Blog #1 Introductions
Follow my lead...
Introduce yourself: where you're from, what your interests are (hobbies, studies, travels, etc.), and one thing that makes you truly exceptional. The word has a connotation when coupled with special education, but truly about 87% of us are exceptional in some way (I just feel bad for the 13% who are not!). Exceptionalities range from diagnoses like ADD to shyness, gifted to struggling reader, the autism spectrum, hyper-sensitive to apathetic -- we will explore a lot of them! But please understand up front that being exceptional is not only negative and it can be an asset. This class will be about making your classroom accommodating to ALL learners!
So here goes! I'm Dr. Barri Bumgarner (Dr. Bum, if you prefer), and I'm originally from southwest Missouri. I grew up in Lebanon, got my B.S. in Ed. at Missouri State (then SMSU), and I played tennis and basketball while in college. I then taught 7th grade for a few years, directed a KinderCare (children's learning center) for the next 5, and went on to teach junior high in Columbia for a decade. During that time, I wrote seven novels, published three, have a couple more on the way, and decided I would get my Masters in Education. While at University of Missouri, I taught education classes, got lured into getting my PhD, and four years ago, I became an Assistant Professor at Westminster! Whew...way more than you wanted to know.
As for hobbies, I love to travel (I usually go to St. Thomas around Christmas, last summer I traveled to Dauphin Island/West Palm/Savannah, Ga); this summer I'm going to NoLa (New Orleans)...I love the oysters and nearby beaches! I'm a voracious sports fan (KC Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou, WC!, tennis...), and if I have my choice, I'd rather be at a concert or out by my pool with my puppies than just about anywhere else. I also absolutely LOVE books...reading them, listening to them, writing them, talking about them. And I am VERY plugged in -- I taught a seminar at WC called "There's an App for That" and I've led the initiative to get Westminster to go 1:1 (every student gets an iPad). It is about to happen! All things digital will help you evolve in this decade in almost every single profession (though I pride myself on knowing when to still pick up pen and paper!). But 92% of all western culture professions use digital literacy in some way (medicine, law, education, business, engineering, etc.)
One thing that makes me exceptional is that, first of all, I am ADHD. Second of all, I am stubborn to a fault and I don't take no for an answer. When someone tells me I can't do something, I strive to prove them wrong. Sometimes it gets me into trouble. Most of the time, it allows me to live my dream. So far, barely into my 50s, I've done just that....
Now it's your turn! Tell us about yourself, and each of you respond to one another's intros! Blog by Tuesday, June 6 and respond to each other by Thursday, June 8 at midnight.
Introduce yourself: where you're from, what your interests are (hobbies, studies, travels, etc.), and one thing that makes you truly exceptional. The word has a connotation when coupled with special education, but truly about 87% of us are exceptional in some way (I just feel bad for the 13% who are not!). Exceptionalities range from diagnoses like ADD to shyness, gifted to struggling reader, the autism spectrum, hyper-sensitive to apathetic -- we will explore a lot of them! But please understand up front that being exceptional is not only negative and it can be an asset. This class will be about making your classroom accommodating to ALL learners!
So here goes! I'm Dr. Barri Bumgarner (Dr. Bum, if you prefer), and I'm originally from southwest Missouri. I grew up in Lebanon, got my B.S. in Ed. at Missouri State (then SMSU), and I played tennis and basketball while in college. I then taught 7th grade for a few years, directed a KinderCare (children's learning center) for the next 5, and went on to teach junior high in Columbia for a decade. During that time, I wrote seven novels, published three, have a couple more on the way, and decided I would get my Masters in Education. While at University of Missouri, I taught education classes, got lured into getting my PhD, and four years ago, I became an Assistant Professor at Westminster! Whew...way more than you wanted to know.
As for hobbies, I love to travel (I usually go to St. Thomas around Christmas, last summer I traveled to Dauphin Island/West Palm/Savannah, Ga); this summer I'm going to NoLa (New Orleans)...I love the oysters and nearby beaches! I'm a voracious sports fan (KC Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou, WC!, tennis...), and if I have my choice, I'd rather be at a concert or out by my pool with my puppies than just about anywhere else. I also absolutely LOVE books...reading them, listening to them, writing them, talking about them. And I am VERY plugged in -- I taught a seminar at WC called "There's an App for That" and I've led the initiative to get Westminster to go 1:1 (every student gets an iPad). It is about to happen! All things digital will help you evolve in this decade in almost every single profession (though I pride myself on knowing when to still pick up pen and paper!). But 92% of all western culture professions use digital literacy in some way (medicine, law, education, business, engineering, etc.)
