5 Reasons I Run

I've become addicted to running. It's probably one of the best things you can be addicted to. But I'm not running because I want to drop 30 pounds and look like some sort of model. I'm 100% content with the way my body already is. So here are 5 reasons why I run. 

1) I run because there is no better feeling then doing something you never thought you could. I'm a Roman. We don't run. Plain and simple. ;) I was never big into running and never thought I'd be able to do even a 5K. Then I started running a little here and there and it started growing on me. I never thought I'd be running 5 miles at a time without having to stop and walk. Huge accomplishment for me. I never thought I could do this kind of thing. I have a long way to go though so I'm not satisfied yet. 

2) I run because those RUNNING ENDORPHINS are AMAZING! Not every run makes me feel amazing, but when I do have one that is awesome- I'm on a runner's high! It makes me happy and puts me in an amazing mood. I love every second of that.

3) I run because I set high goals for myself. I love pushing myself to a whole new level. It's been amazing to watch myself reach goals. Before I even signed up for a 5K or 10K, I signed up for a Half Marathon (13.1 miles) because that's when I'm really going to push myself. Or pass out. :) Haha one of the two. But really, when you sign up for races and things like that, you have no choice but to train for them. It keeps you motivated.

4) I run because it has so many beneficial health effects. I have "ideal" blood pressure, a low resting heart rate, and I sleep so soundly at night. I wake up in the morning and just feel better overall about my day. I find that I'm a lot less sleepy during the day too because I have more energy. I have been drinking a lot more water (with lemons) too. When you workout regularly, you are much more aware of what you put into your body. I can't say enough about how great it makes you feel.

5) I run because I know that not everyone has the ability to do so. I run for my future "buddy" in a program called IRun4. I am currently waiting to be matched up with a child or adult with a disability who physically cannot run. I dedicate my runs to that person to help them feel like they are part of something. I will share any race medals with them, which will be such an amazing feeling. This is the number one reason I run. Your health is something you should be thankful for that should never be taken for granted. Two things I am so passionate about: people with disabilities and running. Putting them together is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I will post again when I find out who my buddy is!

Here's a video for IRun4 that is pretty inspirational: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUDXsOTYn6U  

Website for IRun4:

http://www.whoirun4.com/

"We all have dreams, in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort."

He Changed My Life!

I recently applied for scholarships through the School of Education at UWSP... and I won! One requirement was that we write an essay answering the following question: "How has your education prepared you to teach in a global society?" So I decided to incorporate Devaunte into my story. For those of you who do not know, Devaunte was a student that I worked with while I was in high school. He had autism with a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut. He passed away in December of 2011 and my life hasn't been the same since. I cried with the other students in the special education class all day. He was an amazing individual with a lot of potential. 

This blog post is meant to share my essay that I wrote for that scholarship. Feel free to leave comments here or on Facebook, I like feedback :) Thanks! Hope you enjoy.

If I had been asked to share how my education has prepared me to teach in a global society before beginning my senior year at Spooner High School, I would still be staring at my blank screen, waiting for inspiration to strike. I was raised in a small town, graduated with 100 peers whom 99% of were Caucasian, and did not have much of a sense of the term “globalization”. I was oblivious as to how unique every person was, especially the differences that were not seen with the eye. My first realization of differing cultures in education came my senior year when I had the chance to be a teacher assistant in a place that would forever change my life.

            A class that I was enrolled in during my senior year required that we spend time helping out another teacher in the school district. I took a particular interest to the high school Special Education classroom. That is where I met a 17-year-old student who had autism with a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut. Because of his minimal brain function, I watched as the teacher altered assignments to fit his needs. This is when I first got a sense of what my life as a teacher would be like. The teacher adjusted herself and daily activities to best accommodate the student and his abilities.

