Because there is no off-season,
Yup, no sooner did I hand in my last final than I started registering for summer classes. I gotta clean two more up before my big fall starts. Child Development and Applied Strategies for Special Needs were great classes that were my first steps into the educational field. Some time soon you'll be able to read about our puppet shows from Special Needs in the Johnstown Tribune -- written by our own Sister Helen Marie. Maybe, if your lucky, you'll see a picture of me with Batman.

This was truly the first semester where I got to brush up against the real world. Theory is one thing, real-world class rooms are another. I have had, and still am having, a great run with the people in the Greater Altoona Career and Tech Center, which is incidentally one of the off-campus sites where you can earn Mount Aloysius credits in the accelerated degree program. My experience there has really let me get involved in a fully functional classroom and stay there long enough to really get to know the kids. You know, who's mopey, who's cool, who do you have to keep an eye on. I'm only going to become more and more involved in school throughout the region as I begin my observations and placements as the new secondary education program takes off. So if you're thinkin' like, " Hey, I would like to have the coolest job on the planet and a great collegiate experience while I'm at it!" well then come check out Mount Aloysius College.

That's about it. I'm gonna take some classes, work as much as I can, and at some point I need to see sand and water. But, that can wait until I have a tan. If anyone cares, I'll be receiving my diploma this coming Saturday during our commencement ceremony. My Grama's gonna be there. I wouldn't mess with her, she's crazy. Alright, leave me to my summer. May awesome fill your days and groovy fill your nights. See ya.

Be excellent to everyone ... and party on dudes!
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 12:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Some have lives of their own,
Take for instance the Weezer CD that I "borrowed" from my brother. Its like a total flash back to eight grade. How great is that. Just like Hootie and the Blowfish dominated my playlist for like two weeks. I know what you're saying. You've just mentioned some of the dumbest music ever made. However, I dare you to listen to those songs and not sing along. Anything groovy is good for the ride to school.

I always try to get tranquil before class. Partly because it amplifies the learning experience and keeps you calm on that long drop to campus. Don't wanna be in hurry on Route 30. But, once you make that big loop in front of Old Main its all good. For me, school is relaxing, its my favorite part of the day. After dodging crazed high schoolers all day its nice just to kind of chill in class, cause let me tell you, that's the easy side. I had another fun homework experience this weekend. I had to find a 3-7 child and observe them like I did with my buddy's baby the week before.

Paige was easy because she did exactly what the book said she would do. With seven-year-old Beau, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was a seven-year-old boy once and I don't really think I would have been down with getting studied. However, we had a blast talking about Star Wars, Legos, Star Wars Legos, and so on while cleverly testing terms from the text.
Example:
Question: So Beau, what do you do with your free time?

Response: Play video games, play with my Legos. Check this out, I just got this one today.It has lazers that go *pew**pew*.

But, he did give me some really great information that I compared to the imaginary adopted son from my paper. His name is Batman, and he's a fighter. I must have Batman on the brain because I keep working him into my school projects, and getting good grades. Batman + technical expertise X literary skill = good grades. Thank you to Beau and his mom for helping get that project done. Just one more left, adolesence. Deadliest of all children. as smart as a chimpanzee with the instincts of an Amazon piranha. Nah, just kidding, kids are cool.

I'm looking forward to a little Spring Break and some Easter eggs. You know, if I was looking for a school in the fall, I would be thinking about the Mount and its expanded curriculum, off-campus classes, and sweet tuition breaks for Catholic school graduates. Just saying, now that the weather is starting to get nice, it might be a good time to check it out. But I'm already here so all I have to do is get my homework done and shape the youth of America so I need my sleep. Good night and Good Luck! Hope that's not trademarked.

It should be March comes in like a jerk instead of a lion.
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 2:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That's what I can look forward to when I wake up,
I'm still not really into the 6:00 a.m. thing, but everything else is great. However, the best thing about having school, class and work makes a for real day off the best. I've had three in the last two weeks and I feel like that rebel billionaire guy. I was fresh and ready for my night class with Dr. Glass where I got my observation paper back. My little pizza night/scientific study of infant behavior went over pretty big. Unfortunately, I had two crappy tests and I have a B+ at midterms. Actually, I like a B+ because its within striking distance of an A. Thrill of the hunt kind of thing.

