Follow my lead...
Introduce yourself: where you're from, what your interests are (hobbies, studies, travels, etc.), and one thing that makes you truly exceptional. The word has a connotation when coupled with special education, but truly about 85% of us are exceptional in some way (I just feel bad for the 15% who are not!)
So here goes! I'm Dr. Barri Bumgarner (Dr. Bum, if you prefer), and I'm originally from southwest Missouri. I grew up in Lebanon, got my B.S. in Ed. at Missouri State (then SMSU), and I played tennis and basketball while in college. I then taught 7th grade for a few years, directed a KinderCare for the next 5, then taught junior high in Columbia for ten years. During that time, I wrote seven novels, published three, have a couple more on the way, and decided I would get my Masters in Education. While at University of Missouri, I taught education classes, got lured into getting my PhD, and two years ago, I graduated and last year started at Westminster! Whew...way more than you wanted to know.
I love to travel (heading to St. Thomas for Christmas next week!), I'm a voracious sports fan (KC Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou, WC!, tennis...), and if I have my choice, I'd rather be at a concert or out by my pool or hot tub with my puppies than just about anywhere else.
One thing that makes me exceptional is that, aside from being ADHD, I don't take no for an answer. When someone tells me I can't do something, I strive to prove them wrong. Sometimes it gets me into trouble. Most of the time, it allows me to live my dream. So far, a newly anointed 50-year old, I've done just that...
Now it's your turn! Tell us about yourself, and each of you respond to one another's intros!
My name is Mariah Morrison. I am the oldest of 4 children in my family. I have a sister that is 15 months younger than me, and then I have a younger brother and sister that are twins. I am a junior at Westminster. I grew up in Fulton, Mo, and then about 5 years ago, my family built a house in Auxvasse, Mo. I graduated from North Callaway High School in Kingdom City, Mo. I work full-time as a 1st Assistant Manager at Maurices. I have worked there for about 4 years now. I love to play the guitar, hunt, fish, camp, and be in the outdoors! I also love spending time with my family. I got engaged this past July to my high school sweetheart. That was the most exciting thing this whole year.
ReplyDeleteI am almost finished with my bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, minor in Biology, and minor in Geology. I recently added Secondary High School Education to my list of degrees. I have a passion for teaching, and would love to share with my students my passion for the outdoors. I am very shy at first (when I am not working retail), but then open up when I get to know people.
One thing that makes me exceptional is that I set high goals, and I try my hardest to accomplish them.I am a very hard worker. It is very tough for me to go to school full-time and work full-time, but I manage to still get through it. I graduated high school a semester ahead of my class and came straight to Westminster so I am about 2 years ahead of myself. I honestly don't have a social life at all! Even though life is tough right now, I still manage to get through it. I take it day by day, hour by hour. As my fiance tells me all the time, "You just love stress!". No, I really don't! I just set my goals high and accomplish them no matter what interferes with my path!
Hi Mariah it is nice to meet you and I loved your post! I personally am a big fan of Maurices, you guys always have the cutest jeans! I also have a job, but it is only during the winter or summer breaks, so I give you huge credit for being an assistant manager while going to school! I am jealous that you can play the guitar, I have always wanted to learn! Also, I love to camp too! Growing up, my family and I would take our pop-up camper out to campsites during the summer and camp for a week and I loved it! I personally am not a huge fan of bugs, but sleeping underneath the stars and hearing the rain hit the tent was always a favorite of mine! Furthermore, CONGRATS on your engagement, I am so happy for you! I am sure your wedding will be beautiful! Lastly, I am also a very hard worker and set high goals. I feel the same way and also tell myself to just breathe and take it day by day or assignment by assignment! You got this girl! :)
DeleteMariah, you must've graduated from NC when Matt Boyer was principal. I taught with him and played volleyball with his sister. :-) As for loving stress, that's actually a good thing as a possible future educator. Thriving on stress is what we do! :-)
DeleteHi Mariah! I also love Maurices. That's where I find most of my clothes for when I need to dress up, especially for internships at schools. I've been playing the guitar since I was in third grade. I took guitar lessons from third grade up until I graduated from high school. I went through 28 guitar books. And congrats on your wedding! I saw some pictures on Facebook and the pictures were amazing!
