Introducing Bryan....with a "Y"

Greetings all 422 cybernerds! I've spent so much time customizing my new iGoogle that I have put off writing this introductory letter to all of you until today. Anyways, my name is Bryan and I am a native San Diegan. I love this city and all of the outdoor activities it has to offer (such as ocean swimming....see photo). My schooling history goes something like this: Benchley Weinberger Elementary School, Pershing Junior High School, Patrick Henry High School, San Diego State University, and finally (well, probably not FINALLY....but at least currently) CSU San Marcos. There was a brief "period of self discovery" after I graduated from SDSU, during which I worked as a manager for a local restaurant company. Even though I have my degree in Hospitality Management, I discovered that the restaurant industry will quickly give you an ulcer while simultaneously robbing you of a "normal" social life. I start the credential program at CSUSM next month and am excited about starting such a rewarding career.

Like most people in my generation, I grew up with computers so I am pretty comfortable using them. However, much of my exposure to computers was before Mac decided to make everything white, invent the iPod, hire marketing geniuses, and take over the world. Consequently, I have always been more familiar with PCs. That was, at least, until my Sony Vaio got the swine flu virus like SOOO many other Americans (200 people I think they estimate....staggering). Since then I have been using a Mac and have started to see some of the advantages of using one (although I haven't fully gotten used to the Mac version of Excel). So, as I do in many areas of my life, I refuse to make a conclusive decision about exactly where I stand on the Mac vs. PC debate. In all honesty, I think the debate is hugely exaggerated. The two really aren't THAT much different. Either way, the role of technology in our lives today is incredible in so many ways (some good and some bad) and I think we all need to stay "current" to risk getting swept away with the "tide" (do you see the San Diego-ish ocean theme coming together yet???).

The CSUSM Mission Statement was not a factor in my decision to enter the credential program. In fact, I hadn't even read it until I began taking classes here. I chose CSUSM based on it's reputation and the fact that they partner our student teaching with schools in North County San Diego. I have since learned that "collaboratively transforming public education" is a huge emphasis in the mission of the CSUSM College of Education. I also had no idea that this goal was something that the education system needed so badly. It is an ambitious goal the College of Education has created for itself, but one that is attainable over time as students enter the workforce with the right frame of mind.