Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Haps in Grandy Grand Forks


Here's what's been up for Donica Severson in Grand Forks, North Dakota:

I'm staying as optimistic as I can. I feel 20 credits of straight A's is a little much, but unfortunately this is how my semesters are gonna have to be if I'm to graduate in time. BLEH. 

I've been doing my field experience under a high school Latin teacher here. She switches between two high schools throughout the day, but I've just been visiting her at one of them.  During spring break I will be spending the fullllllllll dayyyyyyy with her! This may make or break my teaching career. However, I've been really enjoying being around her. In fact, I think I'm going to continue observing there even when my observation hours are done. Yesterday she let me go over translations with the class, which was so fun, but also just torturous. I enjoyed being able to correct and help them with their translations, but it also made me remember how horrid high school can be to some people.

Some of the boys got really nervous, and one of them was making the attempt to impress me with his decision to translate not just ONE sentence like I had asked, but six. He began to translate and the other boys started making fun of him for translating more than he should have, and he got highly defensive, flustered, and couldn't even continue with his translations. His mind completely blanked and he couldn't talk. He was so embarrassed! I felt terrible. 

During the end of the day, my teacher asked if I'd like to chaperone for their Latin Day trip to Concordia in Moorhead where they will be participating in a Latin competition and various other activities. She also mentioned how she is retiring in two years and asked me if I 1) wanted to do my student teaching there 2) wanted to teach there. Yes to both. One of the science teachers teaching at this school also double majored in Latin and was being lined up to become the Latin teacher, but she said that he may be willing to stay as a science teacher. That would be so cool! I'm not gonna get my hopes up, but what an  incredible opportunity that would be! And perfect timing! Her other solution to the problem was that I marry this single science teacher and we work out who's gonna teach Latin. Also a good option. 

My brother comes in two days! Oh yes he does. I'm so excited. But also am in need of people to man-sit him while I do observations (similar to babysitting, except doing manly things instead of making playdough). If you would like the opportunity to 1) man-sit    or  2) hang out with my brother and I you may contact me via any means you know of (phone, facebook, blogspot, email, pigeon, airplane message, etc.)

TOODLES

-Donica