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cybercrusader
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Name: cybercrusader
Country: United States
State: Ohio
Metro: Columbus
Gender: Male
Interests: Web Design, Redemption, video games, volunteering, posting on forums, reading, drawing, movies
Occupation: Student
Industry: Business
Message: message me
Website: visit my website
Member Since:
2/21/2003
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Short Version:
Enough events happened that it is now time for an
update! Most importantly is that Gretel said YES and we are now
engaged! Read below for how I proposed to her. In that same day I was
awarded a Graduate Administrative Assistant Position so now Graduate
School at Ohio State University is covered for next year! Which is
really good because within two days I received the position my
headlights on my car decided to go out, due to a bad headlight switch,
so the extra income will definitely be needed. Left Upward Bound as
Academic Advisor after two years at the end of July. Students and staff
gave me a great send-off, which had me in tears consistently. Will
still be in contact as a consultant to train my replacement as my
schedule allows. Had a blast with my walking group in Chicago as well
as the rest of the students. Advised students in creating their first
Yearbook spreads. It turned out beautifully. Was able to visit old
friends at RCMS at UW-Green Bay and learned the program will not be
ceased after this summer. Permanently moved into my apartment. Spent
time with Gretel with family at the lake and at her apartment after the
engagement. Preparing for upcoming quarter, doing research as I can to
prepare my research proposal next month when schools are in session.
Deciding whether to apply for a doctoral program or to job search for
after next June.
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10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my
house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not
throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that
you will not have room enough for it.
Malachi 3:10, NIV
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Many
times I have read that passage, and many times I have a choice, to
believe what is written, or to decide that was for then, not for
now...This past weekend, I had the experience of a lifetime that
reminded me that just as I have been blessed in the past, I am given
exactly what I need AS I need it. Hard to believe four months have
nearly passed since I wrote last, and in that my life has turned upside
down. So let's get started.
Back in November I approached my friends and I was telling them of
my idea to propose to Gretel, and they were like that's a cool idea, so
when are you going to do it...and I said, next year, at Nationals, in
front of 100+ people, and they told me I was crazy and to think of a
new plan. I was persistent though and put things to work. Our economy
was becoming unpredictable so I knew it was a good move to buy the ring
before precious gems and gold went up drastically, thankfully I had my
income tax check set aside for such an occasion. The ring underway, it
was time to contact my fellow hosts for Redemption Nationals in
Columbus and put the pieces in place. Multiple emails and private
messages and ideas were pushed around until everyone thought I had a
strong plan that would not cause interference with the tournament. Many
thanks to all of you who played a part in making this event such a
success. Now came the hard part, waiting.
I had already been granted her father's blessing and decided to
move events forward. Gretel and I discussed when would be the best time
for the wedding and we realized it would be best if we do it after
everything changes, the week after I graduate from Ohio State
University (June 20, 2009). Now the problem with a June wedding is you
have to make reservations in May, over a year in advance, in order to
have top availability, which meant we were thinking about weddings
without actually being engaged, not a state I recommend anyone to be
in...there is not really a status in the English language for this when
talking to friends and family, nearly engaged just does not cut it at
all. During all of this I told Gretel that I promised she would have at
least two weeks from engagement to prepare for the wedding, though she
never believed me :P.
Fast forward to August 6. Nationals had finally arrived, in my home
state. Seeing everyone who I see once a year was a big family reunion,
meanwhile I had to stay incognito as the hours dwindled down before I
would either be the biggest hero or the biggest fool (or a mixture of
the two) in front of many people. I volunteered to let people stay at
my place in lieu of the hotel, since many people have put me up for
tournaments in the past, it was my turn to use my resources for others.
All of the guys were great, didn't mess up my apartment too badly and
didn't keep me up TOO super late...I offered to help with registration
or whatever was needed so the host could find time to enjoy himself.
The next day had a lot of fun in my category and my deck actually ended
fourth! I never had that kind of record for type II before at nationals
so it was a great feeling. Afterwards was teams deck, a chance to play
with the concoction Gretel and I put together over many hours over the
phone. However, it never took off like we wanted..we did not win one
game :P. When I left, it was 9 hours till showtime.
