Bethena Glenn's Blog

Our "Mini" Campus

2006-05-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

In case you have not noticed, Prescott is a small town. It is cute and friendly, but does lack some of the luster and excitement of the big city. As a woman who is from Seattle, I have come to relay on some such amenities. There are a few coffee houses in our little town, but to be honest, non of them stacked up to my expectations until recently. The Raven Cafe just opened this spring and let me say..."Amen"! Finally a place to sit, study, drink really good coffee or great beers, and chat with friends. The owner of the cafe has really gone out of his way to establish a beautiful and culturally rich space for Prescottonians to congregate. It has actually become an extension of campus. On any give day or night you can run into fellow classmates, faculty of PC alumni. Not the place to hide of you are skipping class. : )
So if you need a break from the hussel and bussel of campus, or need to fill your belly with yummy, environmentally conscious food, hop down town and take up a seat at the Raven Cafe. Chances are I will see you there!

Campus Evolution

2006-05-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

The summer is upon us. Spring graduates have flown the nest, on to bigger and better things. Returning students submitted their final portfolios and are off on summer break. The campus, al be it open, takes on a very different energy during the summer. Administrative offices are in full swing and there are the occasional Graduate students, or people working on Independent Study programs for the summer, but for the most part, it is very quiet. The town itself takes on a different vibe. Sure there is the absence of the students from all three colleges, but it is more than that. Phoenix is beginning to become unbearably hot and the residents often run to Prescott for higher elevation relief. Tourists from all over the country come to experience the local culture and truth Southwestern flavor. Our little town has a fresh face and one I am just getting to know. As one of the few students who will remain in town for the summer term, I am excited to investigate the summer changes.

2006-03-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you lord for school breaks. There is ootles of research about how long students can concentrate on one subject at a time without taking a break. The general consensus among educators is that students cannot focus for more than 50 minutes. I would like to do a similar study evaluating how long college students can take classes without a break. My personal take on it, is no longer than four consecutive weeks. This is the end of week four and we are ready for a break!
I will be traveling home to Seattle for 10 days to hang with old friends in my favorite restaurants and coffee houses. Needless to say, I am excited. I am having a good quarter, learning amazing things in classes I really enjoy, but there is only so much the human brain can absorb before shutting off. I look forward to the opportunity for the information to marinate. So happy people, I will be away having fun and giving my brain a rest. See you all in a couple of weeks.

Learning: Not Just Academic

2006-03-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

The classes I am taking this quarter range in the ways in which they push me to grow. On one hand I have a very academicly challenging class that is packed full of new material to be assimilated into my brain and my practice. Interesting but a big challenge. On the other hand I have a class that really pushes my mental and personal boundaries. We are asked to evaluate and deconstruct big topics about our identity and place in the world. Equally as much work but in an entirely different way. I find that by the end of the days, were I have both classes, my mind is swimming! Sure, we are in an institution of academia and we are expected to leave as a competent leader in our field of expertise. But we are also people and that can never be divorced from the work we do in our careers. I think we need to do as much work on ourselves as we do on acquiring information, in order to be successful individuals and members of our society.

Back From Block

2006-02-21T16:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a ride it has been. I spent my block in India doing an independents study, where I evaluated literacy across cultural boundaries. Fascinating! Now I am back and settling into the PC community. For those of us on the track to Teacher Certification, the journey can seem like a road map leading up to the pinnacle of student teaching. Although I have designed my own degree, there are still a number of requirements I need to check off the list before entering the classroom. I will be doing my teaching this coming fall and the horizon is growing exceedingly near. I met with a mentor today to discuss the remaining process. I am so thrilled and yet so anxious. On one hand I think, "Ok Bethena, you were born to be a teacher, it is the only thing you have ever wanted to do, you have more knowledge than can ever be covered in one class, it will be great. Do not worry." Then on the other hand I think, "Oh Lord, there are so many state standards I have to cover and so much to teach my kids in such a short time! How the heck am I going to get it all gone?! Yikes." My mentor reassured me that all good teachers go through the same thing and at the end of the day it WILL be ok. So I trust her experience and wisdom and will get up tomorrow and do it all again.

School and Community

2005-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

This Sunday I had the honor of serving my community as a part of my educational experience. One of my classes has as a service learning component. Three of us from this class decided to go out into our community and feed the hungry. We connected with a local chapter of "Food not Bombs". This international network of committed citizens, collects ingredients from local stores and cooks meals for the hungry. We put together quite a feast and took it down to the courthouse square. For hours we sat, ate good food, and had amazing conversations with those who came to break bread with us. It helped me to remember that my education is not separate from my life and that I should continue to seek out avenues of connection. At this point in the end of the term I can become overwhelmed with the amount of work I have and forget that there is a whole world outside of campus. This Sunday helped to me remember the big picture. I guess that is what service learning is all about.

