Dr. P's Spring 2023 Class Introductions by Karin https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros Students in LSSL 5368 will share their introductions on this Padlet. en-us 2018-05-28 17:10:31 UTC 2023-01-24 01:53:12 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Terminator.png karinlibrarian https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/1677261566 1) My sassy Chihuahua, Pennie, is very important to me. She provides so much entertainment for me and my husband. Life wouldn't be the same without her.
2) Red glasses - I've worn red glasses pretty consistently for the last MANY years. I had to switch to a spare pair last year and when people saw me they didn't know what to think.
3) I love markers and pens! I'm basically an office supply junkie.
4) I am a book lover!!!
5) I love the cartoons Archer and Bob's Burgers! There are others I like, too, but those two are my favorites. I can have them going in the background while I work and have the sound, but not have to pay attention since I've seen the episodes so many times.
6) My life would be a lot less exciting without my iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. I love doodling and sketchnoting and using the iPad is amazing!!
7) I am a technology fan. I love my MacBook. I haven't used a PC in years!
8) Coffee. While I like coffee, that isn't the reason this made my list. My husband and I get up every morning at 4AM so we can have coffee together before we start our days. Even when I'm in Huntsville for work and he's back home in Oklahoma we have coffee over Facetime together.]]> 2021-08-12 19:28:28 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/1677261566 alvaradon https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2447633337 ~Faith turns dreams into realities. Without it, I would still be at the start of the line. Faith is what helps me remain strong during hard times. I trust and believe in God. 
~My familia is my husband, two darling daughters, two cats, and my dog. I also come from a large family. I have 5 sisters and 0 brothers. 
~ I will always be a teacher at heart!
~ New Mexico is my second home. We visit the land of enchantment quite often to see grandma and family. 
~ My sisters and I set out to be more active and together we joined Zumba. We've been accountability partners for years!
~ I'm a consumer of knowledge. My brain never shuts off. 
~ Traveling is one of the best ways to build background knowledge and experiences. Growing up, I traveled to Mexico a lot in a crammed Suburban with all my sisters and our luggage. They are the best memories! We pack up and go!
~ Oooh food! It's the reason I go to Zumba.


]]> 2023-01-18 00:20:57 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2447633337 Jammie Bertrand jbertrand1 https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2447740829 8 Perfect Nouns that Describe Me

1 - Mom - My absolute best accomplishment in life has been raising my two children. Madison is 18 and about to graduate high school (we graduate a week apart). She loves anything and everything to do with animals and is in a vet program through her high school that will help her graduate as a certified vet assistant. My son James is a typical 16 year old who loves playing trumpet and hopes to become a music director when he is older.

2 - Wife - I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 20 years this past August. Although we have our ups and down as every couple does, I would not trade my best friend for anyone else in the world.

3 - Book Lover - My dream job is to be paid to read, that would be the life! I honestly spend any downtime that I have reading a book. I always have three books going at once...keeps my options open. I always have a physical book to read, but also keep my Kindle app nearby on both my phone and iPad for those random moments, and then of course there is always an audiobook for those car rides.

4 - Teacher - I have been an RLA teacher for the past 8 years and absolutely love sharing the joy of reading with my students. My favorite days are book talk days when we get to sit around and have chats about what everyone is reading.

5 - Audio Book Junkie - If I'm alone in my car, there is an audiobook going. My family tells me I always have my earbuds in but I don't think I realized how much I listen to books (every time I'm gardening, cleaning house, folding laundry, etc.) until Audible sent me my "Year in review stats." That was eye opening! According to Audible, I listened to 24,940 min during the 2022 year, averaging 68 min per day. Apparently when I was sick with COVID in April of 2022, all I did was lay on the couch and listen to audiobooks because I had a marathon listening day of 652 minutes!

6 - Cat Mom - I absolutely adore my very spoiled PK. The vet has her listed as Precious Kitty; however, my spouse called her Psycho Kitty. So we just agreed on PK as her name around the house. She really has so much energy and turns two in just a few months. She drives my husband crazy while always being the sweet angel to me.

