Nicole's Journal

Well it’s been a busy summer thus far. I spent my first few weeks of summer in inner city Philadelphia student teaching. It was a great experience and really opened my eyes to urban settings. I spent some time working with third graders, first graders, and a bilingual 4th grade Spanish class. It was interesting to break out of my comfort zone and step into a Spanish speaking classroom. Communicating was difficult but the children and I made it work. They would draw pictures for me explaining how they felt that day, it was very interesting.

It was a long few weeks with some highs and lows, but working with the children was wonderful. We spent some time in various communities learning the culture and the traditions of the Puerto Rican culture and African American traditions. It was a wonderful learning experience. We learned Puerto Rican dance and ate some traditional Puerto Rican food. During one Saturday we spent the day cleaning, painting, and planting flowers in a local park. The locals really showed their appreciation and many came out to see the finished product. Working together to create a safe and enjoyable play area for children is a great way to give back to society.

Throughout the few weeks I learned a lot about myself as well as others’ culture. The children touched my life and as the tears poured the last day I believe I touched theirs. This experience confirmed my belonging in the education field and showed me how to handle many difficult situations. I understand how to get down to a child’s level in order to gain their trust and build a meaningful relationship.

I suggest breaking out of your comfort zone to gain meaningful experience. I am so glad I participated in this program even with some minor problems. Life deals everyone some low points and it’s how we deal with them that makes us who we are.

I hope you are enjoying your summer and the wonderful weather that finally came about.

Check out some of my photos from Philly and check back soon!

Take care!

Nicole

Hello All! I hope this entry finds you well. It has been very busy here at Robert Morris with the semester slowly winding down.

Being an Elementary Education major it is vital to get some hands on experience. This past Wednesday, I along with my fellow classmates traveled to West Jefferson Hills School District with our professor where she taught for a number of years. While visiting we taught various lessons pertaining to the book they were reading. The fifth graders are currently learning about George Washington and we helped them further their knowledge. Throughout the day we helped the fifth graders understand vocabulary words, characteristics of story characters, summarizing, and comprehension. It was a fun filled day with these very intelligent students. They surprised me so much of how much they know about history, science, reading, and just the world in general. They were so welcoming and mature for fifth graders; I don’t remember my fifth grade class being so well behaved. We also split up and individually went to classrooms throughout the school to do some story reading. I got to read to the second graders and absolutely loved it. Kids are so full of life and do not hold anything back. If they don’t like your shirt, shoes, hair, etc. they will tell you. Teaching is a very rewarding profession although it can be daunting. I am very excited to be graduating in a year so that I can soon enlighten children.

College really seemed to fly by and I can’t believe in 2 weeks I will be finishing up my junior year. Life does go by in the blink of an eye. I hope your school year is finishing up well and you are enjoying the nice weather that finally decided to show up.

Take care!

Nicole

Check out some of the pictures from my day at West Jefferson Hills School District!

Well Spring Break has come and gone and now it's time to finish up the semester. Spring Break was amazing! We did so much in just a week; there was so much to do and so little time. We went to Islands of Adventure and Universal for a few days and saw the Blue Man Group perform. AMAZING!!! A few days we traveled to Siesta Key and Cocoa Beach which was so relaxing. Sitting on the beach without a worry was much needed. We saw a comedy show the last night we were there and it was great to end with a good laugh. Spending time with good friends for a week in paradise was really needed at this point of school. Now it's time to finish up the semester, for only five weeks until finals. Summer at times can't come fast enough. The work load is getting heavier and a lot of projects are coming up. It is a crazy thought to think I graduate in a year and soon be working in the real world. College sure does fly by. You blink and one year is gone. It is also strange how your group of friends change through the years. I am very close with my high school friends who are my rocks. They support me and talk me through the ups and downs of college. But I have meet amazing people at school and have built lasting friendships. It does scare me that in a year I will about to embark in a new chapter of my life. But I am so excited and look forward to what the future brings. If it is anything like the past three years it is going to be a wild and crazy ride!!!!

Take care and I hope you enjoy some of the pictures from my Spring Break in Orlando.

Nicole :)

As I sit in the Pittsburgh airport waiting for my flight to take off I think about how much I need this break. This year I'm headed to Orlando, FL with five of my friends for a week adventure with Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Cinderella.

It was a pretty last minute trip but one that is definitely needed. Our plans consist of visiting Disney, Universal, Islands of Adventure, and seeing the Blue Man Group perform. We are leaving today, Friday, March 7th and coming back in a week. I am sooo excited.

Most of my friends from home are on spring break this week as well so unfortunately I won't be able to see them. But I'm sure they are jealous about staying in Pittsburgh while I head to lovely Florida.

I hope everything is going well for you. Enjoy your weekend and take time for yourself. Check back later to see some photos from Orlando!

Take care!

Nicole

Well it's been a crazy week and weekend. Sunday was my birthday and celebrated with some friends and had dinner with the family at The Melting Pot, yum yum! During the week I tried to get all my work done so I could enjoy my birthday weekend. Needless to say my plan was not executed properly and ended up working on homework into the wee hours of Monday morning. Welcome to college, late nights and lots of coffee.

