Emory University

My home for the next four years: Emory University. I'll be studying for a doctorate in physical therapy and a masters in public health; this is the only DPT/MPH dual degree program that I found in the country! Classes begin June 16th!

Weslaco Valley Nature Center

Helen and I visited the Valley Nature Center near our house today and we spotted this really cool lizard. We agreed it was the brightest we have seen outside of a zoo.

El Cielo (Tamaulipas, MX)

Burros and old mining cars in the El Cielo biosphere.

Reserva de la Biosfera de el Cielo (El Cielo Biosphere Reserve)

A group of 4 of us traveled to la Reserva de la Biosfera de el Cielo in Tamaulipas, MX. We drove about 4 hours south before heading up the mountain (yes, finally!). We camped, stayed in cabanas, mountain-biked, and relaxed in the ecotourism reserve. (Thanks for the picture Greg!)

Houston Girls Visit the Valley

Fellow TFA corps members Greta and Melanie flew down from Houston for a fun "valley" experience. Greta and I first became friends as co-teachers during TFA summer institute in Houston.

Willamette Alternative Spring Break Trip-Rio Grande Valley

"Todos los hermanitos que Ms. Northcraft vinieron!" (All of Ms. Northcraft's brothers and sisters are here!). According to a Taylor 2nd grader that was the only likely explanation for 14 college students visiting the school and doubling the caucasian population. Willamette sent an alternative Spring Break group to the Valley--the group volunteered at my school for a week and painted a medical clinic in MX. I could hardly sleep all week, I was so excited to share my school and students with the group!

Mr. Northcraft Visits Room 25

Even my dad enjoyed speaking to the class, but he didn't want to stay...they're a little crazy, those little ones! Check out cute Brandon and Makayla looking at the camera.

"Mrs." Northcraft Visits Room 25

My mom spent a day with my first-graders. My students loved the "mariposa" art project; I'm mean they don't get to do much art with me!

Monterrey, Mexico

My padres visited again during Oregon's spring break. I led them on an excursion to Monterrey, MX--the 4th largest city only 3 hours from my house. Here we are at Cola de Caballo (horse tail falls) right outside the city.

NYC

I also got to see Katie Pierce (aka BFG), my former teammate and now fellow Teach for America corps member. I spent a day in her classroom, all-Spanish 6th grade in a Dominican Republic neighborhood in upper Manhattan. I taught her students about Texas and Mexico (in English and Spanish...what fun!). Here we are in Times Square after seeing the Lion King on Broadway (another WU-grad-turned-TFA-teacher, Avi Katz, joined us too!).

New York City (Spring Break)

I visited New York City over Spring Break! Kandis, my good friend from high school, was on break from her master's program at NYU, so we went sight-seeing together. Here we are at Rockefeller Square.

Los Ebanos Ferry

Helen's sister and dad visited and we all took the Los Ebanos ferry to Mexico for a picnic lunch. This is the only remaining hand-drawn ferry at an international border; a group of men pull along the rope bringing three cars at a time across the river.

Natalia's Birthday

At a traditional Mexican birthday party with one of my students, Natalia. Her parents closed their (panaderia) bakery for the afternoon and the party was held there.

Boston Blizzard

I got to experience true Boston weather with a "Noreaster" storm. I went running during the blizzard...the neighbors stared at me with their snowblowers in hand.

Boston, MA (Simmons College Visit)

Willamette friends in Boston, MA! I stayed with Katie Thompson during my Simmons College visit, we met Sukhee So for dinner and went to Cheers afterwards.

Austin Marathon

Still smiling after finishing my first marathon! The Austin Marathon was unusually cold: icy roads and sub-freezing temperatures on race day. I really enjoyed the marathon atmosphere; I ran with a pacing group for most of the race before pulling ahead with another runner for the last 7 miles. I finished in 3 hours and 45 minutes; now I want to try to run sub-3:40 to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Helen's Birthday

Roommates on Helen's birthday

Rochester, MN (Mayo Clinic Visit)

Teresa and I traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. They had a great physical therapy program--excellent facilities, but few Spanish-speaking opportunities.

Can I make my grad school decision based on this?

This made me VERY happy! :) Thank you Emory University!

Atlanta, Georgia (Emory University Visit)

Teresa (remember her from the road trip?) and I enjoying our brunch at the waffle house in Atlanta, Georgia. My friend Julia convinced the waitress to give me a restaurant visor to show my students.

My 24th Birthday

Birthday dinner...about to cut into a yummy Mexican treat, choco-flan (thanks Frank!).

La Vida Dulce Aqui en el Valle

Enough said! (sweet life, for you non-Spanish speakers out there)

Superstar Students in Room 25

Jessie took a photo of me in action...math lesson (odds and evens), room 25, Taylor Elementary.

Nasaria's House

Nasaria, my intercambio, enjoying valley toronjas (ruby red grapefruits) with Jessie.

Jessie's Visit

Jessie, my college roommate, visited "the valley" on her way back to Japan. We explored two Mexican cities, visited a national wildlife refuge (near my house), enjoyed the South Padre Island coast, co-taught a day about Japan, and enjoyed catching up.