PennGSE Student Journals

The End...

2008-04-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

As the year is coming to an end...it's time for my final blog. I will be completing my program this summer with three electives and completing my final portfolio due May 6th! This year has been an exciting and intense experience...from taking four classes per semester...to being a GA in Admissions...work-study @ Children's Hospital of Philadelphia..and fieldwork in three of Philadelphia's public schools Its truly been a amazing experience...one I'll never forget. I've grown so much...be exposed to a lot...and have meet a lot of people. Looking towards the future...I plan to stay and work in Philly as a literacy specialist for a year or so, while looking for a position overseas at an international school, or teaching English. I would like to live and work in Brazil, Japan, East Asia, London, or West Africa. I think starting my teaching experience abroad will be a priceless experience!
While this is my final blog...feel free to contact me @ mrobi@dolphin.upenn.edu with any questions or concerns...anytime!
I wish all my readers good luck in your future endeavours!
Peacccccccce
Monique

2nd Annual Diversity Weekend

2008-04-14T17:12:00.001-07:00

This weekend the Graduate School of Education (GSE) held its 2nd Annual Diversity Weekend. The purpose of the weekend was to invite students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges, to UPennGSE to give them a taste of graduate school. The 13 students came from various schools such as, Spelman College, Philander Smith College, University of Mass-Boston, Morehouse College, and Lincoln University-PA. The students were flown in and stayed at the Inn at Penn. The first day, Friday, we had an icebreaker and mingle, reception and dinner, and then a no faculty/staff allowed student panel (made up of current students of color from various programs in GSE), where the student's asked any questions they liked. Saturday started off with breakfast, tips for applying to graduate school (admissions process, financial aid etc), two mock classes, a tour of Penn's campus, a tour of Philly, we visited the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the art museum and then topped it off with dinner downtown at Maggiano's.
The weekend was grreat! The students were clearly good students, juniors and seniors, who had deeply thought about the next step of their lives, and had come with good questions and intentions. We had fun during our time out in the city, and later that night went to the infamous South Street. I honestly connected and bonded with many of the students and was quite sad to see them go. I look forward to keeping in contact with them..and helping out at the next Diversity Weekend!

Working on the portfolio

2008-04-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on the my portfolio, with is the equivalent of a final comprehensive exam in most other masters programs. Just when I get frustrated by the work...I have an aha moment, which leads to a deep appreciation for my program and faculty. The purpose of the portfolio is to provide a holistic lens on the experience of the student through various works, very parallel to the very theories and ideologies of my program, Reading/Writing/Literacy. The fact that a student should not be assessed or "seen" solely on an exam, or test is an essential belief of myself, and the programs focus. As a future reading specialist, I believe and have been taught, not to view, approach, or assess my students, their abilities or experience through a narrow, standardized approach. In that, all students have unique experiences, beliefs, etc, so why not let the final "exam" be a portfolio of their reflections, essays of selected topics and conceptual territories, as well as, what the portfolio means for them.
While I am still a bit stressed, I know have a deeper appreciation for my program and the idea of holistic approach to learning.

Some Facts about Philly Philly!

2008-03-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Population: 5, 400,000

5th Largest City in the United States.

In 1800 Philadelphia was our country’s largest city, a distinction it held until 1830.

International reputation for rowing competitions.

Pennsylvania was the first state of the 50 U.S. states to list their website URL on a license plate.

The world’s first computer, ENICA, was built at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946.

The first daily newspaper was published in Philadelphia on September 21, 1784.

Fairmont Park in Philadelphia is the largest city-park with 9,200 acres.

Philadelphia is the home of the first public library. (1773).

First U.S. mint is located in Philadelphia (1782).

Home of the first department store to open- Wannamaker’s- (1877)

Oldest continuously used theater- Walnut Street Theater (1809)

The first University in America, The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1779.

Philadelphia is home to the nations first medical school, first children’s hospital, first cancer hospital, first eye hospital, first nursing school and first dental school.

