To start off my blog for this week, I want to open it with a quote from my mentor. Mrs. Burt said, "You don"t choose Special Ed.Special Ed chooses you." She said it in a joking manner, with another teacher in the room. This comment has really got me thinking all week about it. That was a very powerful comment to me. It started to make me think about myself and if I had been chosen for it.The thing is, I've got the opportunity to see if this is something I could do the rest of my life. A senior from last year, Micah Barnes, mentor said to him, if you don't enjoying doing it, then why do it? I remember Micah talking to me a lot about that comment. It's one of those things that don't seem like a big deal at the time, but in the long run, it's what means the most.
     My week was a very interesting week. I got to experience each class room. We made up a schedule for what days I'd be in each room. It's really cool to see the different teaching styles that each teacher has. They all have been very open and helpful in letting me into the classroom and working with the children. Working with the kids, there is never a dull moment. I guess one of the kids and tells Mrs. Burt, "Mrs. Burt. I think I caught racism." So they have been trying to cure him of his racism. Best of all, they all love Michael Jackson. One of the kids plays "Will You Be There" by Michael Jackson. He gets so excited when he plays it and dances to it.
     All the classes went to this place called Lifetown. When they got there they were given $12 to spend on things. They could get there nails done, buy food, watch a movie, do arts and crafts, and each thing cost money to do. I got to go along, and walked around with the kids. Talking to the teachers, they say that the old place use to be a lot bigger and better then what it is now. I can see what they mean. This place was pretty small to start with, and they had us, and people from other schools there at once.
       Over all this week has been really cool. I really enjoy what I'm doing and enjoying the atmosphere. Oh I did get scared over something that happened at site. Once of the girls had gotten sick. She was sitting right next to me. It scared me enough to the point I jumped out of the seat and I think I scared her. I know it's something I'll have to deal with in this career, I just need a little bit to get a strong stomach.

     I started my walkabout this week! It was great. I meet my mentors for the first time and started to build relationships with everyone. I didn't expect my walkabout to be like this, but I think it worked out great. I've been having problems finding a place that will let me work with the Special Education department because of liability issues. So I thought that it would end up like that at Ridgeview and I would be working with a different teacher. When I got everything worked out with Mrs. Burt I was more sure of what I was going to be doing.
     I went in Monday morning. At first, I was really scared. I was worried that my mentor or students might not like me. The first day, I just kind of sat back and watched to get the feel of how Mrs. Burt runs her class. In her class she has seven kids with autism. She is one of four teachers at Ridgeview. I've gotten to meet almost everyone. I think. This week I just stayed with Mrs. Burt everyday. Next week I start in other rooms so I can see each room, and the difference between the classes and students.  I also get to help out in gym and art class. I haven't got to work with all of the students but i have worked with a few.
     After the first day I jumped in and started working with the children. I felt very comfortable getting involved. All of the teachers and aids, were so open to letting me help out and letting me learn what I could. They answered all of my questions and very helpful with my education. This is way different then what I thought it was going to be.My mentor pointed out the children don't really shock me. I was surprised when she said that to me. It was nice to hear just like any other compliment. I think I got lucky with my walkabout because they are so open and helpful with me.
     I'm really excited to continue my walkabout here. So far it's been great and I've enjoyed all of my time there. Each student is very different and have there own interests. In the social studies class the students were learning about people that were heros during the Civil Rights movement. Well my teacher was talking about Franklin D. Roosevelt, and one one the students said, "Franklin Devonte Roosevelt?" I just thought I had to include it

Week 4.

     Soooo, I've done nothing all week. I was suppose to start my Walkabout this past week. With the weather as bad as it was, there was no power at Ridgeview. So instead of being out starting Walkabout I was stuck inside. It was weird not getting up and having to be somewhere. I just was so tired of not getting up and getting my day started like i normally would do. I'm assuming that's the feeling I should be getting with this experience. I mean I guess I'm out on Walkabout and I should feel independent and such, but I just don't feel like I'm there yet. I just feel like my life went on hold and it just wouldn't end. I'm over excited to start my Walkabout.
     So Over this past week I've just worked my part-time job. I've started writing more in my free time. Like journaling about what's going on. I think that's best for me. To write about things as they happen so i can look back and reflect on my week and some how pull my thoughts together in this journal. I found something out about myself. When i write things down, I tend to remember them more. Like to do lists. They're super helpful. I don't understand how I didn't find this years ago.
     This week I'm not exactly sure what I should have written down. Or what to talk about. There's not much for me to talk about. I don't want to be like this through walkabout. I have this huge thing that I think Walkabout should be. Like it should be this huge life changing experience. I mean I hope it is, but it stillis a very scary experience that I'm not sure how it will go. It could go horribly and my mentor and I might not get along or anything. Who really knows what's going to happen.

I guess we will find out/