Well, I have completed my first full year at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Whooo! I have sure learned a lot, worked hard, and had loads of fun!! Before I get you all excited about the preparations for the new school year, I think a recap is in order...
Since arriving on August 13, 2010, here is what I've done:
I individually wrote an OSU Impact grant (a teaching grant to internationalize my adolescent dev course), but didn't get it. I also applied for a Fulbright grant last year--didn't get that either, but now, now...let's move on to what I DID get...
I co-wrote a Teacher Planning Grant to develop an online community of practice for in-service and pre-service teachers. I also co-wrote an IES grant on an innovative instructional method to integrate science and literacy in the early grades. It was amazing to work with teams of such seasoned grant writers. I learned a lot--just the process of grant writing is a huge learning experience. Way cool!
We won the Teacher Planning grant--and I am working on it now. I am leading the development of the data collection instruments--surveys and assessments. We are still waiting to hear back about the big IES grant--hundreds of thousands of dollars over several years--exciting!
I joined a research team as the "Quantitative Goddess" for a funded, mixed-methods research study on transition to middle school. I am responsible for the quantitative component of the project and as such, I am supervising a sub-team of several graduate student research apprentices--some of which are working directly with me as apprentices.
I taught 5 new classes (Adolescent Psych, Research Methods, Technology in the Classroom, Introductory Statistics, and Teaching as Profession). Three of these I have taught a minimum of three times already. I've taught the research methods course four times! Those doggone quarters keep me moving! This fall, I just have three: Adolescent Psych, Research Methods, & Research Methods--no new preps. Thank goodness...
I prepared two manuscripts for publication--no new pubs yet, though--got more work to do on those still.
I have served as a guest speaker in one of the Columbus Freedom Schools, spoke at the post-play talkbacks for a play on adolescent sexuality (OSU Dept. of Theatre production "Spring Awakening"), served on the PTA at my son's school (I'm one of the VPs this year--he is so proud), written countless letters of support for promising students, and reviewed manuscripts for presentation and publication across several different organizations and journals.
As far as my professional development and engagement, I attended workshops at the Digital Union--OSU's one-stop-shop for all things related to learning technology. I also attended several lectures over the past year--both invited speakers and the best and brightest of OSU's own scholars. We have some bright minds here at OSU! I attended the 16th Annual EHE Diversity Forum held right in my building--Ramseyer Hall and several events hosted at the Hale Black Cultural Center. These types of events keep me energized and motivated to keep working to support all learners in my realm--and everyone is a learner in my mind.
On a personal note, Robbie and I have done all types of cool things in Columbus--you're not going to believe how much we did! We started roller skating regularly at Skate Zone 71, hung out in some of the cool places (such as the Columbus Public Library Downtown, the North Market, the Short North District, the OSU Wex Center for the Arts, the OSU Thompson Library--one of Robbie's favorites, the OSU Urban Arts Space), and rode the bus all over the city. We have hung out on campus on Game Days (GO BUCKS!)--just being in the mix is truly something to see, especially if you hang out at the Ohio Union to experience the pre-game festivities. On top of all of that, we attended a PechaKucha event (believe it or not, Robbie really enjoyed it--he is so grown up!), saw Dr. Cornell West speak at a MLK Celebration event on campus (yes, Robbie sat for this,too!), attended Obama's Presidential rally last fall, hung out at the Arnold Sports Festival at the Columbus Convention Center and went on school field trips.
We've also experienced some of life's simple pleasures--walks in the Park of Roses, buying fresh fruit from a farmer's stand on the corner, and endless mornings at Panera enjoying yummy goodies. More recently we've visited some of the city's newly created public recreation spaces--Columbus Commons and the Scioto Mile. In addition, I have fortified my most precious relationships and forged some new ones, while also engaging in some intense personal development work. I am re-learning how to love--myself, others, and the world around me. I am re-learning how to enjoy life!
Believe it or not, there are some places Robbie and I haven't visited together--the great Columbus Zoo that we've heard so much about and COSI (Center of Science and Industry). We also missed a few big festivals (like Red, White, and BOOM!). Guess we just didn't have the time--imagine that.
Overall, I have experienced some incredible times here in C-bus. Who says a person can't be incredibly busy and still have a helluva time?? I am living proof that it can happen. The year has had its challenges, but the growth that has come from them is simply invaluable. I can honestly say I made the very best of this year. One thing that I haven't adjusted to, however, is missing my family. My oldest son, Antwan, is working hard at NIU (the family alma mater--we're a fam of NIU alumni) and as time flies, my nieces, nephews, and cousins are growing up and their parents (my sisters and cousins) are moving on with their lives. I miss my family so much. I can't help but feel a loss even now.
And now it's time to gear up for my second year and I can't wait to see what the next 12 months will bring. I have lots of great plans... Whew... recapping all of that made me exhausted. I think I'll talk about gearing up for the new school year in my next post!
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