Thanks!

 

Tonight was another good class meeting. Thank you to Nicole, Ailene, Liwayway, and Dr. Rivera for your support and encouragement throughout this class. Team work is the best way to get through anything. Having a sense of humor makes everything much easier. It has been a very challenging experience and I'm glad we got through it together. I'm looking forward to working with you in the Spring.

A Special Visit from Lorna and ED643 Candidates in a Zone

Lorna Gonzalez (right), a Language and Literacy 2009 graduate, pays the ED643-01 candidates a visit to share her experience of the reading practicum and how she was able to successfully complete the diagnostic case report and addendum.  Pictured front (sitting):  Gloria Frias.  Back row L-R  Nicole Borja and Gonzalez.

Diagnostic case report queens are zoned in on completing the final sections of their reports.  Pictured L-R (front):  Lee Anicas and Gloria Frias.  Back row L-R:  Ailene Pamintuan and Nicole Borja.

Say "I WILL"

Quote by: J. Johnson,  www.searchquotes.com
Picture by: optimisticminds

Although it is good to WISH for things in life, you shouldn't let it get you down if you don't or can't get what you WISH for.  Instead, tell yourself that you WILL do your best to get what you want.  It's your determination and effort that makes what seems to be impossible, possible.  I certainly WISH for more time to do what I need in order to accomplish the many goals I have in life.  But we all know that for the most part, time isn't on our side, it doesn't wait.  So, "I WILL" do my best to make the time and effort needed to be successful.  Especially now that the semester is coming to an end soon, IT"S DEFINITELY CRUNCH TIME!!!  So, Good Luck to you all!!!

SOE Reading Cohort Presents at the 25th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference

The SOE Reading Cohort strikes a pose at the LAC.  Pictured kneeling L-R:  Ted Nededog and Johnavan Tamayo.  Back row L-R:  Pam Villanueva; Stephane Lujan; Nicole Borja; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Reading Program Instructor; Gloria Frias; Lenith Atienza; and Fatima Tibudan.  Not pictured are Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, Reading Program Coordinator; Lourdes Felipe, Ailene Pamintuan; Lee Anicas; Nadine Cruz; and Cindy Galvez.

"What YOU believe, YOU can achieve!"

"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve." -- Mary Kay Ash


This quote is very fitting to how and what I am feeling right now. This semester has proven to be THE most difficult yet - and I know that it will not get any easier:( I need to keep reminding myself that I am so close to reaching my goal and that with perseverance, determination and FAITH - I will achieve my goal.

SMILE, DON'T CRY!

Source from: dreamstime.com

As I reflected on where I was at this point in the semester, I felt that this motivational quote was a good inspiration for me.  Why?  Motivation is the driving force that keeps one going toward one’s goal.  It is the energy that gives you strength to get up and keep on going even when things aren’t going your way.  Among the many challenges in life with family, work, and school, I definitely feel overwhelmed.  My goal is to complete this course by making my best efforts no matter the circumstances.  One major challenge is completing the Diagnostic Report in a timely manner.  The Diagnostic Report is like a jigsaw puzzle with all of its component pieces.  Although several pieces of the report have already been completed, due to many foreseen and unforeseen circumstances, more session hours are still needed to work with my student to complete the rest of the puzzle.  So in order to achieve the best outcomes and reach my goals, I must accept the situation and think positive!  I CHOOSE not to CRY! I WILL not CRY!  I WILL focus on the thousand reasons to SMILE!  CHEESE!



“You've got to S-M-I-L-E
To be H-A-Double-P-Y”
― Shirley Temple

Gloria and I smiling for the camera with Dr. Rivera while our students work independently. o)
Missing Aileen and Lee.  We'll take one together next time, ladies!  



Don't Quit

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Edgar A. Guest

This semester, thus far, has been difficult.  The course requirements, along with work and family, have been overwhelming.  I've thought of withdrawing from my courses several times.  However, my professors and colleagues have been encouraging and inspiring me to continue.  There will always be hardship; lots of hills, twists and turns, but how we get over those hardships will define who we really are.  So as I work on my diagnostic report for ED643, as massive as it is, I have to remind myself to breathe, work as diligent as I can, and remember that I have great professors, classmates, friends and family to lean on and support.  In the end, what I do is going to affect me.  So I have to tell myself to stick it out and don't quit!

November and December Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to all whose birthday we've missed!  A special blessing goes out to the November and December birthday celebrants!  Enjoy your Special Day and may you have many more blessings to come!  If you were born in November or December, but do not see your name listed below, please let us know immediately. Thank you!