Movies filmed in Philadelphia
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Philadelphia (1993)
The Age of Innocence (1993)
Signs (2002)
Unbreakable (2000)
12 Monkeys (1995)
National Treasure (2004)
Beloved (1998)
The Village (2004)
Other Facts and Information

African Rhythms show

2008-03-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night, my mom and I attended African Rhythms 15th Anniversary show. It was all that! The constumes were beautiful and the drummers where amazing! African Rhythms is a student-run African Drum and Dance Troupe at the University of Pennsylvania, African Rhythms, affectionately known as "AR", represents the strength and beauty of African culture. Established in 1993 by College of Arts and Sciences senior Raqiba Sealy, the company serves to educate and entertain the University of Pennsylvania and surrounding community through the richness and diversity of the black cultural experience. Ultimately, the group aims to perform dances from Africa and the African Diaspora, specifically: West Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. African Rhythms performs a number of dances which are beautiful, energetic, and exemplify the history and culture of the people and land of Africa and the African Diaspora. The drum is the focal point and serves various functions, such as a voice, telling the story of the dance or a signal to bring the community together.

I sincerely wish I had enough time to be apart of the group.

Interview with a Reading Specialist at Center for Literacy

2008-03-03T15:44:00.001-08:00

For the requirements for one of my courses, I interview a lady named Sunday, who is a reading specialist for the Center of Literacy.Sunday is also a current student in the Reading/Writing/Literacy program at the Graduate School of Education at UPenn. Since 1968, The Center for Literacy has been the nation's largest community-based nonprofit literacy provider, and the first in Pennsylvania. The main building in Philadelphia is located on 48th and Baltimore. Its mission is to provide a range of literacy services, including reading, writing, math, life and work skills, to help a diverse population of learners meet their needs and achieve their personal and employment-related goals. Although, Sunday’s direct employer is the Center for Literacy, she is subcontracted to teach in an “E3 center” in North Philadelphia. The expanding E3 Power Centers, which stands for Empowerment, Education, and Employment, are in response to the rising numbers of out-of-school youth. Currently, there are five sites located throughout the city. The centers are community-based programs currently serving both at-risk-in-school youth and out-of-school youth between the ages of 14-21. The E3 model is designed to promote self-sufficiency through advancement opportunities for education, employment and/or skills training. Depending on the E3 site, there are a range of activities and classes offered (e.g. Pre GED, GED, tutoring, Mural Arts, Work Readiness Training, Work Exposure, etc.).Since they are community-based, different reputable organizations are responsible for operating the Centers, while the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) is considered the ‘funder.’ Sunday shares with me, that the contract is granted through DHS, and other funding sources (including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). Her primary responsibility as the Literacy Specialist is to support learners who are reading below a fourth grade reading level, among other functions. The academic goal for out-of-school youth is obtaining a GED, while in-school youth seek support in obtaining a high school diploma. Sunday suggests that there are various definitions of out-of-school-youth, as many students may have left school due to personal reasons, or, adjudicated youth, for example. She also shared with me, that there are generally more out-of-school youth than in school youth served in a fiscal year.

Leadership at Parkway Northwest Peace High School

2008-03-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

For my fieldwork and tutorial experiences for three of my courses this semester...I have been placed at Parkway NW Peace High School, a very unqiue public high school in the city of Philadelphia. The schools framework is surrounded by social justice and peace, with classes such as, "social justice and leadership"Parkway Northwest Peace High School itself advocates for peace and justice in society through education, and thus, its very existence, shows leadership in advocating for students in education and society. It is Philadelphia's first college preparatory public high school committed to the principles of peace, social justice and conflict resolution. However, I feel that the very principles the school chose to create its framework and missions upon: peace and social justice, which is infused into the curriculum and instruction, highlights the very definition of leadership, specifically in the education culture and mainstream society. Parkway Northwest Peace High School has seminar days where they invite local and national speakers and programs, peer mediation program, as well as, mentors for all incoming students. My teacher, Mr. Winocur, plays a very intricate role in leadership and change within the school. His very liberal instructional and curriculum practices speak to the change necessary in the education field. He allows students to express themselves and engage in activities often rejected, unconsidered, and excluded by traditional schools and standards. For instance, he brings in African films (by African producers and directors, filmed in Africa) and literature so that students are exposed to ‘Africa’ in a context that debates to biased, and very often, racial context that Africa is seen in America or the Western world.

