Family and Friends,
“In human beings, there is a constant tension between order and disorder, connectedness and loneliness, evolution and revolution, security and insecurity. Our universe is constantly evolving: the old order gives way to the new order and this in turn crumbles when the next order appears” (Vanier, 2008). Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche community, states eloquently about the inner state of most humans, which could be presumed upon high school adolescents. High school students face changes daily, weekly, each semester, and yearly in school. Each day brings forth a new challenge or opportunity. It is likely that they are experiencing the various factors of tension as Vanier suggests. More specifically, students leave the order of their previous class to enter into the order of their new class. New expectations are presented, different styles of teaching are implemented, and change is instituted. In order for students to make a smooth transition into the new class, new order must be established subsiding the old order. A particular persuader to this new order may be found in the teacher-student relationship....
At this time, these are the opening remarks to my research project that I attempted to work on this summer. Since my last post and up until the start of the school year, I spent time working on finalizing the surveys and gaining approval for my project so that I could complete the research component this semester. Although I was not able to get the approval as quickly as I had hoped, there is still a chance I can begin the research this semester...if it is delayed much longer, then I may postpone the research portion to next semester, and focus this semester on finalizing the initial chapters of my paper.
Since I last wrote, life has been busy (though I guess that is not too abnormal!) I spent the last week of July working on my paper, catching up with friends, saying goodbye to Robyn and Joe and hello to Mom and Tom as they traveled through KC on their roadtrip/move to Seattle, and mentally preparing for the end of the summer ;) (I shouldn't complain!)
The first week of August I spent time with new and old friends in KC and then ventured home for a few days to be with the family. I love when I make it home and see nearly every single member of my immediate and extended family that resides in/near St. Louis...that is what I call a success ;) I can thank my cousin Paul partly for this because many of my family attended his graduation party! My time at home offered lots of quality time with my family!
Upon my return to KC at the start of the second week of August, I greeted the new 2009-2010 academic school year! We have just begun week two with the students, and I am still greatly impressed with my students. They are mindful and respectful, and are working pretty diligently!
I know that I am right where I am supposed to be this year at PHS. I feel comfortable in the environment, my coworkers are awesome, and I feel balanced at school! So I am going to take it while I am blessed with it!
Outside of school, working on my paper, catching up with friends, having out of town guests (Conrads, it was great! Scott, thanks for dinner tonight!), and traveling home, I have recently found myself being more open to God in prayer and in my life. It's amazing how the correlation between letting go and letting God can make life more joy filled! So if you are struggling with anything, or worried about something, just let go and let God...He will never cease to amaze you in how uniquely He will work in your life!
Okay, I should sign off now and go to bed...tomorrow brings a new day!
God Bless, Lauren
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