PROJECT TIME

Well, it is crunch time... just about! I am officially enrolled in my grad school Project. This should be my last semester of grad school, as long as I work hard to meet deadlines and present my best documentation. My GAC offered the thought of blogging my project experience, and I have debated just how I would like to do so. If all else, I figured I would share with you what it is that I will be focusing on in the next couple of months.

For those of you who have been wondering, my program is Cross-Cultural Studies (with an emphasis on Alaska Native Education). For my grad project, I decided that I wanted to create an orientation video for future district applicants. The reason this came to be is because I have had a strong desire to prepare teachers as best as possible for their teaching experience here in Chevak, Alaska. Though I can provide a huge amount of information and personal experience, no one can fully understand what it means to live and teach out here until they do so (particularly if they have never taught in rural Alaska).

The goal of this project is that by having more information about our community, applicants will be somewhat more prepared as to what it would be like to live and work for our district. At the completion of this project, the administration can choose to use the video if they wish.

So  far, I am really enjoying my one-on-one time interviewing my colleagues. It is difficult to find time throughout our days, so that has been a bit of a challenge. However, I am really enjoying going through my footage and photos from over the years. It is hard to believe that next year will be my fifth year teaching in Chevak. I am hoping to capture my experiences in a productive and meaningful way, though it is important to me to be as real as possible-- not to paint a picture through rose-colored glasses. Each school year has most definitely brought challenges, along with moments that will always create a feeling of nostalgia.

The temperatures have been rather cold here lately, but we are up to two degrees fahrenheit today! While it is a little warmer, I will be conducting a bit of filming outside... brrr! :)

Please send your good juju my way as I take on this project and put it altogether for its finale. My hopes are to have it completed by March and to be able to graduate in May (prayers are appreciated)! Thank you for your support and interest. It's go big time!

Year Number 4!

That time of year has come... school is back in session! The past few weeks have been busy-- shopping and shipping, traveling, unpacking/getting settled, setting up the classroom, and getting set for the school year... WHEW! :)

Bethel to VAK... ready for my fourth school year!

I am super happy to say that my mama came to Chevak with me to visit for a few days. The weather was cruddy, but we still managed to have some good mother/daughter time. My mom got to see my cute little apartment, meet all of my new co-workers, and meet many of the wonderful faces of Chevak that have been part of my life for the past few years. We both shed some tears when she got on that plane :( It was a little hard to see her go, but I am so proud of her and so thankful that she came out... it meant a lot! <3

Mom and I at Bethel Beans Cafe waiting for our flight to VAK

Mom about ready to get on her first bush plane!

Mom-- Chevak style :)

Our ride from the airstrip to my apartment

Giving mom a tour of VAK (dump, cemetary, post office, stores, river, etc)

Mom at one of our local stores (where I do most of my shopping)

 This year has already proved itself to be a whirlwind... we have many new staff members (great additions!) and there are many new changes, overall. I have moved up to the third grade (I looped with my kiddos from last year) and that has been AWESOME. It is sooo nice to already know my students, they know my expectations and classroom routines, and I know their academic levels... love it! Teaching has begun! :)

Send-off dinner for mom, welcome dinner for staff

Aside from teaching a new grade, I am working on my master's project and have the goal of graduating in the spring (2012)!!! There is much to focus on and some steadfast work to be done, but I know I can do it all if I just set my mind on it! (a Cup'ik value). It has been interesting trying to get my mind back in school/work mode... I have been EXHAUSTED every day after work this week! Lol. I ask for your prayers and good juju as I work on getting my master's project together, perfected, and submitted all in good time. Thank you so much, in advance ;)

I am looking forward to a great fourth year of teaching here in Chevak and will do my best to give the occasional update, however, I am thinking I will be pretty focused on work and grad school this semester. Thanks for following my Alaskan blog!

Until next time,
Misty Dawn