Just in case, my fellow teachers, we forgot why do we became a teacher in the first place, let's have a review to the Teacher's Creed:

Just in case, my fellow teachers, we forgot why do we became a teacher in the first place, let's have a review to the Teacher's Creed: 

I believe I have been called by God to teach.

I believe in children...young and old...black and white...rich and poor....each in need of learning.

I believe in blackboards, chalk dust, textbooks, and computers for each has a part in imparting knowledge.

I believe the love I give to my students will someday be reflected in their lives.

I believe the gift of teaching is not measured simply by marks, enrollment, or the end of the school year.

It is in the witness I give and the fullness of the life lived by those I teach.

I believe I have the power to lead those in need of learning to the threshold of their own minds.

I believe in my giftedness to use each of the tools available no matter how new or old..for the light of knowledge in the eyes of another is my goal.

I believe teaching is more than tests, diplomas, paperwork, and fundraising.

It is the values I breathe daily into another...slowly.

It is in the faith I share in Jesus...ever changing and growing...never ending.

I believe my success today goes unnoticed...until those I teach and touch can stand alone and say "in my life I have learned..."

I believe if I have taught and touched one person...in God's name...I have used my gift to me justly..and can humbly say...

I believe in teaching....

I AM A TEACHER!!

~by Julie McClellan

Nobody is perfect. Even teachers with the noblest profession bound to commit mistakes. But regardless of that blatant fact, teacher plays a vital role in the development of every individual. Teachers molded us to become the person that we should be. They are our second parent. They taught us valuable lessons in life, they opened our eyes to the realities in the world, some teachers inspired us, others also discouraged us for some reasons. But nevertheless, a teacher will leave a footprints in our heart. 

You will never knew what it takes to be a teacher until you become one. When I had this profession more than a decade ago, I was motivated to do my best because when I was still a student, I do have a bunch of very competent teachers who inspired me a lot. But mind you, being a teacher is not as easy as teaching the A-B-C. It requires lots and lots of patience. It is my personality who easily got discouraged, but this profession taught me how to extend my patience more than I could imagine. Every school semester/year, you'll be facing different students coming from all walks of life. I have experienced crying in desperation, walking out from my class, losing my temper but the following morning- you need to face the same group of students who caused you so much headache and frustrations. But the good part there is that, these group of students have their way of making it up to you. They can be the cause of your headache but sweet at the same time. Indeed, the life of a teacher is so colorful.

I do have great respect to all the teachers in the world. Especially those who really did their job accordingly. But my heart sank for those teachers who somehow have lost their profession because of some problems and complications of their own doing. I pity those teachers who were imprisoned for misconduct and other violations. Maybe they were just lost in track but I knew they have learned their lesson well, though they learned it the hard way.

SO, to all the teachers in the world, especially my former teachers from primary to tertiary level_ THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

It's my birth month. Yes. But, for this year, the month of September is very toxic for me. I invest much of my time, effort and health on things that really consumed all  my energy, invaded my personal time, and made my whole month a total mess. In return, this month ends with a hard cough, severe head and body ache. What could I ask for more?

On the brighter side, this month, however, gave me the opportunity to renew my commitment at church. It's been awhile that I haven't gone to church regularly. And I was able to attend a small Bible Study group just in time before I will completely lost my sanity (exaggeration though). Indeed, God will never leave me nor forsake me because He will keep on using other people to reach me out when I almost forget who I am for Him in the first place. (I'm God's precious daughter)

I could only hope that this month of October will be a whole lot kinder to me (Oh please!)

It is hardly a secret that in this country there are thousands of people who do not have access to the justice system. One of the most egregious displays of sentencing laws is that of mandatory minimums. For those of you who think that mandatory minimum sentencing laws make a positive change in regards to crimes, here are some interesting statistical facts which prove otherwise.

1. One reason that America has the largest prison populations in the world is due to Congress creating mandatory sentencing minimums for drug crimes back in the 1980s. These laws have ballooned the prison population from an estimated 24,000 prisoners to over 214,000 prisoners.

2. For every 31 adults in America, one is either in prison, on probation, or on parole. 

3. If a prisoner is in the Federal prison system, they have no chance of parole. They are required by law to serve a minimum of 85% of their sentences.

4. 95% of all persons convicted of a drug crime, including first-time non-violent offenders, received a prison sentence.

5. 77% of Americans, including those who support groups such as www.gji.org, support the elimination of mandatory minimum sentencing laws used on first-time offenders who have committed non-violent crimes.

6. In an odd reverse display of funding, the United States government has cut funding for state and local law enforcement agencies by nearly half. At the same time, they have increased the funding for Federal prisons by almost 50%. It is things like this which show where the priorities lie.

7. The cost of a single inmate to taxpayers equals almost $84 per day. This is over $30,000 per year. 

8. On an annual basis, United States taxpayers shell out $50 billion in the name of state prisons.

9. When it comes to offenders who are considered low-risk, those who spend the least amount of time in prison actually have a 4% less chance of committing a crime than do those who spend more time in prison.

Hopefully, these facts can help to change the mind of those who consider mandatory minimum sentencing laws as a way to positively affect crime and those who commit it.

Home improvements and renovations are becoming increasingly popular activities as more and more homeowners are electing to stay right where they're at, making the most of what they've got. As the housing market still struggles in many areas to make a full post-recession recovery, many people remain wary of getting into the housing market right now. Improvements and additions to their current residence can make living conditions much more comfortable, and if done in the right manner, can be a fiscally wise move. Making some changes can ultimately result in adding considerably to the home's resale value, so investments now can possibly pay off handsomely in the future.

As important as improving living conditions inside the home are, homeowners find that making improvements and additions outside the home are important as well, and for a number of very valid reasons.

The addition of metal barns, metal garages, metal sheds, metal carports and RV covers provide homeowners with several options in how to utilize their new structures, all the while making a new and very aesthetically pleasing addition to their property, subsequently adding to the home's overall value.

Structures made of metal are more durable than those made with wood. Able to withstand all types of weather conditions very well, they are very low maintenance and don't have the problems wood structures face with rotting, termite infestation, and are a considerably lower fire risk.

Homeowners that may be considering adding a new metal structure to their property would be wise to look into leading companies in the industry, ones like New Deal Metal Buildings, that specialize in the sales of durable, prefabricated metal buildings and structures.

The company that can best serve customers will feature an extensive array of building sizes and design options to choose from in each structure. If customers should have any special needs, that company should provide the capability and willingness to work with the customer on coming up with a custom-built structure that will suit all the customer's needs.

New metal outbuildings and carports, coming in a variety of attractive colors, can provide tremendous areas for additional storage. Storage within durable new metal structures will enable vehicles, equipment, and other items to be safe from harsh weather conditions that occur everywhere. From the beating down heat and intensity of the sun that can fade paint and interiors, to harsh rain, sleet, hail, storms, and snowfall, everything can be protected in a durable metal building.