Introduction

Hello class! My name is Lindsey Payne and I am very excited to begin the teaching credential program at CSUSM.

I was fortunate enough to be born and raised in San Diego. My parents and I moved between Mira Mesa and Lemon Grove for the first few years of my life. My first Elementary School was named Sequoia Elementary in Claremont, San Diego. When I was eight years old, my mom got a job offer at Camp Pendleton so our family relocated to Oceanside. I have to say that they made a great choice! We moved when I was in the middle of 3rd grade so I attended Alamosa Park Elementary. From there I went to Roosevelt Middle School, then spent 9th grade at Vista High School (which I absoultely hated). From 10th through 12th grade I went to Guajome Park Academy. After graduating High School, I attended Mira Costa College full time. I realized that my math skills were very poor when I tested into the lowest math class. Most of my high school friends had the same problem. Our (charter) school didn't use text books and was 'project-based' therefore it was very difficult for me to learn a structured subject like math. I had to teach myself basic math just to pass my classes. I later learned that teachers at charter schools don't need a teaching credential! This made me realize that there are many problems within the public school system and made me want to be part of the positive change.
Since getting my AA at Mira Costa, I transferred to UC Berkeley where I've been for the last two years. It was extremely challenging and through receiving my BA in English, I have learned how hard I am able to work towards a goal that I want to reach. I even found a few spare hours each week to volunteer in a few elementary school classrooms which enforced my passion for teaching and helping others. Its amazing to think that in three semesters I will be a certified Elementary School teacher! While I loved living in the San Francisco bay area, I am happy to be back home. I definitely don't take the weather for granted anymore.

Fortunately technology has come easy to me, although I wouldn't call myself an expert. I am 23 so I guess that makes me part of the technology baby generation. I enjoy playing computer games like SIMS and I still love to play Mario Kart on the Nintendo 64. Although I don't have much time to play either of those games anymore! When I graduated Mira Costa my parents bought me a MacBook and I absolutely love it! I definitely appreciate technology and the resourcefulness of the internet. I can't imagine what it must have been like to do a research paper in the library instead of at home on the internet!

I like many parts of the CSUSM College of Education's Mission Statement. Although, one part grabs my attention more than the others and that is the statement that educators should strive for life-long learning. I think this is a very interesting idea as many people would think that teachers are more of an authoritative "know-it-all" figure. When, in fact, teachers are constantly learning as much as they are helping others learn. No matter how old or how much knowledge one has, there is always room for more knowledge. This process is, in my opinion, is "life-long" as the mission statement says. I heard many good things about the teaching program and CSUSM. Though I never saw the mission statement before I applied. After this first week of classes I am very optimistic and eager to begin the process of becoming a successful teacher!