DeleteDr. Bum, I did go to school when Matt Boyer was principal! Small world!
DeleteHello Mariah! I'm not sure if we have ever met! Just Kidding, and yes you are correct when you say that you love stress! I absolutely hate it. I could never handle the things that you do, and i must say you do a great job at handling it all. It seems like everyone also loves the place you work, which surprises me because i just don't look good in any of the clothes your store provides!
DeleteHoly cow, props to you for majoring with a double minor as well as working full-time. CONGRATULATIONS on the engagement- that really is exciting. You sound really passionate about the outdoors and I think that is really cool. I love doing anything outside, as long as it is warm, if its cold Id rather watch netflix.
DeleteWow Mariah! You seem like a great person who is totally dedicated to her studies! This class is going to be great with you in it and I am excited that I get to experience this with you!
DeleteHi everyone! My name is Mallory Greaves and I am currently a freshman at Westminster College. I am from St. Louis, MO, more specifically Fenton, and went to Rockwood Summit High School. In high school, I ran track, cheered for 7 years, played lacrosse, and played soccer, danced, swam, and tried gymnastics all when I was growing up. At Rockwood Summit, I was involved in Student Council, Captain’s Council, National Honor Society, and Link Crew and was heavily involved in my church’s youth group. Although I am only a freshman, I have declared as an Elementary Education major with plans to attend graduate school to achieve a Masters in Special Education. When I am not busy with schoolwork, I like to mess around on Pinterest, watch Netflix, hangout with friends, decorate for my sorority (Kappa Alpha Theta), or workout. I ran a half marathon in 2012 and I am hoping to do another one this April. Also, I come from a die-hard Blues fanatic family due to my dad used to being a hockey coach and both of my brothers used to being on travel hockey teams. I also am a big fan of the Cardinals and enjoy going to their games. One of my dreams is to travel to Greece and Paris and take lots of pictures! In my family there are five of us: my mom, dad, and two older brothers, Matt and Michael. I have my brothers to thank for me attending Westminster since they both went here and had me fall in love with the school every time I visited them! I absolutely love Westminster and could not be happier to spend four years here!
ReplyDeleteOne thing that makes me exceptional is that I am VERY organized and a perfectionist. Even though my room may be messy, my schoolwork is not. My planner is my baby and I always know what is due/going on. I know that this has helped me succeed in school because I do not miss assignments, and I always triple check everything before I turn in or finish anything. I feel that these characteristics will help me be a good teacher because I will always know what to do every hour of the day, and will always have everything prepared for my lessons or grades will be correct since I will be organized, have everything planned, and double check everything. Even though I have this perfectionist characteristic and very hardworking, I always still like to learn from others and myself and take input so that I am always improving in hopes to be the best person, student, and future teacher that I can be.
Mallory, first off I just want to say that you are an amazing person inside and out! I first met you in our seminar class and we've become friends since then. I have also danced. I was at a dance studio for 15 years and am currently a Blue Diamond Dancer at Westminster. As a dancer I am a perfectionist and as a student I am both a perfectionist and very organized. Pinterest is my absolute favorite! I find a ton of neat ideas for the classroom on there. And when you say that you're always improving in hopes to be the best person.. I believe that you are a great person already :)
DeleteMallory, all I can say is WOW! Looks like you stay pretty busy. That is definitely typical of a college student. I also cheered in middle school and high school. I really liked cheering enough that I was a Westminster football cheerleader my freshman year of college. However, I got a back injury while cheering that I was not able to finish the season after homecoming. I have always wanted to be a dancer. I have gone back and forth at thinking about joining the Blue Diamond Dance Team, but I am too busy. I also ran track in high school. I always got stuck running the 4x8 relay race that I never wanted to do. I also did long jump and triple jump. I really loved that!
DeleteIt is really great that you did a lot in high school being in social clubs! I think that will really help you out in your career! Jobs love to see what you were involved in during high school and college. Sounds like you have a lot going for you, and from what it sounds like, I think you will be a great teacher! Good luck and keep up the hard work! :)
Well holy cow! It seems that you are a busy bee. Unlike most everyone else that has commented on your post, I have not cheered or been in any type of dance (I know, surprising). I like my free time to spend doing nothing, like watching Netflix so, how do you do all that stuff and keep up with all the latest shows?? I am impressed. Very nice to meet you!
