Daffodil Lament.

The Cranberries.

Ah, the obligatory spring flower blip.
These are the only flowers I've seen on campus, actually.
Aside from one tree that had pink blossoms.
I'm glad to finally see green buds on trees now! :)

---

We had another wonderful discussion in my education class today. In fact, we always do; it's been one of my favorite classes here at college because of the discussions we have, the ideas we share, and so forth. Part of the discussion today was about teachers' expectations of, and attitudes about their students. Basically, if a teacher tells a student (or in any way, lets them believe) they will not succeed in school or other aspects of their life, then the student starts to believe the same thing and not try as much. When teachers give up on their students, students can sense it, and start to give up on themselves. They will think themselves as not good enough and not able to amount to anything, occasionally dropping out of school or just attempting to meet their teachers' low expectations.

When teachers have high expectations and give students encouragement, and tell them often they are wonderful and can achieve many things, students' self-esteem rises and they are able to perform well, regardless of their background or previous frustrations. They want to become what their teacher expects of them. It's pretty much common sense, actually... the sad thing is that negative encouragement happens far too much. Many teachers are discouraging their students and not realizing that they, the teachers themselves, are the problem. They complain about their 'problem' students to their colleagues instead of trying to focus on fixing the issues and helping the kids out. They complain students don't know the information, they complain that students don't pay attention in class, and so forth. Do they ever take a step back and consider maybe it's their methods and attitudes that are effecting the students and seemingly poor academic outcomes? Do they ever think maybe they need to change what they're doing?

People become teachers in order to help shape the lives of students for a good future. When they don't see immediate positive change in their students, they sometimes lose heart and become frustrated, blaming their frustrations on other people. What they don't realize is that they were indeed greatly shaping and influencing the students -- negative comments and thoughts have as much of an influence as positiveness. Think back to elementary, middle, high school, or college. Have there been times when you've felt discouraged and it has stuck in your head, making you think you won't be good enough? How about positive statements? Which do you remember more -- the positive or negative comments? How much do the negative statements stay in your head even after you have believed you are able to succeed?

To teachers -- no matter how much your students may seem to frustrate you, don't give up on them, then you will only be proving it to them they cannot succeed. Get to know them personally. Get to understand them. Treat them respect and trust. Stick with them, and they will really appreciate you for not giving up on them and believing they are worth it. Everyone else -- the same thing applies in regards to how you treat and perceive other people in your life.

Another thing brought up is that everyone needs someone to talk to about the things that are important to him or herself. Not enough people in this world take the time to sit down and actually listen (and talk) to someone else just vent about their lives, hopes, expectations, frustrations, and so forth. Sometimes all that's needed is just a silent friend to sit there and listen. Hell, most of us need to pay someone to listen to us (counseling)! I urge you to take a look at your parents, your siblings, your kids, your classmates, your friends, your boyfriends/girlfriends, your colleagues, and other people who are frequent in your life. Do you take the time to ask them frequently how they are and how things are in their lives? Do you take the time to listen to them talk about whatever they feel like? Do you remember things that are important to them and ask them about it later? Do they take the time to listen to you talk about what you feel like you need to talk about? Have you provided positive encouragement or may there have been instances when you might've been negative about them and caused them to feel conflicted? Have you told them how much you appreciate them? How much do you really talk to people?

.... just my two cents.

How are you?
What's on your mind?
What are your goals for the next few weeks? Months? Years?
What's bothering you right now?
What makes you happy?
What random tidbits of information are you excited to share?

[A year ago today... prop room.]