and what I gotsta do is get ready for class tomorrow.

Before I forget: I don’t think I’ll really get into the meat and potatoes of my major until perhaps next semester. According to my schedule, I’m taking more electives than anything. Oh, but check this out: I’m taking a Biblical Studies class this semester, and considering that I dabbled in teaching the Cradle Roll at my church over the summer—oooohh-weeeeee! Y’all already know that I’m excited to teach… I mean, take this particular class!

Sorry, I reckon I had a bit of a Freudian slip there… hahahaha!

Well, y’all—I gotta close up this post, but y’all will definitely be hearing from me sometime tomorrow. I don’t know if it will be before my classes or after, but you’ll definitely be hearing from me. Until then, however, y’all take care, and remember to say a prayer for your girl.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Takin' It To A Whole Nutha Level!

Hi, Everyone!

Notwithstanding that today is a brand-new day, I can’t lie to y’all—I’m still pumped up after yesterday afternoon’s 147^th Commencement. Y’all thought I had fun over WrestleMania weekend (and I did)… lemme tell y’all: In witnessing the Rust College Class of 2013 earn their degrees and finally get ushered into the proverbial “real world,” I got a good look into my future. After the commencement had come to pass, I asked a couple of graduates how they felt about having finally achieved their goals, and of course, they were all glad. However, a good majority of those graduates were rather heavy-hearted on account of the memories that they shared while in Bearcat Country. I guess that is to be expected, but one thing’s for sure: Rust College has created a bond in those graduates that will never be broken.

And to think that one day, that’ll be me, Ruby, and Theo!

So now, it’s time to take it to—you guessed it—A WHOLE NUTHA LEVEL!!!

For those of you wondering where I got that phrase from, there’s a character named Eugene Struthers (played by Keegan-Michael Key) on a show called MadTV, and he always used that catchphrase of taking things to “a whole nutha level,” as opposed to a whole other level. Anyway, the whole gist of this blog is simply to let y’all know that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, am about to take my academic career to… greater heights. Summer School starts in a mere two days, and I’m very excited. Of course, I would’ve liked to have been back home right now, but as I may have mentioned once or twice in a previous blog, I’ve been told that if I attend Summer School, then I can finish earlier; I would still graduate in 2016—I’d just be done with classes. Yeah, I know: It was a Catch-22 either way I looked at it, but the added incentive is that I have Ruby and Theo by my side.

Well, this is gonna be a short blog today, mainly because I have nothing else to talk about. I’ll have plenty more to talk about this week, but until that time, y’all take it light!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha