Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Linsey and I am an English Language Arts Education Major at OU, graduating in May of 2021. I am excited to begin my teaching career soon and I hope to teach English and/ or Drama in and Oklahoma City middle school. When people ask me why I decided to be a teacher, I always inform them that I have always known that's what I would be (seriously! I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was in kindergarten)! It is my main goal to be considered the "cool" teacher that students enjoy spending time with. In my experience, the more comfortable a student is with their teacher, the more excited they will be about the subject. It is my goal for all of my students to be excited about reading, whether it be novels, magazines, comic books, poetry, plays, etc.
As far as my personal interests go, I am a huge theatre nerd! I was involved in theatre, drama, and speech and debate from 6-12th grade and I was actually a drama major during my first two years of undergrad at NSU. I love all aspects of theatre and I'm always excited to learn new things about set design, lighting, writing, stage managing etc. However, my favorite things to do when working on a production are acting and costume design. Aside from being involved in productions, there is nothing I love more than sitting and watching a musical or play! Some of my favorite shows include: Violet, Big Fish, In The Heights, Rent, and Dogfight. I am also a huge fan of Shakespeare and my favorite play is Twelfth Night.
In my spare time I read lots of books, watch Netflix, and spend time with my pets. Its very hard for me to pick a very favorite book/ movie because I enjoy so many different things! One of the books that I am constantly going back to is Alcott's Little Women. I really enjoy science fiction and WWII based fiction. I have one cat named Callie who loves attention and would never swat away a hand that tries to pet her. I also have a yellow lab mix named Ranger who is very playful and very protective. As much as I love both of my fur babies, they don't have the same feelings about each other, and you will likely never see a picture of the two of them together.
My sweet baby, Ranger, playing in the snow in 2017
Hi Linsey! Being a teacher is so cool! I definitely agree with you- in my experience, knowing a teacher better made me more interested in their class. Teachers have always won me over by sharing pictures of their dogs. With your picture of Ranger above, you're clearly on your way! Do you enjoy the reading or the writing aspect of English more? Also, what's your favorite science fiction book? Your blog looks exciting so far!
ReplyDeleteHi Linsey. I've heard a lot about Little Women in the news and from friends recently and I think it is really cool that you are taking the time to read the book. I also think that being a teacher is a really valuable job and maybe when I get older, I would like to be a teacher. It is also really funny that your cat and your dog don't get along. Most of the time I find that the dog likes the cat but the cat does not like the dog.
ReplyDeleteIt is so exciting to see an education major in this class, Linsey! Wonderful! I'm like you: I always wanted to be a teacher; I don't even know why... especially since I mostly disliked school, but I knew I loved learning and books and wanted to share that with other people however I could. And the drama teacher was definitely the ultra-cool teacher in my school; I did debate instead of drama, but the drama teacher was way more cool for sure. Maybe you will want to use this class to learn about the traditions of Indian drama! Theater is a huge part of the Indian literary tradition, going back to the classical period with Kalidasa. Some of the theater pieces are on epic themes too, and the film version of the Mahabharata that you can watch for class is actually based on a stage play by the AMAZING director Peter Brook: Peter Book's Mahabharata. The film version of his play was actually my first-ever exposure to the Indian epics... and it started an obsession that has lasted for 30 years now! So: be warned! The epics can be addicting. :-)
ReplyDeleteLinsey,
ReplyDeleteYour major is a breath of fresh air! I am a science major, and every blog post I have commented on has been about science and medicine. I like that this is different. I think being a teacher is really important, and I LOVE to hear from those who are pursuing that career. I can literally count on one hand how many teachers have positively influenced my life on a major scale. I hope that you will be one of those teachers too, kids really need that.
Hi Linsey! It is very cool that you are so into theatre - I am taking Understanding Theatre this semester because I like going to shows. I did tech theatre in middle school (mainly sound and set design) but I also really liked doing gore makeup. It would be awesome if you go on to work as a drama teacher; my technical theatre teacher was amazing and it's great that you have a passion for teaching!
