Inspired: The Dream Act

This week I completed a group project on immigration and the Dream Act for on of my education classes. Our class discussed the project yesterday, and it seems like everyone got fired up about the Dream Act from their experiences. We surveyed some undergraduate students who were either had immigrated into the United States or were children of immigrants, and interviewed some people here locally about it. One of my group members is still asking undergrad students at our university if they know about the Dream Act, even though we’re finished with the project.

So, for all of you who don’t know, the Dream Act is an act that is aimed towards people who have pretty much grown up here in the United States but are undocumented residents. Many came to the United States at a young age, and can’t even remember the country their family comes from. These students basically grow up as Americans. They grow up in our school systems, learn to speak English, but when they graduate high school they are unable to further their education and have limited opportunities. My group focused mainly on the education aspect of it. The Dream Act would allow people who have gone to a school in the US for at least 5 years, are ‘good’ citizens, and are in a certain age-range to have a route to become permanent residents. It would give them a conditional residency, then in the following six years they would have to complete either two years of higher-education or complete two years in military service leaving on honorable discharge. They would then be allowed to become permanent residents here.

The Dream Act would allow people who are already in the United States a way to better themselves, and bring in a lot more revenue for the country. Basically, if these people got deported they would be returning to a country they don’t even know – some of them may not even know the language of the country their family has immigrated from.

Through doing this project, we were able to interview a high school principal in the area. After answering our questions, he let us interview a student who was currently dealing with these immigration issues. She came into the country at just months old, has grown up here, goes to a good school here, and wants to make something of herself. Because she is undocumented, she is facing many barriers to going to college. It’s difficult to find funding as an undocumented resident, because all federal grants and scholarships require a social security number. There are some private scholarships and funding out there, and private universities have their own rules for who they give financial aid to – so there are ways to get an education without documentation, but it’s difficult. This was especially touching to me and the other people in my group, because she was a sweet girl who I could’ve gone to school with. Nobody would have ever guessed that she was facing these issues.

I understand why some people are against this act. It will not solve immigration issues here in the United States. Some people say it’s rewarding people for illegally entering into our country. I understand all of that, but this 18 year old girl did nothing wrong. She came into the country as an infant. When she looked into a way to get her citizenship here, she was told that there is no way for her to do that since she entered the country illegally. Basically, the only way she could receive it is by marrying an American citizen. Right now there are almost no options for her. The Dream Act would give her and many people like her opportunities to contribute to our country in a way that they otherwise will not be able to.

I never knew much about immigration, and I had never even heard of the Dream Act before this project. But, I think it’s something people should know about. Whether you agree with me or not about the Dream Act, it is important that we know the issues in our country that effect so many people. I’m not the best on keeping up with current events, but this really showed me why it’s important.

What are your thoughts on immigration and the Dream Act? Do a little research, and let me know what you think!

 

Me and some friends at our college graduation

Inspired: Assistive Technology, A New Voice

As the title of my blog might suggest, sometimes I just like to share things that inspire me. This semester I’ve been learning a lot about how Assistive Technology can help students with disabilities. One theme that has come up repeatedly in my Technology class is the way that technology gives students a voice. It gives a voice to shy students, minorities, high-risk students, and students with disabilities. Hearing how non-verbal students can use technology as simple as an Ipad as a way to speak is truly inspiring. I’m excited to learn more and see some of these technologies put into use.

So, as we covered AT (Assistive Technology) in my technology class this week I just thought I would share some of the videos that we had to watch. I’ve also picked up a lot of movie titles in my Special Education class that I want to watch over the summer. So, if I actually do find them and watch them I’ll try to share more about that here. Make sure to check out the “Apps for Autism, 60 Minutes”. I especially enjoyed that one.

How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams

Apps for Autism, 60 Minutes

Apps Turn Table Into Math Aid for Visually Impaired

I’d love to hear anybody’s personal stories if you know someone who’s been touched by the use of technology.

Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming

As the end of the semester is getting closer and closer everyday, and the deadlines are seriously coming out of the woodwork, I have to remember to just keep my head up. Life has been crazy this semester, trying to juggle school, work, and a relationship. I think I literally missed deadlines for every class – just because I didn’t know something was due or couldn’t get it done. I can’t remember doing this badly in school since I first began college. But, I guess just like I learned to adjust to the work load in my undergraduate years, I have to learn to adjust to the work load at this level of education while also juggling other things in my life. I didn’t do so hot at it this semester, but hopefully the practice will help make coming semesters a little easier. So… this is my motto for the next month…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmyUkm2qlhA

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming… and hopefully that will help me pass all my classes and get into the Education program when I apply.

