A little more bragging...

I found out yesterday that my professor wants to use my paper as an example for the textbook he is writing for that class.

Exciting? I think so.

Just a moment to brag...

In one of my English classes (Research and Presentation) we had to write a seven page MLA research paper. I just got mine back today. My comments were all good and I got an A. As I was walking to my next class, which is incidentally with the same professor, he told me that I had done the best in the class and he was so impressed, he asked if he might have me email my paper to him so that he can use it as a future example. I was so excited because I worked really hard on my paper, pulling a couple of late nighters and at least one all-nighter. Anyway, I just wanted to brag a little.

I just finished reading The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale for my YA Lit class. Very good book, highly recommend it (It does start off a little slow though). I also have to read a non-fiction book, which I also just finished. I read with their eyes. It is a series of monologues of students, teachers, administrators, and workers from a high school that was just down the block from the World Trade Center. These monologues are about 9/11 and these peoples reactions. They are all true stories. It was a great read and it really made me think about that day. I was only in the sixth grade, and I didn't understand all of the emotions and facts behind it, but this book really brought it into perspective for me.

P.S. This was the news story that was playing on the televisions in the gym while I was working out!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35566392?GT1=43001

Can you dodge this?

Tonight our ward had a dodge ball activity and our team definitely rocked it! We only lost one game. And, not to brag or anything, but I definitely kept our team fighting during our first game. I was the only person left on our team, and I basically thought we were finished, but I was able to catch a ball, getting one of my teammates back in, and then from there we won. It was a lot of fun, and I'm definitely going to have a bruise on my arm tomorrow (why do guys have to throw the balls so hard and fast?) but it was worth it!

We just finished reading Holes in my YA Lit class. It was a really fast and easy read. Right now we're reading The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale; it's been pretty slow getting into it, but hopefully it will get better soon.

Upper Valley Industries

This semester I am taking a special education class, and so far it has been really good. I have learned so much already and because of this class, I have been able to have some really great experiences working with people with special needs.

For this class, we are required to volunteer two hours in the special education resource room at the local high school (which I start next week), and at Upper Valley Industries, which is a facility for adults with special needs. At this facility, these people have the opportunity to keep learning after public schooling, and they also have the opportunity to work for a couple of hours a day.

Yesterday was my last hour volunteering at Upper Valley Industries, and it was such an eye-opening experience. As I was helping the people there, I couldn't help but feel love for these people that I had just barely met. I then thought about how much our Heavenly Father loves them and knew that the love I felt was significantly less that the love He has for each and every one of them. I stayed for a little bit longer than an hour because I didn't want to leave! I just wanted to share this really cool experience I had with all of you.

P.S. A wrinkle in time is a really good book! I highly recommend it!