Large Groups Management

Having a large class group demands a different approach and more strategic methods from teachers. 

Whether or not, the strategies on the youtube video could work in our country depends on how well we can reach a sustainable adaptation, plus considering the expected reaction from students. 

On the video we were able to get a glimpse of the students' behavior, they were children. The class dynamic seemed fast-paced, the teachers had pretty clear fluency. The one who wasn't of american origin, talked about the use of multimedia. Another one, advised to display the students' work on the classroom's walls. 

Basic points such as having respect, giving rewards, and not humiliating anyone, need to be taken into account, no matter the age or level. It is only the language, methodology or topics, which require adequate changes according to each specific group we deal with.

An effective tip for teaching large groups, is simple but also witty. We can provide individual attention to each student or group, by taking a few days, and avoid attempting to attend everyone in only one class, for it's almost impossible, not to even mention, exhausting...

When having the classroom physically organized, allowing students to move around the class, was brought up, it was hard not to think that in our reality, we aren't very likely to enjoy the benefits of much free space, since the classrooms tend to be small. 

The one part I thought is generally the same in El Salvador, is setting up classroom logistics. Most teachers I know do plan their activities, follow determined patterns, organize students, etc. In that regard, there's not much difficulty to be faced, but of course, preparation time is required.

Maybe "being proactive" is not so common in our country, and it should not be that way. Nevertheless, it is in fact, understandable. Lots of teachers aren't proactive due to the lack of motivation they have, with low salaries, poor conditions, etc. And besides, students aren't keen to plan their own activities and seriously consider pedagogical issues. But perhaps through playful means we can try to change these paradigms.

Usefulness Of The Internet

-Using the internet with EFL students can turn out to be an appealing way to draw attention through technologically interactive means. There are many advantages we can make use of when having internet access. So, there's a positive vibe surrounding the matter.

-The last time I used the internet in class, I felt compelled to apply my prior knowledge and learn more info. And it is valid to mention that the tools we learn to use via internet, may come in handy in the future, and for various purposes, not only education. We should keep that in mind, so that our interest and focus increases on what is explained.

-Currently, there are several reasons why it is relevant to relate the learning process to the internet. Besides the infinite number of possibilities and resources, being in touch with modern tools should not be overlooked. If not, our options in life will be continue to be narrowed down in general terms.

It is important to keep ourselves up to date, we cannot have the luxury of simply go on ignoring technological novelties that could serve as great aid in class development.

-It is my understanding there's evidence that we can actually use just about every intelligence when using the internet. The trick is probably knowing how to accomplish that.  We need to at least try to find the best online resources, check if they are trustable. 

Examples:

A) When reading and analyzing an article we use our logical and intrapersonal intelligences.

B) Associating concepts to pictures (visual intelligence).

C) Messenger calls (audio) and chat (Interpersonal intelligence).

D) Teleconferences (live audiovisual stream) and video-chat

(Kinesthetic intelligence, body language: mimics, gestures, etc.)

Therefore, the only thing we need to apply them is having the means and ideas to include the different intelligences whenever we get the chance to have an internet-related class.

Of course, I'm aware that the access won't be available everywhere or not fully functional. People always complain and are quick to recall the worst case scenarios of no resources in our country, time, culture, etc.

However, those are also common excuses to plainly avoid doing something innovative or that requires preparation. Most like to pick the easiest ways, as often as they can. I'm not saying I've never done that. Unfortunately that's not necessarily the best thing we can do. So, I think that if it is possible, the internet should be given a chance, unless we truly want to remain almost the same as an entire decade ago...

Oh, and to share something we can do with internet tools, using just a microphone and a few pictures, I created a little voicethread in the site teacher Aida showed us the other day (feel free to comment):

http://voicethread.com/share/1477277/

Thoughts About The Contextualized Language Video

As teachers, contextualizing the language with our class is strongly advised. Its importance stems from how much easier it is for a student to learn contents when those are explained in the most suitable context.