Other Blogs You Should Check Out!

I’ve realized with my new “theme” or the new format of my blog that you can’t see the links I have listed on it. So, here’s a list of some other cool blogs you should check out:

Drea’s blog on life with some of her fashion/style interests:

http://mrsandrealorenz.blogspot.com/

Greg & Richelle’s blog about moving to San Antonio (time for an update guys! )

http://gonzalezcrew.wordpress.com/

Jessica’s blog on remodeling her house and her other artistic interests:

http://jessicathetford.blogspot.com/

Neal’s blog: Loving God, Living in Vegas

http://thebensonjourney.blogspot.com/

Lisa’s blog on living in New Zealand and moving back to the US:

http://simplecelebration.wordpress.com/

David’s blog on following Christ, thoughts on theology:

http://daviddmeye.wordpress.com/

Chelsea’s blog on being a full-time mom and thoughts on home-births:

http://www.usthreebirds.blogspot.com/

Lilia’s blog on children’s books, teaching, and writing:

http://writtenpigeon.wordpress.com/

Missy’s blog on being a mom and finding joy in Christ:

http://www.happyfriendlyfluff.com/

I hope you find some you enjoy!

Thoughts on MFA’s, Rejection Letters, & Thinking Outside the Box

I found out a couple of weeks ago that I won’t be able to get into a practicum (the next step in the education program) until Spring of next year. Basically it’s my own fault for missing deadlines and not actually being in the program yet – and I’ll be able to take enough classes in the fall that it should be a worthwhile semester anyways, but nonetheless it did get me thinking about the future and other opportunities out there.

I’m really enjoying some aspects of Education: seeing how what we are learning applies to the classroom, knowing that I’ll have an influence on students (hopefully a positive one), and sharing my passion for reading and writing. But, English and writing are still my passion. I miss being in an English or writing program. My brain is wired to analyze and create, education isn’t really made for either of those on an academic level.

So, it’s got me thinking a little about English and writing programs and google-ing information when I should be writing papers. Plus it’s just that time of year, I can smell the rejection and acceptance letters in the air.

For anybody who happens to come across my blog, who is a discouraged writer and has applied to MFA programs, I would say not to be down on themselves.

These are the MFA programs I’ve applied to in 2010 and 2011:

UT at Austin (Michener)

UCSD

Seattle Pacific University

UNLV (twice)

Boston University

&  Simmons College.

I got denied from all of those programs, except for Simmons College. And for some reason I think I might be missing a school in there. Writing programs, especially the ones I listed are hard to get into. Like 5% or less chance of getting into a lot of them. And, in the end they cost time and money and I might not be MFA material anyways. I don’t really know if my writing is what an MFA program is looking for. It’s not really academic or making huge worldly statements.

I was ecstatic when I got into Simmons. It’s a Writing for Children program which seemed perfect at the time. I went out there and gave it a chance. I really enjoyed the classes I took while I was there, especially Writing for Children. I loved the people and the professor. I got some great, helpful feedback on my writing. But it felt a little forced to be paying a lot of money for a degree I didn’t know if I would use, while limiting myself to only writing for Children and in a city across the country from everyone I knew. It was a great experience that taught me so much about writing and about myself in general. But, I’m still glad that I decided to withdraw from the program and move back home. It was the right decision for me, regardless of how long it takes me to publish or get a Masters. I’m glad that I’m working on a degree towards something more practical that I can earn a living with. But, hopefully my friends back at Simmons feel like they are getting their time and money’s worth in the program – and I can’t wait to see what they publish!!

As a final note – good luck to all those writers out there. And to the writers who are waiting for their letters or have gotten rejection letters, I would say don’t sell yourself short. Don’t assume that just because you didn’t get into those programs doesn’t mean that the students that did are the better writers. I don’t really know what MFA programs are looking for in particular, but I’m not exactly sure it’s what I would want to spend my time reading (or writing) anyways. MFA’s may seem like the shiz, but we’re creative writers, you don’t have to conform and fit into a program to be a good creative writer. In fact, logic would probably say that the best out there won’t fit into that box of what those programs are looking for. Not to say that if you’re in the program you’re not thinking outside the box or that MFA programs aren’t worthwhile, just that there’s other options and ways to look at it.

