Well, another week gone and I feel like I have learned so much in such a little time about people, life and computers. It seems everytime I read an assignment that someone emails to the class list, I get a little glimpse into what their true personality is. I know we see each other in class everyday in the fall and spring, but in class people try to keep their personas to a semi-formalized state. In a computer class there isn't that face to face interaction, therefore people feel more free to express their true thoughts and I think, through being more free, our assingments have been better. Anyway enough about my thoughts on everyone else. I started out this week just like every other one, with work. I have been moved into a lead position at our facility on my shift. Yes, it is nice to know people trust you enough to offer that kind of position, but it is SO much responsibility. However, I am not complaining. I can handle it.

This week I has been one of those true learning experiences for me. I have come face to face with situations that have made me a better person. First of all, I had great intentions of completing every assignment for Week 2 before Wednesday, but as many of you can tell I didn't reach my goal. I only got as far as assignment 1.2.2. However in doing assignment 1.1.10, I finally had a chance to convey my thoughts on an issue that has been bugging me ever since I was in the 9th grade. The issue of teaching and usage of our information resources. Essentially, Information Literacy.

As I began to read the articles for this assignment a thought came back to my mind that my 9th grade history professor once said. He stated, "Most of the new ways of education start on the west coast and trickle eastward. Yet, by the time those same ideas reach our education system, they are already outdated on the west coast." I dont know why, but that statement has stuck with me ever since that day. So, after completing the assignment and expressing my view that very seldom does extensive teaching go into preparing students to use the information resources to their ability, I found out that many of my peers, including my instructor, felt the same way. Also, Mrs. McComas was able to point out several other educational advances that we are now stuck with that started on the west coast.

Now you might not think that was a learning experience, but it was for me. I learned that other people do have the same thoughts on some things as I do. This might sound crazy, but it almost elevates your self-esteem to another level to think that there are people who share the same concerns as you. You might never get to meet those folks, but it is still good to know that your thoughts and opinions are of some concern. Now you might be wondering where this all ties in together with work, well here goes.

Every other week we have staff meetings, and I am always the one that has new ideas or concerns, yet no oneis ever there to hear them and thus act upon them. Yet, this staff meeting, they made it and walked in right when one of my ideas was being tossed around on the dry erase board. Well to make a long story short, when the meeting finished, they asked me to stay and discuss these ideas further. I did, and come to find out they were having the same concerns as I was, only they did not know which way to go on a resolution. Therefore, this week I had to institute a plan for budgeting at our facility, which made my self esteem over my work and ideas sky rocket. That is why I feel it was a learning experience. That time and moment will stick with me for, probably, the rest of my life because the ideas I was pushing were important to others and most importantly, myself.

In conclusion, I only hope that I have an experience like that each week because it really makes me feel good. I have one question, and its not about assignment. Its about the future. How hard or easy, would it be to institute the MOO audiology lab into our program as well as other virtual screening and therapy programs? Well, until next week...adios!