Trying to schedule homework into an already hectic week can be quite the task. I am trying to get most of my work done again prior to this weekend since some friends from home are on spring break and are taking me out for my birthday! I rented a hummer limo for Saturday and along with 20 of my friends we are going to dinner and a night out on the town! I can’t wait. Sometimes you just need to forget about school and have a fun time!

I am very close with my friends from home and get together as often as possible. It's good to have that strong support system. My friends are always willing to listen to me complain about my work load and everyday struggles. Without that close bond I would go crazy. Not only am I close with my friends but my family as well. My mom is my best friend and we get along great. Although we have those occasional mother daughter moments, she gets me and I get her. I love my family.

Along with school, work, and family I try to devote some time to extracurricular activities and volunteering. I am a big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh and love it! My little, Sausha, along with the other littles came to RMU last Thursday for a bonfire, food, and the basketball game. (See the pictures) These kids are truly amazing. They have quite the sense of humor and brighten my day! As a big sister I tutor and mentor my little. She has really become the little sister I've never had. She expresses her frustration about school, talks about her weekends and of course the latest gossip at school. This program has really helped the littles boost their confidence and set academic goals for themselves.

Trying to find a balance between all the things in life can be very difficult. But with a strong support system and activities that you enjoy it can be done. I hope all is well and you take time for yourself. Take care!

Nicole

What a stressful week. It seemed as if everything was due at once. So last night I took a dance class offered at my local gym. Man o man was it fun. I released all my stress and felt energized and relaxed.

I believe in working hard and being successful, however sometimes diligent work can leave you stressed. Especially in college, a new school, new friends, new teachers, a whole new environment. That alone can be stressful and then add homework, tests, projects, and finding time to eat and sleep. That is why it is so important to take time to yourself and relax. Find something you love to do, sleep (which is one of my favorites), indulge in some chocolate :), work out (another one of my favs), play videogames, or watch a movie. Find time every week to relax, forget about your work for the time being, and enjoy the moment.

Stress can relate to a lot of things and you don't want your grades to slip do to being flustered. Gather your thoughts, plan your day, and pace yourself. May I suggest a planner? Write down your daily class schedule, work schedule, due dates, appointments, etc. This is a great way to visually see all your responsibilities. I use one and if I didn't I know my life would be a lot more hectic than it already is. I am a big fan of lists and crossing things off once completed. Try it out! It really helps to see what needs to be done and then feel the sense of satisfaction once completed.

Just remember, find something you love and take time to yourself. Don't forget the most important things in your life. Plan ahead, implement time management, and relieve stress every once in awhile!

Happy New Year future colonials! Well school has been back in session for a week now and yes I do feel a little overwhelmed but with proper planning and not procrastinating I will get things done. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and got the new year off to a good start.

Second semester junior year is a crazy time for an education major, filled with paperwork and testing, at times it can get stressful. During this time we have to fill out paperwork for our student teaching experience and take tests to become certified to teach. My situation is a little different, you see, I will be student teaching here in the United States for two months and than head abroad to Australia to student teach there for two months! Exciting, I know!

I have been diligently working to prepare my stay over in Australia along with homework, studying, tutoring in our Center for Student Success, and participating in various activities and organizations on campus. I mention tutoring because I want you to be aware that Robert Morris offers FREE tutoring for a number of subject areas in our Center for Student Success. Whether you are struggling with an assignment or a whole course alone the Center can help you achieve your goals. Like I said before, college is a time of growth along with some struggles it can be an overwhelming experience. But it is one experience you should definitely embark upon.

Robert Morris can provide you with a college experience yet offer personal one to one instruction with small class sizes. Which is one reason I chose RMU! I receive personal attention and my professors know me by name instead of a number. I have built lasting relationships with some of my professors that will assist me in finding a future job! As the second semester begins, another chapter in my life begins as I prepare for my professional year! I hope you enjoy 2008 and I will talk to you again very soon!

Nicole :)

Hey future Colonials! My name is Nicole Bazner a current junior studying elementary education at Robert Morris University. College is a time of growth, learning, struggles, accomplishments, and fun! The decision of what college best fits you is one of the biggest decisions of your life. Deciding on a major and the career of your future is a daunting task. But with assistance and encouragement a decision can be made and a new chapter in your life begins.

For me, deciding on a college was not an easy task. After a dozen of visits and applications, I determined that Robert Morris University was the best choice. I started my freshmen year studying hospitality and tourism and by the end of my sophomore year decided that was not the best career for me. After some career searching I decided to switch my major to elementary education.

Through my time at Robert Morris I have participated in a number of organizations from National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Chi, American Marketing Association, Freshmen Mentors to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pittsburgh and Student Program Board. I have also had the opportunities to network with many professionals. Robert Morris has taught me the needed skills to succeed in my major and helped me develop as an individual and grow into a future educator. I have grown so much as a person in the past three years from living on campus to being a resident assistant and then to moving back home to be a commuter student. It’s been a crazy ride! College is a chapter in one’s life to explore the world, experience differences, and accomplish great things! Take the next couple years to discover, grow, and instill yourself with knowledge and friendships!