Black History Showcase at the PA Convention Center

2008-02-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend my and my mom got dressed to impressed in African cultural attire and attended the Black History Showcase, which lasted all weekend, at the Pennslyvania Convention Center. The event featured a diverse mix of exhibits and activities that used REAL people, such as Negro League Players, Tuskegee Airmen and Buffalo Soldiers, real objects including replicas and other information about items invented by African Americans, and real stories to accurately present important eras and extraordinary achievements or events in African American history. The free event was a tribute which utilized different interactive, educational, inspirational exhibits along with award winning documentary films, stage plays and panel discussions. There was a theatre area where documentary and films were shown. The man who Cuba Gooding portrayed in Man of Honor, hes son was there representing his father and their organization, with pictures, film, and othe artifacts.
A priceless experience and moment indeed. I wish I had nieces and nephews or cousins, in the area and old enough..because it was a vital and neccessary essential opporotunity for a young African-American child to experience.
For more info visit www.blackhistoryshowcase.org/

EDUC Psychology of the African-American

2008-02-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

My EDUC 522 Psychology of the African American was probably the most highly anticipated courses I’ve ever taken. Dr. Stevenson, the professor of the course is a cool dude. He is very serious, knowledgeable, passionate, and something like a comedian. Some of the articles and readings are so refreshing, inspiring and especially informative. Some of the topics included in the classroom conversations and articles were: stereotypes and racism, the source of the anger and aggression in Black boys, white privilege, and heinous acts of violence towards Black people like lynching (Emmett Till). The readings and the classroom conversations inspired me to brush up on classic African-American films. So when I was at the library, I borrowed the Color Purple DVD . Watching the movie, it occurred to me how it was very reminiscent of the readings and conversations of the class. Things such as, the unfair treatment of Blacks, the lack of certain amenities such as running water, the unique language and likeness of Black culture. Something of the things made me smile with proud and affirmation and others that filled me with sorrow, frustration, and fuel for my life’s passion and purpose.

Ph.D weekend

2008-02-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a busy weekend for some of the top PH.D applicants from the various programs at GSE. These 35 applicants were flew in, or drove in some cases, to a chilly but sunny Philadelphia’s University City. They stayed at the luxurious Inn at Penn, of which several of the applicants divulged to me the loveliness of the king size bed with numerous pillows. The applicants had a very busy schedule. They meet with professors and chairs of their programs, the dean and vice dean, admissions and financial aid, current students and alumni. The potential student’s who represented states from all over the country such as Florida, Michigan and Vermont, also meet individually with at least two members of their program in a “conversation”. The PH.D weekend wasn’t strictly business for the prospects, there were many opportunity for mingling with one another and current students, they were also given a trolley tour of the city of Brotherly Love, and many of them ventured out to explore Philly’s night life.
I truly hope, and am pretty confident, many of the applicants walked away with a great feeling about Penn, their individual programs, but more importantly, a genuinely welcomed feeling.

Reflection: Revisiting my statement of purpose

2008-01-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

I geniunely feel so fortunate to have choosen a program that shares so many personal and professional beliefs and core values. Apart of my program's (reading/writing/literacy) requirement is the completion of a portfolio which includes the reflections of the entrance essay/statement of purpose. I smiled as I recently revisited my essay, in which I spoke about an interest and sincere belief in the importance of the correlation between language and literacy...and here I am...in a program where the professors, authors of the articles/readings, also strongly belief in the importance of language and literacy. I truly feel blessed to be in a program that helps fosters me (personally and professionally), taking my insights and knowledge to another level. I belief that act of reflection of such a piece alone, is vital for growth, in life...to see how one has grown by reading a personal piece...provides a more geniune self-reflection essential for understanding the steps and obstacles on the road one travels.

This weekend: A discovery

2007-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend my friends at I went to one our favorite spots: Copabanana on 40th and Spruce, on the campus of University of Penn. Me and my girlfriends (who I’ve known since high school: Girls High 246ers!) love this place so much because of the good margaritas. They have so many flavors you can combine to create your favorite margarita. They BEST part is, they give you the metal container they make the drink out of, so that you actually get 3-4 margaritas out of it!!!! Even better, they have this appetizer called the, Copa Combo, which me and my friend Zenobia in particular are dedicated fanatics of. The Copa Combo consists of a few juicy and crispy chicken tenders, buffalo wings, and best of all, three lovely potato skins adorned with bacon and accompanied by sour cream. The potato skins are so good, that we refuse to go to the Copabanana on South Street, because that restaurant discontinued the potato skins! Crazy right! So anyways, this past weekend my friends and I went to Copa’s had our Copa Combo’s and this time instead of getting a margarita, I decided to get a Mojitio, hence my newest discovery. Many people have tried a Mojito before, my friend Geremi, absolutely loves Mojitos. I decided to give it a try, and have found a favorite new drink. I’m not sure exactly what goes in the drink, except for the mint leaves and sugar cane that give it this great minty limeade type of taste to me. It’s not overwhelming sweet or a super strong drink; however, it does have a beautiful effect.

