Back to Work

So I am back at work this year and this time as a Graduate. I am learning how to manage work and raising my teenage son of 16. It's different coming home without studying.
I had a great summer; we went to Fairbanks for ten days in June, Anchorage for another 10, and Hawai'i on the 10th of July for two weeks. I came home for abt two weeks. After my vacation, I went on a day trip to pick salmon berries with my sister Susan and her family. It was the hottest and calmest day with swarms of angry mosquitoes all around. At the end of the day, I had three gallons of salmon berries stored for the winter, which is enough for my son and I.
I traveled back to work to Anchorage for our district In-Service held in the Hilton. My first day back at work was on August 16. The In-Service was on 6 + 1 Writing Traits. We were grouped according to Primary, Grades 3-6 teachers and Jr. High and High School teachers. Everyone was in a 6 + 1 Trait Writing session. I gained useful insights on planning, implementing, and assessing 6 + 1 Writing Traits using picture books. I have a great understanding on how I can tailor it to include it within my Thematic Unit on Diversity. I also started using the SIOP method beginning with the Content and Language Objectives visible within the classroom. I agree that objectives should include language objectives and through SIOP I am able to do just that.
The only thing that remains is for me to get back into a nice routine without studying since I earned my MA in May. I need a good routine to get back into health and fitness. So far, I have not really started my diet and exercise, but I am making strides toward that.
Today I picked a gallon of blackberries and I think I need to go at least 3 more times to stock up for the winter. It feels odd, not studying, but I like the freedom. I just need to learn how to manage freedom again. Sounds funny, but I do.

Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center Graduation May 7,2010!

http://www.thetundradrums.com/article/1019kuc_graduation_celebrates_ends_and_beginnings

The Tassel was worth the Hassle!

~Every yesterday is a memory of dreams; Every tomorrow is a vision of hope~ 

Arnaucuar MaryAnn and the late Can'aar Teddy Sundown are proud to announce the graduation of their panikcupai Nuraraq Joanne Sundown with an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 

 We would be honored to have you share in our happiness at Commencement Exercises on May 7, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the Yup’iit Piciryarait Cultural Center of Bethel, Alaska.

My Thesis Title: Using Multicultural Literature To Promote Cultural Awareness and Deepen Understanding of Your Own: A Yup'ik Teacher-Researcher's Journey

I have five more days until I graduate with a Masters in Applied Linguistics. I wanted to take the time and respect due to the following entities. I am a firm believer in thanking and giving credit where credit is due.

First of all this thesis is dedicated to my parents Arnaurcuar MaryAnn and the late Can'aar Teddy Sundown of Scammon Bay. As a result of their devotion in sharing the Yup'ik values through oral story telling, Yuraq, love, and compassion, I was directed toward this journey. Kenkamtek cali-llu quyaamtek!

Second  of all I want to acknowledge all the tireless efforts of the Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Education Project staff: my professors Dr. Joan Parker-Webster, Dr. Sabine Siekmann, Dr. Marilee Coles-Ritchie, and Dr. Patrick Marlow, Administrative Assistant Teneesha York, and the Graduate Assistants Carolyn Mousseau and Allan Hayton. Quyana all for your dedication and encouragements toward the benefits of Language Research and Education, believing in me, and guiding every step of my path.

Last of all I acknowledge the following programs and departments for supporting my education: this thesis would not have been possible without the financial support of the Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Education Project  at the University of Alaska Fairbanks funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Alaska Native Education Program. I would also like to thank my school district Lower Yukon School District, as well as UAF's Alaska Native Language Center, Applied Linguistics Program and Kuskokwim College for their financial and logistical support.

In retrospect, I conclude writing a Thesis is messy, enlightening, and necessary. When it is all said and done, one idea remains true, how does the new information (and information you already know) fit into your plans for the betterment of Language Research, Language Education, and your desire to becoming a better person? After all, theorizing and analyzing are often a path to self enlightenment and self discovery.

I wish  my SLATE family (professors, classmates, and friends) great health, prosperity, and happiness today and in every endeavor here after.

To family members (such as my son who put up with my insanity many times), my sitters, and all relatives who offered moral, emotional, and academic support; I thank you for making time to listen to my side, good and bad. My success is your success.

Quyana From:

Nuraraq Joanne Sundown

Yupik Teacher-Researcher/Linguist, Student, Classmate, Friend,

Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Mother