Growth Mindset

As a mother of two young children, the concept of the growth mindset has me completely enthralled! I am always looking for new ways to stimulate their learning. I find it is not only the children who want the instant gratification of knowing or understanding something. As a parent, I have been guilty of asking my son a question and if it was too hard, instead of working through it, I have asked an easier question so that he can produce a quick answer. I do this with the hope I can hold his attention a little bit longer. On the other hand, with my daughter, she loves to analyze questions and get to the core meaning of EVERYTHING. She and I can go on for hours on any subject. Now, this growth mindset notion has me wondering if I were to push the hard questions on my son, would he stay engaged longer? It is a theory I am excited to test!

In short, yes, I am definitely interested in learning more about the growth mindset this semester.

Introduction to a 10th-Year Senior

Hello!

My name is Amanda McVey. I am very slowly working towards completing my Business Administration AS-T Degree. My major has taken many twists and turns. I began with the intention of working in Child Psychology. When that got more intense and emotional than I had anticipated, I changed direction and I went into Administration of Justice.  I took about a 10-year break from school while I started my family and found a completely unrelated career in which I can grow both personally and professionally.

I am currently the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Pittsburg where I work full time and then some by attending evening meetings at least once a week. My goal is to work my way to the Director of Records and Council Services *enter the need to complete my degree* and potentially run as the elected City Clerk. I will admit, prior to joining the City Clerk’s Department, I had never even heard of a City Clerk—much less knew what a City Clerk did. Let me tell you, it’s a LOT more than you can imagine!

Out of all of the available English courses I could have selected, I chose California Literature because my career could potentially place me anywhere in the state of California and this is a fun way to learn a little more of the state's dynamic while also improving my horrible writing skills. English, writing specifically, has always been a struggle for me and so my hope is that by combining English with a subject that I also need to learn and explore will make it a little easier.

I have two children, Avary (5) and Jace (4), who keep me busy - even when I'm sleeping! I came from a large family, I am one of eight siblings, and I never imagined parenthood to look quite the way it does! Work, school, and family life is a difficult balance, but I am determined to complete my degree this year so will have to figure it all out!

P.S. My daughter is a first-year Girl Scout Daisy so if anyone wants some cookies... :)

My Favorite Place

Pismo Beach, California

There is something for everyone in Pismo. Whether you want a relaxing day at the beach or a rip-roaring adventure on the dunes, Pismo Beach has got it. Family fun or a romantic date? You can find it here. 

The first overnight trip my boyfriend (now husband), Joey, took me on was to trip to Pismo Beach. We arrived late afternoon, just in time to watch the sunset over the ocean. The next morning we took a cliche long walk on the beach. We walked through caves along the coast until the tide rose. We only stayed the one night, but the memories have last forever.  

Since our first trip, we returned many times to explore the sand dunes, the monarch butterfly grove, wineries, and beaches. In October 2010, Joey proposed to me from my favorite view point in Pismo Beach. Two years later, we would be married from that very same view point. Today, we visit with our two kids as often as time and weather allows. We ride ATV's on the dunes, build sand castles at the beach, and enjoy delicious food. I can't wait for the beginning of summer to arrive!