Friday, August 8, 2008, yes I am that big of geek, I planned to
propose on 08-08-08. Instead of playing that day I decided to just
check in decks and judge. This also allowed Gretel to not see the ring
bulge from my pocket as she was playing and couldn't really stay and
talk with me. As we got closer and closer to the time I was going to
propose before the day started, my ability to count was hindered and I
had to double and triple check how many cards were in decks. The guys
looked at me weird and asked if I was okay, I was like, I'll be fine in
a half hour! And still waited for what seemed like an eternity. Which I
should have realized since gaming tournaments never start on time,
despite how hard the emcee tries to. Finally all of the pieces were in
place. A dear friend created a card for me called two become one, which
I have attached so everyone can see.
The card was taken by the host and
placed in Gretel's deck, which was in a sealed pouch. The judges called
her to the front and asked if she knew who had a silver sleeve that
would have slipped something in her deck...she kept wanting to see the
card, and I knew I was on.
I stepped up to the table and they asked if I knew the card and I
was like yes, but its not mine, and gave it to Gretel and said it was
hers. At this point I knew she was very confused and I asked for the
microphone (which they gave to me off) and gained everyone's attention.
I told the 100+ people that we met two years ago at Nationals in New
York, about our first date and our determination to have a 400 mile
distance relationship work, albeit with help from family and friends.
Finally I grabbed a paper I had written earlier that week to tell
Gretel how much she meant to me and ended with me on my knee struggling
to get the silly ring out of my shorts and asking her to marry me. She
nods yes and smiles and we embrace, everyone cheers and then it was
back to gaming as usual. Immediately we start calling and texting
friends and family, getting cheers, congrats, and already marital
advice (apparently it can't come too soon :P, seriously we appreciate
everyone's concerns and love for us).
After the tournament was over we spent some time with my family camping
at Atwood before taking Gretel back to her job with Orientation
Committee.
For those of you not on facebook, here is a link to proposal and engagement pictures:
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2047544&l=8dddb&id=55301599
The next best part was not more than two hours later I get a phone
call from Ohio State University's Office of Minority Affairs regarding
the GAA position I applied for. I knew it was my last real chance of
having tuition covered before school started and after a slew of
rejections was ready for one more. However earlier that week my Upward
Bound Director informed me that she was contacted by them for a
reference and immediately a sense of peace settled on me. It was a
reminder that God was in control and I was recklessly abandoning
everything along for the ride. Prepared for the worst, I answered my
cell phone and was told, you have the job if you want it, and I was in
disbelief. After 7 months of printing applications, tweaking resumes,
creating writing samples and other presentations , not to mention
countless miles driven back and forth, I finally was able to have grad
school taken care of. I didn't need to take out a loan, Instead I could
just use my monthly stipend and keep my CD for a rainy day. Two great
things in one day! I couldn't be happier.
However, as I am writing this update that God provides for us for
when we need it most. My car is currently in the shop because my
headlights went out on the way from Gretel and I celebrating our
engagement dinner without my fuse going bad or even the lights
themselves. Turns out it was the headlamp switch, and in order to get
back to Ohio on time I had to pay 550.00, not exactly in my budget and
without this job waiting for me I would be freaking out majorly. So now
that I'm a student again, I have to really go back and budget more
strongly for food and gas, my two highest expenses.
Now that I have talked about the most important happenings in my
life, I will return to my old format and follow-up where I left off
last update. As you know I declared that I would be leaving Upward
Bound at ATI at the end of July. The summer program went off very well,
overall. The students were well behaved and the camraderie between
students and RAs was commendable. I tried my hand at advising a
Yearbook class and had students create spreads, add pictures and
captions and even some written pieces. They worked very hard and did a
fantastic job. They now have a priceless souvenir from the summer. The
last night of the summer program the students and staff did a tribute
to me and I was really moved. It was very difficult for me to deliver
my farewell address, but after doing so, I was honored with a standing
ovation. I hope to take all these students taught me to others in my
future endeavors. After the academic program we took the students to
Chicago and had a great time! They got to see the Hancock Tower, eat at
Cheesecake Factory, Rainforest Cafe, see celebrities as they gathered
for the IMAX premier of "The Dark Knight", ride the elevated trains,
and visited many museums, all while staying on DePaul University's main
campus. After the trip I had two weeks to finish preparing everything
for my replacement. Many interviews and poring over applications later,
we had my replacement. To help him ease into the position I am going to
continue to be a consultant for a time as my GAA position will allow. I
still have a couple of projects to finish anyway. Regardless of my new
role, if a student will need me, all they have to do is email. That's
my role and honor of being a TRIO alumnus, achieving success while
bringing others with you.
