So my program here at Full Sail is wrapping up. I want to write "finally," but a part of me is going "has it been a year already?" So writing "finally" doesn't seem right. I am partially hugely relieved, and a tiny bit nervous about the last few parts and pieces of the whole shebang.
I am relieved for many reasons; to be done with my Master's and with the largest portion of my schooling. I view whatever classes I take from here on out as fun and easy classes to add to my art teacher base of knowledge. I look forward to these (while still highly challenging) "fun" classes. I also look forward quite a bit to having more free time. Time to get back to more regimented workout sessions. (I don't know about anyone else, but I put on a few pounds during this program, due to finding no available time to work out!) I am excited to spend time with my husband again. I look forward to work on projects on our new house that I haven't had time to do. I also look forward to camping trips this summer, and more time to spend with family.
It's a sacrifice going to school. It takes a lot of time and dedication (and we won't even talk money)! It is not an easy task, but it is a rewarding one.
I want this post to be a shout out to the program and to Full Sail and all the excellent staff (and students) I've worked with on this program. You've made the process bearable, and taught me a lot about technology and much more over the course of this program. I'm happy to have been a part of a program with such wonderful goals and aspirations for its students. I'm also happy to have been part of a program that is so practical and truly allows its students to engage in real life, applicable studies.
I can't wait to apply what I've learned at Full Sail to my teaching next year, when I have time to implement it and reflect on all I've learned over the summer. The gift of a Mac I can use at school, as well as all the fabulous programming will certainly not hurt me in my classroom. I can't wait to use free time this summer to go to Lynda.com and search for tutorials I didn't have time to view before. This will be an exciting summer and school year to follow!
@Therese.
ReplyDeleteHaving shared this fast paced year with the July 2010 graduating class has bonded us all in ways only fellow online Full Sailors can understand. I’m sure most can completely identify with your words. Each one of us has had to choose the computer over spending time with family at some point this year. Sleep and working out or cooking healthy has taken a back seat. Yet, as it comes to a close it is most definitely bittersweet. I must say part of me will miss the weekly Wimba, inspiring teachers, camaraderie of classmates, everyone’s great attitude, and creativity.
It’s true going back to school takes a lot of time and dedication and not everyone has the endurance to make it to the finish line. So, it’s something we should all be proud of.
On a side note, I wanted to thank you for your kind words on last week’s blog; the feeling is mutual.☺
First of all, I appreciate the support you have given me throughout this program. I truly hope that we will stay in touch and maybe blog about how we are using our degree in our classrooms =0 ) You speak to my heart about being excited to apply what we have learned into our classrooms and about having more time for fun! I just joined a summer program at the gym. I am ready to start concentrating on me (a little).
ReplyDeleteHi Therese, I was reading through the blogs and I agree wholeheartedly with your feelings about the FSO program.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great sacrifice to go through an accelerated program like this one. My son said to me a couple of months ago, "Mother, you have no life."
To a degree what he said is/was true. As all of you who are teachers know, like a wife, a teacher's job is never done. I do not know any teacher who works 40 hours a week, more like 70-80. And then to put on top of that another 40 or so. And, my son was right, I have not had a life for almost a year now.
I am looking forward to being able to say, it was worth it! Absolutely, the education has been worth it. And, like Joe said, how many of us will go out into the world and use what we have learned to make a difference in education? I certainly hope to be one of those who do.
Best of luck to you in the future.
Therese,
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you on all of this. I can not believe that this is all about to come to an end. Going in to this program I never imagined that I would form a connection with anyone, I mean you guys are spread out across the country but I was wrong. There are so many of you who I have worked with in the program that I have gotten to know as peers and I admire your work. You have been such an encouragement during this program, and I have no doubt that you and your mac are going to conquer the art world!
Therese- I know exactly what you mean. It is hard to say finally. Not that this experience has been bad my any means but that we did it! Yes, there were times when I didn't think I would pull through but the many friends I have made in this program helped me when I hit those rough patches. Continue doing what you are doing... I have enjoyed watching your project unfold and working with you!
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