NOVEMBER:

Fatima Tibudan
Pam Villanueva
Dr. Stoicovy

DECEMBER:

Ted Nededog 
Dr. Rivera

STOP KONY!

  Recently, my friend Tiffany Bourgeois has produced a video on youtube.com to highlight the unfortunate events surrounding Kony and the LRA.  Joseph Rao Kony is the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a militant group in Uganda that is known for child exploitation.  The LRA goes village to village kidnapping children, using the boys for their military and selling the girls for the sex trade.  This video was posted with the sole intent of showing the rest of the world that we will not simply look the other way as the crimes against humanity continue.
     As teachers I truly believe that it is our duty to keep our children up to date with current events.  Many of them go about daily, unappreciative of their freedom.  They walk around with a minimalistic attitude, wanting to just 'pass' through life.  They only desire to do just enough, not to strive for excellence.  With all the freedoms that our nation has given us, we must live our lives to its greatest potential.  We must remember all these individuals involved that cannot afford to think of pleasurable activities, because their lives have been stripped from them.
     Stop Kony!

Dynamic Trio Hard at Work!

Dynamic Trio are working diligently to post their blog reflection and ace the diagnostic case report! 
Pictured L-R:  Johnavan Tamayo, Cindy Galvez, and Ted Nededog.

BELIEVE in YOURSELF

                                            
                                             Source from:  http://www.lifepositiveway.com


This is one inspirational quote I found online that I liked.  Truly to believe in yourself and that everyone can overcome any obstacle in life.  It's how the person takes care of the situation and really how the person deals with it.  For me, time management is such an essence this month.  Though lots of holidays and days off, lots to tackle and get done most especially our Diagnostic Case Report.  I had a long great session with my student today at school.  He couldn't make it today at the Reading Clinic but we still managed to work with each other at school.  Great job to his accomodating parents!  GOOD LUCK EVERYONE on your Diagnostic Case Report!

Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected. 

Steve Jobs 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/steve_jobs.html#tEvXCrD8AeE4Eqm8.99 

Pushing ones self to do better is one way to excel. Utilizing the new found knowledge to help others is the next step to helping society one student at a time. Raising the bar, pushing a student to go beyond his or her comfort zone, is what I find both challenging and rewarding as an educator. 

All Children Can Learn

I love this saying! ? ALL CHILDREN CAN LEARN.  Although, they might not learn in the same way or at the same time as everyone else, they learn in their own way.  It reminds me of why I wanted to become a teacher in the first place.  I wanted to make a difference in a child's life but now I'm realizing that they made a difference in my life.  I thought about all this after my session with my student today.  Even though he was exhausted from staying up late the night before he still wanted to come to the session.  He said he cannot wait till the assessments were over so we can do the fun stuff like the learning activities so he could learn.  He said he can do better because I can teach him good.  Aww... moments like this made me realize how much of a difference he's made in my life and hopefully I make in his.  I'll just believe that all children can learn and it will all work out somehow.

 

The diagnostic case report queens are hard at work!

The diagnostic case report queens are hard at work!  Pictured L-R:  Lee Anicas, Dr. Rivera, Ailene Pamintuan, Gloria Frias (front), and Nicole Borja. 

Blogging and Diving into the Diagnostic Case Report!

Cindy Galvez and Johnavan Tamayo are all smiles as they complete their reflective blogging/learning log and dive into their diagnostic case report.

The Meaning of LIFE

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”
― Mother Teresa

 

I love this quote by Mother Teresa.  Very true about "LIFE".  Life is really what you make out it!  Since my student was out sick today from the Reading Clinic, I manage to make use of my time here in class by viewing various spelling and writing assessments for the makeup days next week with my student.  Hopefully, he feels better soon!  Teachers need to be flexible.  So for me, still a working session and learning is still ongoing.  Though there are a lot of holidays this month it's really a great time to work on our Case Study Report.  Good Luck everyone on time managing this month most especially meeting deadlines!  Wish me LUCK!      

 

Goal of True Education

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”  -Martin Luther King Jr.

     In my past few sessions with my student, aside from his academics, I have been noticing politeness and mannerisms.  He speaks very well, often restating the question then following with an answer.  He understands the rules of conversation and takes his cues very well. I have notice that he never misses an opportunity to say please, thank you, or excuse me.  This is a testament to both his home life and his formal education in school.  He maintains eye contact when asked a question and responds in the same light.  I have learned through my years that both character and education is needed to thrive in any field.  Knowledge alone is not merely enough because in any career field an individual will have to answer to a superior and interact with colleagues.  For this reason the goal of formal education should be to educate the 'whole' person.  I believe that this was the intent for mandating service learning, so that students can be visible and productive citizens in their island community.


