Aloha My Friends :o)

It is so very nice to meet you all, and have the experience of working with you in our 422 class.

My name is Ashlee Black :o) I was born in San Jose California, and raised in Monterey California. All of my family, with the exception of my parents, live on the beautiful island of Maui.

I lived in Monterey my entire life until I left for College, in Phoenix Arizona.

Being an Island Girl, I only lasted 2 years in the desert. I was extremely unhappy living away from the beautiful ocean, palm trees and the Birds of Paradise I was use to seeing outside of my bedroom window, everyday growing up.

It was then I decided to make a change in my life, I knew Arizona was good for college, but it defiantly was not somewhere I could ever call “Home”.

Searching for Hawaii in California I discovered the beautiful city of San Diego :o)

I have been in San Diego for 5 years now, and have never been happier! I live in Carmel Valley with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Pennelope”, who is the absolute light in my life :o)

As far as my experience on technology, I would call my self intermediate. Definitely above beginner, but certainly not advanced.

I am a PC person, and I am very good with everyday computer knowledge. I love to download my pictures to send to friends and family via E-mail, working in Word, surfing the Internet, and I love making my CD’s through I-Tunes, but I am not where I would like to be from a graphic arts perspective. Hopefully with time, and certainly with our class, I am looking forward to advancing my skills :o)

When I read the College of Education Mission Statement, I am drawn to “We are committed to diversity, educational equity, and social justice.”

When we finish our credential program we will have the privilege of following our mission statement by committing ourselves to the diversity of our students through their own diverse needs and learning abilities.

As teachers, we will hold high expectations for our students, build their learning esteem, and self esteem through educational equality and social justice. As a future teacher I will have the honor of modeling my moral, social, and personal behaviors as I will be committed to student centered education, diversity, and above all professionalism.

I have had the privilege of attending CSUSM in 2005 when I was finishing my degree through an independent study program through my University in Arizona, and had a wonderful experience.

I have never met so many professors who are willing to take the time needed to help each student, and support our education through their teachings. I have also been very impressed with the various departments in CSUSM. I have never felt like just another student, I have always received excellent service, with great direction and a smile.

Therefore, when the time came for me to move forward into another direction in my life, and I was called to Teach, of course CSUSM was my number one college of choice.
And here I am! :o)