How everything is going.

Hello Classmates!

Although we haven't seen each other in quite a long period of time (besides our Unit Plan Meeting), I feel as though everyone probably has a lot of things to say about their placements and unit plans.  So I will reflect a little on my experiences and how my life has been going.
I am placed basically in Maryland at Kennard-Dale High School with Mr. Grant Leonard.  It is actually quite interesting to have him as a co-op since he was in one of my English classes last semester, so he already knew who I was after he met me on the first day.  He actually told me he expected a man to walk in since he has a male student named Dakota.  I thought this was normal and basically expected it.  I really enjoy working with his classes since they vary from all grade levels as well as subject topics.  I especially love his Creative Writing classes, which is where I will be teaching a few lessons in these next upcoming visits.  I am exciting to work with these young writers so I can use my experiences as writing material in the future.
I also enjoyed out Unit Plan meeting we had in Stayer.  It was SUPER helpful and made me realize how off track I was with mine.  It was nice to sit around and talk school in a relaxed environment, yet still be structured enough to get everything done.  I especially loved that we didn't move on until everyone's questions were answered.  I thought that was extremely beneficial.
I know I haven't been blogging as regularly as I should be, and I know we are all super busy, but I am really unfocused for some reason.  I think it is because I am busting my butt trying to get all my Graduate School applications finalized, since there are a lot of writing requirements that go along with it.  For those of you who do not know, I actually dropped my BSE down to just a BA and will not be student teaching in the Spring as originally planned, and will be focusing on taking writing centered classes instead, so I am able to have a solid writing base to bring to Grad. School (thank you Dr. Shea!).  I am applying to get my MFA (masters of fine arts) in Creative Writing.  Wish me luck as I apply basically all over the country (except for the North East!!)  I am turning in all my apps by Thanksgiving and will hopefully start hearing back from schools soon after that.. (some have rolling admissions).

It has been quite the rollercoaster ride, but I love the adrenaline!

Good luck to everyone else on their Unit Plans and placements!

-Dakota DeFiore :)