My name is Kristin Bjerke, and I was born and raised in Oceanside, CA. I went to Empresa Elementary, Roosevelt Middle School, and Vista High School. From there I went to Palomar for my American Sign Language interpreting certificate, and when the interpreting didn't work the way I thought it would, I switched to Liberal Arts and transferred to Cal State Fullerton (Go Titans!) where I received my B.A. in Communications, along with a minor in Human Communications.My experience with technology isn't all that exciting. I grew up with change - I remember my walkman becoming a CD player; my VCR becoming a DVD player; and my cell phone, which was originally for emergencies while driving, is now attached to me at all times. Our computer was slow and now it's fast(er). I am a PC person, always have been. I've always used a computer for school and work, so I'm generally a quick learner when it comes to technology - when I want to be that is. I don't spend a lot on technology, my most recent purchase was a laptop in Spring of 2008, which I made sure had XP not Vista. I'm using Microsoft Office version 2007 and although it's a little annoying to have to remember to save things in compatibility mode, I like the way it's set up better than 2003.
The part of the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement that speaks to me most is the part that says "our practices demonstrate a commitment to student-centered education". This part stands out to me because not all schools think that way, and even fewer act that way. It's great to know that a school cares about the students and the education they're getting. The Mission Statement wasn't really a factor in my decision to apply to CSUSM; more it was the research I did into their program, the helpfulness of the people in the Education department, the proximity to my house and some reviews that my friends gave me of the school and its teachers. I've just always talked about being a teacher, and now that I found a good school for my credential I'm finally going to do it!
Great blog Kris! I like how you described the change in technology...walkman to CD player, etc. I've got an even more historical perspective... I actually remember and even used 8 track tapes to listen to music and watched movies on beta and VHS tapes when they first came out!
ReplyDeleteI mention this because one of my hesitations when returning to college at my age (41) was not having anything in common with all of those
"young kids". I am finding that there is always a universal thread of some sort with individuals who are pursuing the education field. Nice to meet you!
Okay Kris,
ReplyDeleteThis is the third time I'm trying to post this comment. I guess I'm doing something wrong, bc my computer keeps deleting my comment.
Here's the gist of what I said:
Nice blog. I miss my walkman! The part of the mission statement you picked out jumped out at me too. I also heard a lot of positive feedback about the program when I was thinking of applying...
hi Kris,
ReplyDeleteI have a cousin who is just starting the sign language program at palomar so I would love to hear your thoughts on it sometime. See you at class on wednesday!
I have to agree with Beth. For some reason I had a really difficult time posting to your blog. My computer kept locking me out.
Lauren
Hey Kris!! I think your blog is very humorous. You sound like a very funny person. I love the part about the changes in your technological devices. It doesn't seem like VCR's and CD players exist any more, does it? What with all these new DVD players like the BluRay and the Ipods and such things. Anyways, nice getting to know you through your blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Kris...I went through all the tech changes too! But mine were a bit different....8-tracks, Beta tapes, and "real' records that we scratched with that tiny little needle! And, we had to get up from the couch if we wanted to change the channel on the TV! I am lovin' this newest technology!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin, is that the photo booth photo we took in class? I like the effect. I like what you said about student-centered education. I agree with you. The school is there for the students, not for teachers and administrators. I envy you with xp. I have Vista and it takes so long for my computer to start up. Most of the time I just leave it on. I hope that's not bad. I have xp on my work computer and it does seem more efficient. I look forward to getting to know you in class.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteCosta Rica sounds awesome, and it's great that you got your ASL certificate, should come in handy when you're looking for a job.
Remember when Walmans became Diskmans? You could skip tracks, but those things were the size of a Frisbee!
I think it is an awesome step in the right direction for you to start this process since you say that you have always thought/talked about being a teacher. At times I feel a little on the out since I never had that premonition or intuition about myself until recently, but it's always great to hear about someone finding and going about doing what they want for themselves and others. Diskmans all the way! Or is it Diskmen?
ReplyDeleteHi "Neighbor!"
ReplyDeleteI love your blog....great job. I really admire that you've been to Costa Rica and thank you for sharing photos. My brother was the oldest child and he was so "cool" with his 8-track.
Looking forward to getting to know you in 422 - thanks for answering my questions and being patient with my annoying computer ignorances!!
Hi Kristin...it is interesting that you went for an American Sign Language interpreting certificate. I know you finally went in another direction, but I'm curious to know what you originally wanted to do with it. Also, I too had a cell phone "for emergency purposes only" ....it was in the glove compartment of my first car and probably the size of a brick. I think it was something like $1 per minute...it's crazy how technology has changed.
ReplyDeleteHi Kris,
ReplyDeleteBefore my husband and I were married, we took a trip to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is amazing! One of my favorite memories was when we stayed in a little casita at the base of Mt. Arenal and sat on the porch drinking beers and watching the lava flow. So much fun!