Check out these blog for more on applying to MFA programs:

http://www.notthatkindofgirl.net/2011/03/23/ten-learned-applying-mfa-programs-applying-mfa-programs-part-2/

http://atticusbooksonline.com/six-degrees-left-stripping-down-the-mfa

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

I’ve come across a couple of different things in the past few days in my devotional “Come Away My Beloved” about how praise combats anxiety, and not allowing anxiety to keep you from praising God. And since I do struggle with anxiety this is something I need to work on. So I’ve been listening to a lot of worship music in the last couple of days and just thought I’d share… Plus, I just figure praising God is giving credit where credit is due, in a good way.

 

 

 

 

Not the only crazy lady out there…

Sometimes it’s just nice to be reminded that you aren’t the only crazy woman there is. I struggle with anxiety and trying to make sense out of all my emotions with my brain. But.. apparently I’m not alone. Here’s an awesome video of Kristen Bell that will make you cry laughing…

Check out this awesome new writer…

Another Best Friend
by Sean A. Carmona

Darris, was frightened. Had he just witnessed what he thought he did? Was Maddy screaming a fierce light into a floating Hermus? That scream, never before had he experience such a loud and frightening pitch. What was he getting himself into?
He looked back at the others, Maddy, Sam, and Paren now with, Truan, Tessie and himself at the table.
“I gotta get outta here!” Darris said after a moment.
Sam called after him but he was already out of the door.
It was a peaceful night, the stars shining light sprinkles of salt in the night sky. The moon was in a crescent and towering high in the inky heavens. The hills overlay the horizon like mounds of silvery treasure, a beauty unlike Darris had seen since his journey began.
“Journey indeed.” He whispered to himself, “All you are is trouble, Darris Klein Heeple.”
He continued his decent down to the stables, down to something familiar, to his only friend left, Carrot. Maddy, had to hate him. After all it was his fault they were in this mess. The recant of heroes and adventures his grandfather had shared, were always full of fun, and love from a beautiful princess. Not this one. This adventure was a factual undertaking against all odds, which would prove the stupidity of a twelve year boy. That’s what this was, and no matter how things were from here, it was over. He had lost his best friend, his closest connection in life, and the only one who understood him, his twin brother Andom.
Darris continued to the stables, down to Carrot. He pushed the once waterlogged, now brittle stable doors. They were massive and seemed ancient to Darris. It was an impressively large stable. Darris, wondered why Paren was in need of such stables. Better yet he pondered how such an old Elgon, could possibly have built this by herself.
He continued his way down toward the back right, where Carrot was. Half way there he stopped. Bow let out a soft snort that caught his attention. Darris couldn’t help but let a small tear trickle down the side of his face as he pat Bow on the snout, and scratched behind his ear.
“He’s gone, Bow.” He said, “Andom is gone.” He then waited there as if Bow would answer.
“I don’t know what to do, Bow. I’m supposed to be an adult now, but I’ve never been strong. Andom, was the strong one.” He placed his nose on Bow’s, “There is no strength left.”
“You are strong in different ways.” came a voice from behind. At first Darris thought it was Bow talking, but he turned to see that Sam had followed him into the stables.
“If you are talking about my intellect, then I ask what good will that do me in hand to hand combat.” Darris replied.
Sam smiled, “I’m not. You are very foolish. I was simply referring to your style. That Blue Silver is an improvement.”
Darris couldn’t help but return a smile, “Yeah? It’s heavy, and hot.” Darris Glared back at the towering Elgon and frowned. “Sam,” he said, “Do you think that I was wrong to follow my father? Is Anthis my fault?”
Sam put his arm around Darris, “We all makes choices. That is what makes us who we are. The choices you have made make no difference now. You cannot change them. The choices you make from now on, will determine who you will become. But, no I do not think it was anyone’s fault, what has happened to Anthis. He followed you here on his own accord.”
Darris tried to process what he was hearing. He couldn’t stop blaming himself. He looked up at his new friend, who had saved his life.
“Am I a bad person Sam?”
Sam looked Darris in the eye, “We are all bad people. That is why there is war and rebellion. We have all of us fallen short of what is expected. We have but Terras to guide us. With him, we can never fail.”
Darris balled up his fists, “That makes no sense. What of people, who cure disease like Berman. Or people who serve the needy, and sacrifice themselves for the good of others?”
Sam grabbed him by his shoulders, “Would not those same people cause disease, steal from people, and sacrifice others, to save themselves or their loved ones. The heart is a liar. We know not what we are capable of until we are put in the situation.”
