Middle East War Memorial

Two summers ago I went to Starved Rock in Illinois. Along the way, I spotted a memorial. It was to remember those fighting in the Middle East. I had never even heard of the memorial. I realize that it's fairly new, but it's important to remember those fighting. Even if you don't support the activities and involvement in the Middle East, you should still respect those giving their lives. These are a couple of pictures of the memorial. It's a long drive, but it's worth checking out!

Random Thought

My younger brother is about to take his PSAT and then an ACT. I remember those tests. It just bothers me that history is not on the test. I do believe that English and Math is vital in education. I just feel that a history section for the ACT would be just as beneficial, if not more, as the current science section. The science section tested skills in reading charts and interpreting data. A history section would add many skills. I believe that knowledge of the country we live in and the WORLD we live in is very important. Students taking the ACT are only a year or two away from voting age. If these students have no knowledge of world leaders, wars, political issues, and their rights, then how can they elect the proper people into office. How can they become the people that we could elect into office? History also provides reading maps and Geography. A student might hear about Iraq on the news, but can they place it on a map? How does a standardized test feel that it's okay to not know how the Holocaust affected people's lives even to this day? I know that people are trying to get History sections put back on tests, but there hasn't been much luck to my knowledge. It's just upsetting since history impacts our lives, decisions, and actions daily.

Here's the story...

So I've decided to let you all know just a little more about me.

I'm a sophomore at Elmhurst College. I'm studying History and Secondary Education. I've really enjoyed my classes so far at Elmhurst. My education classes are definitely my favorites. In these classes, I get to hear so many different points of view. They also keep my in check. Sometimes I speak about something I think is common knowledge or clear, and students let me know what I need to explain better. I observed one of my former history teacher's last year, and it was amazing to see how much the school and teaching has changed since I was a freshman there. My class was not nearly as diverse as the one I observed was. I can't wait to see how I grow as a student and teacher in the next few years!

Aside from school, I have a lot of interests. I work at a movie theatre. I get to work with so many different people, and I'm never bored. I also am a camp counselor in the summer. Working at the camp has developed so many good skills I can use as a teacher. I also am very into music, reading/writing, and art. I have a rather large amount of all types of music on my iPod. I also read a lot in the summer. When I'm stressed, I write. I also draw, scrapbook, and do many random crafts. I also spend a lot of time keeping up with friends and family.

Open the polls!

Today I added the Poll feature on my blog. My first question is "Who was not an axis power in WWII?" I think this is a fun application for students and parents to use. You could put up questions that might end up on the test. It's only one question, so it's not time consuming. Also, I can see the results. If I see that most of my students are getting a question wrong, I will know to better address that topic in class.

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