Allow me to introduce... Lacey Bridges

My name is Lacey Bridges.  I am from Escondido, California, born and raised.  For elementary school I attended North Broadway Elementary.  Then I went to Rincon Middle school for sixth through eighth grade.  Then I attended Escondido High School.  This fall I will be going into my fourth and final year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  I started out studying architecture, and I pursued that for one year before I decided my heart was really in teaching.  After graduating I hope to attend Cal State San Marcos for their Multiple Subject Credential Program.  I am currently pursuing adding on a Single Subject Credential in Math, because I have realized later better than never that my real passion is teaching mathematics.  Over the summer I am living at home with my parents and two younger brothers.  I love sunny southern California, and I am looking forward to moving back when I finish up with school.

My technology experience is limited and random.  I am familiar with basic computer usage.  I have experience with Microsoft Works, Excel and Power Point from years of usage in school and on my home computer and personal laptop.  I use a PC but I have used Mac’s in labs.  After having problems with my new HP computer I have decided my next computer will be a Mac.  One of my classes while I was studying architecture was in a Mac lab where we explored the Creative Adobe Suit 3 programs, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.  We also used a 3-D modeling and rendering program called Form-Z.  I use email,  Facebook, and Skype, but I have never blogged or used Twitter.  I have never blogged because I really do not have much to say.  I do not use Twitter because I don’t really care to see what other people are doing or thinking all the time, nor do I think other people really care what I am doing or thinking all the time.  As much as I love Facebook, it is a time sucker, and I feel that Twitter is just another time sucker, gluing us to our phones and computers and preventing us from being productive.  I love technology, but sometimes I think we have too much access to it, and I feel that it can hinder us if we let it get in the way of really living life.  However, I know that if we are conscious of how we spend our time, we can achieve a balance where we can benefit from technology without letting it interfere with our lives.  With that said, I am looking forward to learning more ways to use technology in my classroom to further and enhance the education of my students.

Unfortunately, the Mission Statement was not a factor in my decision to apply to the School of Education (technically I have not applied to the School of Education yet).  I want to apply to CSUSM’s School of Education because I can move back home, and make connections in San Diego rather than the central coast, and I heard they have a great program.   However, reading the Mission Statement for the School of Education had made me even more excited about pursuing my Multiple Subject Credential at CSUSM.  The first thing that stands out to me is the emphasis they place on diversity.  California is such a diverse place to live, and we will be working with students from all different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life, and CSUSM’s commitment to preparing us for that challenge is comforting.  Another part that stands out to me is the first part of the statement, saying they want to “transform public education by preparing thoughtful educators and advancing professional practices.”   I read this and think, “I want to be thoughtful, I want to be professional,” and I am glad that they are committed to fostering those qualities.  Finally, it is important that they stress “life-long learning.”  As teacher’s we sometimes think, we only have to teach, but that is not true.  There is always more to learn, and we should be furthering our own learning throughout our career, and throughout our lives to be the best teachers we can be.  I look forward to applying to CSUSM in January, and I can’t wait to start school there next fall.