My mom has wanted a nice picture of me since the summer, so I figured, why not? My pal Marisa took this the other day and I gave it to my mom in a frame. This photo essentially sums me up. Young professional, pretentious literature snob (that’s a Vonnegut book in my hand), dude who writes in the park. Eric Smith. 2009.
2009 was a great year. I turned 27 and celebrated two years with my gorgeous girlfriend. Friends from Buffalo came to visit, and I almost died saving a chicken nugget. I flew out to and explored Chicago, spent Spring break in Buffalo, and visited Lake Placid with Heather and her family. My 3rd nephew, Issiah, was born, and my cousin Kevin and his Kate welcomed their own little munchkin into the world, Natalie Anne.
Me? I adopted a new bunny and welcomed a bouncing baby Playstation 3 into my life. I suppose that’s something.
Geekadelphia celebrated three years of being online. This year we threw a release party for Section 8, hosted a Halloween party with Indy Hall, had a Rock Band competition at National Mechanics for Child’s Play Charity, and threw a massive three year anniversary bash at North Bowl. Saw a lot of crazy interviews on the site, from talking to Billy Boyd (Pippin from Lord of the Rings) to stars in James Cameron’s Avatar.
The site is growing, and I’m thrilled. Despite its position as one of the most popular blogs in Philly, I still don’t make any real money off it… but I don’t care.
I write because it makes me happy, not because it makes me money.
It was also a great year for me career wise. I taught three courses at three different colleges (Holy Family University, Montgomery County Community College, Peirce College), gave guest lectures at Long Island University, St Joseph’s University, and appeared on a panel or two, pitched a book idea to a publisher that supports me, and started volunteering with the Academy of Natural Sciences, my favorite museum in Philadelphia.
In 2010, I’m looking forward to starting my new book, traveling across the country with one of my best friends in the Spring, vacationing in Japan with Heather during the summer, and who knows what else. And now, some pictures.
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Omg! Professor Smith brought us pizza! Yay!
During my years as a student, I always dreaded the final exam, and dreamed that one day, I’d be in a situation where the professor would do something really cool. Like, give me an A for refusing to write a final paper.
Me: Here’s what I think of your test, Professor! *RIPS*
Teacher: You stood up to me… that was the test.
Cue bad 1980’s synth-pop music, possibly Phil Collins
But alas, these sort of things never happened, and I was always handed one of those dreadful blue books. I loathed those, and as a result, I’ve never dished out a final exam in any of my courses. A final paper that my students can write at home… yes. That way there’s no pressure, and I get creative, well written, critical papers.
I do enjoy psyching my students out though.
Read More Post a comment (0)It’s Armageddon… I need Bruce Willis…
One of my favorite things about teaching is bringing new and clever ways of educating into my classroom. Most of the time, this means handing out bizarre and humorous essays to my students, or engaging them in some sort of wacky in-class writing activity. For examples, last week, I had several of my students proof read and correct a classic Prince of Nigeria spam email, in order to make it a more effective persuasive piece, since we were going over Persuasion and Argumenative writing.
This past class, I brought in a couple of literal music videos, a hilarious internet phenomenon that involves folks singing about what’s actually going on in the video. The students watched the original video, followed by the literal one, and we talked about how the language effectively changes what they are seeing. We compared and contrasted the lyrics, the videos, and the new messages.
I used Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart, A-HA’s Take On Me, and my favorite of the bunch, Creed’s With Arms Wide Open. The result was hilarious, and a wonderful learning experience. I can’t wait to do this in future classes.
I know I don’t update this personal blog enough, but I’m making it a New Year’s resolution of mine to update at least once a week from now on. For the most part, you can find me writing on Geekadelphia (we just celebrated our 3 year anniversary, thanks to our friends at Hewlett Packard), on Uwishunu, and Tweeting. I’m also hard at work on a new book, a travel narrative with my good friend (and recently budding stand up comedian) Glen.
The semester is wrapping up quickly, and it’s been a successful one, both in the classroom and out. My two courses at MC3 and Peirce were fantastic, and I spoke at Long Island University last month. I only have one more class at MC3 and Peirce College left. I genuinely feel like I learn so much with every new class, and I’ve been blessed with an administration that welcomes my creativity, and students who respond quite well to it. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful group of kids, but I’m already looking forward to next semester.
The semester starts on Monday, and I’m excited. I’m teaching World Literature II at Holy Family University, and Freshmen Comp at Montgomery County College this semester. I’m a bit nervous about my World Lit class, it’ll be the first time I’ve dealt with fellow English majors. What if I end up with some brilliant literary prodigy who knows more about the Enlightenment Era then me? *panics*
I’m psyched that I get to give a guest lecture at St Joseph’s University next month. All about blogging. Apparently I’m good at that! Who knew?
me: Whoa! I’ve been invited to guest lecture at St Joseph’s University. They want me to talk about blogging in a journalism class in February.
Katie: i love how intelligent and prestigious you are suddenly.
me: Suddenly?!
Thanks Katie.
THE CAKE IS A LIE!
So I just wrapped up my first semester teaching at a college, and I’ve got to say, I feel like I’ve learned a whole lot. About teaching, myself, how to work with people… it was quite the experience.
Next semester, I’ll be back at Montgomery County College, teaching English Composition on Saturdays. I’ve also been hired at Holy Family University, where I’ll be teaching World Literature II. Very exciting!
The website was down for a while due to some ridiculous Wordpress issues. Its back and everything seems to be in working order. Thanks to everyone who missed me. I’ve just been busy with work, writing, outlining my next novel idea, and sending pitch letters to literary agents about my current book. I’ve had a couple nibbles here and there, so I’m feeling pretty good.
… and yes, that is a zombie joke on the blackboard. What can I say, I had a really fun class with some hysterical students.
Can’t wait for next semester!
Just a few pretty photos from Montgomery County Community College, the school where I’m teachng Wednesday nights. I love it. The campus is enormous and quite beautiful, with several large modern buildings and a gorgeous theater.
And to my students who are probably reading this… get back to your homework!
So recently, Montgomery County Community College out in Blue Bell, PA offered me a part time teaching gig in their English department. Needless to say, I’m incredibly excited. I’ve always wanted to be a college professor. A careful blend of Indiana Jones meets Mr. Turner from Boy Meets World.
My first class is tonight and I’m psyched. All my friends have been asking me, just how will I demand respect my first day in the classroom? Simply. I’ll karate chop a 2×4 before class starts.
As the students sit in their seats, chatting excitably to one another about their vacation, summer loves, the upcoming semester, and the like, I will quietly walk into the classroom holding a 2×4. The students will look over, puzzled, at what their soon-to-be-professor is doing. Placing the wooden plank between two desks, I will then karate chop the hell out of it. As the splinters fall onto the cold linolium floor I will sit down calmly, and begin my lecture…. or not.
Here’s hoping they like me!
My debut novel comes out this Fall. You'll be able to download free audiobook podcasts 
