My Word

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    The word that I have chosen for this semester is determined. Merriam-Webster defines 

determined as "having a strong feeling that you are going to do something and that you will not 

allow anyone or anything to stop you." To be determined does not mean to be stubborn, but rather it 

is a willingness to change as needed. To keep an open mind while achieving the clearly defined 

goals you have set for yourself. I have chosen determined as my word for this semester because this 

is the type of mindset I have-not just to finish my classes, but to finish well. While I have goals for 

my classes, not just here at HBU but also my Neuhaus coursework (which I should complete this 

spring). I also want to apply a determined mindset to take my CALT exam and prepare well in order 

to pass.  

    While determined means a great deal to me as a student with my own studies, the word 

determined also takes on meaning as an educator. When I think about students in the secondary schools 

on their literacy journey, I am determined to make literacy enjoyable and help students connect with 

literacy outside of school. This might take on the form of reading a story, writing their own story, 

connecting with different texts through conversations. Being determined will push me to think outside 

the box and help me to find creative ways to make literacy fun in the secondary school setting. 

              I will keep determined at the forefront of my mind by thinking through my lesson plans and 

asking myself how I can improve them and also bouncing ideas with other teachers or reading 

specialists. I also will push myself to read different books that secondary school students are reading

and talking about and find ways to connect that to what we are doing together. My heart is always to 

make the time I have with my students engaging; therefore, being determined will push me even more. 


"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you." ~Zig Ziegler

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