Another Summer Program (Nearly) Done!

What started out as the anticipated summer that would not end has begun, inevitably, to draw to a close. This picture shows the cover of this years Upward Bound Magazine. The program directors chose the Renaissance as the theme this year, and the students then interpreted that theme in the magazine/yearbook. Once again, they have done phenomenal work. This year we anticipate being able to print the whole thing magazine-style and in full color. English composition was more of a challenge this year than in past years, and the rising seniors have shown less willingness to accept repsonsibility for the tone and example they set. This is the first time I have noticed the effect the older/more experienced students (and the effect older newcomers who have not been socialized to the expectations of the program) have on the younger/less experienced students and students who seem less certain of who they are. These observations probably come as a result of my pouring over the data I have collected (I have to pretend I am actually learning something), but they have value beyond detatched academic applications. I wonder what changes I would (could?) make if I ran the program, and I wonder whether I would even see what I see as a teacher from the administrator's desk. Perspective is everything.
In other news, at the end of August, Hallie will start working 1:00 - 5:30. She is looking forward to it because she feels she is more motivated in the mornings. It is also just about seven weeks until we head to Newfoundland. (Now Hallie is writing.) A lot of people in the ward have donated many books for the cause. I am so grateful for it. But before we get ahead of ourselves with Newfoundland we are going to spend Labor Day weekend in Yellowstone and Hallie is so excited. Today we tried a little eatery that shares a space with a pottery shop. It was quite good. A little pricey, but we had a ton of food left over. We ordered a meatball sandwich and a Philly Cheesestake. The place is called Moochie's, and it is here in SLC. We shared a yummy piece of chocolate cake, too! It is a place we will definitely bring visitors to. BTW, check out our myspace site.