Courage and Ardor

As I walked around the different reading circles I noticed how many of you worked hard to carry out your assigned roles. I heard from one group regarding the many attempts that have been made to summit K2 and how one in four people who attempt to climb this mountain die in the process. The first two chapters of our text set the stage for an amazing story of courage and vision. Keep reading and asking yourself what Mortenson's story has to say about your own courageous and arduous journey.

Homework

-Revise returned paragraphs. Staple the revision to the original.
-Complete the fragment section of MyWritingLab.
-Finish reading Chapter 3 of Three Cups of Tea.
-Bring a draft of your next new paragraph. Here's the theme:
*Describe a promise you have made that has changed the course of your life.

Making Meaning

Today we began our journey with Three Cups of Tea. Your task for this session was to come up with a one paragraph group summary of the first two chapters of the book using at least three of the following words:

-Expedition
-Summit
-Amber
-Allah
-Porter
-Muslim

For Next Class
Make sure to follow through with your assigned roles regarding Three Cups of Tea. If you were not in class, make sure to contact one of your group members.

Service-Learning Opportunity

We will have our first garden day this Saturday in celebration of Dr. King's work and vision. The event will run from 9 to 12 noon. If you are planning on attending, come dressed to work outside; bring a water bottle and a hat. Here's the address:

ROOTS IN THE CITY: EcoUrban Gardening
3rd Ave. & NW 9th St. (Plots are in front of Mt. Zion Baptist Church)


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Accelerate Your Learning

Please know that you can come in to Rm. 1217-17 (small room in the Computer Courtyard) from 9 to 12 noon on Wednesdays to get help with your writing. Bring a question, a paragraph, or an essay and you will get help!

Reading/Writing Circles

This Tuesday we started our work in small groups. I hope you enjoyed reading together in a small group setting and being able to ask questions of one another. I want to thank Carlos and Lourdes from my 1102 class for working as group facilitators. Your homework for this Thursday is to bring a paragraph of about five to eight sentences long describing why you have chosen to attend college. It is crucial that everyone bring their paragraph to class so we can share and begin the revision process together.

Sharing One's Fear

Someone came up to me today and mentioned how much they struggled with computers, how scared he was of not being able to keep up. This was his first class in college after a long time away. I was so impressed with the fact that this student came up to me and shared his fear. Doing so pointed to the strong determination he has of doing his best and overcoming any and all obstacles to getting the education he wants.

I hope that you realize that you are not alone in your struggles with language and school. Given the chance to keep quiet and struggle on your own, or to open up and seek help, don't hesitate to believe that wrestling on your own is the best option. We are all in this together. Sharing is not only caring but also the sure way of moving through fear.

I look forward to the coming week when you walk through the door waving your Three Cups of Tea and we begin to work on the language skills that will help you communicate with skill and ease.

Beginning

I'm looking forward to working with you this term. Expect great learning and fun. I hope to make this the very best semester of my teaching life and hope you join me in my commitment and enthusiasm.