Image courtesy of: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23924.Martin_Luther_King_Jr_

Heart of A Teacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I watched this video, I thought of all my students who entered my Kindergarten class since 1997.

The Evolution of Technology and the Human Race

I saw this recently when I attended a prep period meeting. I'm sure all of you would agree to have witnessed the evolution of technology right before your eyes.  As a teacher and student, I have come to realize through the years how much our world today relies on technical knowledge.  The students whom we are educating and steering are probably more tech savvy than us.The use of technology in the classroom is just as important as it is outside of the classroom - with restraints of course.  Regardless, technology is here to stay with a continuing evolution - I can't help but wonder if it's beneficial overall or detrimental?  God bless!  :)

Nicole

Diagnostic Case Report Criteria

If you can read this, thank a teacher.
~ Anonymous Teacher ~

Dear ED643 Students,

Happy Halloween! I'm sure that your students are grateful for all that you've done for them. As you continue to work closely with them with the various reading sessions (especially during next semester), they will READ with a more positive disposition. Keep up the instrumental work, and don't forget that you must include the following in your diagnostic case report before it can be approved:

1. For the interview with the child, it is not enough to list the child’s responses. You must also analyze the responses to describe what the data reveal about the child’s perceptions of him/herself as a reader and writer.

2. Determine the independent, instructional, and frustration levels on graded word lists, oral reading of narrative and expository, silent reading of oral and expository, as well as listening comprehension.

3. Compare these levels and analyze the data to describe the child as a reader in the conclusion of the report. Ensure that you also summarize the child as a writer in the conclusion. List and describe the recommended strategies for both reading and writing.

4. Provide an analysis of the miscues that the students made on the graded word lists and the passages. Read the section in the QRI-4 on how to analyze the miscues.

Do your best to include the aforementioned, so that you can prepare a quality Diagnostic Case Report to share with the parents. Good luck!

Best regards,
Dr. Rivera

Book image source: licensinglinenews.com

Halloween image source: stapleton

Heart of A Teacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I watched this video, I thought of all my students who entered my Kindergarten class since 1997.

Mid-Term Self-Reflection

 

                                                                                                                                         

 

 

ED643’s Practicum Literacy Assessment Mid-Term Self-Reflection

 

 

It did not dawn on me that we have reached the mid-semester mark.  I remember vividly the first day of class when my classmates and I first met our instructor, Dr. Rivera.  That first day of class was filled with uneasiness and anxiety.  Days prior, worry and stress occupied my already disquieting mind.  True to what I was feeling, fear and doubt set in when I walked into class.  Going through the course syllabus and hearing the expectations required for this course group, my uncertainties heightened and I soon wondered if I had it in me to get through a rigorous and demanding program. 

Driving home that evening, I reminded myself that the benefits from hard work does not come easy.  I reminded myself that I am a role model to many people in my life and if I gave up and walked away from my goal, then it would give all those who look up to me a reason to throw in the towel when situations get challenging.  I remembered the promise that I made to my mom before she passed away – that I would one day pursue my Master’s and it would be in her honor.  So here I sit, reflecting and typing my journey through this class and through this influential program. 

            Dr. Rivera’s motto that” learning is ongoing” has much face value.  The coursework pushes me to succeed even though I am sometimes unsure with the tasks I attempt to tackle.  The chapter readings provided insight and ignited prior knowledge. Our chapter presentations were most educational and informative.  There are benefits to the blogger website too.  Reading quotes and watching uplifting videos from my classmates and instructor helps to boost morale when doubt sets in.  I appreciate the feedback which I receive from everyone when I post a blog. 

            We are now into the second week with working with our struggling reader.  I have yet to gain the confidence I need to get me through the practicum but with time, guidance, and support from my instructor and classmates, I know I will pull through – we all will. 

Love of books is the best of all!

                                         

I love this quote!  I surely had to post this!  Growing up my parents really made reading a daily MANDATORY routine!  Now, I'm instilling this with my two year old daughter, playing educational games on our IPAD, our routine library fieldtrip on Saturdays and reading to her before she goes to bed, or her choosing what book she wants mommy or daddy to read to her.

 

Today in class was pretty good, despite me being tired from a long day at work, I manage to stay focus the whole class time.  I had a great time with my student interviewing her, assessing her with  the Examiner's Word List from 3rd to 5th Grade, and scoring one Narrative Story.  To only find out she's in the Instructional Stage of Reading.  After working with my student, we had two chapter presentations.  Great information on the Foundations of Literacy and Adapting Instruction to Focus on Word Recognition and Spelling.  Awesome working assessment session day #1 with our student!

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, 

to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, 

is good for him. 

