I applied to attend the
Eastern Michigan Writing Project Summer Invitational Institute. The application was due March 1st. I submitted my paperwork on March 1st at 5:36 pm. One of my friends at school sent me the link for the session a few days ago. It wasn't until Thursday, when I opened the email attachments, that I realized the application was due on Friday. I didn't have time to make my usual list of excuses. I had to make a decision quickly then compose a page or two about why I was interested in participating in the EMWP Summer Institute, how my students engage in writing, my previous experiences that shaped me as a teacher, and my professional activities. I wrote in my head for a day then began barfing it out on the paper at 2:30 on Friday. I could have gotten home from school at 12:30 because we had a half-day, but I had a meeting and I was trying to get progress reports done which cut my time. At 1:30, I started to talk myself out of the whole thing. Maybe it was silly to try and I probably wouldn't get accepted anyway. When I flew in the door at home, I flopped my bags on the floor, whipped off my coat, and fired up the computer. It was go time. I had to bring it. Even if I don't get accepted, it was a sobering reminder of how it feels to write on demand.
While I would LOVE to give you a hearty recommendation, I suspect your "on demand" writing will do just fine....and yes...it all reminds us of what our students feel, think and have to do...more often than we do!
ReplyDeleteWay to go!!!!! You got your application in on time! Just a reminder, EMU would be privileged to have you join their writing project!
ReplyDeleteThat is an authentic purpose for on-demand writing. Even though you only had a few hours' notice, that's still far more than we can allow our kids on their writing prompts...
ReplyDeleteAh....the wonder of a deadline. Sometimes there's nothing better to "barf it out." Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think having to experience on-demand writing every now and then reminds us of what our students go through with writing prompts. For me, this type of writing can be stressful! Good luck with your proposal!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you didn't quit. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMan, I hate it when this happens! Good for you for just "barfing" it out and getting your paperwork done!
ReplyDeleteI applied for the Pennsylvania Writing Project Scholarship, and even though I had plenty of time to write........I finally buckled down and got it going very very near crunch time. I'm sure it was great, and your about to embark on a wonderful journey. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Diana! I'm applying to the Columbus Area Writing Project this year! I'm glad you worked so hard to finish your application, even though it was at the last minute! I think you're just the kind of teacher for it!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck! Sometimes our best work comes when we are under pressure - no time to OVER think! I can't wait when you find out the good news . . . :) Think positive!
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