Collective activities meant to fulfill the group's needs, equally developing macro-skills, motivation and appealing topics are just some of the advantages and intentions of contextualized language.

I think teachers should be required to always display an open mind in their profession, showing keenness to apply new methodologies.

The was something on the video that caught my attention. Most students seemed eager to participate, rather than show any shyness at all, which would be the most common case in our environment. So it is not far-fetched to say that class was interested in the topic and did not fully relied on the teacher to push them or ask them, they had undeniable initiative.

Contextualized language could presumably work in our reality, although not to the same degree. The success level would depend on several factors, such as the students' background, age, personality, etc. However, the consistent practice of contextualized language could very much lead to a satisfying learning process, as long as patience and effort are part of the teacher's vision.

I believe more than just a few learners may not necessarily have a positive attitude when facing the contextualized language approach.

As the video presents, some activities include dynamic games, and very interactive classes. Not everybody will be thrilled to partake in such activities. Therefore, I assume it would be a key measure, not to overuse the method.

Another point regarding contextualized language to take into consideration is the fact that many teachers are not quite prepared to make proper use of the approach.

It is a shame that currently there are not many places where teachers can be truly trained for developing contextualized language. In order to counteract, teachers do not have much of a choice but to become self-taught in the area.

This does not mean to randomly improvise, but to read tips and articles online from professionals in the subject matter, who have had the chance to put contextualized language to use for years in foreign institutions.

Creating A Positive Classroom Environment

A relevant goal for a teacher is to find a plausible way to create and mantain a positive environment at all times in a classroom. Such a challenge requires real effort and is a key element to succeed. 

-Attitude: It must be positive, which should not be confused with smiling or laughing all the time. But trying to make each topic as appealing as possible will always be productive.  The teacher has to be open to questions, show real interest in the content and pay attention to the group.

-Avoid Monotony: The surprise factor is actually necessary if we do not wish to lose our students' interest after a few days. Having all kinds of varied activities and giving a sense of novelty to our classes is advised. If we try to constantly innovate, it will be less likely that students get bored fast and fail to learn anything.

-Giving a balanced freedom: This is hard to achieve, but clearly not incredibly difficult either. Sometimes teachers create a negative environment by correcting their students way too much and often or forcing them to work with people they may not like. It is true that socializing should be encouraged, but there are times when only awkwardness is created. Teachers push students to do pointless activities, etc. So, we got to try to give some freedom, while still having enough control over the group. We should keep a proper measure, be creative. All this will lead to diminish tension, reluctancy, boredom and others.

Those are some ideas I thought of to create a positive feeling in the class, some of you guys already covered other points, good work. 

Teaching Across Proficiency Levels

Teacher's Role:

In this initial phase of the students' learning endeavour, the teacher has a defyning role. He needs to be properly prepared for the ardous task that teaching represents. Accurate explanations, fluent pronunciation and attentive disposition should be the part of the daily staple of an effective class development.  

Being able to handle any topic, relating to the whole group, preparing varied material, using different sources, promoting reading for enjoyment, enriching vocabulary, planning multiple activities, taking charge as a leading figure, being trustworthy, respectful and considerate, are some of the fundamental qualities a teacher must have in mind to succeed at his job.

Language's Authenticity:

As in any ordinary process, we learn by following a logical order and structural patterns that normally progress, as they grow in complexity and evolve in laboriousness. Some students might already have an intermediate level or just one above their mates', which enables them to understand with more ease. However, we must assure that they don't find the classes to be dull.

It's certainly better if the language used by the teacher isn't really advanced, but rather standard to fit the level, more common. But it's imperative not to fall in the horrible mistake of using way too simplistic language, or forgetting to intensify expectations consistently.

Students' Creativity:

Even if it's only up to a low level, everyone has creativity. Of course, this means beginner students are included in the stated range. The majority of youngsters like to engage in the entertainment found in drawing (even if they're just scribbles). Although they may be bounded by their own apprentice limits, students are most likely capable of coming up with fresh ideas, which a teacher has to be careful not to underestimate.

