BC Trip (Part 1 - Science & City Tour)

It was just last week when I arrived home in Edmonton. I really do miss BC, it has exquisite scenery, where you can forget about life and get lost in. My first day arriving there I went to the Science World, similar to the Telus World of Science we have here. It was a Saturday, which means it would be ridiculously busy, as expected, and lots of little adults running endlessly. I learned some cool facts about dinosaurs, body works, and other wicked science facts. This is a picture I took! It challenged me to fit into this tiny box. Yeah right. 

 













Their Skytrain was easy to learn, and cheap as well. Also, side note, everybody in BC seems to walk, bike or take public transportation. And, they look FIT. Unlike me, where I enjoy my chocolate and drinks. I'm kinda jealous of British Columbians. Is that the right word? I think they use Vancouverites. Clearly I'm just making up pronouns. 

The next day, Sunday, I had a Vancouver City tour. I booked lots of tours with several companies, where they would pick me up from my indicated hotel, do the itinerary planned and dropped me back at my hotel. This style was preferable for me, as it was convenient and I would meet lots of other tourists! I did a couple of tours with West Coast Sightseeing, where their website can be found here! Their shuttle was a bright green one, and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend it to other tourists! 

I explored lots this Sunday! We stopped at the Totem Poles and Granville Island and looked at other fabulous spots including Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park, etc. 

Totem Poles in Stanley Park

Stanley Park

SeaBus in Granville Island

Imagine living in one of those condos/apartments and looking out into the water. I would die for that scenery. I love Alberta and all, but this is just, perfection. After out tour, I walked across the Seawall and explored from there. I also read. 

Seawall Selfie!

Reading by the Seawall

BC Trip (Introduction)

I don't pump up my vacations, well really I don't get vacations. I mean it, the last official one I went on was back in 2013. I travelled to California then. This summer, I felt (and deserved) that one was rightfully needed. I had a week off in August from my summer library job to Orientation that it would be perfect to go on a getaway trip then. 

I researched and researched places that would be beautiful, inexpensive and that I would thoughtfully enjoy. I was debating to go down to the States, but the Canadian dollar is not the greatest right now, so I looked into other places.

I'm not sure how BC or British Columbia came into consideration, but it did. And I am so so SO thankful it did. My flights were at decent times, my hotel was reasonable and within measurable walking distance to a lot of places, and best of all, I was alone.

Yes, alone. Solo. By myself. All by myselfffffff. Though it was for a week, it was nice to escape a city you've fully grown up in and just explore, by myself, a new place. Here are pictures of my first day that I arrived in Vancouver!

Ain't it B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L?! 

ORIENTATION 2015

Right after coming home from BC last week (and yes, I will blog about that!), I had Orientation (OVT) training and Orientation itself immediately the days following. Now, I'm sure you're thinking, why do I volunteer for Orientation? Here's why:

Reason 1 - The people. I have met the most amazing volunteers throughout this program, regardless of the faculty. Especially the team I'm on this year, hashtag Crookie Monsters. Future teachers to be are a fantastic group to surround yourself. 

Reason 2 - The anticipation. Without Orientation, I have nothing to look forward to in September. Wait, that's a lie, I have school to start. Maybe. Over the summer break, you make time for team bonding and anxiously await for Orientation. It's a super great feeling! Did I mention you team bond?! Who doesn't love a little team bonding here and there?

Reason 3 - The timing. Orientation is right before school commences and ever since my second year, I've been excited to get back into the classroom routine and schedule. It's refreshing to see your friends, getting pumped up for Orientation and having a real great time before the "official" first day of school. Our Education cheers are corny rock and relate to Faculty pride that all Orientation volunteers have. 

Take a look at some of the pictures I took! 

 

Overall, Orientation is always going to be a part of my undergraduate experience and when applications are open, you should APPLY. You won't regret it! Here's a buzzfeed link about Orientation in which I died laughing. Enjoy!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/angromano/17-signs-you-were-an-orientation-leader-in-college-ep4l#.in8llDYvPV

I Swear, I'm Not Dead!

June 27 was my LAST post, and right now it's September FIRST. That's basically two full months with no blogging. I highly apologize for that, it's been an insane summer! No lie. That, of course, I'm going to share with you all, and then some. 

Seriously, I feel ridiculously awful that I haven't blogged in so long. I guess working at a library is SOOOOO draining. Hashtag not. I think because working two jobs, planning a BC trip and preparaing for fourth year is lots to juggle. 

I started this blog to reflect and share. The experiences I go through, I want people to listen, to engage and to contribute. With that said, I will, yes WILL, as in commit to actually blogging this time. Topics will include recaps about 

- Summer job at the library

- BC trip 

- Orientation 2015
- Senior Year University
- Other...haha

I'm not sure which I'll start first within this next week. You'll just go with the flow anyways. I'll show pictures (beautiful ones, not blurry) and also share what I've learned. As always, teachers are constantly learning. Today was the "official" first day of University, though, since I don't have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays tomorrow is my first day!