DeleteI as well have not danced, but was a cheerleader for a year and decided that just wasn't my gig. I think its great that you decided early on your career. I waited and it has cost me another year of school... :(
DeleteAnd I do love my planner as well, it keeps me in track.
Jeez! That is a huge list of accomplishments! I wish I had the same dedication as you did too you but I love hat you are passionate about dance. I danced for 10 years but I had to choose softball over dancing when I started high school.
DeleteMallory, I LOVE that you have declared your major already! That will help you be on track right away. And The Cardinals are my fave, too, except they just traded their closer, Jason Motte!! :-(
ReplyDeleteI love that you can be a perfectionist and still messy. That's actually a sign of emotional stability. :-)
My name is Marissa Landwehr. I’m from the small town of Gerald, Missouri. I have an older sister, Emily, who is 21 years old. My mom and dad own two carwash businesses. I graduated from Owensville High School. I am currently a freshman at Westminster College. Along with taking as many credit hours as I can, I work at the Fulton Preschool for my Work Study job. In my spare time I dance and play the guitar. I started playing the guitar in third grade and went through 28 guitar books while I was taking lessons. I took lessons up until this past summer, even though I could have stopped a long time ago. I continued lessons because I enjoyed it and my parents could tell that I was dedicated. I started dancing when I was three years old at a studio. I was at the studio for fifteen years. For five years I was a dance teacher at the studio. It was when I was in a dance class when I realized that I want to pursue a career in education. Since I was going off to college I could no longer continue dancing at the studio. I am now a Blue Diamond Dancer at Westminster. We perform at football and basketball games, and we also performed at the International Show. We currently have six members on the team. I have declared the major of Early Childhood Education and am working towards it. I will hopefully be graduating a semester early than expected. I have a love for teaching and school. That is what is keeping me going during my time at Westminster College.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that makes me exceptional is that I am extremely organized. When I was complaining about not having any decorations on the wall in my dorm room, a wall soon became covered with Post-It notes. The Post-It notes had due dates and test dates on them for the classes I was taking. They helped me stay organized and on top of things. I always got things done ahead of time, which allowed spare time. I believe organization will help me when I am a teacher. I cannot wait to become a teacher and be able to pursue the dream of teaching that I have had since I was a little girl.
Marissa, I used to live in Owensville! That where all of my childhood friends are! Do you know any of the McKinney's or Dunlaps?! I used to go to church with them at the Owensville Church of Christ! I lived in Owensville for about 3 years before we moved to Fulton. It is definitely a small world!
DeleteI do know the McKinney's and Dunlap's. They all went to school with me, some being a couple years older and a couple years younger.
DeleteMarissa, I am very familiar with Owensville. My boyfriends sister is a teacher there now and his aunt just retired from the district, I believe that she was a Principal (Ragan). Also being from Salem we use to travel to Owensville often for sports. I would always giggle after seeing the windmill in the gym.
DeleteYou can never be too organized. I do believe it will help you succeed in the teaching field.
I have also seen the pictures of your new puppy on Facebook and it has given me puppy fever.
Hey girl! I just want to start off and say how grateful I am that we had seminar together and now this class! Our constant texts keep me going. Thank you for everything and always helping me :) You are such a sweet person and I am SO thankful we are friends! Your drive for school and getting ahead motivates me to do the same! After reading your post all I can say is wow! I give you credit for having a job, doing a sport, and being a full time student, I do not know how you do it!!
DeleteEven though I danced when I was littler and say that I danced, you sure blow me out of the water on that statement! Your dance history is incredible and it sure shows! You KILLED it in our seminar talent show and the international show! When I would go to the football games I would always watch you; such beautiful technique!
Also, I am so glad we are education majors together because once again, we always have each other :) We definitely need to hang out more when we are not so busy!!
I feel like we are very much the same person by being athletic, hardworking, and very organized, but like I said above, your 24-7 motivation inspires me! Keep it up girl :) I cannot wait to take on 3 more years with you at Westminster!
P.S. --You and your boyfriend are adorable and I LOVE your boyfriend's new puppy, SO cute :)
I am the exact opposite of organized. I've tried to be organized but i think that it actually hurts me more than it helps. I try too hard to keep things in order so then I actually forget what I needed to do. I strive in sloppiness. (Not in school work) just how I make things work, I guess.