Maya Angelou 

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/

authors/m/maya_angelou.html#pzyVsC1r1wibXpQz.99 

Today we did assessments to evaluate the reading levels of a struggling reader. It is important to utilize the students interest to bring them to the next level. Find what interests the students, their strengths, and make them find a way to love to read. 

Experience is the teacher of all things.
Julius Caesar

 

I think experience is important in learning.  You can't say you like or hate something unless you have tried it or experienced it.  I think this is for everyone because it helps us to learn more about ourselves.  For example, you can't say you hate mushrooms if you're never eaten them.  You can't say you're afraid of heights unless you've actually stepped on a ladder.  First of all, don't be afraid to try and experience new things.  You'll never know or understand the purpose unless you've actually experienced it.

 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teacher.html#0dDjoqV6mhVyowZL.99

Never Ending Learning

Source from:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com

 

"You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.”

- Charlie "Tremendous" Jones   I had a great learning experience on Thursday with various assessments for literacy such as how to correctly go over narrative and expository stories with our student.  The ladder of word list as well is a strategy that will help determine our student's vocabulary development at which grade level.  Ted & I had fun learning from one another and otherwise asking Dr. Rivera when we were unsure or uncertain on some parts such as the timing and calculcations.  Dr. Rivera also got the chance to show us sample work of previous students who took ED 643.  I now have a clear perspective of Dr. Rivera's expectation on how to start and complete a case study report.  Awesome showcase of information Dr. Rivera! 

What Teachers Make

Hafa Adai, classmates and Dr. Rivera! I'm not quite sure if all of you have seen this video but I thought I'd share it with everyone.  It's an inspirational poem written and recited by Taylor Mali who is an eductor, poet, and a teacher advocate.  The poem is most uplifting and powerful on those days when we feel like what we are doing is not enough. It refines surely not all, but many of the countless deeds we instill within our students.  I hope it embraces you the the same way it did for me. BIBA teachers!!! God bless! 

Inspirational Reflection from Geri

ED643-02 - Take 2!

Jigsaw Puzzle on Assessment

"Assessment in this spirit does not concern assignment of grades or evaluation of whether instruction was effective. It's assessment designed squarely to feed into the learning process and make the learning stronger.”
David N. Perkins

Source from:  www.ite.org.uk

On Thursday, our class was very productive.  We had two presentations which was on Chapters 3 and 8.  We then had to give our colleagues a short evaluation and useful constructive criticisms about their presentation.  After our presentation, we had a break.  SMILE TIME, a photo shoot.  Good job by the way Dr. Rivera for the quick post of our picture.  After, we went over an overview of Chapters 11, 12 and 13.  I liked how Dr. Rivera would ask which part of the chapter we incorporate in our classrooms.  She wanted participation in her discussions, which is also what we teachers include in our class with our students.  Lastly, we went over various kinds of literacy inventories and assessments.  WHEW, alot of great information ingested in two and a half hours.  Good team work colleagues keeping me awake! 

Change

I could not let this semester roll by without posting this quote.  In order for us to make a difference in this world, we must be the change.  Sitting back and griping about all the wrongs with society and so forth will not serve any justice to anyone.  This is one of my most inspirational quotes of all!!! :)

Assessment and Learning

"Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny." -- Frank Outlaw If there is one single thing I take away from today's session on assessment and the learning environment, it is that I as a teacher could affect my students life because of things that I say, do and think. As as teacher it is my job, thus my responsibility to create a classroom that accepts all types of learners -- that is goal oriented, focused and safe. It is my professional and moral duty to ensure that at the end of the day each individual student goes home wiser that when he/she entered my classroom that day.

All assessment is a perpetual work in progress.-- Linda Suske, Unknown , May 3, 2005 http://www.wku.edu/teaching/db/quotes/byassess.php

Assessments measure knowledge at a specific point in time. What we do with the data gained from the assessment guides us in creating progression.  Learning from one another through presentations and sharing experiences help enrich the learning and application of materials to help student progression.

ED643-03 Students Strike a Pose!

Pictured L-R:  Johnavan J. Tamayo, Cindy Galvez, Ted Nededog, and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.

Education is......Priceless!

“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”―Walter Cronkite

Today I was made aware that there is an IRA Grant available to fund classroom libraries.  This is an issue that battled with at the start of my career, providing trade books for my students.  Unfortunately, the issue of funding for books and materials has been ongoing for decades.  Our government shortfalls has a major impact on every school, every classroom.  
Although this is the harsh reality of our circumstances we must remember education is priceless.  We can have a lasting impact on a child's life.  We must be resilient in our efforts to infect knowledge.  

