Jeff Strukel
E-Mail:strukel@rohan.sdsu.edu
Student Teacher, Art, Morse High School
Background
On September third 1970, I was born at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego California. I lived in Navy housing in Pacific Beach until I was Ten. I had many kids to play and explore childhood with. Legos, Hot Wheels, and Star Wars were hot .I thought I was the Six Million Dollar Man.Chaka touched my heart, and Evil Knevil was still breaking records. I wanted to be a stuntman, or a veternarian, but neither lasted. My dog bite me every night and after I knocked the wind out of myself real good a few times, I decided the stuntman's life was only really for Burt Reynolds. My childhood playstrings were cut abruptly at age ten when my Father's job changed and we moved to Santee, Ca. Santee was hot and I was sweaty. There I atended Sycamore Canyon Junior High and Santana High School.
Junior High was a hormonal roller coaster,my hair started to curl,pimples became problematic, and my Break-Dancing skills were only slightly up to par. Yet I made good friends eventually and enjoyed the area's open space to explore and play. I began to skateboard and play baseball, my life revolved around organized and unorganized sports activities. Life was good until High School came around and I was scared. Afraid of the change, the size, how to use a locker, and "Will I ever find my Classes". I sought refuge through physical activities, and found a new love for Art. I remember the American Art Schools flyer, "If you can draw me, you too may be an artist". So I spent hours drawing the turtle, or the pirate, and dreamed of these art abilities to come. I was greatly influenced by a friend's artistic ability, yet I found myself comparing and being far too critical of my own abilities. My confidence was enhanced by an excellent watercolor teacher I had my eleventh grade year. The involvement within that class allowed me to explore and sharpen my confidence and skills. Exposure to Art in High School laid the framework for which now aspires me to teach Art at the High School level. I hope to encourage and inspire my students abilities and skills. Heighten their awareness of themselves, and the role the visual arts can play in their lives..
Interests, Activities, & Plans
I am working to invent myself as first, a husband and father, and secondly as an educator. My daughter is gauranteed a Dad. My wife must share all my love with my daughter, and my dog gets a pat on the head. It's a good thing. The best. Now that I am student teaching, I am busy, busy thinking. Planning my actions, organizing my thoughts, and trying to learn the names of all my students. It is a full time devotion, and my commitments are making me who I am. Forcing me to think creatively and critically about myself, my family, and the micro-multitude of students I face every day.
Other Interesting Things
I plan on continuing everything that is beneficial for me. I hope to eat healthier and live longer. Learn how to better relax my body,mind and control what stresses me. I can only enjoy what is ahead of me.
Favorite Places in Webspace
Last updated on Friday, September 26, 1997.
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