Dancing it Up

2005-12-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

This Friday many students went out into the community and had a wild night of Contra Dancing! It was soooo much fun. There must have been about a hundred people there of all ages and walks of life. It is a bit like square dancing. You and your partner work your way down lines of other dancers, swinging and laughing. I have not had that much fun in ages. It is all the rage here in Prescott and I plan on jumping on the band wagon. Come on by and join the fun.

Push to the End

2005-11-28T15:17:00.000-08:00

Well kids, we are just three weeks out to the end of the quarter and the energy is high. For most of us that means only six more classes and a multitude of papers, projects, presentations and portfolios.(The big P's) For those of us in the midst of our time at PC, stress is a common emotion. Students run about campus, meeting with faculty and advisors, spending hours in the computer lab and cat napping in the couches of the library. For the lucky students who are graduating this term, smiles are abundant! Senior projects are coming to completion and they are preparing themselves for life beyond higher education. We all wish them luck and send them out into the world with hugs and support. All in all, it is an entertaining scene here at Prescott College.

Weekend of Fun

2005-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we hosted another preview for prospective students and their families. It was amazing amounts of fun. The students that attended seemed genuinely excited about learning and the adventures of higher education. I had great discussions about the realities of interdisciplinary learning, creating one's own degree, living off campus and the in's and out's of social circles at Prescott College. Prospective students were also invited to attend introductory classes hosted by a number of our faculty. The one I sat in on was "Why Religion Matters" by Cultural and Regional Studies departments faculty, Grace Burford. It was an amazing introduction to class dynamics at PC and how within each curriculum we support Critical Pedagogy.
My favorite part of the day had to be the student panel at the end of the night. I remember listening to the insight shared by a student panel at my orientation. At that time I was new to the whole PC world and their experiences were priceless to me. I hope that the wisdom we shared, as current students, with the possible new comers was equally as helpfully. The entire experience reminded me why I love this school and why I want other students to have an equally rich educational experience.

Grad. Students come home to the flock

2005-11-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

There is a new energy on campus today that will carry through the weekend. All of our wonderful Graduate students have come home to share their learning with the rest of us. I am continually inspired by the work of my colleges and this weekend is no exception. I look through the descriptions of the projects my peers are presenting on and I am stunned! They have taken their learning and applied it on a whole new level. There is everything from "Integrating green building into urban settings" to "Butterfly Conservation" followed by "Learning communities:Impact of English Language Learners" and "Journey through Tanzania". Not bad huh?
Throughout the weekend there will also be a number of workshops and presentations by faculty and guests, all related to the work being done across the board for social change. Of great interest to me is the Key Note speaker, Paula Rothenberg. I have read some of her work on diversity issues and whiteness and white privilege. I am very excited to hear her speak and get the amazing opportunity to ask some burning questions. The campus is a buzz with new ideas and innovative discourse. I am thrilled to be an active part of it.

Journeys in Education

2005-11-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

One thing that really drew me to the Education program at PC was the focus on getting us right into the classrooms. It is my first term as a junior and already I have visited five schools! Toady was great. We went to observe at a Constructivist school that houses grades K-5. As I wandered around the classes and watched the little ones eagerly engaged in lessons, I was reminded why I want to be a teacher. I could see that the foundation being laid where each student saw learning as fun, would change the course of their lives. It was yet another amazing day in Prescott.

The Beauty of Portfolios

2005-10-31T15:43:00.000-08:00

As you have probably guessed PC is not your common, traditional school. One of the many things that makes us unique is that very few professors give standard tests. The general feeling is that a students true understanding of the material is generally not reflected in the results of a test. Instead many classes ask students to construct a portfolio throughout the term. I'm currently taking a Learning Theories class and my professor has asked us to create such a portfolio. Believe it or not, it is a lot of fun! Within the confines of my green zip-up binder are the section headings: Class Notes, Research, Service Learning, Text Notes and Journal. This is such a clear and easy way to keep my info. organized and to begin to see the claims and connections where each section applies to the next. Twice throughout the term my professor collects the portfolio and reviews my learning. She can get a more comprehensive view of the projects I am a part of, the work I am doing in preparation for the big research paper and my overall understanding of the material. The portfolio also acts as the foundation for how my professor will evaluate me at the end of the class. I see this form of educational presentation to be much more representative of the things I have learned and how I have personally grow as a result of the class. GROOVY!