Speaking of TRIO, this summer I decided to take Gretel up to what I
thought was the last RCMS Alumni Day in Green Bay, WI. We went with
friends I have not seen in almost nine years and had a great time,
despite the construction traffic outside of Chicago that turned a nine
hour drive into 12+. It was great to take Gretel on a tour of where I
spent summers during high school and to reminisce with other students
from my old program. We were all very pleased and excited when MC told
us that he was able to secure private funding despite the Department of
Education turning down his grant proposal. I know personally that
program played a large role in the career path I chose, and I have not
regretted it.
So now I'm in my apartment (FINALLY) officially in Columbus. Hope
to hook up with an old friend for finding a temporary church home as I
settle into my new position, continue reading for my master's thesis
literature review and prepare for September.
Right now, life is awesome, but still full of many questions,
whether to apply for a doctoral program for fall 2009 or if it is time
to enter the field and get some experience? But for now, the thesis is
first before anything else. As always, thanks for your prayers, advice,
words of encouragement and updates. They are a priceless treasure I
will always cherish. Hope and pray your families are blessed and are
doing well.
Grace and Peace,
Bradley Joseph Coverdale | | |
| Short Version:
It's been a very long time since I have updated, most of it I blame
World of Warcraft taking up what free space I have. Finished 2007
Academic year strong. Overall Summer Program went well. Was in charge of
the Atlanta trip and students had a pleasant time. Fantastic time
visiting with GAL and friends from college. Redemption Nationals was a
blast, became Booster Deck Champion! First TRIO Conference in Chicago,
met many people and learned many things to use with my students. Started
MA at Ohio State, currently have a 4.0 with 14.0 credits completed of a
45 credit program. GAL and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary at the
Renaissance Faire where we met with friends. Obtained apartment in
Columbus to stay at between classes during the week. Car was hit in the
rear by a driver coming home from work, who had no insurance...Great
time with GAL and families for Christmas and then Berger's Banzai for
New Year's. Been very spoiled with more interactions with GAL during
Winter Weekend with Four14. Missed being with her for Valentine's due to
stomach illness, but was able to spend Spring Break and Easter together.
Government decided that Upward Bound evaluation was unethical and
eliminated it. Largest group of seniors to advise in Upward Bound
history, almost all have been accepted to college. After enduring
evaluation have prayerfully decided to leave my position as Academic
Advisor at the end of the Summer Program to become a full time student
at OSU and the other life events thereafter. Hoping to work with
lobbyist group TRIO and Department of Education as talks are underway
for a new form of accountability. Putting Ecoquest business to rest and
selling off stock of Redemption cards to save money and liquidate
assets. Despite being informed I was not awarded the fellowship,
teaching assistant or scholarships I applied for this past winter, I am
optimistic as I apply for a couple of research assistant positions or
graduate counseling position.
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1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your
father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 "I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."
4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him
Interesting passage for me to start with for a update that is almost a
year behind. One of the most prominent ways I know it is time for me to
write is when people I see every couple of months inquire to what is new
with my life or when a new crisis comes across my path. But I will get
to that in time. So let's get started. To recap, last April, after
filling the position as Academic Advisor temporarily for several months
I was chosen for the role permanently. Every day I visit one of four
schools and talk with 10-15 students regarding their current academic
progress, future dreams, and plans on how to pursue that future. Last
June my first graduating class left our program, many of which with
financial aid packages much lower than they had planned. However, after
following up a year later, each of the students found a way to make
college work for them and their families who supported them.
The summer program was full of surprises as I had to delicately balance
the boundary between myself, the RAs, and the students. It seemed nearly
everyday I was being pulled by one side or the other and having to make
very difficult decisions. On top of this I led a 2 hour course in
Computer Essentials for College and oversaw the Internship/Job Shadowing
program for my rising seniors. Add to this that my supervisor was
diagnosed with serious health problems leaving me in charge and the
thought of being stressed was an understatement. Overall though, it was
a very successful experience that has me better prepared for
expectations for this year's summer program. We took the kids to Atlanta
and got to see many of the sites including Coca Cola Museum, Georgia
Tech, Martin Luther King's Home and Church as well as the Georgia
Aquarium and Zoo. After such a stressful seven weeks it was time for
vacation.