I felt bad for Dr. Rutledge last week. Poor lady had some of that super nasty flu that's going around this year. She played hurt though and stuck it out as long as she could. She even gave us the most ridiculously fun assignment yet. Two words: Puppet Show. Details to come. But long story short, not much going on. Later.

Don't hate the IRS, that's what I learned in Public Admin.
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 1:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's pretty easy to do,
Take me for example. I am currently living the dream. I am semi-professionally employed in the job that I want to do for the rest of my life, I'm getting paid for it, and I haven't had a dull moment for like two months. Tomorrow, I'm on my way to Hollidaysburg to sub and then its off to the Mount for Child Development where I hope that my test comes back. I feel like I did pretty good, I would hold my breathe, but I can't.

Apparently, I am not as tough or as quick as I once was. Long story short, doing a forward roll is not as easy as it used to be. So, I've been walking around like Evil Knievel after he failed to adjust for the wind. I hope I'm loosened up a little by tomorrow morning or at least by class. Well, I guess I'll just file this one as a learning experience and walk it off.

As far as class is concerned, all appears to be going well. We just got our study guide for Exceptional Learning; I just hope that Dr. Rutledge doesn't beat up my grade because my blog is way cooler than hers. Oh, snap! But seriously, it's bizarre to learn about something one night and see it the next day in school, or see it in school first and then read about it later and say "That's what that insanity was all about."

Well that's about it, you guys have nice evening and stay safe. Or, if your not being safe, just be smart enough to say, "Well, I guess I deserved that."

1:30 is not the time to try amazing feats of acrobatics.

DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

No, I don't count the Pro-Bowl,
I don't even watch it; it upsets me. That Super Bowl though, what a game. I didn't have any real allegiance to either team so all I was rooting for was a good game, and I got it brother. Craziness, insanity, and mayhem; everything I want in a game. Good job Giants, too bad Patriots. No more Super Bowls for you Tom, your window has closed. Good second half Eli, Congratulations and your window has also closed. Why, because the Steelers are probably going to win every Super Bowl for the next twenty-five to thirty years, then they'll just stop playing it. I just have to remind myself next year to put less Red Hot in my cheese chicken dip.

I know you won't believe this, but there was also school this week. Monday was a group project in Child Development, where we examined the importance of spheres of influence in a child's life. I know it wasn't a competition, but I think my team won. USA, USA, USA. Sorry, that's just my default chant. Moving on.

We gave Internet presentations in Exceptional Learner. We had to look around on-line to find different sources on special needs and organizations that can help disabled children and their families. We found a huge array of information and links that showed the diversity of field and our individual class. Again, I think my team won, USA, USA, USA. Man, I am a goon. I guess I'm still just fired up from the Super Bowl and deeply saddened at the passing of another season.

My favorite commercial was the Doritos one with the Mouse and I lost what little mind I had when I saw the Ironman preview. Awesome! I may just go check it out right now, later!

The off-season can be filled with basketball, hockey, futbol, school, and crying (football, I miss you so much!)
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What me feed brain?
I'm glad you asked. I decided to take a light schedule this Spring because I decided I really wanted to work a little and put a little distance between me and my bills. Besides, I think after graduating Summa Cum Laude, I deserve a chance to roam around in the Real World (non-MTV version) for a little bit. I'm only taking two classes this semester; Child Development with Susan Glass and Exceptional Learning with Dr. Rutledge who also does a Mountie blog. They are both super nice ladies who I look forward to learning from and stealing their best teacher tricks for my own evil purposes.

Glass is so sweet she gives me cavities. She's the principal at St. Aloysius Elementary School and her whole demeanor makes me want to be a second grader all over again. She's going to take us through early childhood, all the way through adolesence and those mega-dramatic teenage years. Incidentally, the classroom drama is the most entertaining part of being a teacher. I just want to walk around with a TV frame and a little high school drama soundtrack its so funny. But I digress, Child Development; Monday nights; good replacement for football.

My Wednesdays end with Dr. Rutledge in Exceptional Learner. Basically, its a class on how to approach, interact and stimulate children with special needs. From my few short weeks at the GACTC, I've realized just how hard that is to do. No Child Left Behind has made classroom inclusion a major part of the academic world and I looking forward to a class that can provide a basis for a Special Needs Certification. Dr. Rutledge herself is high energy and just what I need to stay focused on Wednesday night. She's another one that you can tell started her career in elementary education. We get snacks and everything. Oh yeah, we learn stuff too.