7 - Cruiser - I love going on cruises any chance I get. It really is the most relaxing vacation because there is no driving involved and you can literally just lay around all day if you want. I took my sister on her first cruise this past summer and I knocked out 4 books on that 7 day cruise - it was amazing! Plus, all the food that available 24/7, what's not to love about that.

8 - Music Nerd - When I have my kids in the car with me (they are not audiobook fans), we are always jamming out to music. We frequently have discussions about music and how much I love Jazz. I'm guessing that's where my son got his love for the trumpet, at least I like to think I had a part in his choice.

]]> 2023-01-18 02:38:34 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2447740829 Felicia Medel https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2448759547 1. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I currently reside in the Cypress area and in my younger days, attended the Houston Ballet Academy for many years. Now, I attend the Houston Rodeo. Yee-haw.
2. Dogs steal my heart. I lost my beloved lab a few years ago and my graduation gift will be a new member to the family. Can't wait to meet my new furry friend.
3. I also love my family. LOL I have been married for 14 years and have a teen and pre-teen. Lord help me.
4. I have always loved sweet tea - again Houston, Texas. However, I have recently found the love for coffee! Starbucks should just take my paycheck.
5. I do have a mild case of BET which is Basic Essential Tremors and when my anxiety rises my shakes get progressively worse. While there is no cure, the doctors did say there is a temporary cure that makes a substantial difference... ready for it?... alcohol. Go figure. Wine, anyone?
6. One word. AMAZON. I am on a first name basis with my local Amazon factory. Enough said.]]> 2023-01-18 18:07:38 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2448759547 Flor Guerrero florguerrero1216 https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2448984035 1. Mom- I am a proud mom of two wonderful boys: Dante Sebastian, who is six, and William Romeo, who is three. They are my pride and joy and my reason for being. My husband, Onesimo, is my best friend and I look forward to many years with him.

2. Books- I love reading. I have found that I am reading more and more... I may need reading glasses :(. I love Historical Fiction but will give any genre a chance. 

3. Dance- I LOVE dancing. I taught dance for 10 years before becoming a ELAR teacher. I have been in studio dance (Ballet, Jazz, Flamenco, Bellydance) for a long time and am looking forward to graduating so that I can start up again.

4. Seafood- I love SEAFOOD, except oysters... I also LOVE soups, so I tried my best to draw a bowl of soup. 

5. Disney- Disney is the most magical place on earth and I can't wait to go back!

6. Europe- I dream of taking my family to Europe. I have been to the UK, but need to go again. 

7. TV- I am an avid TV show/movie watcher! I love any type of show and movie! I also worked at a movie theater for a good while during high school.