Great times were had by heading out to see my friends from college and
just get away from everything for awhile. It was also a great time for
Gretel and I to get closer as we were able to be together for two full
weeks! During that time we caught up with friends from around the
country at a church just outside of Kansas City, home of the 2007
Redemption National Tournament. There was not a happier guy in the whole
place, I mean how many guys can say they not only brought their
girlfriends to a gaming event, but that that same girlfriend would have
to face you in one of the games, and then beat you to move on? However I
was awarded a title of my own through a grueling set of games during
Booster Draft round, where luck and strategy play a large role, and the
most unheard of combos become second nature. I had never won a
tournament in Redemption before, it was a great feeling! To add to the
fact that I had the love of my life on my arm the whole time, it could
not have went better. Can't wait to do it again in Columbus this August,
in my neck of the woods!
As with all vacations, mine ended and I had to return to work. The
evaluation process that the Department of Education instilled on our
program was very difficult to handle. In short, I had to do double
recruitment where half would be chosen by an external organization to be
in the other program and the other half had to remain outside of the
program for the next four years. This was the model used to explain the
effectiveness of Upward Bound. This issue among others prompted me to
request that my Director allow me the funds to attend the National TRIO
Conference, our lobbyist group, in Chicago. It was absolutely amazing to
see so many people interested in promoting college access for all
students, not just those with the means to do so. We were informed about
the status of the government and were urged to contact our state
representatives and senators and ask them to speak on our behalf. I saw
in the program that Secretary Spellings was invited to speak, but sadly
did not attend. It would have been very interesting to hear her opinion
on this matter as well as No Child Left Behind. While I was there I was
also networking in hopes of finding a new position within TRIO that
would allow me to transfer to either Penn State or Boston College, who
were well known for their education research programs rather than Ohio
State who was in a rebuilding process after the retirement of many key
professors.
Upon returning to work and interviewing the parents of prospective
students, I nearly choked when I arrived at the part where I had to be
honest and say their son/daughter who was depending on this opportunity
may have been chosen to be part of the control group and that an outside
organization would have access to all records and made all of the
decisions. Each parent saw how much it pained my staff when we could not
accept everyone for Upward Bound, yet they were very supportive and were
willing to do whatever was necessary for just a chance at being chosen.
As I entered OSU and learned more about statistical analysis, I knew
that I was in the right field. It was not till after the first quarter
was over and we heard the glorious words that Congress had deemed this
study unconstitutional and the evaluation was over that I started
considering actually focusing on working with lobbyist groups and
politics as a possible future for me. This was further confirmed as my
heart broke after hearing that the Regional Center for Math and Science:
UW-Green Bay, the program that nurtured me and gave me a chance to
explore medical technology and an actual medical research facility and
decide being a doctor wasn't for me, was defunded due to formatting
errors on the proposal. Months later the Department of Education
apologized for the misunderstanding and said that would be accepted
except that all of the funding was already exhausted. All of my
professors at OSU have a vast array of experience that I can glean and
use to my advantage to battle issues like funding and misunderstanding
between the government and its funded programs. I am pleased to say
after two quarters and four classes under my belt I am maintaining a 4.0
and have already completed 14 credits of my 45 credit program, not bad
for being a part time student! In order to do this I had to finally get
an apartment near campus that I would only occupy 1-2 days a week, drive
100+ miles one way to classes from work and home, and not be reimbursed
for gas. Oh and let's not forget to mention that I had to leave early in
the mornings to ensure I met with my students on time. So in the past
year I have added more wear and tear on my body, my car and my bank
account then I was planning on doing, but this is the cost for free
tuition as an OSU employee and my supervisor has been very supportive,
as well as the rest of my staff, adjusting their schedules of meeting
with me so that I could attend classes unhindered.
The fall marked the one year anniversary of Gretel and my relationship
together. What better way to spend it than the very place we had our
first "date", the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. If you would like to
see pictures, find me on Facebook, they are all there. Seeing each other
only once every couple of months, we knew that with the help of
technology providing us daily conversation through email, instant
messaging and calling one another on the cell phone, we could make this
long distance relationship work, but absence definitely makes the heart
grow fonder. As the school year progressed, it seemed time just flew by.
Winter arrived before I knew it. This winter also had another surprise
for me as I prepared for traveling out to pick up Gretel to visit my
family for Christmas. One rainy evening as I was coming home from work a
lady hit the rear end of my car and did about 1500.00 of damage to it.