Sam shook his head, “What would you do to get Andom back?”
Darris hesitated, “But, that’s different. They are evil for kidnapping him.”
Sam shrugged, “I’m not saying they are not. Nor am I saying that it is wrong to defend Andom and yourself from people trying to kill you. All I am saying is nobody is perfect. Focus on right now Darris. What can you do right now?
“We have to get him back! We need to rescue Andom, Sam!”
Sam walked away, “And where are they taking him, Darris?”
Darris slammed his fist into the side of the wall. Shards of dry wood broke off. “I don’t know.” he shouted, “But we have to do something! He is my twin brother!”
Sam stopped and turned to face Darris, “We cannot.” He said.
“Why!”
Sam looked out on the field where hours earlier, Anthis lay dead. “I have already failed your father twice. I cannot allow it to happen again. We are to leave in the morning for Elnorth. My father will know what to do.”
Sam walked up beside Darris, “This used to be a city. It was called Ninverah.”
Darris shook his head, “But it is just one house and stable?”
Sam smiled, “Its name in Elgon means The Rock. A king once lived in this very spot. King Drute Everstone. This was the first city of the Solids. This house and stable are what is left of a castle.
“In the Old Wars, He wanted to unite all the peoples of Levion. The Anims, Magens, Elgons, and most of the Solids didn’t agree. They all saw themselves as different, where King Everstone saw that the bigger picture was unity.”
Sam let a tear fall, “My Grandfather Hemish Elkhorn was then the leader of the Elgons. Most of us were too scared to say anything, but Paren saw the greatness of King Everstone. She argued with my Grandfather who finally agreed to join the war. Many Elgons died. My Grandfather blamed Paren for all the deaths. After the early battles, the Anims and Magens were able to conquer Ninverah. My Grandfather surrendered, as well as the allying Magens and Anims. Never again was there to be a kingdom. We split into our own lands. Ninverah was stripped of its glory, reduced to a single house and stable.”
Sam turned to look at Paren’s house.
“Paren, as punishment, was banished to this land, never to return to Elnorth.”
Darris walked over to Sam, “But we became united? How did that happen?”
Sam returned his gaze to Darris.
“The Old Wars never ended. There were those who fought in secret to defend the cause that Drute Everstone had begun. Your, Great Grandfather Nubis Heeple, son of Jarim Heeple and Rutha Everstone, Daughter of Kief Everstone, son of Goff Everstone, son of Tief Everstone, son of Gregory Everstone, son of Prince Harpis Everstone The Just, son of King Drute Everstone, convinced my father, that a Union was now at hand. Your Grandfather and father fought in the war that brought our state into a democracy.”
Sam frowned, “Who would know that it was for naught. We are once again prisoners of evil.”
Sam looked into the distance. Darris could only think, in the direction of Elnorth. Age and fear could be seen in his eyes. This boy had lived through so much and was not even an adult yet. Darris could feel his pain but continued on.
“You just don’t understand!” he said. “It’s my twin brother! He has been with me since the beginning. It’s like I am missing a part of myself.”
Sam snapped his head toward him, “I understand more than you think!” he said.
“What do you mean?” said Darris.
Sam seemed to gain resolve, “Forget it. Stay here as long as you wish. We leave in the morning Darris. No complaints.”
With that Sam left the stables, a mystery of a man that he had started. Darris feed Bow an apple from a bag near him, and continued over to Carrot. After feeding him he looked over at the lonely house in the middle of nowhere. All that was left of a giant kingdom.

update post

Sorry – I’ve been having a hard time posting stuff since I changed the format of my blog. So… we’ll try this out and see if it works!

As you may know… Sean & Allyson were the winners of my books. Sean won a copy of “Flowers for Algernon” and Allyson won “Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume”.

Thanks to everyone who commented on what inspired them!

I highly recommend both of the books I gave away. If you’ve read them before or decide to read them, comment and let me know what you think! Now… let’s see if I can actually get this to show up..

“I Deserve it Day” – Comment for a chance to win…

According to my “Getting in touch with you inner b*tch” daily calendar: “Today is I Deserve it Day’ You Pick the Prize”.

So.. I figured not only would I pick the prize for myself, but also for my blog readers!     I’ll be buying myself one book, and two books to raffle off here. One is my favorite book and the other is another good one that I haven’t read in years. .. Titles to be revealed after!

If you want a chance to win a free book, write a comment on this post just saying something (anything) that inspires you. It can be music, literature, a piece of art, a saying, a story.. anything. And I’ll write your name down and put it in a hat and draw the two winners! Comment on my blog before noon on Friday for a chance to win!