DeleteMarrisa, I want to try and read more but I don't know where to start! Maybe we can talk sometime about books and share knowledge for the love of academics. I am looking forward to taking this class with you, girl.
DeleteOkay, here we go...
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jennifer Herndon. I am a junior and have declared my major as physical education. Sports have always been so important in my life I really hope to inspire students to begin a healthy life style early and continue it even after many organized sports come to an end. I started my college career in Springfield MO at a community college OTC, where I lived with two of my high school best friends and we focused more on our social lives than our academic lives. After a year of fun and little school I moved back to my hometown Salem MO where I continued to take classes at another community college in Rolla MO which is about 30 minutes away. From there I knew I wanted to get back in to playing basketball, which is how I ended up at WestMO. My boyfriend graduated in 08 from Westminster and he was the one who really pushed me to come here. I walked on to the WestMO basketball team and it led me to meet some of the most wonderful people I have ever known.
Family and friends mean everything to me. I have the most supportive parents and grandparents. I also have a twin brother, Jeff, who is in the Air Force, and a sister, Cathy, who owns her own business.
In my free time I spend it with my family and friends, we like the night life and having fun. I live for the summer- laying out by the pool, spending time at the lake, camping, floating, pretty much anything that has to do with being on the water.
One thing that I think makes me exceptional is that Ive never met a stranger. I will talk to/make friends with anyone. I love hearing peoples stories and where they come from. I was a waitress at Bandanas and currently at Buffalo Wild Wings and I think I spend more time talking to the customers than I do anything else. I am also a very organized person and really like having a routine.
Nice to meet you Jennifer! I have also played sports all my life and think that it is awesome that you want to continue that and be a P.E.teacher! From your post, I know you will be an awesome teacher! I personally am a big fan of Springfield, due to my Aunt living down there! Cheddar's is such an amazing restaurant :) That is so awesome that you put family and friends, me too! I also have very supportive parents and grandparents, and to me, I feel like that is such a huge part in a child's development! Please thank your brother for me for his service, that is incredible! I also love the pool, camping, and everything you listed! Lastly, I too work in the restaurant business as a hostess at Chilis! I will hopefully become a server this summer, but I definitely agree, talking with the customers is the best part!
DeleteJennifer, what town did you work at Bandana's?! My sister works at Bandana's in Columbia! She loves it and has worked there over year.
DeleteIt is really need that you are doing physical education. I think you will really like it. I think that there is a high demand for physical education teachers! And if you have been involved in sports your entire life, I think it is the perfect mix of work and hobbies! I think you will love your future job!
Nice to meet you! I too love my family and they mean everything to me. I am actually planning on going to Buffalo Wild Wings on the 23 of December. Its that specific because that would be my 21 birthday! that might be lame, but with my birthday being so close to Christmas, all of my friends are busy so I guess I have to settle for some wings (maybe a first legal drink) and time with the family. So, maybe I'll see you there! Assuming you work in Columbia.
DeleteI worked at the Bandanas in Rolla, and was planning to transfer to the Columbia store, but with school and basketball There was really no time left in the day for a drive to Columbia, work, and then driving home most days.
DeleteRyan HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY! I work in the BWW in Rolla but I hope you enjoy your 21st.
I love how you said that you have never met a stranger. That just means you are a very outgoing person. Just like you, I love having routines! I believe you'll be a great physical education teacher!
DeleteHey girl! My sister went to that community college too! My family is important to me as well so we share that special bond. I haven't worked in the service industry but I think that would be interesting!
DeleteHello everybody!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ryan Hickman and I would be considered to most of you as a "townie". I am from Fulton Missouri, born and raised. Now I am sure that to a lot of people on campus townies probably don't seem to be the best people, but I assure you I am the exception haha. I am currently a member of Delta Tau Delta, so I enjoy spending my time at the fraternity with my friends. I also like to spend a lot of my time with my family, specifically my two younger brothers, Aaron and Justin. (Now time for the cheesy part) I also like to spend a majority of my time with my wonderful fiance Mariah Morrison. She takes up a lot of my time (and money) haha, just kidding, she is pretty awesome. I also LOVE to fish. I also hunt and spend many days out in the woods, but over all fishing is the way I'd prefer to spend a nice warm day in the summer, or even sometimes when its cold. I am now a Middle School Science teacher in the making, and I can't wait to get my own classroom! I haven't traveled too much, but I fully intend to do as much traveling as I possibly can before life gets in the way. Mariah and I are actually planning a vacation this summer to (hopefully) Hawaii. I'd say one thing that makes me exceptional is my positive nature. I'm not going to say that I am the most positive guy you will ever meet, but what I mean is how I handle situations. I am very good at finding the positive in almost any given situation. I pride myself on being positive.