Remember that in creativity's realm, kids are supposed to have an advantage. We must find the way to benefit from the young fertile minds' productivity. In this regard, patience is also a must.

Teaching Teenagers

I'd prefer to teach people in their teens. The reason is simple, I can relate more easily to them, as I was still one only a few months ago. It doesn't mean that it wouldn't be a challenge though.

I personally do not like children. And adults either require more work or sometimes it's just much more difficult if they learn slowly (specially when they are over 40 and don't have almost any prior knowledge).

Thus, the only group left is adolescents. They are in a crucial age. Despite that fact, and other than having mood swings, I think they are better to teach than children as they aren't so noisy and mischievous. Besides, they are a little more dynamyc than adults and learn faster.

Since I happen to constantly keep myself updated in matters of entertainment, I have an idea of what they might like or consider trendy, which might help to draw their attention towards the class if I include them in games, activities, etc.

They probably do require a bit more effort when it comes to treating them with gentleness and caution at all times, so that they won't feel threatened or embarassed.

In conclusion, teenagers are the ones I would like to teach the most.

Answers To Teacher Aida's Questions

1-Don´t you think your students may profit from an activity like this?

Yes, indeed. As I explained this activity is certainly useful to check mistakes, mispronounced words, fluency and ability to create sentences and share ideas. All we need to do is leave shame behind and stop having the paranoia that everyone will laugh or something.

2-Imagine your principle or academy supervisor would ask you to record one of your classes, would you dare saying "NO"?

I wouldn't ever refuse to do the activity. How could I? that just wouldn't make any sense whatsoever. In fact it would possibly end up projecting weakness and a negative side.

3-How would you convince your class to be videotaped or recorded?

I'd convince them by not giving a grade, or the opposite, giving points just for participating (at first) or to introduce it as a game (especially with kids).

4- Why do you think they ask teachers to videotape or record their classes?

They probably ask it to review the progress of the class and the teacher's performance. Maybe it could also be a new or just great way to show the parents how the kids work, in a general meeting.

Comedic Literature (An Attempt To Like Reading)

Since I need to develop an interest on reading, I've started to read books for pleasure. Obviously, I only read some related to contents that are alluring to me. I already read two cool books this month, nothing long, just a couple comedy ones. If anyone's interested on the topic, here's some thoughts:

First, a recent and acclaimed New York Times Best-Seller, "The Bedwetter" (2010), a memoir by comedian Sarah Silverman. Being a fan of her original stand-up comedy and irreverent tv series, this was a must-read. The jewish author's characteristic quirky humor was hilarious as always. It kept me laughing throught more than 250 pages. If you enjoy edgy jokes, puns and Sarah's top-notch punch-lines, this is the book for you. It also tells her biography and features tons of stories related to other renowned alternative comedians of the new wave. The photographic material was a visual form of artistic fun.

Finally, a masterpiece, "The Bro Code" (2008) by Neil Patrick Harris. Based on the character Barney Stinson from hit tv series "How I Met Your Mother", this is the bible for bros around the globe. Filled with the trademark humoristic style of the show's womanizer. It's as awesome and instructional as it gets! This great manual consists of a set of funny & honorable rules found in articles that had me cracking up non-stop. I got the chance to listen the voice of the author as I read every single page, since I was able to get the audiobook. So it was a very neat addition, a perfect complement, which made it the best reading experience I've had in my life. Truly essential if you're a fan of HIMYM, NPH or just happen to have bros. (Highly recommended, only 208 pages).

You can download the digital book (pdf file) & audiobook here: http://www.taringa.net/posts/ebooks-tutoriales/2322160/The-Bro-Code-%5B-La-Biblia-de-las-Citas-%5D.html

Emmy Awards 2010 - Best Of Entertainment

Al Pacino - You Don't Know Jack (Best Movie)

Bryan Cranston & Aaron Paul (Best Drama Actors - Breaking Bad)

Jim Parsons (Best Lead Comedy Actor - The Big Bang Theory)

Neil Patrick Harris (Best Actor & Host - 2 Emmys - Comedy)

-All my favorites won this year!

