Miss Short Begins Her Last Practicum

This week I began my last semester of practicum...this is crazy talk!!! Even though it has taken me quite some time to come to the end of my schooling, I am grateful the experience of working in so many classrooms!  I am nervous to begin student teaching next semester, but I am soooooo ready to be teaching my own kiddos.

This semester I am given the opportunity to work in a third grade classroom and in a resource classroom, within two different schools, districts, and teachers. It definitely keeps me busy, and on my toes with so many students to keep track of. 

Thursday, I met my third grade mentor and students after lunch. As soon as walked in I was already interacting with the students. Normally on the first day of practicum, I observe in the back, while the students stare at me, trying to figure out who the weird lady is in the classroom. My mentor asked me to come to the front of the classroom and explain who I was, and what I will be doing in their classroom this year. After I gave a brief bio about myself, I took answers from the students.... this was the best part. :) 

As I called on students, I received these responses:

"I like your hair!!!"

Student: "Miss Short, what is your real name?"

Me: "Natalie"

Students: "Aw that is such a cute name." 

"I really like bacon. Do you?"

"Are you going to teach us? I hope so!"

"I think you are going to do great!"

"You live in the Grand Canyon?!"

Later on, I walked with my class to their art special and had a meeting with my mentor. Talking to this woman made me so excited to work in her classroom. Not only is she so professional and a great teacher, she is willing to help me become the best teacher I can be. She offered me lessons to teach in her classroom, and the opportunity to make my own lessons up for the students. You don't realize what a hard transition it is from observing and helping students, to actually being in charge of content of 30 students. Of course I get a tad nervous with the great responsibility, but this is the time to learn. :) I am so grateful!! 

And onto the next pracitcum...

Friday, I began my resource placement in an elementary school. 

A little insight before I share this experience.... Each time I am given a placement by my TED and the district, I look up the ratings and other information about the school I will be working with. (Sometimes I wish I wouldn't so it would be a surprise...but it's in my nature to research schools). As I looked at the rankings, I was shocked how low this school scored. The school only ranked two stars. I have worked at some pretty tough schools, with low-income families, but some of the comments I saw, I was shocked. 

I kept the negative comments out of my head, and showed up to the school ready to help the students. As I interacted in the classroom with the students who came in and out all day, I discovered some interesting facts about the school. One student mentioned that they kept receiving new students in their classroom. My mentor asked how many students they had in their class now... (I was assuming about 30-32)... The student responds with 55. At that moment, I don't think I hid the look on my face very well. Of course I thought the student was exaggerating, but then I asked my mentor if she was serious, and unfortunately she was. 

It took everything in me to be okay with that. Fifty-five students in a fourth grade classroom?! Are you kidding me?! Grant it they do have two teachers in the classroom...but still! It blows my mind that schools would think this is okay. The ratings of the schools fled back into my head, and it all started to make sense to me why this school was lacking. It breaks my heart for those kids. Elementary school is where they receive the foundation of all their learning... (If you couldn't tell I'm a "little" bit passionate about education) 

I asked my mentor how many students he had on his caseload, he responded with 40... That means 40 IEPs, at least 40+ meetings, and over 40 IEP goals he has to help his students achieve. Not a simple task for just one teacher if you ask me. 

I am not a baby, I know teaching is difficult, especially being a SPED teacher...even when some think it is one of the easiest professions out there. But we need to help our schools out!!! Having one resource teacher for 40 students is crazy! Students in this program need special attention, but aren't receiving it! 

As hard as it is to accept the facts of what is occurring at this school, I have to look at this experience as something I can learn from. But mostly, I need to be there for those students who walk into the classroom. Most teachers do not desire to work in tough schools...but the more I get involved in them, I realize the importance of the role of a teacher. Teachers are needed by the students, and as teachers we should want to be needed. Yes, working in fancy schools is fantastic...but there is a sense of students not clinging to you. I almost feel that your role is so much higher when you work at a low-income school. Not only are you a teacher; you are a mentor, supporter, and a light to the kids. 