As I Am, Alicia Keys new cd!

2007-12-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

First of all...I clearly out of the loop because I wasn't even aware that she had a cd coming out. So when I heard it, my reaction was one of shock and embarassment, because I consider my self a serious Alicia Keys fan. Her music is always so authentic and soulful. Music you can feel. I have all of her cds and have always made a point to buy "the real thing" when it came to her cd's, as well as, some of my other favorite artists like Outkast. Newho... when I went to Target in hopes of catching her cd on sale for $1o-11, (right after black friday...what was I thinking.. I dont know), only to be heart broken as they were sold out. I went to Borders only to be disappointed again. Though as a fan though, I am happy and proud of her success, but I must admit I "feel some typa way" about not being able to purchase her cd at a discount. I have heard the cd is really good and can't wait to hear it. Thus, the thrifty person that I am, I decided to buy it off Amazon.com, where one is always guareenteed a good price for cds and dvds.
Amazon is the 'truth'. I have purchase many cd's from the site for amounts ranging from .99cent to 7.00$...sure the cd is "used" but they have always been in like-new conditions.
Amazon is work checking out. http://www.amazon.com/
And for more about the fabolous Ms. Key's visit http://www.aliciakeys.com/

One of Philly Premier Soul Food Resturants: Ms. Toostie's

2007-11-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was my mom's birthday so I took her to one of my favorite spots: Ms. Toosties. Ms Tootsies is a soul food resturant located near Broad & South St. Me and my absolutely love this place and frequent there often, especially for birthdays and welcome homes. We love the place so much, that we traditionally take pictures of our plates when they arrive..lol. Its serious. My favorite meal is the huge fried chicken wings, irresitible cheesy macaroni and cheese and cabbage. (I know I sound like a paid critic) and one mustn't forget the infamous tropical ice tea, which is sweetly served with a pinapple or watermelon slice. The menu also includes, oven roasted turkey wings, catfish, barbq ribs, smothered pork chops, carmelized candied yams, and to top it off, one may want to try the 'Sock It To Me Lemon Pound Cake'. But most of all, I love the environment. The undeniably soulful music playing, the beatuiful artwork all over the walls, the chocolate-brown couches and fur accented rugs. This is a must visit resturant/lounge!
For more info visit:

http://www.kevenparker.net/

Poetry, Rap, Spoken Word infuse into curriculum = A form of literacy

2007-11-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

This past week in two of my courses, we were discussing poetry, spoken words, and rap as a form of literacy. In my Adolescent literature class, we read a book entitled, Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes, who is a famous African-American poet. The book is about a class in a school in the Bronx, who has "Open Mike", which is a forum where students are given the space to present their poems. Topics range from identity, teen pregnancy, domestic abuse, gender expectations, and more. In between the poems, are short vignettes spoken in the tense of the students themselves, that give an insight to the student. I absolutely LOVE the book, and would recommend it to everyone! For more information visit the website:http://www.nikkigrimes.com/tour.html
In another class, Teaching English/Literacy, a group of kids from a charter school, Young Scholars, located in Philadelphia, came to speak about their "Hip-Hop class" and the cd they had created, of which my classmate and I were given the previous week. The Hip Hop class was a club/after-school program in which students came to create poems and raps about things that were important to them. Five of the students, which came to visit our class, described their work as, "positive hip-hop". There work was, as one described, "poetry to beats..all rap is, is poetry". They revealed the fun the have "freestyling" and listening to the beats. These very articulate students were very conscious and serious about the issues discussed in their work, and mentioned how they wanted their words to be more than just "heard" but genuinely digested by the listeners, especially their peers. The issues they touch on ranged from, stereotypes of Black teens, awareness of African-American culture,violence in thier communities, but it also was a very comical and funny, creatively done cd. I truly was impressed and proud of the "young scholars" group. Visit the groups charter school website:http://www.phillyscholars.org/ and http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=15312