3rd Activities Presentations

Enrique's Activities:

Prepositions are a widely known problematic topic, which made it a really swell choice. I thouht it was fun to identify the position of the objects in the pictures we were given. I liked the fact that he brought two different sheets of image activities. We had to concentrate on each object's location and recall the prepositions that were better for those cases, it was an entertaining mental excercise. Even kids usually enjoy this kind of activity.

The participation of everyone was required, and that is a relevant point to take into account.

My Presentation:

First of all, I want to say thanks to  eveyone for their help. It was slightly weird to face the group supposedly acting as a teacher. I did not particularly liked the experience but I did not hated it either. I guess it was just a neutral feeling there. 

Most people decided to be recorded in audio, which I perfectly understand. We are not used to that kind of activity in our country. However I do think that the initial reluctance to participate in something like a recorded conversation can be overcome. It could also work better in lower levels or with kids, since they like to have fun and are more eager to talk. They don't feel so ashamed for they don't care much about what everybody else thinks. Children may see a recording activity as just a game!

Luis' Activities:

The "joke" job application was hilarious. It instantly reminded me of a friend of mine who did a similar thing, but online. He said he had invented fire and spoke over 15 languages as a native with more than 50 years of experience in medicine, law, gymnastics, etc. 

Back on topic, I hadn't really thought about job applications before. It is true that those aren't very common in our country for whatever reason...

It was a pleasant experience to fill out the form. I did not know that so many details have to be written down. He also tried to make people participate and that was alright.

Xavier's Activities:

Even though it was raining, he kept on developing his activities and set a great example as a teacher. The activities were fun and simple. It was a bit dynamic because we needed to stand up and be fast. All the people wrote on the board, and that is always positive.

He talked about crime, being that a topic we can unfortunately all relate to in El Salvador. So it was a general interest content that he pulled off just fine.

2nd Activities Presentations

Henry’s Activities:

Although we are not used to reading often, it is essential for students to have reading exercise if we want to develop our students’ skills in thar particular area. The writing stories part lets students use their imagination, apply their vocabulary and at the same time, employ all the written structures they have learned. Topics such as blues music will be attractive for those who enjoy music in general.

Rose’s Activities:

Even at advanced levels, its is not so rare to find some people who still have quite a troublesome situation when dealing with the proper creation of “wh” questions. Consequently I think that it is a good idea to study or reinforce that particular topic.

Roleplaying is a fun way to have a spontaneous English practice and actually use our vocabulary as well as any talent some may have. It also gave the opportunity to see how well the students could follow commands, putting to test their listening skills while doing so.

Ana’s & Lili’s Activities: 

Pictures are doubtlessly essential to visual learners. They have no real complexity and most cases, which means the students will be able to relate to them with no difficulties. The group could recognize what was on every image. The repetition process is usually used along the pictures, and that’s a nice way to enrich our vocabulary.

Coloring is entertaining for kids and sometimes even awakens creativity.

Reviewing topics as the use of “will” are basic things we must never forget and it never hurts to check those topics every now and then so that we don’t forget anything.

1st Activities Presentations

Direct Method:

I thought Lupita’s presentation was almost exactly like one of teacher Aida’s classes. I guess they have a similar style. The activity that took place was a collective one, simple but helpful. I felt like there was not much pressure, and I enjoy that kind of environment. I was able to disccus questions with my classmates, which was fairly nice. Her attitude was alright, according to the method. I assume it will be a frequently used method by many of us in the future, even though I would not employ it so often.

Suggestopedia:

For obvious reasons, this one was easily the most fun. The use of several instruments appeal quite strongly to students. Some actually seemed to have experienced some kind of associative regression during the activity. I was in shock when I watched Xavi really in touch with the music, getting deep into the rhythm of a melody! Other guys were apparently discovering their hidden talents as new musicians, who knows, maybe a couple of them will end up dropping out of the major and going on a tour with their bands. But seriously, it was refreshing since it is not common in our country to have that kind of dynamic classes.