Unfortunately for me, she of course did not have insurance, telling me a
sad tale of how she had to choose electric/heat for the house for the
month or car insurance. Whether she was telling the truth or not, I will
probably never know, and I am still waiting for my deductible back from
the insurance...maybe I'll get it by 2010...but I doubt it...Gretel and
I had a great time with both her family and mine during Christmastime,
proving that we could visit both of the families in a suitable time
frame, they would both have to wrestle which family we visited first for
Christmas Eve, which I have been told is the source of many a conflict..
 . After some time with family we headed to Berger's New Year's
Banzai Bash, which we all have decided to affectionately renamed
Bergercon. It was great to just leave the stresses of family and work
behind and feel like we were all back in college in the apartment again.
There were tons of video and board games, enough food to feed a small
African country (hmm maybe we should do that eventually), and stories
and laughter and jokes to last throughout the whole week. It was great
to see friends who had come from near and far and to hear how God had
moved in their lives and vocations.
2008 also marked the beginning of Gretel and I becoming very spoiled in
the fact we would be able to see each other approximately once a month
until summer. Our first event was Hocking Hills for the four14
college/young adult group Winter Weekend. I was glad to finally have my
friends that I have made since coming home from college meet the girl
that has stolen my heart.To see them approve of my choice was an added
bonus. The hike was slightly tiring since I was very out of shape, but
the sights of the waterfalls and the various cave formations were well
worth it. The most memorable part was how the speaker challenged us to
love, serve, and worship with every bit of our being, leaving nothing
back. February was supposed to be Jubilee in Pittsburgh, Valentine's Day
and my birthday, however that week I picked up the stomach flu and was
going nowhere, so we had to delay seeing each other until her spring
break. I was able to give her a tour of Ohio State University campus and
see our great leaders from the Columbus Redemption playgroup and make
plans for Nationals in August, a good time was had by all. Then two
weeks later I headed to Gretel's home to spend Easter together...all the
while gas prices decided to steadily raise from under 3.00 to 3.50 a
gallon on the turnpike...This past weekend I was able to spend time with
her at college at her final semi formal dance. Even though the dance
left much to be desired, we resolved to have a great time, besides, she
was simply stunning in that dress and I couldn't allow her to be all
dressed up and have nowhere to go
Its hard to believe I have been officially the Academic Advisor for a
year already! This year I have been advising approximately fifty
students from four schools, including eighteen seniors, the largest
group we have ever had. I am very proud to announce that nearly everyone
of them was accepted to the college of their choice. I am very
privileged to have worked with such a bright and talented group of young
people, even when they did not want to do as I instructed. It is because
of accomplishments like this that makes my next decision very difficult
to make. In order for me to continue my dream of helping improve college
access for everyone I need to finish my Master's program in a timely
manner. The fastest way to do this is to become a full time student at
OSU next fall. All of my classes that I still need to take are in the
afternoon, impossible for me to work in the morning and then travel up
to 100 miles just to go to class and then 100 miles back home everyday.
This is the hardest thing I have done yet in my life. First, I do not
currently have any graduate funding. I applied for a couple of research
positions as well as a fellowship, a scholarship and a teaching
assistant position, and so far has not resulted in anything. The time
frame of the selection process is drawing narrower and narrower, to say
I am concerned with what I will do is an understatement. Absolute worst
case scenario I will take out a Stafford Loan and start withdrawing some
of my savings to cover tuition and hope to find some form of daytime
part-time employment to pay for bills and apartment and hopefully be
able to save some back for a nest egg for future plans. On top of this
is the fear my family keeps sending me reminding me it took me 6+ months
to find a job after graduating from Messiah College, and I have yet to
use any of my degree directly, how can I be so sure that the same thing
won't happen again. Not to mention the fact that my director told me I
was chosen out of nearly 100 applicants, in today's economy, is my
decision really wise? However with being a full-time student again, I
can participate in research projects, attend seminars and hopefully be
able to network in a way that will make the next transition much smoother...
Second, this decision is very difficult because of the impact it will
have on my students. For some I have been working with them for nearly
all of their high school career and will be seniors next year. How can I
ensure that my replacement is going to understand each student's
individual needs as I have been made privy to? Will they be able to
implement the various senior seminar curriculum or the ACT college
readiness testing preparation courses or be able to secure tutors for
students that struggle in various subjects? Will they understand it was
never my desire to abandon them and that ultimately I leave to fight for
other students like them, even though I may get to see them personally?