Self-Reflection for Teachers

2007-11-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

On of my classes is surrounded by the theme of "Inquiry". In other words, questioning, and wondering. Our first assignment "Inquiry I" was a look into our experiences with reading/writing/literacy and how those experiences have shaped the way we define and see reading/writing and literacy. Often times, teachers and teacher education programs alike, do not attend to the fact that, teachers teach the way they were taught, hence, the way they perceieve is the 'right way' to teach. Many times there is a disconnection of thought, where teachers and programs, do not see the connection of personal beliefs and experiences and how they inform how one approaches curriculum and instruction. For example, if a teacher believes effective reading instruction starts or includes, the 'sounding out' of words, as that is the way her grandmother taught her, then she will likely prompt her students to do so. Furthermore, when self-reflection or inquiry of experiences does not happen, a person is less likely to be receptive to new or different viewpoints or instruction. Thus, self-reflection and inquiry into ones own belief systems andexperiences is crucial at how one approaches the classroom.
Inquiry, can be helpful not only to wonder about how beliefs and experiences with reading and writing influence teaching, but how views of race, culture and language inform teacher expectations of their students.
So I ask you, my dear reader, How has your past experiences and beliefs of reading influence, what you thing reading is? What is reading to you?

Child Response Paper

2007-11-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

Never have I meet a person so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about children's literature, as my professor, Dr. Sipe. I'm positive there isn't a children's book or author/illustrator he isn't aware of. There has been many instances were someone brings up a particular book, and he'll immediate identify and/or comment on the plot or the character. Its amazing! It makes me feel bad, because my memory is not that good. Dr. Sipe is the professor of my Adolescent Literature's class, were we discuss all types of children's literature from young adult fiction and picturebooks, and the many genres such as, historical fiction and realistic fiction. We have explored topics and parts of children's books, that I previously overlooked or took for granted, such as the illustrations on the inside of the book's over (at the beginning at end). Many times the illustrations and colors used, give a insight on the mood or the plot of the story. It is a great way to ask kids for their predictions of the story. We have an assignment coming up called, the Child Response paper.We are to read a couple of books to one child, or the same book to several different children. We are to note children's verbal and non verbal responses to the book, their questions etc. I am excited about completing this assignment, as this class has provided me with a newly informed perspective on children's literature.
Take a look at Dr. Sipes website at: http://www.gse.upenn.edu/~lsipe

I went to the Laff House...finally

2007-10-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of comedy and I love to laugh. Although I am often very quiet and reserved in situations and environments I am not yet comfortable, I am a very silly, comedic individual. Since about two years ago, I have been going to the Laff House, a comedy club, which is located on the infamous South Street. This past summer, I religiously was in attendance EVERY week, oftentimes going with my friends from college, or high school, or even on a date. I made sure I was there. The laff house has open mic nites on Wednesday, stand up Thursdays, while Friday and Saturday, were reserves for shows with "headliners" (well-known, experiences comedians) such as, Kevin Hart, Shang Forbes, Rudy Rush. All summer I have been going to stand-up Thursdays (where the show is only $10!), but since school has started, I haven't had the chance to go. Last night, however, I was in attendance! I laughed so hard I almost fell of my stool, seriously, several times. Everytime I go to the laff house, I am guaranteed to laugh until my eyes water and stomach hurts. There has been so many times, my cheek muscles hurted from smiling and laughing so hard.
Many people have told me, I should be a paid spokesperson for the laff house, as I have excitedly introduced many of my friends and co-workers to the club. Everyone who has came loves it, and frequents the club more than I do.
If you come to Philly, you must visit the Laff House on South Street!!
Visit the website! http://www.laffhouse.com/index.html

An often avoid conversation turned class discussion about prejudices and stereotypes

2007-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Last week in my Teaching English/ Language and Literacy in Middle and Secondary Schools, we had a discussion about the "white privledge", which lead to a intense conversation about stereotypes and prejuduices, and thus, race. It was a very uncomfortable conversation for many of my classmates, who were clearly nervous about talking on the issue. Many people refered to racism as "it", attempting to avoid saying the word. There were questions that were raised such as: Just because I am a white woman does that mean racism can not occur to me? How can I be the blame for something I didn't do? Many comments were made such as: " Sometimes I feel that if I talk about racisim it makes me a racist, and if I don't talk about racism, I'm a racist" "I live in a community where such realities are prevelant (poverty, violence, oppressive racisim), so I had no idea these things were going on." A response to the comment was, "How could you not recognized what is going on in society, just because somethings don't occur around your neighborhood". The article, "The White Privledge", was written by a white woman who came to realize all the privledges and power she acquired, simply by being a white woman. Peggy McIntose, the author, stated “I was taught to see racism only in individual acts of meanness, not in invisible systems conferring dominance on my group” believe it the reason my professor chose to include the article in our readings, where to raise this often avoided issue and to ignite some critical thinking about ones self. Some of the 'privledges' listed in the article were:
I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.
I can turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented.
When I am told about our national heritage or about “civilization,” I am shown that people of my color made it what it is.
To view article visit the link:http://www.fjaz.com/mcintosh.html

Two large paper due... a day apart.