In the end it is always worth it. <3 

Warrior of Faith

As the year is coming to an end, I reflect on all the good and the bad that has happen in the 365 days. To be honest, this year has been by far the roughest and toughest year I have encountered. But even with the unfortunate happenings, I have learned so much about myself. I have learned my faith is what I rely on during the moments that I feel are impossible to overcome. I have learned that no one is invincible, not even myself. I have learned that as I get older, so do others around me. I have learned the value of each given moment. 


I have been blessed for so many years to never have to experience a close death in my life. But like I said, as I get older, so do others and health begins to grow weak. This past year I have had more deaths than I can count on my fingers.

You don't realize the ugliness of cancer until you have experienced a friend fighting through it. It's beyond confusing. One day the doctors says they are doing great, the next day they inform you on how much longer your friend has to live. The word cancer scares me… It is hard to be the rock to your dear loved ones during such an evil sickness, because cancer is unpredictable and a powerful infection. All you can do is pray.


No one is invincible. Everyone expects older people to pass away first... I was even one of those people who had this idea of death. I found myself assuming that I was guaranteed a life until I was at least 85 years old...but that is not the case. This year I was given a tough reality check that even little kids or people my own age are not guaranteed their lives. It’s never fun to receive a text message that your friend’s six-year-old boy died in a tragic accident, or your cousin’s girlfriend had a miscarriage half way through her pregnancy. Nor is ideal to find out your friend passed away through Facebook… Things began to get tough in the matter of a few months with bad news after bad news.

In the midst of this huge storm I was facing I had close ones attempt suicide, others go to the hospital, and discover sicknesses.

I felt lost…frustrated…confused…angry… and hurt.

My world was spinning so fast to grasp what was going on. I wanted to wave my white flag so high for God to stop this awful storm. Why was God making me become so familiar with death? Why would He make all this happen at once? I was becoming numb with my emotions…after one unfortunate tragedy to the next I wasn’t feeling anything. About the time I got over one event, another storm was brewing.  I began to expect the worst of each week. I began to become paranoid that someone was going to inform me on bad news. I refused to express my pain to others, I didn’t want to give light of my messy life, and I sure didn’t want people think I was weak.


Sometimes I think I am stronger than I actually am. I find myself thinking that I can solve all these problems by myself. Sometimes I think that if I just avoid the problem there won't be one. I find myself believing that if I bottle it up my emotions and do not express hurt it will show my strength. I felt like I had to be the rock for so many people when the world was caving in on me. 




In all reality, this is a joke... I am weak, and I need God to strengthen me.

God has shaken up my world in ways I never saw coming.


I know this may sound odd, but I can honestly say that I am grateful for God shaking up my world…I have never clinged to him more, and I have definitely seen my faith grow stronger. No, I am not happy to lose my family members, friends; watch loved ones go through sickness, and to have problems that may not be solvable.  But I have seen my faith get tested this year. I have realized some things are completely out of my control. I have realized the only way to show my strength is to lean to God. 

I must become a warrior with faith as my armor to get through the toughest of battles.

One of my biggest of weapons was prayer.

Through the midst of my storm I prayed and I prayed.

I prayed for strength.

I prayed for peace.

I prayed for it all to make sense to me.

Only God knows why he needs the people he takes away from the earth.

I know we find ourselves saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” I honestly think events do happen for a reason…maybe not intentionally, but a lesson can be learned from everything we encounter. Unfortunately, I learned a very hard lesson.

I have learned never to pass up a moment to say, “I love you”, the value of a great hug, and how important is to cherish every second we are given on this earth. I have learned there is only so much you can handle on your own. It is okay to ask for help, and admit you are weak. {A very hard lesson for a girl who is the queen of stubbornness}. It’s crazy how when awful things occur and it stops our world, and it makes us put things into perspective.

We are not guaranteed life. I find myself expecting to have another week to live to be able to just push back things on my to do list, and not cherish moments with others as much as I should.

Every second given to us by God is a blessing.

Without the armor of my faith I don’t think I would be able to get out of the fog I once felt I was stuck in.