8. Kitchen- Although I am not the best, I love to cook. I love Gordon Ramsay... he is one of my celebrity crushes. I am looking forward to having dinner at Hell's Kitchen Las Vegas this May. I booked to celebrate that I will be a School Librarian! ]]> 2023-01-18 21:07:20 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2448984035 Ashley Laake alaake https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2449213849 1. I married my husband in 2014, and we have three wonderful babies who are suddenly not babies anymore.   I have two daughters, Rose (7) and Alli (3), and one son, Will (5).  
2. I have loved reading since I was little.  I won an award for reading the most books in first grade.  I have wanted to be a librarian for a long time, but I didn't think I had it in me to go back to school.  Here I am though!
3. I  got our dog Toby when my husband and I were dating.  He wasn't too happy about it, but now he loves the dog.  I am 100% sure the dog loves him more than me.  4. I love being at the beach.  It is soothing to watch and hear the waves. I love taking my kids every summer. They love it as much as I do.
5. Crafting is something that I enjoy doing.  I have a craft club at my school that I do every Friday.  I like to do a lot of crafts with my own kids at home as well.
6. Shopping may be the death of me or my bank account.  I am the spender; my husband is the saver.  Thank goodness we are not both spenders.  I could shop all day, everyday.  I need to finish this degree, so I can get back to shopping more!
7. I started doing yoga.  I was going to a chiropractor for neck and back problems.  I have not had any issues since I started yoga.  It is a lot cheaper than a chiropractor; however, I did enjoy my visits!
8. I have been a teacher for 16 years.  I am at work a lot and have devoted a lot of my time to my job and after school activities. I have always loved working with students. I am really enjoying my new job this year as a reading interventionist.  ]]> 2023-01-19 02:40:44 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2449213849 Alma Rios almadrios https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2449254507 1. Wife: I've been married to my husband for over 23 years. I've been his wife longer than I was single lol! 
2. Mom: I am a busy mom of 4 amazing children. David Jr. (22), Daniel (20), Ayssa (16), and Davian (12). I enjoy spending time with them and creating wonderful memories. 
3. Cook: I am constantly cooking for my children and their favorite dish for me to prepare for them is definitely enchiladas with Spanish Rice. 
4. Teacher: I have been a teacher for over 15 years and have taught 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades in elementary. 
5. Books: I love reading books aloud to my students in my classroom and feel satisfaction when I get my students engaged with the plot. 
6. Horses: We own 6 horses, and I get to spend quite some time around them. My husband and my 3 boys practice and compete in Team Roping events in different parts of Texas. I enjoy horseback riding once in a while to relieve some stress. 
7. Cruise ships: My family and I have taken several cruises during our summers and find them to bring us closer as a family. We get to go on different excursions that allow us to spend quality time together in a relaxing atmosphere. 
8. Couponer: Being a mother of four is expensive at times. I decided to look into couponing and learned how to avoid paying full price on many of our everyday life essentials. I was constantly looking for deals and there was one time when I had over 100 bottles of detergent in my laundry room! Currently, I still coupon and look for bargains but not as often as I did before the pandemic. ]]> 2023-01-19 03:34:05 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2449254507 Brandi Prater https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2450621820 These are in no certain order, rather based on the overall design.  Otherwise, the grandkids would be #1 of course...lol

1) Wife - My husband and I met in art school at Lamar University.  This year will be our 19th anniversary and our 23rd year as a couple.  Next year, for our 20th, we have a special trip planned!

2) Crime - I love all things crime!  Books, movies, tv shows, true crime...you name it!  I can probably trace it all the way back to Nancy Drew & The Hardy Boys in elementary school, but my true love began with Jessica Fletcher.  I picked up a new book from our book fair called Murder, She Wrote.

3) Books - In school, I collected art books and add to my collection whenever I find something great.  However, my newest collection includes a lot of mystery and historical fiction.  A few friends started a book exchange on FB and that's been a fun experience and includes interesting new finds.

4) Dogs - This is our newest love, Sadie Mae.  My husband grew up with Schnauzers, so we've always had them since the kids were little.  After our two family dogs passed away, we waited a couple of years and brought home this sweet girl in April.  She really needs a friend, but it'll have to wait until summer!

5) Grandmother - AKA Gimi - Our daughter has blessed us with 3 beautiful grandchildren.  It has to be the greatest gig I've ever had.  All of those things my mom did when we were parenting are making sense now.  I have to say, I get it!

6) Mom - Also known as Momma, Mommy, Momma Bear and when they can't get my attention... Brandi. We have 2 adult children ages 25 and 27.  Although parenting can be a bit of a rollercoaster both emotionally and physically, our two kiddos have turned out to be pretty awesome adults.

7) Artist - I hate to use that word because I've never felt you get to give yourself that label.  So, let's just say... I know how to draw.  I have a Visual Design degree and I teach JH art.  I have loved watching students grow in this area and a lot of them really amaze me.  Needless to say, I love the creative aspects of being a librarian.

8) Traveller - We absolutely love to travel. Since the kids finished college, we try and travel several times a year. For our 20th anniversary next year, we are planning a trip to England & Scotland. We are both obsessed with British crime shows, beer, and beautiful scenery, so this has definitely been a bucket list trip.