That's a short breakdown of what the big fella is up to this semester. Buy a ticket, take the ride with me as I continue my collegiate oddessey from under-achieving, name-on-my-shirt jerk to over-achieving, professionally-employed spazz. It's a work in progress.

Don't trust a skinny chef.
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, a whole lot,
Since my last blog at the end of the fall semester, my teaching career has begun to take over my life. I got my first chance to sub right after the local high schools came back into session. My first gig was at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center which turned into a long term sub position because one of their TAs (teacher assistants) had to get knee surgery (ouch!). So now, I spend Tuesday through Friday supervising the kitchen in Culinary Arts, on Mondays I'm a mercenary for the IU8 going to whatever school needs me, and of course, selling paint on the weekends. Finally, on Monday and Wednesday, I have class at my beloved Mount, just to keep me sharp.

My crazy schedule along with a nasty computer virus(Thank you, Dad and video poker) has kept me from blogging regularly. Even now, I'm fighting a losing battle against pop-up ads while I write. However, I remain unshaken in my quest to bring all the Mountie news you need at hyper-sonic speeds. That's all you get for now, just something to wet your appetite for things to come. Be well.

If anyone offers you a good job, take it!
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 10:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It doesn't feel real,
Today I completed my History/Political Science Bachelors Degree at Mount Aloysius College. It sounds so strange when I say it. I'm a college graduate. That's just outrageous. Reason being that for a very long time, I didn't think I'd ever get here.

My original freshman year occurred at another university far, far away in the long forgotten year 1999. Gas was a dollar and football was all I really cared about. I used to go to class just enough to keep my grades up which help me accumulate credits but not much of a GPA. I came into school as a business major but really had no definitive plans for the future, which lead to my downhill slide after 5 year of school. Yeah, I know, Adam how did you stay in school five years and not graduate? Well, I did. What are you gonna do about it?

After that debacle, I returned home to Altoona and ran my family's pizza shop for the next 2 1/2 years. I loved my shop but 11 hour-days and the environment was less than intellectually stimulating. We reached a point where we were gonna have to cut back to make it through the winter and after a long, emotional conversation, me and the Old Man decided to shut it down. I told everybody that my plan was to go back to school, but I really didn't believe that. After three months of not leaving the house, I met Julie in the admissions office who was, and still is, dating one of my best friends.

I came to MAC just to go through the motions to keep my mom off my back, but when I saw what Mount Aloysius College could offer me, something changed. I found out that I had accumulated more credits than I thought from the sinking ship, and that MAC would transfer 81 credits, putting me only a year and a half away from graduation. I couldn't argue with the math, so I signed up and spent all summer getting nervous about returning to school. Would I still know what to do? Could I even absorb the material? Would everybody think I'm weird?

As it turns out, that last one is true but after the first week I had a revelation. It's just school, we've all done it before. There's nothing to be scared of. So, I tried as hard as I could and what do you know, my first semester I got a 4.0. Well, good grades are addictive so I became an over-achiever, that for the first time, knew what he wanted to do with his life. The professors nurtured my brain until it was like a class 5 hurricane of knowledge, the small class atmosphere really appealed to me and every professor would go out of their way to give me individual attention. Even the administration gave me special attention when I had financial aid or scheduling problems. You just don't get that kind of treatment at a university.

Long story longer, I love MAC. My experience at Mount Aloysius College has changed my life. I know I'm coming back next semester for more classes, but it feels very different. I'm a college graduate and I always will be. There are great admissions counselors that would be happy to help you start, restart or finish your degree. You need that piece of paper, there's no way around it. The MAC is the place to do it, trust me. Now I'm done, it's time to celebrate! Enough gushing - as always, the dude abides.

Learn something, do something, be something!

DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congratulations to me,
That's right. I'm officially a part of the Appalicha Intermediate Unit 8. For those of you non-teacher types that means after the first of the year, I'm going to be Central PA's newest substitute teacher. I know what your thinking, "why is he so excited about being a sub?" Well here's why. This will be may first chance to run a classroom, experience that whole teacher/student thing from the other side. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous, or a lotta nervous, by hey, I'm just a nervous guy.

It's not really normal people nervous, its more like before a football game nervous, when I'm just getting ready to get out there and do my thing, and get paid alright for it. Pretty cool. I plan on doing that five days a week next semester and taking a few classes to get a head start on my certification. I even think I might get an English minor while I'm here, cuz me much love proper grammar stuff.