I know things get darn right crappy in life…but please remember that God knows what he is doing.

As for now, do not take another day for granted. Life is unpredictable, so cherish each day like it was your last.

I challenge you to make the best of each day this upcoming year. Do something you love, laugh until you pee your pants, and be kind to everyone.

You never know what storm someone is facing.  

{Xoxo- Natalie} 

That Awkward Girl Playing Cupid

Days like this I have to sit back and giggle at where I am at in life.... 

So during the holiday season you can just tell there is something different in the air that we are inhaling.  Hmmm..maybe a little thing called cuddle bug fever {Just kidding I'm just making up a disease for something doesn't exist...nor do I have}. For some odd reason, tis the season to be in relationships. I mean, I don't blame you love bugs out there...it would be lovely to cuddle up next to someone during these chilly days, look at twinkling Christmas lights, and drink hot chocolate next to a handsome hunk. But as you know, I titled this as an Awkward Girl's story...therefore things are about to get silly. 

For some strange reason, people in relationships come up to me for advice{Which I am honored}. But they are silly little hooligans for thinking I have proper relationship advice to give them, coming from a girl who hasn't been in one. I'm not sure if people forget this, or just assume I am in a relationship...but boy do I have you fooled. I must say, my relationship advice must be working because the couples are still together. Sometimes I'm not sure if I am giving advice or just babbling. But hey, I'm helping love stay strong.

Not only do I give advice, but I help people find their significant others gifts. Again, I do not know why people decide to ask the single girl for guidance. {No, I do not know the appropriate gift to give your man that you have been dating for year....maybe a night light?}. Hmmm...just blows my mind. 

As I sit here pondering about how silly this all  is... I realize I am helping others relationships grow and develop but here I am sitting next to my pillow. Hmmm...maybe I should give up playing Cupid, so Cupid can get hit by the love arrow and start their own journey.... 

xoxo 
Awkward Girl 

Crafty Christmas

Elf at Work

Check out the new crafts listed in "Get Your Craft On". Here are a couple of craft projects that are happening in the Short household. 

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Tis the Season to Give

I love everything about Christmas!! (Besides the angry people in the stores). I love the smell of fresh baked goods, the pretty twinkling lights, and the joy it brings to many.

This time of year is spent being thankful for what we do have, and to help others who are less fortunate.    Last month I made it my goal to find something I am thankful for each day. This month's challenge is to give back to others. 

I love being able to donate things that I already have in my house, or to go shopping for a Christmas Angel. It is such a good feeling to provide for others, and to see how it affects them. 

On another note, I am a huge advocate for animals. (I know you guys probably had no idea). I think it is important to remember that there are animals in shelters that do not have the little things such as blankets, treats, or medical needs during this holiday season, especially those animals that were a part of natural disasters. Roxy and I always try to donate toys, blankets/towels, money, or other doggie supplies to help those pups in need. 

We encourage you to find some type of way to give back during this holiday season. Whether it is donating pocket change to the bell ringers, buying a stranger a drink, or opening a door for someone. In the bible it states that we should serve others. Colossians 3:23-24 states, "Whatever may be the task, work at it heartily as for the Lord and not men, knowing that is from the Lord." There are so many ways to serve others the possibilities are endless!!! 

Get out there and serve others with a joyful heart.<3

XOXO Roxy and Natalie

Clothing Drive 

To end the semester with students packing up to go home for the holidays, Camelback staff decided to do a clothing drive. We figured students would start noticing clothes they weren't wearing, and would be able to donate their unwanted goods. This was beyond the simplest event to put on! All we had to do was place a box with a sign on it, and bam residents were donating like crazy! I literally put my box out for a day and my box was full! By the end of the week I had bags of clothes overflowing my box! My residents are great! All items were donated to homeless ministries. 

The picture below is some of my crazy staff members and I trying on the clothes that were donated. We had the whole dorm to ourselves so we figured we would have some fun while on duty :) 

Keep donating those unwanted clothes to people in need!!!