Reflections On Week1

1. Are there any factors that you think are going to affect your participation or experience in this class? Access to a computer?  Mobile/smart phone?  Transportation?  Friends/family? Schedule?                                                   Response: I think that the schedule is going to be the biggest negative factor. Its only been a week and I already feel overwhelmed. Too much homework, and too little sleep. 7 classes, 4 textbooks, and a sport are going to be hard to work with. 
2. Think of an awesome best ever learning experience that changed you. What did you learn? Where were you? What happened? Who else was there? Did it teach you anything about how you learn (or pay attention... or remember, or think?) How did you know what was happening?                                                                   Response: My 8th grade avid/algebra teacher started a community service club that was basically 14 of her students. We all mostly knew each other well, and she ended up taking us on a week long trip to San Francisco. As it was "supposed" to be an "educational" trip, we did go to the San Francisco Exploratorium, and we learned a lot of interesting things. From being inside a giant protector, to standing inside a room where sounds are amplified, to even being able to see how your face and another person's face would look like combined it was pretty interesting. In addition to that, we also went shopping in downtown where we quickly learned the hobos are not as safe and friendly as those here in Santa Maria. I learned that I can adapt to new environments pretty quickly. I can also think on the spot if needed, and sneak into 5 star hotels in shorts and a t-shirt. The most important thing I learned is how close you can strengthen bonds with people in a short amount of time, over the simplest of things. Before going on the trip to San Fran, I would have never guessed I would make close friends over making fun of pigeons named Alex. 
3. What are you most [excited/concerned] about in this class? What do you look forward to in learning?  How do you think it can/will make a practical difference in your life?                                                                          Response: I am excited about the importance of technology required for this class. Many teachers refuse to use a lot of technology, because they either don't understand it, or they don't "trust" it. I look forward honestly to the reading. I try to find some time to read new unknown novels, and the reason I like English is that they assign interesting books (sometimes), to read and study. I am also curious about the new ideas and perspective of the world that every English teacher I've ever had seem to have. I am concerned about the amount of work, and the amount of creative thinking we will have throughout the year. Creative thinking can make a difference in my life, because on a large scale it prevents communism, zombification of the children, and boring tumblr pages. On a smaller scale, it makes great 4am conversations on Friday nights and keeping everyone from thinking the same way.