]]> 2023-01-20 03:29:13 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2450621820 Alexa Rodriguez alexardz890 https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2450661108 1. My dog Spencer is a 3-year-old beagle that my family treats as if he's the baby of the family. Loves butter cookies and is named after a character named Shawn Spencer from my favorite show Psych. 
2. I grew up watching CSI, Law & Order, NCIS. I also enjoy watching true crime shows like Snapped, 48 hours. My current favorites are Monk and Psych
3. I always like listening to music when I do things since it helps me focus. I also like listening to music when I get ready in the morning 
4. I have been into baking these days, but it's hard to find time for it and baking from scratch can be a lot of work. I like trying out new recipes and figuring out how to get better
5. I like stationary and even use Stationary Pal, Amazon or Etsy online to buy more. There's this antique store I like that also sells a good amount of stationary. 
6. I got into BTS about maybe 5 years ago (??) and I really enjoy their music. I can understand it may not be everyone's taste, but I like their songs and albums
7. I have always enjoyed drawing, I may not be at the same level as a master artist but I really like it. Drawing is a fun hobby for me and it's great to design my own characters. I also enjoy looking at art as well 
8. I have always loved writing for a long time. It was an outlet for me to express myself and I liked creating stories. I am actually (sort of) writing a story at the moment, but I am still indecisive about publishing when I finish

Bonus: 9. (I did not realize I drew 9 things). English major. I always knew what I wanted to study for my bachelor's and it was worth the work because I enjoyed my classes in my major and helped me improve my writing too. ]]> 2023-01-20 04:46:59 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2450661108 Leticia Lara (Letty) lglara2003 https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2450672474 1. My Family - My heart, pride and JOY!  My husband Stephen and I have been married for 19 years (20 this July). The princess of the house is Isabel. Her passions are reading, writing, art, volleyball, and swim. Ezra is the little man of the house. He loves all music with a special interest in Jazz. Ezra is the "destroyer of silence" (percussionist-drummer) and enjoys the weight room.  

2. My Faith - Our relationship with the Lord is what cements my family together. My parents raised me going to church and serving the Lord. I can not see my life without my faith and beliefs.  I am blessed to have a husband who shares these values!

3. Mom - I am mom, mommy, ma. With all my heart, I am an encourager, hugger, supporter, counselor, cheerleader, disciplinarian, chef, housekeeper, Uber, laundry service, and everything else... :)

4. Teacher librarian - I was a classroom teacher for 22 years and 7 weeks. :) Nineteen years were in a bilingual classroom. This past October I was promoted to librarian for two campuses. I have enjoyed these few months as a librarian and I am learning so much. I am excited to see what the future holds for me in librarianship.

5. Pets - Cowboy is our Miniature Australian Shepard (8 years old). Our two new additions are our Chihuahuas, Petunia and Magnolia. 

6. Travel and Road Trips- Every chance we get we take a road trip or go camping in our travel trailer. Every three or four day weekend means camping for us. This is our time to get out of the city and enjoy nature for a few days each month.

7. Music - Music brings JOY to my life. I always have music playing in my car, house, classroom (when I had one), and now library.

8.Elephants - My favorite animal! Why? They are majestic, smart, strong, loyal, and protective.

]]> 2023-01-20 05:12:17 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2450672474 Sabrina Richardson sabrina325 https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451644183 Hello fellow classmates! I'm Sabrina Richardson! This is my final semester, and I cannot believe I actually made it! I enjoy sketching more than coloring, so sorry if it may took a little drab. Also, I am glad we are not graded on our artistic abilities! LOL! 
Going around my name, I listed the 8 nouns that reflect myself...

1. Mama-First and foremost, I am a mother of 2 beautiful daughters, Ashtyn and Madison. Ashtyn is 23 and pursuing her pharmaceutical technician degree at LIT here in Beaumont, TX. My Madi is 16 and a junior at Kountze High school in Kountze, TX. Madi already has plans to be a criminal psychologist once she graduates next year. 

2. Teacher-I have taught for 20 years at West Hardin Elementary in Saratoga, TX. We are sorta in between Beaumont and Houston is the best way to describe our little rural school! I absolutely love it there. I taught first grade for 10 years and I have taught, and still currently teaching, third grade for 10 years. I focus mainly on Reading. Please do NOT ask me to teach or solve any math problems of any kind! I'll cry! LOL

3. Cat mama-yes I am THAT crazy cat lady! I have 5! They are all your basic short hair tabby cats, except for Moose...he is long hair. In the pic, I numbered them in order of their age, making Hank the oldest at 10. All my cats are strays, adopted, or from liters of my daughter's cat! I am all about saving the poor pathetic homeless babies. I would have more, but my apartment only thinks I have one, maximum is 2, soooooo yeah gotta keep it low key! 