Audio-Lingual Method:

To be honest I do not like to repeat things a lot. However some students do find it fun when a teacher uses tongue-twisters and games or even competitions to teach them English. The activity required a lot of memorizing. I think it could be a great mental exercise for us. However I don’t know how much knowledge students could actually get from this. It has limits. Nevertheless it might be a good idea to use it sometimes, at least for a while. 

Silent Way:

Teacher Alex's activities were just as the method's title, kind of silent. He made some uncanny hand movements that I simply could not figure out. He explained some words that I did not understand. The activities were normal and I thought he did a decent job. The reading part was not long, and that's good with begginers.

What I Understood From The Methods P.4

Content Based Instruction:

In this method, reading is a main part of the student's learning. They get the chance to choose which topics they'd like to read. So it's useful to get many new words by reading texts. The class will have a more formal way to acquire the English language. 

The use of an speficif subject matter is an advantage, since the group focuses their attention on only one thing at the time, but also learning and developing diverse aspects simultaneously, which is an outstanding factor.

However because of the tedious tendency attatched to this method, I think it is more likely to work out with advanced levels.

Task Based:

Well, one undeniably great quality found in this method, is the intended development of a highly important element of an effective education, which is research. When we research about any content, the information we find is quite necessary to understand a topic. Besides, it will clearly allow us to reach a new level of knowledge.

The part consisting of tasks, is very interesting as well. I believe it puts the classes' abilities to test and gives the teacher an idea of how much progress his students have made.

The teacher also plans activities or tasks for the students to do at home, so it has the peculiar aspect of not being a method that is only worked during the class time.

What I Understood From The Methods P.3

Natural Approach:

The mere absence of grammar and deep explanations or analysis is actually attractive. The students feel far less pressure.

In my opinion advanced grammar is truly not necessary in order to speak a language.  Only the basic structures that are always learned inductively are required. As we know, native English speakers, for instance, usually do not know many specific grammatical rules and that does not stop them from having great fluency and communicate anything with utter success.

The Oral Approach & Situational Language Teaching:

I like the progressive learning that's been established in this method. The vocabulary is basic and it looks forward to constantly practice having conversations. It does not focus on complicated elements of the language.

It also exposes the student to different situations and they learn the needed vocabulary and expressions that would be suitable in specific cases.

Community Language Learning:

I believe that nowadays, nobody uses just the CCL method. It lacks too many aspects required for a successful learning process. However it does have plenty of positive ideas, which we could give a try and maybe get true benefits from them with our class group. 

Great values such as respect and trust are usually developed and practiced by using this method. This level of union in a groups always tends to be productive and incentivizes the students to make progress.

What I Understood From The Methods P.2

Audio-lingual method:

I thought this was an attractive method. Especially because it does have the grammar learning as an objective but teaches it inductively. The students use their grammar spontaneously without having actually studied nor focused on any specific rules or structures.

Repetitition is a fundamental part of this method. While it is somewhat effective in most cases, not all students feel comfortable doing this, especially older people or the ones who are in advanced levels. Besides, it must be quite hard for a teacher to check every single student's pronunciation. So it would be difficult to use it with a large group and obtain great results.

It is a shame that the audio-lingual method does not give much importance to the other pair of macro-skills that every student should develop, which makes it a mediocre method.

Whole Method:

Reading comprehension is certainly relevant in this method, as well as the students' development of their writing skills. Grammar and punctuation are also given a high priority place in this whole language method.

One aspect did catch my attention, the one which involves literature. As Henry explained, in our society there has never been a good reading custom. Most people do not enjoy reading anything. It is taken as something completely dull and unappealing. Whereas in other countries it is common, considered as more than a rare hobby, but nothing extraordinary. So if we try to apply this method, one of two things might happen, either people would start to like reading or it will fail because the method will not meet its objective for being used on a non-appropiate group.

