Learning to Live

My mom always tells me that I don't know how to relax. I usually roll my eyes, but I have to admit that she does have a point. Although it's sometimes annoying, I think that this lack of relaxation in my life is what constantly keeps me on my toes for what's next. I always need to challenge myself in some way and I just completed me biggest challenge yet. It's no secret that I've started to like running. Two years ago I ran my first half marathon and I've been dabbling in running ever since. In December I decided that I wanted to train for a full marathon. This was a big decision for the girl who cried about having to run the mile in middle school. Training for a marathon is a bitch. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a liar. It takes time-- SO much time. It takes endurance. And it takes A LOT of willpower. It's tough to wake up at 5:45 AM for a 16 mile run. You might call your mom crying after you're done with said run. She might tell you that you...

“It was evident to him that the world composed and recomposed itself constantly in an endless process of dissatisfaction.” - Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow The role that literature plays in our understanding of history is incredibly important to consider. So often we read textbooks that sugar coat the way we see our past. I’m taking a class on Historical Fiction this semester, and the first novel we have read, Ragtime , already has me questioning my understanding of our history. Ragtime is a magnificent read that provides a commentary on race, technology, and the American Dream. Although this is typical of most historical fiction in the early 1900s, I enjoyed the stance that this particular novel took in regards to race and gender. Readers can easily make a comparison to 1914 America to 2014 America. Although this provides a pessimistic view on the route that our country is taking, it’s absolutely crucial that we recognize the similarities we have with America 100 years ago. I...

This is a collection of the funny things students have said to me throughout the course of the semester. Chances are you won't think these are as funny as I did, but they are definitely worth a good chuckle. "Ms. Thompson, why do you wear slippers everyday?" (Um, excuse me? These are obviously nude flats.)     Student: "Ms. Thompson, how old are you?"       Me: "21."      Student: "Does that mean you can drink beer?     Different student: "Wow, that's weird you looked 19 up there."     Me: *no response*     Student: "That's so cool, I can't wait until I'm 21. Only 9 more years!"               Homecoming dress up days are interesting: Me: "What Disney character are you?" Student: "I'm the hunter who shot Bambi's mom."  Me: "...."                           After giving 7th graders candy: "...

It's hard to believe that the most amazing and influential semester of my college career is over. This semester was filled with valuable learning experiences, and although it killed my social vibe, I wouldn't trade what I learned and the time I spent with my students for anything. The time I spent in the classroom showed me that I really was born to do this. There were times when it was harder than I ever imagined, but when I was able to watch a concept click in a student's brain, it was all worth it. And the relationships I built with the students were incredible. I know people feel sorry for me because I spent my entire semester with 7th and 9th graders, but the reality is that they aren't all that bad. And we have to remember that we were at the point in our life once too. That point where we don't know who we are or what's happening with our bodies. That point when our biggest concern is who we will hang out with on Friday night. I remember these times wel...

I am reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio with my 7th graders right now, which is an awesome young adult novel that focuses on the importance of kindness. The response to this book is overwhelming and it has sparked a movement across the nation. Children are encouraged to sign the pledge after reading the novel and choose to be kind. I'll admit that this simple young adult novel is one of my favorite books, not only because of the overall message it sends to children and adults alike, but because it is filled with tons of awesome mini-messages. One of the teachers in the book, Mr. Browne, introduces precepts to his students once a month to help his students recognize what is important in life. The reading from last night included one precept that I found especially important: "Fortune favors the bold." I appreciate this precept because it reminds us that if we want to reap the rewards that life offers us, we have to be willing to take risks. We have to take action if we ...

I love half birthdays. I love to celebrate them. Especially my own. (No surprise there) Some people tell me that this is dumb, but I believe that every day is a celebration in itself, and half birthdays are just that much more of a reason to celebrate. The fact that I'm 21 and a HALF today is pretty legit. I will never be this young again. I'm halfway to what I have deemed to be considered the age where real adulthood sets in. It's an excitingly terrifying day (most days are lately), so of course I celebrated. I bought myself some new things and got ice cream, and felt a little bit happier today even though I chilled out on reminding people that it was indeed my half birthday. Perhaps I like my own half birthday because I choose to treat myself, but it's important to celebrate for friends too. A cupcake or ice cream or Caribou can make a difference in their day. The reality is that a half birthday is just another day to celebrate how much we love life and/or those ...

As a future English teacher, I have decided that it's time to get past my irrational dislike (fear?) of poetry. Lately I have been reading more poetry than ever in an effort to embrace its beauty. This process has been going surprisingly well. One of my favorite authors, Louise Erdrich is a Minnesota native and author of the 2012 National Book Award for fiction,  The Roundhouse. She  has a powerful book of poems, Original Fire: Selected and New Poems, that includes her poem "Advice to Myself." Her poem inspired me to try my hand at writing poetry and write some advice to myself. Hopefully this comes in handy in my creative writing course next semester. Click here for a link to Erdrich's poem: "Advice to Myself" by Louise Erdrich Here is my attempt at a similar poem: You will always want to sleep, but you don't always need a bed time. Thinking about dessert all the time isn't as bad as always eating it, and you should definitely never ski...