In the student’s culture, music was essential. Everyday, he and I listened to music and danced around the room as a form of physical activity. His favorite song was “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson. Little things like that helped me realize how different students can be. The smile it put on his face could turn anyone’s day around. He valued long walks, and I would frequently walk around with him in the hallways of the school. The teacher had other students do things of their interests. What I took from the Special Education teacher was that she really took the time to get to know her students. She altered daily activities so that students were comfortable in her classroom. This student was able to succeed because he was accepted in his classroom environment. Unfortunately, on December 9, 2011, I lost the person who made me realize that it was possible to succeed in an environment where people were different than he was. Even though he is no longer here, one of the most important lessons I have learned from him will always remain with me.

Luckily enough, my journey at UWSP has begun to expand my horizons even more. In my first semester, I was enrolled in “Pluralism for Educators”, which enlightened me as to what a global society is all about. I learned so much from classmates around me; I began to have to have a better understanding of varying cultures. In that course, one of my first assignments was to do a presentation about my own culture, so that I could better understand myself before trying to understand others. Listening to others talk about their cultures and backgrounds really started to open up my once narrow mind. When I began to understand varying cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities, I began to consider use of this knowledge in my future classroom. I began thinking about more than just my way of life and the way that I grew up. “Pluralism for Educators” made me realize that my students will have varying needs, and I need to be flexible and able to accommodate.

Teaching is so much more than spitting your knowledge at your students in the same fashion; it is finding the best way a student learns and adjusting your teaching style to fit their needs. Students’ diverse backgrounds make the job of a teacher challenging, yet the most rewarding profession. I cannot wait to learn more in my journey to becoming a teacher. Differentiating students are what will make being a teacher in a global society so exciting!

“If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change”

-Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson

Thanks for reading :)

What Really Matters :)

You know that feeling when you lose sight of what is really important in life? You get so caught up in other stuff that doesn't even really matter. It doesn't. I've always been the kind of person that thought everything in life had to be so perfect and honestly, it's a bunch of crap. I've gotten over breakups, mean people, fights, stress, and so much more that I have now realized spent way too much time on my mind. I can't control every outcome, I've just learned to make the best of what comes my way. Lately, I've been thinking about what's truly important to me-- the things that I can't live without. The other stuff in life is so minor and I need to start focusing on the things that are actually important.

1) Family. For anyone who really knows me, you know it has always been the most important aspect of my life. I seriously have the coolest and best parents in the world. They would do anything for my sisters and I. My sisters are so successful and I honestly couldn't ask for more. 

2) School. School matters. It determines the rest of your life. It is something that I take seriously because I want to get the most out of it. Point is an amazing place-- I love everything about it!

3) Health. If I've learned anything in the last year, it's that you can't take it for granted. I have had way too many sick relatives and friends lately to not take it seriously. Your health is such a precious gift and should never be taken for granted. 

I've recently changed my lifestyle. I have been working out every morning before classes. It is a great way to start my day and I feel so much more energized and confident throughout the day, it's amazing!! 

gym selfie ;)

4) Being nice to people matters. You have no idea what someone is going through. Just asking people how their day is going makes a huge difference. I don't care how mean they were or whatever. BE NICE. It's not cool if you are too self-centered to go out of your way to say something nice to someone. And really, if you don't have anything nice to say, just don't even bother opening your mouth. Life's too short to bring other people down. 

5) Friends. I love being able to choose friends. I've developed so many friendships in such little time here. I've also found my best friend! Caitlin has been there for me through my best and worst days, I'm so thankful for her and couldn't do it without her. 

6) Students with Disabilities. Most of you know that I am in LOVE with children that have disabilities. I find them fascinating, full of life, and so ambitious. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have them in my life. I've known that I wanted to work with student with special needs since I was a sophomore in high school and I'm so thankful that I know that I was put on this earth for that exact reason. It's amazing. If you want to watch a video that I created about Down syndrome Awareness, the link is below. :)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151994252843460&set=vb.510508459&type=3&theater

Life is too short. Remember what parts of your life are worth worrying about. When you eliminate the insignificant things, it sure does make you a whole lot happier.