ReplyDeleteHi Linsey! That is so cool that you always knew what you wanted to do because I had switched focus so many times before I found my career path. Teachers are very important and definitely need more recognition than they are given. I am sure you will be the coolest teacher in your school, the most popular teacher in my school was our English teacher she was so passionate that it made us all excited to always go to her class she even made me like writing so I’m sure you can do it too!
ReplyDeleteHi Linsey! It's really cool going onto these different blogs and seeing someone with a different major everytime. My older sister just graduated from the University of Texas and is now teaching in Austin! It's her first year and she teaches kindergarten but she loves it. Good luck with the rest of your semester!
ReplyDeleteHey Linsey! I think that it's cool that you want to be a teacher. I definitely think that being a teacher is a huge calling. Maybe someday I might go to that calling. I knew a bunch of smart people back in high school that were never pushed to reach their greatest potential, and I think that it'd be amazing to have such a big influence on the lives of tomorrow. That's cool that you were very involved in school, I have a lot of regret and I wish I were as involved back then.
ReplyDeleteLinsey! It's going to be fun to read each others stories this semester. You're so good at telling stories, so I can't wait. One of the books on my "To Read" list is Little Women! I want to read it before I see the new movie. Also, it's a classic and Joey reads it in Friends. I feel like we enjoy a lot of the same TV shows so your recommendation makes me want to read it even more (if I can find the time). Let's have a great semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Linsey! I think it's amazing you want to be a teacher, especially since it's something you've been passionate about for so long. I agree with you that students learn more when they're comfortable with the teacher. I always struggled in my English classes since it was always a hard subject for me, but my junior year teacher made it really enjoyable and it ended up becoming my favorite class that year. I'm sure you'll make a great teacher too!
ReplyDeleteHello Linsey. Nice to meet someone who has such a different major. Most of the ones I have come across are science related. Also I think it's great you want to be a teacher at a middle school. I think Oklahoma needs more teachers and it sounds like you would make a very good one. I'll admit I have not found theater very interesting but we each have our lines and dislikes and that is what makes people so interesting. Anyway, food luck on your path to becoming a teacher!
ReplyDeleteHi Linsey, great introduction! I also am enojoy theater! I think if I wasn't so shy I probably would have ventured more into it! I think its awesome you knew what you wanted to be since you were little, I still as a 23 year old still struggle with that decision. Its amazing you are so passionate about it, a true sign of a great teacher! Also I am ashamed to admit that I have the book little women in my shelf for a really long time and I haven't read it. This post made me realize I should probably get on top of that! Good luck in all your endeavors and this semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Linsey! What a great introduction and what a cute pup! I think it is so cool that you are involved in theater. I also think it is so funny that your cat and dog do not like each other. I bet they are both so cute. I wonder what made them dislike one another? Some cats and dogs cuddle and play together, but some despise one another. Maybe you can write a story about why your cat and dog do not like each other! Well done.
ReplyDeleteHello Linsey! (wanna hear something funny? I've never seen your name spelled this way before, so my first thought when I read your name was that it must have been a typo! My dumb self really clicked all around your blog to make sure your name is actually spelled like that. jeez). That's really great that you've always known what you want to do. I've never had that kind of North Star in my life, and I imagine it's nice to have a goal to work so clearly towards. Your pets sound very cute and also very funny. Who would win in a fight?
ReplyDeleteHiya Linsey, as another fan of theatre, it's awesome to see more in the OU community! While I don't actually perform, I've always been a fan of going to shows. Most recently I went to go see a friend perform in Rocky Horror up in OKC and I can't wait to see what they do next. Maybe some of your experience in drama can transfer to your storytelling this semester, and beyond that, it could help you with your teaching!
ReplyDeleteHi, Lindsey!
ReplyDeleteI think that it is so awesome that you are an education major! We need more people like you who have passion for what you are doing! You're also so close to graduating!! I also love your passion for drama, theater and plays! I am not talented in that aspect whatsoever, but I enjoy watching them! A girl that I nanny was in the Nutcracker this year and I literally almost cried! It's nice to meet you!