Hi Ryan, nice to meet you! That's so awesome that you are involved in Greek Life, me too! Both my brothers were Delts at Westminster too, Matt and Michael, maybe you know them? I also love to spend time with my family and congratulations on your engagement; I wish you the best! I cannot say that I am the best fisher, but I do like to attempt it from time to time when I go camping. I also hope to go to Hawaii someday too, it is absolutely beautiful! Even though guys do not like pictures, I know your fiance probably does, from a girls perspective, so take tons of pics! I also strive to be a positive person and definitely agree that how someone handles a situation is everything. Our positive attitudes will definitely help us in the future when we are teachers!
DeleteMallory, yes! I do know your brothers, more Michael than Matt. I actually love to take pictures and have considered some type of job dealing with photography (probably should have mentioned this in the initial intro) but I don't think that the pay would be the best! But, I digress, the photos of Hawaii will be covered!
DeleteI really need to let my boyfriend read that you guys are going to Hawaii, maybe he will pick up a hint. I also really enjoy that you have a very strong family value too. Positivity is so important and Im sure will help you become a great teacher.
DeleteA positive attitude is always a good thing! Your students will know and can sense if you have a positive attitude towards your teaching and in life. I could never teach middle school kids though.. Especially science, since I'm not very good at science.. So props to you! You'll be a great teacher!
DeleteRyan, I enjoy fishing as well and I love to travel. My boyfriend has been to Hawaii and he said it was incredible and highly recommends it so I think you should definitely try to work that out. You have a solid resume and I imagine you're only going to do more!!
DeleteRyan, so it is kind of weird that I have to respond to your post! But I just have to say that I am very proud of you in all you do. I am proud of you for going to school and really focusing on your academics. I am proud of you for holding an office position at Delt. That will look really good on your resume. Thank you for all you do! Keep it up and you will have everything going for you :)
ReplyDeleteHello everyone!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Amber Tepen and I live in St. Charles, Missouri and I attended Nerinx Hall in St. Louis. Typically when people think of my part of town, they tend to think of long stretches of farmland. I've heard this many times and it continues to be hilarious, however, I live in a normal subdivision with, what I consider, regular houses. I am the middle child with two sisters, Amanda and Abigail (our parents purposely named us all with A's) who live with my parents, Laura and Doug. I am currently in a relationship with my amazing boyfriend, Kyle who attends the University of Loyola Chicago. I currently play softball for the Blue Jays and my other hobbies include: hanging out with my friends, eating, and sleeping. I am hoping to attain my bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis on social sciences. So far, Westminster has been nothing but an amazing experience and I am looking forward to taking this class with all of you.
Amber, I am really glad that you decided to take this class! ( I know you were debating whether to take it or not). I am really excited that you decided to do secondary education with social sciences! It is definitely a step up from the elementary (loved you lesson in Serota's class :) ) I used to have family that lived in St. Charles. However, when I think of St. Charles, I don't think of farmland! I definitely think of subdivisions!
DeleteHi Amber, nice to meet you girl! That is awesome you went to Nerinx! I played lacrosse there a few times. I give you credit for making that drive every day from St. Charles, I would stay in bed and watch Netflix, just kidding :) I also come from a family where all the kids are named with an M! I too played softball growing up, but no where close to your level! Good luck to you and the lady Blue Jays this year!!
DeleteAmber, I love how you said that one of your favorite hobbies is sleeping! I'm totally with you on that one.. It's great to hear that you want to major in Secondary Education. You will be a great teacher! Good luck this season in softball!
DeleteI wish I could get paid to sleep, I would get quite a bit of cash if that were the case. I wish I would've played a sport in college, I used to run track but didn't continue in college because its a huge time commitment, so props to you for playing softball!
Delete