One thing that makes me exceptional is that, first of all, I am ADHD. Second of all, I am stubborn to a fault and I don't take no for an answer. When someone tells me I can't do something, I strive to prove them wrong. Sometimes it gets me into trouble. Most of the time, it allows me to live my dream. So far, barely into my 50s, I've done just that....
Now it's your turn! Tell us about yourself, and each of you respond to one another's intros! Blog by Tuesday, June 6 and respond to each other by Thursday, June 8 at midnight.
My name is Anna M. Sodemann and I was born and raised in the great city of St. Louis. My faith is a huge part of who I am as a person, and I consider myself blessed that my parents were able to send me to a catholic grade school and high school. I attended a catholic all-girl(!!!) high school, Notre Dame, where I was a three sport student-athlete. I played volleyball, basketball and soccer, along with participating in various clubs, which all kept me very busy throughout the school year. Growing up just blocks from Ted Drewes, one of my main interests includes ice cream! I have never owned a dog, but one day (after graduating, getting a job, getting married and buying a house) I plan on buying AT LEAST one dog!
ReplyDeleteI love to travel and would eventually love to leave the country, either with family or even with a group of WestMo students. A smaller goal of mine would be to visit all 50 states (so far I've been able to check 20 off my list). My family takes a yearly summer vacation to the beach (the happiest place on earth), which is why my love for the travel has grown throughout the years.
I'm not too positive on whether this is included as an exceptionality, but I am extremely indecisive. I can see where it might be an advantage because when I do finally make a decision, I know that a lot of time and thought has been put into it. However on the downside I am always questioning myself and second guessing everything I do; I am even left begging people to tell me what to do or sometimes not making a decision at all. I try to not let it determine who I am as a person and everyday I push myself (along with help from my family and friends) to be more decisive. I have big plans for the future and minor inconveniences will not stand in my way.
I didn't realize we had so much in common! I've also been catholic my whole life and go to catholic mass in Fulton whenever I can. The way you described how indecisive you are is perfect, I'm the same way. I think that's why I'm always zoning out because there's always something I can't decide on!! I'm real jealous that you played volleyball because I've always been really interested in it, but our school didn't have it! Since I do want to travel so much, I think it's amazing that you've been to 20 states already!
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ReplyDeleteI’m Danielle Brooks and grew up in a very small town of Martinsburg, MO. I first went to St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated with 5 people, who I learned too much about, but remain very close with today (Lydia Hale that goes to Westmo is one of them!) I then graduated with 23 other people from Community R-6 high school and decided major in education here! At Westminster, I am on the basketball team and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. This summer I’m living at the Lake of the Ozarks and working at the lower level of H. Toad’s in Toad Island (tell everyone you know to come, business is slow).
ReplyDeleteWhen I find some free time, I love anything outdoor related (fishing, swimming, boating, outdoor concerts, baseball games). I also love to listen to and play music, especially on my ukulele! I play the guitar and piano too when I get the chance, but I couldn’t really haul all of them to the lake. I’ve been stuck in that town of 300 people my whole life, so I would really love to travel and discover other beauties this world has to offer (I’d really like to travel abroad with Westminster to Australia). Next on my list is Italy and Hawaii! Being around the same people my whole life is probably a part of the reason I also really enjoy meeting new people. I like seeing different values, opinions, beliefs, etc. and how you can have things in common with the most opposite people!
I would say my exceptionality is day dreaming/thinking too much. I can’t stay focused on what people are saying, even in conversations, or reading for very long at all without zoning out and thinking about something else. It’s easiest for me to learn hands-on and talk with my hands to keep myself engaged. I’m also like Dr. Bum when it comes to being stubborn to prove people wrong. I also find myself doing the opposite of what people tell me, which does get me in trouble at times, but has also lead me to greater opportunities.
I agree with your comment on my post about us having so much in common! We will have to go to mass some time next year, I'm always looking for people to go with, mostly because it helps keep me accountable. I admire your ability to play different instruments, especially because I have never been musically inclined. The three places you named are also high up on my travel list, and a travel abroad to Australia would be a great experience. In my opinion, it is a good thing you are able to recognize your exceptionality, because knowing that will help you work out situations in the future.
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