Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

I guess that is what I am trying to do while writing my thesis. Keep going without losing it completely! AH, thesis writing is a time of pressure but it is also a time of closure as the end of a program is near. As this accumulation activity evolves before my eyes, I often reflect on when this process began. Why back in 2004 I wanted to start a Masters but did not just because I wanted to teach for a couple of years in a public school. I thought I would be a hypocrite if I taught teacher candidates how to teach without actually having the experience teaching in public schools. Now I must say that teaching PE, whether I was in a public school, private school, summer camp or after school programming, it is the same. Really, my teaching did not really change just because I taught in a public school. What did change was my experience with administration and politics and all that jazz. Stuff you rather not know anything about but I guess it is part of the deal. Anyway, makes you think that if teaching is teaching no matter where you teach, than that assumption may create more options for student teaching practicum in PETE programs.
However, I must say that I taught sports to large groups before teaching smaller classes. I also did my practicum in many different schools over 3 years. So maybe that assumption was not correct. What the heck am I talking about?
I have no clue, really, I am out of it and should not even be writing anything on this blog as I am writing my thesis. AAAAAAAHHH A couple more days. Finish Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, now I am writing chapter 6 which is half way done. Really, I have one more day of writing and than editing. Not that bad considering so I should be happy! Right? AH, well, I will be happy once my advisor tells me it's a go! Yes! That is when I will be satisfied! Next, defense, cruel it is, and than holiday? HA! Fat chance! I start work on July 1st. Ohh well, my choice I know... I know...
Just keep swimming....
Just keep swimming...

Wikis and TGfU presentation, Congress 2008

PHETE Night

On a Monday evening, in Banana Leaf Restaurant in Vancouver, on the last evening of the Congress, a team of scholars ( and me), shared a wonderful meal spiced with tales of the past. Being in the midst of these scholars, I felt honored and privileged. As they had many experiences, both in life and academia, I knew they would be a great resource for me as a graduate student. Even though I will read many texts starting September 08, I thought the summer would be a great time to read books that would not appear on my course list but maybe a valuable inspiration to me as a learner, a teacher or a friend. The opportunity to ask experienced writers, scholars and academics to compile my summer reading was the beginning of this quest.

The books above were kindly and purposely listed by the other PHETE members.

I asked the following question:

As a graduate student, I wish for you to each think of a book that would be worthwhile reading within my journey through graduate school. As I embark on doctoral studies, a summer reading list to inspire and ignite questions and perhaps answers which may challenge or sooth my quest for knowledge acquisition at a different level.

For myself, I pose the questions:

- What do these books tell me about myself, life and education?

- How can these books assist me within my graduate work?

- As inspired by scholars in the area of education, why did they provide me with these books What can these books tell me about the scholars who chose them?

- How will these books shape me and how did these books shape them?

The Congress 2008, a worthwhile trip for learning and listening and creating community. Even though I spent most of my visit to Vancouver in my room writing my thesis, I am thankful for the opportunity to meet some amazing scholars.

This summer, as soon as my master thesis is completed, I will read these books and will record my reflections in this blog as I go along. I will also invite the PHETE Committee to join and respond to my reflections.

Sincerely,

PHETE Graduate REP