Journal 1: Introductory Letter about Me

Hello! My name is Casey Belsly and I am born and raised a San Diego girl. I am 22 years old and a recent graduate of Chapman University in Orange, California. I got my degree in molecular biology, with intentions to become a doctor, until I re-prioritized my life and realized that my focus is around children and family. I am eager to become a teacher to impact the lives of the little ones I cherish so much! My most favorite jobs have been as a Sunday School Teacher, a Nanny, and a Surf Camp Instructor for the YMCA. I hope to teach young elementary school children, especially kindergarten, and would love to teach in San Diego County one day ☺ I went to Park Dale Lane Elementary School, Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, Diegueno Middle School, and La Costa Canyon High School.

Some of the wonderful children who have influenced my decision to become a teacher!

Technology has always been a passion of mine. Digital Cameras have completely changed the way I live my life. I have always documented the events in my life, but this emerging technology has allowed to me capture events, moments, and perfect skills that are invaluable to me. I love to make movies as well. Final Cut Pro and I have a love hate relationship, but I love the memories I have created with them! The most meaningful creation was an interview of my grandparents about their childhood, married life, and family. I merged their footage together and made a family history heirloom that can be passed from generation to generation with their images, audios, and stories. As a result of these loves, I am most definitely a MAC girl, however I enjoy PCs just fine ☺ I love to keep connected with friends and family, so I am proficient in email, Myspace, and Facebook. I created a Myspace page for our family to keep in touch, even with our relatives in France! I use word, the internet, and internet resources daily. As Mary Stefanki Davis put it, I never use paper: everything is electronic for me! Technology is a huge positive component of my life.

One of my favorite pictures I took at St. John in the Caribbean ☺

I am very supportive of the College of Education’s Mission Statement. I think that diversity, equity, and social justice are not only important components of education, but of shaping individuals. As educators we will be shaping young minds to become independent, responsible, capable adults, and it is important to teach students how to function and relate to others in the outside world. I think that reflective teaching is essential to become better educators to be more influential in our classrooms. I think that collaboration, professionalism, and shared governance are equally important to be the most effective we can be, and be outstanding members of the classroom, school system, and community. Most importantly, Cal State San Marcos’ College of Education values a student-centered education, which I believe is the reason we are here. We are all becoming educators to help prepare students with intellect and for the future. I cannot wait to put this mission statement into practice!