2007-10-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

So..I have two papers due. One on Tuesday and the other on Wednesday. One is six to eight pages, and the other, eight to ten. Crazy enough, I found both assigments interesting. I think the anxiety came, as for many of my peers in grad school across the nation, from the lengths of the papers and time management. Time management often time is my biggest problem. I never, ever, turn things in late, however, when I set up personal deadlines, I have a hard time being completing them. I try to set things much further in advance, in an attempt to have things done much ahead of time. This weekend, I had NO business going to Fridays to eat with some of my friends from middle school and high school, where we reminsced and laughed over margaritas, and laughed our way over to King of Prussias movie theatre, where we saw Tyler Perry's new movie, "Why should I get married". The movie gets 6 stars in my book!! It was hilarious and there were many moments when we practically stood up at our sits and applauded. Nonetheless, I should have been at home, analysis a 20+-page transcript.
I just recently, about a hour ago, finished analyizing the 20+page transcript and wrote a 9 page analysis, which I am very proud of. Because I have been looking over the transcript for the past week or so, it was very easy to cite lines from the transcript for evidence in my anaylsis. Now, I must tackle the other paper, which is an analysis of two interviews I did, one with a 7th grader and the other with a 11th grader, about there views on literacy in and out of school.
WISH ME LUCK!

Is there a such thing as 'seasons' anymore?

2007-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

The weather in this country is officially schizophrenic. I don't think there is a such thing as 'seasons' anymore, or even, regional weather. Here in Philly, the weather was in the high 80's last week, and I was too excited to pop the tag off a pair of cute fall-like shorts (the kind you can wear with boots). Just a week later, it is barely 70 degrees and I have on a hoodie and a jacket. Although it is almost mid-October and fall is long overdue, I, nor do I think anyone else, was fairly prepared. This unpredictable weather is happening all over the country, and while many were happy with the extended summer-like weather, I was thinking about global warming. This is an issue that the U.S., its citizen, and the larger global community, must take seriously, now. How many more national disasters, such as, sunnamis and tropical storms need to take place before we see the dreadful inevitable ahead. A piece of our earth atmosphere, that protects us from the suns uv rays and such, is disenegrating at a increasing rate. We think its hot now...

check these links out:
http://www.globalwarming.org/
http://www.climatehotmap.org/
www.nrdc.org/globalWarming

Shoppin' n Philly

2007-10-09T12:55:00.001-07:00

I love...love shopping. Philly has an eclectic abundance of shops, malls and such to visit. We have the King of Prussia Mall, which is one of the largest malls in America. The stores, shops, boutique of the infamous South Street, where you can find some unique, one of a kind, clothes, shoes, accessories, fabric...and more! Personally, I absolutely adore accessories and truely believe they are essential to life 8). South Street has approximately five accessory stores, dedicated simply to accessories. Earrings, braclets, necklaces, hair jewerly, rings etc, colorfully embellish the walls and tables. Philly is also a place of great, thrift stores and flea markets. Often, when people ask me what is my favorite shop/boutique, I respond, that I don't have a favorite. I am more attracted to the classic, antique jewlery of older women being sold (for a few dollars!)at church flea markets, in North, West and South Philly. I am a thrift store/flea market fanatic. I frequent the Salvation Army, non-profit ran thrift shops. I also enjoy vintage shops. Retrospect, located on South Street, is my favorite. Although a bit more expensive than the average thirft store and flea market prices, Retrospect houses some of the most "throwback" clothing, accessories and shoes. The other day, I visited and tried on a pair of expensive knee-high white fur boots. They were sooo gorgeous and are something I've been searching for, for a long time. I was prepared to swallow the $70 cost of them, but sadly, the fit was very awkardly narrow..nonetheless...I am still considering them 8 )...you can NEVER have enough shoes, or accessories!

Heres so links for visit:
http://www.southstreet.com/

First few weeks.

2007-10-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

My first few weeks at GSE has been a very beautiful academic challenge.