4. Crafts-This is my outlet. I find crafts, and even baking, a type of therapy for myself. I am all about going to Dollar Tree and creating things cheap! I make anything from wreaths to flower bouquets to paintings. This leads me into....

5. Mental Health-I recently went through testing and found out I have several mental health issues that I am addressing. As mentioned, crafting and baking are very therapeutic for me. I know that mental health is such a taboo thing to discuss, but both my daughters and myself face these diseases every single day and are learning to battle them. This should not be such a taboo subject. In one way or another, in the profession we are in, I think we all face something that brings us down. Being upfront and willing to take it on, is the first step in the battle. My daughters and I choose to fight, and we do have our low days, but learning how to cope has totally changed our lives and the perspective of how we face our lives. Things are so much brighter. 

6. God-Without God in my corner, prayer, and faith, I wouldn't be here or where I am today. 

7. Sunflowers-So my classroom decor is sunflowers! I chose it randomly, mostly because of the "country" type look it gives when paired with buffalo plaid, or tin cans! My classroom is the hot spot at school for when someone needs to just relax and breathe! Did I mean for it to be like this??? Nope!! It just turned out that way! I put my crafting abilities and my decor choice, put it to work, and have decorated a pretty darn amazing classroom that is more like a home! They also remind us to shine bright and even when things are dark, face the sun and light up your life! 

8.  Gnomes-I want to make it very clear....ONLY gnomes without the eyes! They are so stinking cute! I have become beyond addicted! My students know to bribe me with either gnomes or sunflowers! LOL! I find gnomes for every season and holiday and decorate! Most of my holiday/seasonal shirts for school have a gnome, and possibly a sunflower, placed in the design somewhere! This addiction has just begun and I am already bursting at the seams with all the gnomes I have collected within the past year! 

I can't wait to take on this last semester with y'all as my classmates! Many of us look as though we have much in common, which always makes it easier and more fun to get to work together! I'm looking forward to going out with a bang with y'all in my final hoorah! 

]]> 2023-01-21 00:33:22 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451644183 https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451667856 Wife- My husband is truly the love of my life. When we reconnected after high school, we were engaged within 1 month and married 9 months after that. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made. This year we will be celebrating our 11th year of marriage. He is my biggest supporter and works endlessly for our family. I am eternally grateful to GOD for placing him in my life.
Mother- I have three kids, and they are my whole world. My first born,Andrik , is turning 10 in two weeks. He is talkative, energetic, and very clever. At the moment, he loves to play football and soccer. My daughter, Alyson, is 7 years old. She has a sassy attitude and is a perfectionist. She loves cheer, gymnastics, and soccer. My baby boy, Alexy, really is a little hurricane. He is two and a half years old and has me on my toes. He’s a late talker, but I was surprised at how he was able to identify letters and numbers before he really spoke.
Books- I love reading. What can I really say! It is one of those things my mom helped me get into. When growing up, my mom always made sure I had books to read by taking me to the library. I loved escaping into these books and pretending I was a character in them. I’ve had many favorites as I’ve grown up. It is funny because there are some I loved as a teenager and read them now and, although I still enjoy them, I can't find the love for them.
Faith- I really have to thank my husband for the restored faith in GOD. He influenced my love and faith for GOD.I really believe that GOD has perfect timing for everything. You are supposed to be where you are when you have to be. Those hardships we have to go through are there for a purpose.
Teacher- I am in my 9th year of teaching. I taught 4th grade for 7 years and 2 years in 5th grade. This is a profession when you have your great days when you think you are a super teacher and days when defeat takes over. However, I do thing that it has taught me so much patience and love for my students.
Planner- I love to have everything planned out. In fact, I need everything planned out before I do it. With my kids in all kinds of extracurricular activities, my job, and class I need to know when I have to do what. It is the only way I know how to function. Before I had kids, I had time to write out detailed planners and use it as a memory book. Now with the little time I have, I don’t do it as creatively as before. However, I still need a weekly plan of events and important things to function.
Daughter- My mom is my best friend. I do not know what I would do without her. It is funny because when my sister tells me a secret she tells me “you better not tell mom because you tell her everything”. 
Coffee Lover- This is a must! In order for me to function I need my coffee first thing in the morning. 

