First Post...

     So, I've been reading a lot of blogs around the internet lately.  Especially educational ones where teachers share their insights and inspirations but I'm finding it harder and harder to find the view of a new teacher; especially a new teacher entering into Secondary Ed. This post will be my outlet, not only for my school/professional life but also an insight into the difficulties of being a poor college student. 
     Perhaps I should tell you a little about myself.  I am studying Secondary Education at UNLV and my teaching field is English Literature.  I live in what some would call "the ghetto." Fortunately, I live right next door to a police station so besides the occasional "woop woop" from the police cars as they exit the garage, it's a pretty quiet place.  Now this isn't to say there isn't the occasional domestic dispute, shooting, homeless man digging through the dumpster, addicts begging for money, and transvestite prostitutes walking by.  Luckly, I live with my boyfriend.  He is also in Secondary Ed. It's nice because when we talk about "work" related things he doesn't stare blankly at my word choices of Lemov or differentiated instruction.  *ALERT SUPER MUSHY MOMENT* I don't know how I would get through this process without him, he is my rock.  I promise not to include too much of that but I will be sure to include a warning ha!
     I work a regular minimum wage job because this major is so demanding that if you don't work somewhere that has a bit of flexibility you might die of exhaustion when trying to fit in lesson planing, studying for Praxis, grading papers your mentor teacher didn't want to grade, and trying to keep sane by maintaining a social life. This relates to what I said earlier about living in the ghetto.  Another warning *COMPLAINING WHINING BITCH WARING* I pay for school, rent, insurance, groceries, the wine to relax my frayed nerves that ONE student causes (or the Praxis), electric, gas, and anything else that I need.  While I do get some help from some grants, it doesn't cover everything. *End of rant* So because I don't live at home I live in the ghetto.  I feel like this life experience will be positive in my future though, I can tell my students or my children "well you think you have it hard, I once lived in a studio apartment with your father (who is so gassy OMG) in the middle of the ghetto and we still did our homework."
     Here's to a new friendship.  I hope to make you laugh, think, and through this venue I hope to vent out my concerns and fears.