Hey Linsey!
ReplyDeleteI thought it's funny how you mentioned that you have always wanted to be a teacher because my best friend is also an education major and her dream has always been to be a teacher. Specifically, since kindergarten, she has always dreamed of being a "married teacher." I also love your dog, I have one myself who lives with me in Norman. How long have you had your dog for?
Hi Linsey!
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome to meet you! I think that it is so great that you've known what you wanted to do since you were so young. I think you will be an amazing teacher because you are so passionate. Only one more year until you graduate, you can do it! Your animals are adorable; I love the picture of your dog out in the snow! So cute. I wish you luck this semester, and I can't wait to read your stories!
Hi Linsey!
ReplyDeleteThat is such an awesome thing that you have always known what you wanted to do when you finish school. I have always gone back and forth between what I have wanted to do, and even now I don't exactly know what I want to get my Masters in, so you are really lucky! My best friend in high school was big into theatre so I went to every school production that took place in my high school.
Hi Linsey! Your dog is absolutely precious! I have a German Shepherd mix at home who just got to experience snow for the first time in January. My family adopted her from a rescue down in Georgia, so needless to say she was NOT a fan of the weird, cold, wet stuff outside! I think it's great that you want to be a teacher. You seem to have a real passion for it that I think is always great to have in our education system. You are absolutely right that the right teacher can make a huge impact in a child's opinion of school. I wish you the best of luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Linsey,
ReplyDeleteI really love your interests! I did speech and debate back in highschool, and I loved it so much. I am glad you are finding interest in that as well! I think it is really interesting, too, that you are an English Language Arts Education major. I have always appreciated my teachers and my education that I receive, so I am really grateful for people like you to add to the pool of amazing teachers! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
Hi Linsey,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the teacher/student relationship. Some of my favorite classes we with teachers I had great relationships with. I am about to start reading Little Women! I just watched the movie that came out last year and thought it was great! I can't believe I haven't read the book yet, but it is on my list of things to do once school slows down for the semester. I hope your semester is going well!
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ReplyDeleteHi Linsey!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I would like to say that you've made a great choice in the career of education. I'd say that it is one of the most selfless choices a person can make in terms of a career choice, and it can be such a fulfilling experience! Your college journey is similar to one of my friends - she was also at NSU (for a *semester) and transferred over here and you guys are both chasing after the goal of education! And we are all the same age, who could've thought. Anyways, I hope you well in your journeys and look forward to seeing more of you!
Hey Linsey! Your passion for being a teacher is amazing to hear about. I have family and friends who are teachers and I think that it is a very selfless and important job. Teachers are preparing the next generation to lead us forward and to change the world. An example where a teacher has been very impactful to me is in this class. Laura has been kind and helpful throughout this semester and has gotten me closer to graduating. Also your dog is adorable! I want to get a dog soon myself. Best of luck the rest of this semester.
ReplyDeleteHi Linsey!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you to become a teacher, and it is so amazing that you want to serve the Oklahoma City schools. From growing up here, I know there is a huge shortage of teachers, so I applaud you for dedicating your life to helping educate middle school students. It sounds like you have amazing energy, and I believe you will be able to empower your students to make a difference in this world! Hope you are staying safe and well during quarantine.
Hey Linsey,
ReplyDeleteExcited for you to enter into the world of teaching soon. My mom is a teacher at OU actually. The greatest teachers get the best out of their students by putting their putting their best foot forward in teaching. Kids respond to when a teacher really cares about their students and is passionate about what they are teaching. Here is a great quote that my mom has framed in her office. "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn."-Benjamin Franklin.
Hi Linsey,
ReplyDeleteI loved getting to read some about you. I think it is great you have a passion for teaching and have always known that is what you wanted to do. It is so special for the students when they can tell how much a teacher truly cares for them. Also, I love Little Women! I have not read the book, I am sure it is wonderful, but I am obsessed with the movie. I just recently purchased it for good since I have been watching it so much!