]]> 2023-01-21 02:09:43 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451667856 Lynette Tatman https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451678020 1. Faith: My faith helps me determine the direction of my life and my values. 
2. Family: My husband and I have been married for thirty-two years and have five children, the oldest has three of his own children, making me a Grandma, and my youngest is a Junior in high school. Our dogs, Ares and Charlie are the only "babies" we have left. 
3. Ohio and Texas: My husband and I both grew up in Ohio, and my parents and brother's families still live there. Part of my heart is there, and part is here in Texas, where we live and work. 
4. Hobbies: My number one hobby is reading. I've been reading since mom read to me every day as a toddler. I also enjoy listening to many types of music. I love collecting quotes from my favorite authors and poets. Solving puzzles is another way I relax in the evenings. Writing poetry is a way for me to reflect on life, feeling, and nature. My husband and I enjoy watching all types of moves, especially historical fiction. Gaming is a lot like reading a book; you can create your own world or solve a problem. 5. Nature: Being outdoors gives me a feeling of awe. I enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, astronomy, and gardening. ]]> 2023-01-21 02:48:36 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451678020 Brandy Clifton bjamison08 https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451698892 1. Mom - I am Mom to two wonderful teenagers. My daughter (who just turned 16) is named Lori and she is a sophomore. My son (who just turned 14) is named Lane and is in 8th grade. One thing I always knew I wanted to be in life was a mom. I cherish them!!
2. Coffee - Need I say more???? I love coffee. I have dedicated a small wall in my kitchen to little photographs or plaques with "coffeeish" sayings.
3. Books - My grandmother began taking me to the public library at a very early age. She is the reason I fell in love with reading and all things books!! 
4. True Crime - I may have an unhealthy obsession with true crime podcasts, television shows and books. What intrigues me most is the outlandish things people do and the mystery behind each story. 
5. Learner - So I'm a nerd through and through...I love learning. If there is something I don't know about or something that someone asks me that I'm unfamiliar with I will often find myself researching the topic. 
6. Mentor - Along with teaching, I have signed up to mentor students who need some extra love. Many of these students have unstable lives and just need an adult to listen and be shown that someone cares about them.
7. Baker - I love to bake! I honestly wish I had more time to do so. I love baking anything from pies (my favorite) to cookies and cakes. 
8. Hunter - So this has a double meaning. I do enjoy hunting with my husband at our deer lease in west Texas, but I also love hunting down a bargain! I almost always refuse to buy something at full price when I KNOW I can get it cheaper somewhere else or at another time. ]]> 2023-01-21 04:08:39 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451698892 Allyson Sweeney allyson46 https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451702792 Howdy everyone! Nothing like waiting until the last minute to try something that you know you are not good at doing. A sketch artist I am not. I love how many of you seem to doodle something and it is amazing. This is not my cup of tea. I tend to me more analytical than conceptual so this was very scratchy for me. 

This is my last semester and that is incomprehensible because it seems and though I just began. I have learned so much from the professors at SHSU and will miss gleaning information from them.

Wife-I married my college sweetheart and we are headed to year 32. He is my biggest cheerleader when it comes to classes, assignments, and taking time to study. He cooks amazing meals for our family just about every night and thinks I'm the "bee's knees." I love you, David. 

Mom-I have 5 children-well, now 7 since 2 are married. Kathryn, Austin, Hannah, Luke, and Mattie Claire. SIL-Seth and DIL-Missy. My four older children were very close in age and then at 44 I decided we needed one more-Mattie Claire is the baby of the family, but also like an only child. In August I became a grandmother of an adorable baby boy and then in September I got grandbaby number two. I am blessed to have children who read. 

Knitter-I started knitting with my husband our first year of marriage. We took a class together and we both still enjoy it immensely. I always have a book in my bag and my smaller travel knitting bag with some project I can do even if it is only a dishrag. I'm not super great at it, but I keep practicing as much as I can. 