I just wanna thank everyone who helped me a long the way, and especially Mount. Because I've done so well here and been nutured by the staff and faculty, I got a lot of confidence in my abilities that really wasn't there before. I'm trying to get on the fast track to student teach next spring and hopefully have a real jobby type job by fall of 2009. Which, incidentally, will be exactly ten years from when I started college. Ha, ha *sad laugh* But that's the goal.

Well that's that. This week is the December Graduate Luncheon so I had to go get a haircut so Grama doesn't yell at me. That's all i can pretty much think about. So I'll let you guys know how it goes. Big Man loves you.
Three people to make buddies with in school, the secretary, the lunch lady and the janitor.
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 9:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Evening Mounties,

How have you been. Me I'm a little tried personally. My semester has been kinda back loaded. I have to say, to his point I've done pretty well. I've got one A in the books from my CLL class. My Capstone was the one that really drained me. Thirty-three pages, a new personal best. I think I'm done in Con Law but we're just watching a movie called Gideon's Trumpet to finish out the year.
I actually think Smith has given herself a ton to read so she is as ready for break as were are.

At the moment I'm moving into the last two pages of my Public Administration paper which has pretty much fought me every step of the way. I only need two more pages but the burn is I have to smush it together with two other ten page papers for my final grade. Then, after I hand that in and give my presentation on Tuesday, the only thing left is my Judaism paper.