TPR:

Learning a new language, supposedly in almost the exact same way we did when we were only tiny babies, does actually sound non-sensical. I believe it has got to be extremely hard to go ahead and try to recreate a similar environment and have that kind of process. I mean, we do not even remember how we went through that first language learning so many years ago. Anyway, we also now that babies' brains are much alike to sponges, referring to how incredibly quick they absorb knowledge.

The method mentions something regarding body language, which I may say is not really practical for any person. At least in my case I often face many difficulties when it comes to understanding body language or trying to make gestures. I just do not see the point, I understand perfectly well, without requiring to see weird faces or arms moving randomly...

Therefore, in my opinion this method is perhaps better for kids, I suppose.

What I Understood From The Methods

Direct Method:

I think the direct method is pretty interesting. However it may be more adequate when used with young children. I have read that kids can supposedly learn more languages easily. Unfortunately really few people are able to provide a propicious environment for such learning.

The direct method also tends to be more appropiate for beginners, in the sense that repetition is quite common, which is usually not the case when it comes to dealing with advance learners.

I do not think is really effective nor helpful when teachers who try to apply this method in class, insist on explaining every little thing through demonstration only. In many cases, especially if you have more than five students, it is much easier to simply say the meaning of a word in their native language, for instance. It is easier, more practical and they understand right away.

The direct method is widely used, probably for its intuitivity and easiness. Therefore as it has been proved to be fairly functional, we should take into account at least some of the ideas it involves.

Suggestopedia:

The suggestopedia was the method I found to be the most attractive one and yet the less practical. While I do enjoy listening to instrumental music, classical or even famous movies' musical scores by renowned composers, there are not really many others who would share any interest at all in such things. Most people around here just love perreo and bachata, which don't seem to be proper musical genres to have as a background during a class, they are not suitable to estimulate your brain nor ideas, in fact due to their offensive language they might end up making you dumber or produce negative thoughts or irrationality.

Regarding the equipment as well as comfortable seats, that is not up to the teacher to control and it is almost impossible to find the resources for an entire group in this country. Technology is still hard to get. And even when we have access, it is limited and we quicly run out of options and variety.

So my conclusion on that method is to use it only if you truly have the needed resources, but also a group that is capable or has a previous knowledge base that would make them able to assimilate, enjoy and just take benefit from suggestopedia.

Silent Way:

In my opinion, this method has a lot of positive aspects. It incentivates the student to work and learn individually. He develops and works on his own learning process more independently. 

The use of considerably more material than on other methods, is a remarkable difference, as it challenges the teacher to be more creative, while at the same time gives the kids a new and more attractive way to find their classes alluring and less routinary.

It is relevant to point out that observation is an essential part of this particular method. For visual learners, that must be a real advantage and it presumably helps them to understand topics much faster.

The silent way is practically used with groups. It can be applied collectively with certain effectiveness. As this method is not necessarily too personalized, it allows the teacher to have more freedom and time to have a clear mind during the teaching process.

In this method, the student is very active and never remains only listening to the teacher in a passive way that would not be as productive. There is a more physical type of learning going on. The kids are in contact with objects and interacting. 

In conclusion, I think that the silent way is recommendable for students that are on an intermediate level or higher, to develop their skills.

Suit Up! - A Tribute To NPH

The night's glowing and you can't get enough
Spot a legendary prey by the cocktail bar
High five your best friend Barney old school style
Get an awesome... Wait for it... Supreme wingman and suit up!

Su-su-su suit up! 
'Til a cougar's number pops up
Su-su-su suit up! 
If you call yourself a modern player
Su-su-su suit up!
'Cause it excuses you to brag out loud
Su-su-su suit up!
And cherish the bachelor prime skies...
Su-su-su suit up!

Hustler a-team came alongside
Dashing and superbly colored in smokin' hot
Magic true story of a friday night out
Be polite but don't hold this womanizer back

I could be your exclusive winning hitch
But first you gotta... Wait for it...
Su-su-su suit up!
Sharpen the smooth inner charm
Su-su-su suit up!
Or life won't astonish up otherwise
Su-su-su suit up!
There's no single match to our V.I.P. kind
Su-su-su suit up!

