Coming to the end of the road

Sigh, exhale, don't cry!!!

Capstone 7800 MLIS - This is my last class in the program. I have found it difficult to wrap my mind around finishing the course and program. The difficulty lies in knowing that every assignment boarders on whether I fail the last two years or succeed in my dream.

I have lost so much during the last two years. In June 2013, after only one semester, I lost my siser to a lengthy illness and inherited her then 11 year old daughter. My neice has disabilities as well and requires many trips to Children's healthcare of Atlanta. Between working full-time, school, and my neice I hardly have time to breathe or sleep. Her health has improved and I am grateful for that.

I also lost my oldest sister in March of 2014, only 9 months after my other sis. This was difficult to bear on my family but I know my sisters would not want me to give up my dream and accomplishments. See, I am the only sibling of 10 who finished college and now I am working on a Masters degree. My mother and father had no formal education but was able to purchase a home where I live with my two children and neice. They were able to feed and clothe us and provide love and support. For them I am grateful and they top the list of people who give me strength and I strive to continue for their sake and my children.

Speaking of my children, They are my pride and joy. Even though they are young adults now, I could not have made it if not for them. To my daughter Raiza, who will be graduating in December with a B.S. degree in Biololgy and Minor in Forensics, I love you and you are everything I wanted you to be. Strong, smart, loving, and you have a personality that is out of this world! I thank you for looking at me crazy when I wanted to burn every paper, article, assignment, and discussion. You always had an encouraging word or something wonderful to say about me finishing what I started. Just when I think I could not write another word or didnt feel good about an assignment you triggered my inner beast and some how the assignment was done. Good or Bad, lol...

To my son, Stinson who is a sophomore Criminal Justice major. Thank you for praying with me, making me laugh when I want to cry and being by my side every step of the way. I know that both my children work part-time and attend school full-time but they take every step in stride.

To my family that I have lost.  I know you all are looking at me with pride and encouragement. I carry each of you in my heart and hopefully each of you on May 8, 2015 across the stage. Mom, Dad, Mae, Lee, David, Dianne, Ernest and Reba, continue to rest in peace. 

To my siblings with me, Jean, Floyd, and Rudy thanks for continuing to check on my progress and your prayers and celebrations.  If you cannot attend, I will carry you in my heart as well.

I turned in my capstone paper, lets hope God will soften the readers heart to understand where I am coming from..... working on presentation..... still in prayer.

wt

.......To the end of the road

sigh........ I have come to the end of the road.  I have posted my poster presentation to the discussion board, I have dropped my research paper in the dropbox, and last but not least - I have placed a copy of the research paper on this blog.

I am so tired.  I need salt water immediately. Where is the sand and sun, I am headed your way as soon as grades are posted.

This class has been so rewarding. I have had to learn to think on my feet, make sound and smart decisions, and trust my judgement. All of these charecteristics are valuable to librarianship. I like the field of technology, there is so much out there to learn and explore.  This class has given me new technology to learn and experiment. I will definitely use what I have learned in my library setting. My library could use a big dose of technology because it not only helps the staff but makes research easier for our patrons.

I wish each and everyone sun and sand, peace and love, books and technology...............

Free little libraries display unique themes across Macon. | News | Macon News

Free little libraries display unique themes across Macon. | News | Macon News

Module 4

Well it's finally here....the count down to the end of a quick semester. I have learned so much so quick that I need to go back and look over everything again. I spent this evening reading over articles for my research paper and downloaded a poster template that I think I like. I do not have time to ponder whether I like it or not because time is ticking.

I still need to figure out what I want to put on the poster and where to place it. I still need to set up my paper and figure out the direction I need to go and how to pull it all together.  Oh!, then check the discussion board to help moderate this week.............., I need to find a beach quickly.  It's only Tuesday? That means nothing in a mini-mester, Tuesday means you are already behind.

Module 3 Experiences

Module III was quick and I had to push through and make decisions quickly. After reading the articles and posting to all four discussions I immediately begin to find a librarian to interview. The interview section was harder than I expected because, we only had minimal days to find a CMS user and set up interviews, I started with the library where I work, I knew the Technical Services librarian is out of the country, so I spoke to another librarian in the area. We are all members of the Website committee, set out to update and bring our website over to the webmaster at our institution. Well several things have happened since we had our last website meeting.

The university webmaster resigned
The librarian in the department no longer works with the website
Everything is on hold until the new webmaster comes on board

So my next bright idea is to call a neighboring college. I checked out their website online and it looked marvelous, I called the library director who was very nice. I emailed her my questions because she thought she could answer them, but instead forwarded the questions to the colleges webmaster. This webmaster was fully knowledgeable with CMS technology. His experience with so many different types really impressed me. I was appreciative of their kindness and their valuable time spent helping me with the interview process.

This class can really discuss a topic to no end,lol. I enjoy the discussions and enjoy reading how other libraries are handling technology issues. We all have different experiences and different opinions, it is great to share.

The turn around time for this assignment give experiences in deadlines, and how to hustle through to complete a task. After all of this I am tired, but module 4 is calling my name.

Module 3= OUT!

Module III is upon us. Having a hard time getting librarians to respond to my request for an interview here........ hummm!!! It is summer time and we all still have barbecue and fun times left over from Memorial Day. Maybe I will give it one more day. I really do not have time so if any of you know someone I can interview for this assignment, please let me know.

Joomla Experiences

My Joomla! experience was well rewarding. I spent many hours on youtube going over tutorials that were right on point. I hope my page is informative and easy to navigate. I have enjoyed my experience and will make sure I use the site continuously so that I won't forget aspects of the software. We all know if you don't use it you lose it. I am ready to experience Wordpress, and Drupal..... bring them on!