Exploring The Backroads: Public History with Jessica Hanson

It is so important to continue learning about history; to some-- media may be the only opportunity/version people see regarding these important events.  So, although there may be mixed opinions about these "Simpsons" images, I commend them on their unique tribute to the 70th anniversary of Auschwitz' Liberation (Jan. 27, 1945):  "First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—  Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—  Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me" (Niemöller).  It could have been any of us! Learning & teaching novels on the Holocaust last semester was saddening, engaging, and eye-opening for all. We are never too old to learn! Never forget. Never again.  Keep in mind, the "proper name" Holocaust did not exist...

Sometimes you prepare, worry, & research. But, at the end of the day...patience and trusting that fate, a higher power, or whatever one believes will control what happens in your life, is all the solace you have left. Night! J.D.H. <3

This semester just began, and I already feel a bit like Crusty here. He is a "Simpson's" character... ;) if you're super young!  I am involved in a cohort of TNTP; we have a lot of deadlines. Got some good news about stressful things regarding the program this week; worked in an hour webinar/ conference call for it today (in between signing my lease, a dentist appointment, and teaching my three hour night class). Also, somehow fit in lesson planning and a workout this morning.  I have to make strict rules for myself to succeed! I bought a planner this week and have stuck to everything I set up like a champ, somehow! I ONLY allow myself to watch tv, if I'm working out now.  Put in attendance and answered student blogs tonight! Have to do a hiring mock-interview, tutor, and teach tomorrow. Then a big morning Friday!  Doing all of this (and taking my last Ed.S. class), while trying to juggle my own patience, is a daily struggle!  I just need to...

I have kept up my goals for 2015, so far! I have worked out (unless I was sick or super busy) everyday since my goals began anew at the end of 2014. #personalaccountability on Instagram EVERYDAY! I even doubled up to play "make up" if I missed a day. I began my semester again today (my last one-for my Ed.S) & taught my first class for Spring tonight for Motlow . Even with a google hiccup, I always feel completely rejuvenated meeting new students. They can truly brighten my day. I LIVE for the classroom. Though my goals have drastically changed since I moved to TN (Ph.D. to Ed.S.) and currently higher education to elementary education with TNTP, I am now excited about changes-- I used to be terrified of. I got two pieces of excellent news tonight regarding a new adventure in my education. I can't wait to move forward! I also love learning about history and politics more and more daily (therefore, extremely excited to be teaching American Literature again th...

"Have you ever?" is an icebreaker type game. Teachers or leaders usually get group members to participate in such (usually unbearable [to introverts] ) activities to get to know everyone in order to feel closer, or accomplish things in a more open and honest environment.  Questions are usually selected to avoid humiliation, ridicule, or embarrassment. Now switch gears a little bit..."Never have I ever," is a more "scandalous," if you will, icebreaker game for parties...more of a drinking game.  It can even get competitive as people who have not done what was stated prior-- have to drink, etc... My life sometimes feels like a cross between these two "games." Except, these games play out in my mind: in bed (while trying to slumber off into dream land), or obsessing during the day. Have you ever thought about this? Have I done...Never have I ever done this... Society is so full of expectations. They can literally drive us crazy.  ...

If you put something down concretely (hand-written, drawn, published electronically, or even visually-- through images) it is there to remind you of whatever was important enough for you to communicate it in the first place! Or...that is what communication used to be for.  Some take communication so non-nonchalantly now. They post regrettable crude words or images (they might much rethink later or even in moments). Editing is truly an art. You should not put your name on anything you don't put real effort into. I try to tell my students this every semester and have learned it myself!  That quote is particularly powerful! You can share information all day long. However, to truly get people to understand you, you must communicate (and well). Poor communication reflects on you negatively, in all aspects of life!  What if you could "trick" yourself into accountability through this communication though?  I don't post every article, thing I read/ think is interes...

I used to think you only wrote or blogged when you did something "huge," or had an accomplishment or interesting tid-bit about yourself to share. However, the journey of life can often be mundane.  This year I have set goals, dreams, and aspirations! Those all sound redundant or similar you may say!?!? But, I truly believe bettering yourself daily is key! Emerson says it best: " “Life is a journey, not a destination.”  We truly should live in and cherish EACH moment, no matter how mundane it seems. They are important to us as individuals. Our short journeys/ stories, make up a chapter in the larger book of our life.  Keeping with this "literature" kick, I will now look at the definition(s) for goals, dreams, & aspirations--since I have several of those these days! goal [gohl]  Spell   Syllables Synonyms Examples Word Origin noun        the   result   or   achievement   toward   ...

Setbacks are all part of the life journey, right? I woke up in the middle of the night; I felt something was odd. I try my best to budget my money, while still taking college classes, working limited hours to gain experience in my desired field I am so passionate about, and paying off student loans...all while feeling a bit "too old" to be doing so. I'll be turning another year older in exactly 1 week! Therefore, when something interferes with my hard earned finances, it truly upsets me. I received a notification that was truly upsetting in the wee hours of this morning.  I hope it is resolved soon. It is one of those errors you checked for. Double checked for. Had verification. Then, there was some nonchalant communication afterwards, even though you know you were not "in the wrong." We shall see how this pans out.  I see a lack of sleep in my near future. :/   I am a huge "word" person as an English person.  set·back ˈsetˌbak/ n...

But, it was definitely close! We explored a lot locally this summer and early fall. I was motivated and extremely passionate since I would be teaching more classes than ever before and had been told I was on the right track for a tenure track (or at least FTT) position at my community college. TBR cut all adjuncts' hours this fall though (supposedly due to ObamaCare). They don't really wish to pay for benefits for part time workers (not that many could afford to pay for it anyway).  I kept pushing forward though and got another step closer to my Ed.S. I had wonderful learning experiences applying to all kinds of jobs (way outside of the spectrum of what I am used to). One class left and I will graduate May 9! Comfort is Overrated! With Discomfort Comes Growth I continued to eat healthy and use portion control. I didn't lose as much weight as over the summer/ early fall, but it was impossible commuting ~2 hours, plus teaching 4 classes, and taking 2 of my own to keep...