I should go, and start collecting some pens and paper for notes. I promise I won't be MIA! 

via GIPHY

Picture Book Friday: It's Okay to Make Mistakes

You're gonna love this post. It's all about Todd Parr -- a New York Times Bestselling Author. This book is called It's Okay to Make Mistakes.

I bet children (and possibly adults) are already thinking what are you thinking? I don't make mistakes. Ha. Ha. Ha. Biggest lie ever. Children make the most mistakes, especially elementary kids. (Though I'm not dismissing how many mistakes I have made or my friends!) Already skimming the book's illustrations, it's very cartoon-like and has very vibrant colors that pop right off the page. 

Each page starts with the phrase: "It's okay....." For example, this page says:

"It's okay to change your mind. Everyone is ready at a different time."

They're short, simple sentences reminding children (and possibly adults) about the importance of learning from our mistakes and our experiences. Everyone usually knows how they learn best -- either through listening someone speak, taking down notes, drawing pictures, whatever. For me, I know that if I do something, I pick it up 10 times better than watching a demonstration. Never Usually, I mess up or make a mistake that I know better for next time. 

I advocate tremendously how mistakes are learning opportunities. When we mess up, it doesn't mean we suck or that we should cry about it. Mistakes do happen, one way or another, and we just have to accept that. This is why I love this book. especially for a Kindergarten class! 

Also, I got this Todd Parr bookmark from work that illustrates all of his books he has written. It's pretty long and very dandy I must say! There's The Thankful Book, The I LOVE YOU Book, and much more. I love his "life lessons" he tells through his story writing. No wonder why he's such a big hit! This is his website and here is a list of his books via EPL! 

Orientation Love

Thursday evening was the Orientation BBQ, which is held every year. As this is my third year with the Orientation program, I never actually went my first two years! Sad, isn't it? This time, I'm so happy that I did and broke that streak of not attending events. Truth.

Working 6-7 days a week really limits your time. You're probably thinking Wow Christian you have all money and no social life which is basically true. I'm banking tons of hours at my employment places but have such limited time to see my friends. Sad, really. That's why this post is all dedicated to Orientation, as seeing my other Education friends and The Crookie Monsters really made my week. I could not stop smiling at work the following day!

It's been mid-March, give or take 3 months from the time I have been a University student. To be franc, I kinda miss it. Working 45+ hours a week really takes a toll on you, but I'll suck it up for this summer. There was about ~250 people at this BBQ and though I did take lots of pictures, here's a few I want to share!

 

I miss my teacher friends, but I also am looking forward to OVT (volunteer training) and Orientation itself! I'll keep working my butt off, as I know I won't have this work life for long. This BBQ (with free food) was a fabulous distraction from this work-filled 4 months!

Oh oh oh! Here's some pictures of the park. Sometimes, I don't give full enough credit of my hometown. A lot of people complain about it -- whether it's traffic or the weather or just anything. Edmonton does have its perks too! (Which we should never dismiss)

Picture Book Friday: One Hen

Remember when I mentioned that my Mentor Teacher suggested two books that are aimed for older elementary students? I hope you do, that means you've been reading my posts. ;) Well this is the second one, it's called One Hen. I read this again on my lunch break at work (librarians reading at work? it's like a dream for them!) and immediately fell in love with this story's plot and its theme. 

Its title One Hen is right above a phrase that says "how one small loan made a difference" --and it absolutely does in this story! Written by Katie Smith Milway and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, this book explores the lifestyle of Kojo, transitioning from child to young adult to adult to a senior. Set in Ghana, West Africa, Kojo is a man who does not give up, is smart with his money, all from a loan that is given to him so young. The plot ties well into school themes, such as giving, helping one another and community. Through hard work and dedication, your dreams will always come true. Change does happen, especially to those of good work and kindness. Kojo is a prime example of this. 

I can see why my MT passed along this book to me. First or second graders won't fully understand the meaning of it. The writing won't appeal to them. However, fifth and sixth graders will. I can already think of assignments or lesson plan extensions when using this book as an introduction. 

I would read this book in chunks, and focus on sections of it class by class. I would also point out the distinct visuals created by Fernandes. They add the story lots of life.

Last but not least, in the sleeve of this book it mentions how One Hen is based on a true story. Taken from the sleeve, it says:

"Kwabena Darko, who really did change his community and now is helping others do the same through a microedit lending progam."

What. An. Inspiration! Truly! This shows to my [future] students that nothing should stop you to do what you love and what you are inspiring to become. In Kojo's case, his passion was farming.