Time: The Game of Balance

2005-10-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Time has always been my nemesis. Perhaps it is because one lifetime is not enough for me to do and learn all the things I'm interested in. This has been especially true after having returned to college at the ripe age of 26. I feel as though my life is a constant juggling act and at times I'm having a blast and at other times I think the whole collection of objects in the air could come crashing down. This weekend was the perfect example. A few of my friends had birthdays at the end of the week and so my nights were filled with outings and drinks to celebrate their lives. All fun and good, but left me with no time for school work or sleep. I knew Sunday would be dedicated to tutoring, house work and paper writing, so when Saturday morning arrived I said "Ok, I'm not going out today. In fact I'm not even getting out of my sweat pants! Today is just for me." IT WAS GREAT! I listened to good music, cooked tasty food, finished some creative art projects and had a rousing debate with my house mates about the nature of romantic partnerships. Most importantly I re-established the balance between devoting time to the world outside of myself and the world within myself. Now, Monday morning, I am revitalized and excited to start my week. The game of time management never ends but some weeks I'm better at it that others. : )

Extracurricular Community

2005-10-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I was having coffee with a friend, who is also a PC student, and chatting about all the amazing things going on outside of our little fish bowl of classes. Just in the past three days there have been a myriad of exciting events to attend. The President of the college, the wonderful Dan Garvey, facilitated a stimulating open forum on the meaning of "Social Change". How do we as an institution and as individuals lead a life devoted to evolving our world. Not only did it provide me with food for thought, but it was also a great example of how the Administration is very accessible to me and values my voice in the community.
Then last night there was a vibrant musical concert in Flagstaff which a group of students drove up too. For those of us who could not be out that late due to 8am classes(me), Yavapai college was hosting a panel discussion on the workings of the United Nations.
Yet another way to get involved with your world continues tonight when North Moench will lead a gathering of people through ways to become part of the Kenya Project. Prescott Colleges collaboration with the Massai people will hopefully be a ongoing project for years to come.
This is only a small sampling of events. Others range from Meditation groups to film screenings. You are never short of things to get involved with here at Prescott, only short on time.
My friend and I ended our evening wishing we had another four years to devote only to extracurricular projects. Wouldn't that be a perfect world.

The Sky's The Limit

2005-10-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

A term you often hear associated with Prescott College is "self directed learning." Now many of us have a working idea of what that must mean, but what does self directed learning really look like when put into action? I think my experiences today will help to illustrate this concept. (My good friend Paco and I)
Prescott College is a working laboratory where you as the student can mix and blend a variety of elements in order to make your visions come true. One of my great passions is Cross Cultural Education and how educators can ban together to help expose their students to a variety of the worlds cultures, that would then be beneficial to all groups. Last May a group of students, co-facilitated by Mary Poole(PC Faculty) and Meitamei Olol Depash(Massai Activist), traveled to Kenya for a cultural immersion experience. These students returned to Prescott fundamentally changed. Not only had their experiences shifted them personally but they also created alliances and partnerships that will live on in the fututre.
One such partnership is Prescott Colleges commitment to continuing work with the Massai people in years to come. How I fit into this whole picture is that I met with my faculty advisor today and we discussed a format for the 2007 trip based on Cross Cultural Education. This project is in it's infancy, but the exciting thing is that I had a desire to get involved, brought my vision to key people and am now going to be a fundamental voice in how this trip takes shape! These are the types of experience you can have at this institution, because our mission is to really support your vision and help you fulfill your passions. It is not just lip service, it is motivation in action.
- For more information on the Kenya Project contact North Moench at northmoench@msn.com -

The World is our Classroom: Reflections on Wilderness Orientation

2005-10-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

There are a multitude of things that make Prescott College exemplary but one that really stands out is Wilderness Orientation. The first block class all incoming students, be it first time freshman or transfer juniors, have to take is Wilderness Orientation. This three week back packing trip through Arizona acts not only as an introduction to Prescott College and it's ideals, but also as the most comprehensive classroom you could ask for. My "tribe" of eight students and two fearless instructors journeyed through the East Verde river canyons and the Mazatal Mountain range. From sun up to sun down we processed topics ranging from local flora and fauna to group dynamics and communication styles. The wilderness was our laboratory for investigating the intricate workings of the natural world and our relationship within that world. We could not have gotten such a rich understanding had we been cooped up in a traditional classroom. The phenomenal educators here at P.C. understand that and in all areas of study, from Arts and Letters to Adventure Education, students are taken out into the field to receive hands on learning. I have been deeply effected by this non-traditional approach to the acquisition of knowledge and know that you will be too.

The Universe According to Bethena

2005-09-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Howdy all!
Let me give you a quick insight into the world of Bethena so you know a bit about who I am and where I'm coming from.

Home Town: Seattle Washington

Educational status: I just transferred into Prescott as a Junior

Major area of study: I am working on a degree in Secondary Education with a focus on multiculturalism and a Minor in World History.

Passions: Studying Aikido, Learning Languages(currently Hindi), Backpacking, Dance, Singing and Travel.

Interesting Tidbits: I live half of every year in India and so I have a unique bicultural perspective on life at Prescott College.

A perfect day: For me the perfect day would consist of hiking up to a majestic peak with a group of brilliant people, feasting on a vegetarian meal while enjoying the view, drinking tea and discussing the world, the universe and everything! Care to join me?

Although I have only been at Prescott a few months, I have no doubt it is the right place for me! In a way I feel as though I have been looking for an educational and cultural environment like Prescott my entire academic life. I am excited to continue on this journey and see where it takes me.