My cooperating teachers and the students' parents constantly shower
their praise on my efforts, saying I have been a gift from God for their
students, will they understand?
Finally, there is my director, first off my friend and mentor since high
school and one of the best supervisors I ever had and probably will ever
have. In this crazy time period of attempting to meet quota of
recruiting students and securing teachers for the summer, I am going to
tell her she will lose her anchor come August. She is the one I am most
concerned with in this process. She was the one that took a chance to
bring in a young adult who was very successful in the program with
little advising or counseling experience and set him up with a salary,
benefits, and the opportunity to heighten his skills with additional
education. I did not have my master's but she saw my desire to have the
students succeed. She has told me countless times that my work has been
phenomenonal even if I have slight problems with paperwork and tracking
work hours (I am in the office maybe one day a week, the rest of the
time I am in one of the high schools with the students). She has been
the most understanding and caring colleague I have ever worked with, and
the fact that I will be possibly breaking her heart hurts me in ways I
can't even begin to explain. However, I know it must be done in a timely
manner so we can start the process of finding my replacement.
So there you have it, that's been the last year in a nutshell...a roller
coaster of joys and triumphs with its share of failures and struggles,
but that is the crazy adventure called life. This Friday is my
evaluation with my director, so if you could keep me in your prayers
then I would appreciate it. That will be the time that I will tell her I
will not be returning after August. Prayers too for the upcoming
financial situations, both for me and for Gretel for this summer and
this upcoming year. I also ask prayers for grace, wisdom and purity as
we pursue our relationship further, and for peace about the whole
situation. As always I welcome and encourage all feedback, questions,
advice, prayer requests, etc. I love you all and think of you often and
the various relationships I have with each of you. I am blessed to have
such a wide array of friendships and people that care. Blessings with
you and your families.
Grace and Peace,
Bradley Joseph Coverdale
| | |
| Short
Version
Wow,
amazing how much can happen in less than 2 months! Interview went well,
was
informed two weeks later that I was chosen for the position for as long
as we
had funding. Helped seniors determine what college to go to. Lots of
sticker
shock and no real solution for the parents. Prayerfully considering
getting
masters of Education focusing on evaluation research in hopes of
understanding
and affecting benchmarks that students receive funding. Life goal of
every student
being given the ability to attend the college of their effort without
worrying
about affording the school starting to come to fruition in my mind.
Had
a great time in Harrisburg
visiting friends and girlfriend. Had a blast giving my princess the
regality
she deserved at the Shippensburg Semi-Formal. Planned summer vacation
for after
Upward Bound program in August, will be heading to Kansas
City for a couple days for Redemption Nationals
2007.Agreed
to help at the Redemption booth at Alive when not at Summer Program,
hope to
start playgroup in Northeast Ohio
Received
the word that our Upward Bound program has been granted funding for
another
four years. Learned that the Internet consulting opportunity that I
participated in November-January was a scam and I am potentially liable
for the
funds, even after talking with legal counsel. So far this has only
amounted in
the last transaction that occurred along with my "payment for
services." This determines that I will pursuing my Masters at OSU at
the
limit of 5,000 a year and hopefully complete my program in 2-3years as
attending OSU is free for staff except for books and gas for traveling.
Commute
will be about 2 hours one way each trip. Seeking possible alternative
housing
during part of the week. Have been blessed with the ability to talk to
five of
the alumni or current students in the program to learn the positives
and
negatives of QREME.
Director also has been diagnosed with serious health problems, for all
purposes
I will be the Assistant Director very soon. Prayers about financial
situation,
wisdom in Masters decision, energy to dedicate to the students for the
summer.
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Let
it be known that I do not put together these updates of my life in the
course
of one day, it normally takes a week or two when I gain a spare moment
and
ambition. I want you all to know what is going on with my life but
seriously I
think a podcast would be easier…course would anyone tune in to hear my
voice
for like an hour??? Anywho.. let’s get this started…
Well,
as the short version states my interview for the Academic Advisor went
very
well. Having a portfolio with my completed projects along with results
secured
the position among those that were skeptical due to my age and lack of
professional education experience, at least that's my opinion. That
means I no
longer have to check the Monster job boards, wait for alumni listing
positions
at their companies or even receive my daily alert from CareerBuilder
any
longer...This is why I was not accepted into the Philadelphia Teaching
Fellows
program, I am still curious why I had to go through that whole process,
lots of
miles traveled and frustration just to get here, but perhaps that's a
question
when I am gone from this realm and on to better things. Everyone was
pleased to
see me obtain the position, even my students, so apparently I am doing
a good
enough job for them to approve. I didn't really have to do any job
transitioning since I had basically been completing these duties for
nearly 16
weeks by this point anyway.