Hiker-Our family hikes! We are section hikers on the Appalachian Trail and it is an amazing journey. I highly recommend getting on the trail somewhere, someday, for at least a bit. My best trip with the most awesome memories ever was a 9 day trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Forest. Becoming Odyssa is one of my favorite books about the trail. Trail Name-Mama Bear.

Musician-Music is a huge part of my life. I could not imagine life without it. I sing about everything and encourage others to sing with me. I cantor at church most Saturdays and sing with the students at school quite often. I'm also a flute and penny whistle player. My 13 year old recently hid my penny whistle (little does she know that I found it this morning!).

Cat Lady-I have had a cat or two my whole entire life. At present I have 7 cats and I love them dearly. I plan to write a book someday about Marvin who travelled from our house in the country to town 8 miles away somewhere in/on our truck and spent two weeks roaming the town during spring break last year. Marvelous Marvin the Traveling Cat. Look for it in stores someday. 

Teacher-I was determined not to be a teacher when I grew up just because that is what everyone expected. Well, how was I to know that it is a pretty amazing gig. I've been in education for more years than I care to say. Moving to the library allows me to still teach and get my book fix. 

Learner-I love the phrase "life long learner" and I talk to the students at my school about how amazing it is to learn something new each and everyday. Just today I was talking to 12 year old boys about learning and doing hard things. I want them to be passionate about learning now and not wait as long as I did to become a life long learner. ]]> 2023-01-21 04:26:31 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2451702792 Robin Vitek https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2452117035 1.  I love animals of all kind but cats have a special place in my heart.  I currently have 3 feline fur babies:  Allie, Bella, and Spot.  
2.  I have a coffee mug that says nap queen, and that is the truth.  I nap anytime I get the chance and especially love them when it's cold and/or rainy.
3. Even though I don't get out enough anymore, anywhere out in nature is my happy place.  Sitting and becoming one with the plants and animals around me really recharges my spirit and brings me peace.
4.  I have always loved to read, and books have now become a HUGE part of my life.  I love escaping with a good book, and I've found a lot of joy this year in helping find my students find books they love.
5.  I love food and love to cook and bake.  I don't shy away from the challenging recipes because I get a sense of accomplishment when a difficult recipe turns out great.
6.  This goes along with my love for nature, but trees are symbolic for me in the way they are rooted and connected with the earth.  They are flexible to bend in the wind but also strong enough to protect the things that live among their branches.  I have a tree of life tattoo on my wrist and even painted trees on the walls of my old classroom.  
7.  I don't play an instrument anymore but was in the band in school and played the clarinet and saxophone.  There is nothing quite like making music and I miss it.  I almost always have musing playing in the background at work and at school.
8. I love crafts of all kinds: sewing, beading, papercrafts, etc. My craft cabinet is overflowing! Hopefully when my masters' is complete I will have more time to try my hand with polymer clay. I bought lots of supplies that have yet to be opened!]]> 2023-01-22 01:02:30 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2452117035 Martha Tessier https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2452827948 1. Avid Reader - books have been a constant companion, one of the reliabilities of my life. 
2. Puzzles - when I am not reading, I love to challenge my mind with the intricacies of puzzles. 
3. Mother and Wife - my 5 year old is the light of my life. I enjoy have "new" experiences with her, I cherish her curiosity and good naturedness. My husband and I have been together for 13 years. 
4. Family Ties - My family is one of the most important aspects of my life. I am grateful to be a part of a big family. I may not have always enjoyed having siblings when I was little, but now that we are older we rely on each other much more. 
5. Homebody and Organized - I could spend all day at home, reading, tiding, organizing, brainstorming new ideas for different areas. 
6. Harry Potter - the first series that I really got invested in, reading and rereading. I've been able to enjoy the wizarding world in Orlando. 
7. Teacher -  I have been a Math and Science teacher for the past 5 years. I have enjoyed getting the students excited about the sciences. 
8. Traveler - although I would prefer to be home, I do enjoy to travel and see new places. I have driven through almost every state eastward of Texas. ]]> 2023-01-23 07:01:30 UTC https://padlet.com/karinlibrarian/Fall22Intros/wish/2452827948