Light is the task when many share the toil.

- Homer (http://www.famousquotesandauthors.com/topics/help_quotes.html)

Our discussions tonight were very productive. We can only learn from our experiences, some of our experiences can be hilarious others can be daunting, and few can be depressing. But it is always comforting to know that we are all in this toil together. We breezed through three chapters  and were able to browse through different kinds of reading and writing assessmenst. Everyone contributed to maintain a dynamic discourse, what a great way to learn.  

ED643-02 Students Strike a Pose!

Pictured L-R:  Lenith Atienza, Fatima Tibudan, Maria Lourdes Felipe, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Pam Villanueva.

Did you know America ranks the lowest in education but the highest in drug use? It's nice to be number one, but we can fix that. All we need to do is start the war on education. If it's anywhere near as successful as our war on drugs, in no time we'll all be hooked on phonics. ~ Leighann Lord

I think we need to put more emphasis on education.  We also have to remember that learning is "on-going."  It is around us.  We shouldn't just put blame on teachers when students fail.  Learning plays an active role in a child's life.  Everyone that has constant interaction with a child, is responsible for educating that child.  Be positive and let's start a war on education so our students can be successful and be responsible adults.

 

 If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn. ~ Ignacio Estrada


 
I think this quote is proper for our class.  As teachers, we teach different reading programs, and the programs are structured.  In this class, we are learning different strategies and methods in promoting literacy.  We need to teach our students, using methods that are successful.  Every student is different.  No "one" program is effective for all students.  We need to find the appropriate strategy in which the student learns best.

Great Personalities

 

 I really enjoyed the class today. Ailene, Nicole, and Lee all presented their chapters which was very informative. I will be presenting by next week. Thanks Lee for lending me your book. Thanks for the invite Nicole and Ailene. I look foward to getting together at Grumpy's or Infusion. Thanks for the encouragement, Dr. Rivera. It is great to have a group with great personalities. Having a sense of humor during the class makes it more relaxing.

ED643-01 Students Strike a Pose!

Pictured L-R:  Nicole Borja, Gloria Frias, Ailene Pamintuan, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Liwayway "Lee" Anicas.

THIS COMIC STRIP IS SO TRUE!! THERE ARE SOMETHINGS IN LIFE THAT AN EDUCATOR NEEDS TO GET BY EVERYDAY!!!!
HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOY THIS ONE!!!

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. 
-Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau has heavily influenced American Literature through his contributions to the transcendentalist movement.  The castles in the air in which he refers to, is equivalent to walking across that field house stage on graduation day.  Every class we partake in is but a corner stone to the castle we are building in the sky.  On a weekly basis we are progressing as best we can.  Lets continue to build our kingdom.

Learning

"Learning is acquired by reading books, but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various facets of them."Lord Chesterfield (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/learning_2.html) Chapters 5,6 and 7 impacted me in a manner that made me realize that in order for students to learn, I as a teacher should be totally involved. The learning environment has to be prepared so that it targets and focuses on the needs of the students. Processes and products should be differentiated and organized so that they meet the demands of each child. I should observe more so that my students can do more. I also realize that my instruction should be anchored on where my students are at based on assessment. Finding the right tools and medium of instruction is also critical. All students/children are capable of learning to read and write. Some take longer than others. Some take a different route and learn in diverse ways. It does not matter. What matters is that learning happens.

Set Your Goals

“If you don't know where you are going,

you'll end up someplace else.”

― Yogi Berra

I read somewhere recently that if you greet each morning without a driving quench to do things, you don't have enough goals.  Truth of the matter is, many of our dreams and desires require goal setting margins  The hungrier we are, the longer the fire of desire burns.  How hungry are you?  Set your goals and make a run for the finish line, no matter how long, how daunting, and far-fetched it may seem.  Each turning leaf, each stride, brings you one step closer to the finish line!  Find your purpose, set your goals, and get there no matter how curvy that curve ball may be! 

Education is not the filling of a pail,

but the lighting of a fire.

Wiliam Butler Yeats

http://www.inspirational-quotes.info/quotes-about-education.html

Building a fire, like scaffolding, takes skill and planning. We must know what the end product will look like in order to determine the following: 1) materials will be needed, 2) time it will take to accomplish the task, 3) individuals needed to accomplish the task, 4) number of variables to consider, and possibly the most important thing, 5) purpose.

Filling a pail or adding liquid to a sponge denotes that we take nothing and add to it, while lighting a fire denotes have the right materials and taking the proper steps to create the fire so that it may continue burning; with knowledge as the kindling or materials to keep the fire going. In preparing our lessons, we take what already exist and light the fire so the student may seek his or her calling.