Had
my final senior seminar with the students and parents. Sadly, too many
times I
saw their eyes fill up with sticker shock and it bothered me. Here I
was trying
to prepare their students for the next part of life and now these
parents that
can barely make ends meet if that are trying to see how in the world
they can
take care of the financial cost their dream colleges are expecting. I
learned a
lot from this class of 2007 that I will do differently with 2008.
Financial Aid
and Verification reports will be done by EVERY senior by early February
in the
case that they are chosen it will not be a large hassle. Also, I want
the
students and parents ASAP learn what kind of money to be expected to
pay for
college outside of scholarships offered by the institution.
This
has also changed my focus on Education. While it would be good for me
to work
in developing others with skills in computers, my talents are better
used
elsewhere. Just last month I was talking with mom as to why I did not
pursue my
degree in Medical Technology and she brought up a very good point, I
like
research. Let me rephrase, I like conducting experiments and reporting
the
results. I still like my time with my students, but I miss the data
integration
part of my position. Already I have created benchmarks for the class of
2008 to
hit regarding standardized tests. This has lead my focus away from
workforce
development and technical education to one of research and evaluation
of
current methods. I figure if the Department of Education is going to
hold our
funding to certain standards, it would be a good idea to learn what
exactly
that is.
Whoever
said that "absence makes the heart grow fonder" was not kidding. This
six hour distance relationship can be difficult at times, but I would
not trade
it for the world. It becomes easier when we see each other about once a
month...I learned that my GAL had never been given the opportunity to
be
treated as the princess she is in public so I did everything I could to
make up
for that. To see a picture of her beauty (and my existence too) shoot
me an
email and I can direct you to my Facebook profile. Getting to hang with
old
college pals was great as well. Hot Fuzz was a hilarious movie, my only
disturbing moment being when seeing so many random people with guns and
having
that be directed as humor...especially when this was just two weeks
after
Virginia Tech's tragedy...I mean I will admit, the idea of my
grandmother being
armed to the teeth is so bizarre of a picture its funny, but I'm just
hoping
that it is the bizarreness of the display that I found comical and not
the
desynthesizing of the medium...This next trek is going to be the
hardest as it
will be almost 3 1/2 months without having contact with one another. I
am stuck
in Ohio with the Summer
Program
and she now has her on-campus job. I told her the solution is her to
get a job
in Ohio, she said that
the
solution is for me and my friends to complete the transporter…so how
about it
guys? Should we get started J? It will just make our next contact in August
that
much sweeter and more special…
Two
very important events took place since the last update, not only did I
receive
the Academic Advisor position but more importantly nationally Upward
Bound is
going to thrive for at least another 4-5 years, depending on the
proposal! That
means that we can still give hope to those without hope or direction,
the ones
who have no idea how to complete their dream of college as well as
those with
no dreams at all-dashed to pieces by the cruel realities of life. On a
local
note, the OSU/ATI program received funding for another four years as
well. Does
that mean I will stay for the duration of the grant? I cannot answer
that for
certain.
With
my new interest in Education Research and Methodology, I cannot think
of a
better place to receive my Master’s and possibly my Doctorate than THE Ohio
State University..just
the name alone speaks volumes. I have already had the privilege of
contacting
not only professors of the program but also current doctoral students
as well
as alumni. There are generally only 15-20 students in the program
total, so
hopefully this will mean I will have plenty of one-on-one interactions
with my
professors and advisor. The catch is this; Columbus
is a two hour commute from where I work…so prayers needed as I try to
sort this
out. A possible solution could be to start at home on Monday, go to
work till
4, be at class by 7, finish class at 9, and then crash at someone’s
house that
would have shower, bed, and wireless internet. I would then wake up and
leave
for work around 8 to meet the students by 10am,
and stay at home Tuesday nights. I would repeat this process on
Wednesday and
Thursday and work in the office all day Friday. As long as I am a OSU
employee
I receive 5 masters classes for free each year or 15 credits, and since
my
program with the thesis is 45 credits, with 12 of them being alternate
study, I
should be able to complete the program by May of 2009, just six months
after a
certain GAL receives her Bachelor’s, making us “freer” to pursue other
options
than our current living conditions, but much more about that later as
things
progress. So, if anyone knows anyone in the Columbus
area that has a spare room that would not mind letting out to a rising
graduate
student trying to make a difference in this world. I would really
appreciate
it.
