Hi all! My name is Liz Wiggans, and
this is my second year as a 7th grade English TA. When I am not
working for the Bridge Program, I am a junior at Santa Clara University. This summer, I have found that the amount of care and thought my students put into each task provides a great example for the rest of us. It is a cyclical impetus for the TAs, teachers and other students. The energy we draw from each other is so amazing.
Specifically in English class, reading comprehension through analysis of literary devices has become a familiar topic in my reading discussion groups with the students. Today we reviewed a theme offered by Prichelle K., "valuing life in our relationships," in Gary Soto's, The Afterlife. Though she started the group off, the rest of the kids introduced motifs, focusing on the role of "shadows" and "coldness." The students are very excited to include these ideas in their upcoming play which they will write and perform next week.
My Bridge experience has made me see that these kids' desire to learn is beyond their years. This appreciation for knowledge is a sign of exceptional maturity, which is often rarely acquired before senior year of high school. I enjoy this curiosity so much. Today Christina and I facilitated our enrichment course for organic gardening. While one group learned about rabbit and chicken maintenance, the other discussed the benefits of the schools' organic gardens. Later, they enthusiastically helped tithe a beautiful bed- ready for planting tomatoes on Thursday. I can't wait!!