Last night in class, we talked about basic writers, and Justin brought up a catalytic point. He said that working with basic writers is great because they possess a raw talent that hasn’t been tapped, and that they aren’t “bored” with their writing yet. Melissa expanded on that point, bringing in her experiences of teaching English 90, 101, and 102. She told us about how hard it is to fail a student who tries their hardest to pass, but just isn’t up to standards. She told us stories of her beginnings as a teacher, feeling overwhelmed by her students’ first papers, and then being blown away by their improvement in the second round of papers. The entire time, I was hanging on Melissa’s every word. For some reason, these stories sparked something inside of me. I have this plan, (that I thought was perfect), to graduate from BSU with my English degree, then travel somewhere to get my TESL certificate, then travel elsewhere to teach abroad for a while, and then eventually return to the states to get a Masters degree in Counseling. But ever since last night, I think I want to be a professor… and teach basic writers the invaluable skill of writing. I feel a little shaken up today, because all this time, I didn’t think I wanted to teach in America. Now, after hearing Melissa’s stories, I’m rethinking everything!
It was odd: as my brain was processing this realization, I resisted it. I didn’t want to reconsider my plans, and I didn’t want to be pulled into this world of teaching composition, because I thought I knew what world I wanted to be in. Now I’m wondering what to do and how to do it all over again. I think I still want to teach abroad, but what after that? I’m lost again, and it kind of feels good… exciting! So, Melissa, thank you for your enthusiasm. You are a refreshing teacher that seems to look at and express things differently, and perhaps that is what I needed to point me in the right direction.
Okay, now onto other things. This week, I had five more consultations. I will have more on Saturday, because I’m working for three hours to fill in for another consultant. That much closer to being paid for this, which will be nice, even if it’s not much! I had a consultation with a sweet lady who immediately told me that she hadn’t written an essay for 17 years- wow! She was very open to suggestions and willing to learn. It was an enjoyable consultation. She reminded me of my aunt, and that’s a good thing. I have had other consultations with non-traditional students, but this one was my favorite so far.
I also had several required visits, inevitably. Both were first-year, stereotypical guys 100-level classes. Except one was engaged and excited to be there, and the other sat back, slouched in his chair. It was all I could do to get the latter student to stay for a full 15 minutes. I searched and searched for useful information in his mind for brainstorming, and I think I helped a little bit. But honestly, he didn’t want to be there. I did get him to smile and laugh a few times so at least we were on the same page about something. I hope he has a better opinion of the Center after that visit.
I also had my first “repeat customer”. We had a brainstorming consultation that was very fun. I got to help her think of ways to approach an environmental research paper, which of course I’m interested in. She’s going to bring it into me when she has some of it written. I love that I can see her progress with the essay, and I love that we are actually establishing a personal relationship, kind of like the Fannie reading we had this week for class. I’m envious of those who get to develop a personal connection with their students and I’m stoked that I am beginning to!
One last thing about learning disabilities: this Michael character made an appointment with me for next Thursday. It’ll be my first time working with him. After last night’s class, I can’t wait to work with him! I had no idea what his situation was and am grateful that Andrea brought it up last night.
Happy Halloween everyone!
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Wow! What a huge moment, April! There's nothing better than realizing there's more out there than you had originally planned. As I said in class, even though I studied basic writers in grad school, I was completely intimidated by the thought of working with them, and I had no intention of pursuing that work--BUT, as things always do, I had to face my fear (and trust me, I absolutely resisted this!). My colleagues always spoke so highly of teaching basic writing and about how amazing the students were, but I was convinced that wouldn't be my experience. And boy was I wrong. I fell absolutely in love with it, and it was NEVER a part of my plans. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSo, I guess what I'm getting at is that it is great to have plans--that pushes you forward. But, it's also great to let life take you where it will. And, for the record, you don't have to decide between either teaching abroad or teaching composition in the U.S.--you can do both! And doing one will help you do the other. I'm always open to talk more if you'd like. :)
Yay! A first repeat? Awesome! I see many more in your future. Also, it sounds to me like you've got the right attitude about students who are required to come--a good experience (even if they aren't super engaged) can lead to future visits that they are engaged in.
I hope you had a glorious Halloween!
mk