Ah
yes, the Internet scam I pursued without seeking divine wisdom and
advice first…well
the long of it is way too long to post about, and most of you know what
it is
anyway. If you are interested I can
explain more to you privately. I will say that currently I am working
with a
lawyer to get Chase to give me a letter in writing that I am not
responsible
for any further charges…and that’s that.
So
on to prayer requests:
- My director has been diagnosed with serious health problems,
starts treatment in June- making me Assistant Director for all
intensive purposes
- That the financial fiasco ends quickly and that I learn my lesson
and move on
- Purity and joy in our times of separation for GAL and me as well
as our times we are together
- Wisdom as I strive to make my path for my Masters of Arts in
QREME possible
- energy and patience for my students during the summer program
- Discipline to focus on what is important and to eliminate wasted
time-exercise, GRE prep, etc.
As
always, I cherish each and everyone of you and the memories we have.
Send me
what is going on with your lives and how I can lift you up in this
great play
we call life. May His grace and peace be with you all.
-Brad
Coverdale | | |
| I found that this wasn't listed quite yet on the journal and I needed to change that...
Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my
brothers, because you know that we who teach
will be judged more strictly.- James 3:1
You know, teaching is very important to God, so
much so that it is mentioned over a hundred times throughout the Bible. That
alone makes me realize it is a huge responsibility that should not be taken
lightly. I know that historically we look at this scripture in a more concordant text (see I still do study exegesis and hermeneutics :P ) but I
believe it also has a meaning in its current version today. It has been this
very verse that has cautioned me about going into teaching, not in a fear of
failure but rather a reverence. That being said, today I was able to go to my
local county and begin the process of becoming a substitute teacher. This will
also give me better insight to help me determine whether or not I want to go
into teaching full time and head back to school to get my Masters in Computer
Education in one of few select schools. More on that later. So what have I been
up to? A whole myriad of things. Today marks the last week in Ohio with my local
UpWard Bound high schoolers before we leave for Pace University and touring of
Manhattan. It will be great to visit NYC and to make new memories besides
playing at Carnegie Hall, quick stops at Hard Rock Cafe, as well as all the food
we had in that "hotel" The New Yorker.
After a week there I will be dropped off in a
random place in Pennsylvania where hopefully I will be staying with friends
until the last Thursday in July where I will then meet some more near and dear
friends in Hempstead for the Redemption CCG nationals 2006 where I will
hopefully see the new Priests cards along with obtaining my national promos,
including the "new" Elijah. Best thing I am looking forward to is that I will
see some people I haven't seen in almost four years, some of you longer. Then
back to Harrisburg to prepare for a very special occasion in which if I lose the
ring, I'm a dead man (or so I'm told) and then back home to good ole Ohio August
7. So many things going on, it's hard to keep track of that, my walk with God,
my home based business as well as researching for where to go for
Masters.
Overall, life is good. A couple prayer requests is
traveling mercies as I am out and about. Also have a couple resumes floating
around for this or that, so prayer in that respect would be great also.
I know this one is shorter than normal, but you try
to type in between monitoring about 40 kids from all walks of life and challenge
them to get ahead and pursue their dreams, starting with a college education. I
pray that you and your family are well.
Ending poverty one day at a time,
Bradley J. Coverdale
| | |
| Apparently I did some reflection one of the days I was bored at Best Buy waiting for customers to come so I could show them why they needed to spend thousands on plasma televisions...Praise the Lord I won't have to endure that again...
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December 2nd, 2006
As I stand here I begin to wonder, why do we have to have so much stuff? Why do things keep becoming larger or larger or smaller and smaller? Why do we have so much space dedicated to making corporations richer and the working class further in debt, as both aspire for some falsehood of utopia? And why do we work just to "pay the mortgage" as the main characters from Thank You for Smoking loves to say? Why am I here? Who am I teaching and what truly makes one brand better than another? How is any of this making a difference in the world? With the natural resources I used driving an hour up here, is this position really worth it? Some of these questions are rhetorical, yet ALL demand an answer....
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