Freire Letter 2…
Two things came to my mind while reading this letter. The two things that seem most difficult in my life right now is my EdS program and one of my students in my classroom. The “difficulties” I see with my EdS program are not negative just various. For example there are readings I struggle with and find difficult, balancing school, work, and my family, and the confidence to write like an EdS student. The other “difficulty” I struggle with is one of my students in my class that I am finding very difficult to connect with. I am losing my patience with him and having a hard time to find strength to keep going and I feel like I am trying EVERYTHING to support him. I know I need to keep persevering and I am trying but his behaviors are overwhelming me and at times making me question what I am doing everyday and if this is where I need to be. Can one child do this?
My favorite quote from the chapter that seems relevant to both my difficulties is, “When faced with fear of any kind, one must first objectively ascertain whether there are real reasons for that fear. Second, if those reasons do exist, one must match them against the available possibilities for overcoming them successfully. Third, if an obstacle cannot be overcome right away, one must determine what steps to take toward becoming better capable of overcoming it tomorrow.” This brings to me a question of how am I responding to these difficulties and to keep persevering and not give up. Things are not getting worse so I must be attempting to find steps to overcome my fears in some manner. To know there is always tomorrow…
Finally, I do need to agree with Freire about group reading and the results of comprehending can be far more positive. We have read so many things together and I have learned many things from all of my EdS friends and that is one thing that is really supporting me through this program. I enjoy are book clubs and book groups as well as reading the same articles and discussing all of our ideas and thoughts. We are becoming critical readers, an author’s dream come true.
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Cindy,
I can’t agree with you more. I too feel overwhelmed with my life right now. EDS, my research, and work including a frustrating student are exhausting me. I never feel like I’m fully capable of balancing everything. I feel like Claire…remember her letter? I, too, have a difficult time understanding many of our readings but feel comfort whenever I come to class and/or “cyber” class and discuss. Freire said it well when he said that reading as a group and the “discussion of the text undertaken by different readers clarifies, enlightens, and creates group comprehension of what has been read” (p. 55). I am thankful for all of you and the depth of life and learning I’ve gained from ya’ll. Hang in there
I meant Jen. Sorry. I had both of your blogs open.
Jen, you have so eloquently put my fears in writing! I, like you, struggle each day in fear to balance my job, my family, my education, and my sanity! At times throughout this program I have felt validated, and at other times, completely inadequate! I have “read” many articles this year but yet never really comprehended them until we discussed them as a group. I worry that as I construct my own learning, I’d be lost without this group! I have gained valuable insights and perspectives that I would never have “read” on my own. However, each day brings it’s own unique challenges. I applaud your bravery and your honesty! Hang in there! This program would not be the same without your perspectives, opinions, and experiences. Only 4 months to go!!