Grab that silver conquer stool
Dark waitress for an eyebrow lift awaits
All-night long winkin' lights I foretell
Just remember the one and only rule I demand...

Wait for it... 
Su-su-su suit up!
Since one-night stands are required
Su-su-su suit up!
For Barney Stinson wants to party 
Su-su-su suit up!
'Cause so it says Neil Patrick Harris
Su-su-su suit up!
Hittin' the clubs with epic Swarley
Su-su-su suit up!
If you want me to tell you how I met your mother
N-P-H: Suit Up!

-TRUE STORY!-

Dramedy

These are my homage lyrics to the best series of the unique comedy-drama blend genre, "Freaks & Geeks".

"DRAMEDY"

Nothing's like before when I look around
friendships lost in the school's backyard
suddenly I hang out with another crowd
I don't know if it's out of place
figure if it doesn't kill me, then it's OK

My old bubble was pinched by a fist of randomness
letting expectations fall into perdition
through mad rejection of the unknown ambition
denying typecast in a cruel adolescense play

I never imagined mistakes could feel so right
oh, sweet irony
life's sometimes a real dramedy
a no-goin' back wild ride
when plain routine gets left out

Non-Darwinian personal evolution
crafted in raw teenage confusion
out of control staple of the broken hearts
yes, bittersweet years are my sole kind

Careers & romance are overrated to the oblivious ones
so I don't wanna grow old & loner, deprived of fun
nor let money frustration blow me to smithereens
missin' the original essence of this loveless twinklin' world

Don't try to hush me
'cause I won't follow anyone's commands
I'll only take the midnight rush
breathing my own mixed emotions
like the freaks and geeks on TV

Never realized mistakes could be so right
sweet irony, oh, sweet irony
life's such a real dramedy
come fill me up
oh, sweet youthful irony
life's a real dramedy
we joyride barely once...

Wilderness

Here's a little song I wrote inspired after watching one of my favorite films, "Into The Wild", for the first time...

"WILDERNESS"

Tired of a senseless society
I decided to step aside
to be apart from the tainted world
so I got on the road
to get in touch with the wild
to discover all the wilderness ahead

My eyes were drowned in the beauty                   in the beauty of the impulsive nature                 just me and nothing else in an empty space without recalling my old days                         becoming a real man

I'm around wilderness during a re-definin' time
sensing my own being in its pure state
exploring the wild side of me
standing by myself enjoyin' a clear view
thinking of who I really am
and why now everything I knew                                                                                                             has lost any utter value to me                                                                                                                   in a moment of true revelation

Staying far away from what I used to call home
my independence grows with the distance
and my soul reached a sudden different freedom
everything seems brand new to me now
I was born again to really feel alive
with no limit to ever stop me
I remain deep in the wild

Wilderness in my long route
intensive fight to survive
but it ain't bad at all
it's mesmerazing how it can be so fine
all I need is one more sunset to look at

I can't describe the sensation
of traveling on my very own
but it did blew my mind
goin' through the wild
left me speechless
facing a new meaning of life
that's what I found
while I was by myself
in the wilderness paradise

Looking forward to the end of the world
to the top of the highest mount
being the witness of a perfect sky
with a mind full of fleeting experiencies
I guess I've changed forever
just let me be me, here in the wilderness
'cause I find delight in spending my time
into the real wild...
the wild side of mine

Expectations...

Hopefully I'll pass the subject. That's my goal. Other than that, I guess it is fairly reasonable to expect new things, learning about more diverse topics and simply growing as a student. I'll try my best to express myself a tad more this semester for I know I don't do it as often as I could or should... I had quite a hard time when I took didactics in Spanish a year ago. So I'm crossing my fingers so that it won't be as tough this time, although I don't think I stand much of a chance. Let's hope teacher Aida and some other teachers we have as classmates help the people in need out!