I'm on page two of twelve on that bad boy, but I think once I get Pub. Admin. out of the way that one will write itself. Yeah, right. On the brighter side of things, this is my last week of school as an undergraduate. Feels really weird. But it looks like half decent weather for these last four days so I think things are going to go pretty smooth. AS smooth as they can anyway. Well, I'm goin got try to shake off my Steeler blues and just keep grinding the ball into the graduation endzone. Represent!
Watch out for that Capstone rubrick, it'll get cha'
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 9:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I don't want it to be this way,
Have you ever found the football season mojo that must not be denied. For a long time, I couldn't go to Steeler home games because it guaranteed a loss. One year, was I dating a girl, they won the Superbowl, we broke up, Ben ate windshield. It was a result of evil Mojo. This year, because of my work schedule, I never get to watch the Steelers on TV, but when I do, they lose. It's not fair. I'm on the brink of not letting myself watch games for the rest of the season. This will be tested next week while I'm listening to the game on the radio.
It's funny how hard us Steeler fans take a loss isn't it. It's even hard to do homework. I'm just kind of milling around on 3 different projects right now, and I can't seem to get any done. My Modest Proposal paper looks done but it's not. I am kinda stoked that this week that class will be more than half over and it's been pretty easy so far and it looks like Mr. Murphy is going to keep it that way.
I've cataloged all my own research for Public Administration but I have to wait until Tuesday to get the rest of my groups' research before I can write that paper. The one paper I'm a little sketchy on is my Talmudic Argument paper for Judaism. I have to admit, I really haven't done my research yet but I think I'm just going to rely on my mastery of the English language for that one.
Finally, my Capstone first draft is done, but it looks so massive I'm not so into editing it. However, it would be kind of dumb to write 18 pages and not do anything with it. Tomorrow, I get to hear John Porter's presentation on his paper and all I have to say is better him than me. Nah, seriously I wish John luck and also to the rest of you prospective Mounties in your school hunt and I hope to see you here soon.
Steeler depression is an incurable disease that affects millions, please give generously,
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Because that's what everyone else did today,
I went in to the Altoona Career and Tech today in a slightly different capacity than I'm used to. Rather than going to night class or seeing my mom, I had on a shirt and tie and conducted surveys of the teacher and administration to see how vocational training impacts rural poverty. It was super awesome seeing as how I've applied for a substitute job there, and it let a lot more people know me a little better. As Mr. DePiro. Yeah, I'm not getting tried of that anytime soon.
I'm going to Johnstown tomorrow to interview instructors at Hiram G. Andrews to get a look at post-secondary training, then crunching data and finishing my projects for the next two days so I can have a relaxing Turkey-coma break. Finally, another shot in the arm came in the mail today from the MAC. A letter asking how many guests I would have at the graduate luncheon on the 13th, you know, for people who have graduated, like me, Mr. DePiro. It's pronounced just like Mr. T, only instead of T it's me, Mr. DePiro.
If you are going to be an authority figure, you have to shave off your goatee.
Mr. DePiro Rules, Educationally!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Doesn't Johnathon Swift make you hungry,
I kinda bummed everyone in Professional Communications out when I told them he wasn't really serious about eating babies. But like I said, to understand good satire, you need to understand the context under which it was written. As a history major, I was just cheating. Mr. Murphy is going to let me turn in an analytical paper on it a little late because he liked my test essay so much, which is cool.
Other things that are cool. Orange Creamsicles, Antarctica, and This Guy. I'm starting to get pumped for Thanksgiving for two reasons. One Turkey, distant second, finishing up the rest of my projects. I'm definitely within in striking distance of getting my tough projects knocked out, Thurgood Marshall and Talmudic Discussion are gonna have to wait until the last week though.
I'm also thinking of making a semi-serious power-point with some shanagians at the end starring me and my little brother, but I'm not quite sure yet. You'll know when I know and one thing I do know is that its time to go. Peace.
I need new dress shoes because I squeak when I walk,
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 10:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I kid the Doc,
She's a great lady. However, she tried to give me a heart attack two weeks ago. Right after midterms I got an urgent E-mail that said I was one class short of graduation. Fortunately, the Excellerated Learning Program at the MAC had a class I could take on Wednesday Night at the Altoona Career and Tech Center. As far as I know, I'm the only traditional student in there, but for someone who is a little older and is trying to earn college credits, it's definitely where its at. There are two nice ladies from Sheetz Corp. that sit in front me and I keep trying to wrangle MTO coupons out of them. I mean, come on, I'm a 300 lb. starving college student over here.
Mr. Murphy seems real nice and he promised to let us out an hour early, but I'm just glad that after 5 weeks I'll be graduated.
Otherwise, Dr. Smith had two tests in Con Law and Public Administration this week. I think she may have over loaded herself again because these test seem a little bit easier than usual. She also put a 5 page limit on the essay question and I was flattered to hear it was because of me, Trish, and Marilyn. I'm spent, I need 1000cc's of peanut butter stat.
A jelly IV would be nice too.
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you think it would look like Optimus Prime,
I'd like to think so, but hey, I'm a dreamer. Welcome prospective Mounties, to the dark intellectual underside of the History/Political Science major. It's nice to see you again. I've had a pretty interesting weekend. Besides a rare day off work, I went to a Jewish service for my Contemporary Judaism class. I had like crazy amounts of anxiety about going but everyone was super nice and they even let me read the closing prayer, which I was really honored to do. I thank Mr. Diable for including that in the course curriculum because it was a really great learning experience. It's always nice to get out of the classroom and learn something in the real world, but that's just one of the unique teaching ideas I've encountered since I've been here.
Another, unique thing is class with Dr. Dragani. This week he brought in a picture of his new sword, I don't know, maybe he's fighting the Dread Pirate Roberts. We've just finished our last discussion session on the books now it's just presentations until the end of the year. I still can't tell how much work I have left, I'd like to think it's just a little.
Finally, it looks as if they're building something over next to the science building, but there are so many pictures of new buildings hanging in Old Main, I don't have a clue what it is. If any of you guys come here, you'll have to let me know. Maybe it's a statue of me, that would really pretty up this campus! Time to go , I've got to do my third set of 10 million push-ups.
If you hold a book while your napping in the library, it looks like your studying,
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Evening everybody,
I know I post sporadically, but this time of year I live only by my due dates. A lot has happened since my last blog. Steelers have won a bunch of games, especially against the Browns. That's not a surprise because I've seen that game before, like eight times in a row. We've experienced extra summer, fall, winter, fall again, spring, and now some kind of hybrid season that I'm going to call sprall. Academically, I've positioned myself for the final sprint to graduation.
It seems really weird that after about a decade of being an undergrad I'll finally have that piece of paper. I had straight As at midterms, but got by with no room to spare in Con Law. My Capstone paper is at 16 pages and like 30 sources and I haven't edited it yet and I'm trying to think of a good idea for my fifteen minute power-point presentation. It only seems like a lot of work when I add up what I have left, but if I look at it class by class I really only have presentations left. While that's all the news that's fit to blog, gotta get back to work.
Don't get Guitar Hero until after finals
DePiro Rules!

Posted by Adam DePiro at 9:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)