Habits, whether they are good or bad, are definitely things that are hard for people to break away from. One of my bad habits is smoking cigarettes. I have been smoking for 8 years now. This is a habit that I plan to stop very soon. One of my good habits is that I love to clean and end up doing it anywhere that I am. I think this will take me very far in my life.
Habit, to me, is a pattern that our brains took up and made naturally automatic for us.
There are both good and bad parts about habits. A good thing about a habit is that having one can give you a sense of stability depending on what the habit is. For example, one of my good habits is cleaning anywhere in which I am that is messy. This is will continue to benefit me positively because I will always have a clean house or be in a clean environment. One bad thing about a habit is that some will benefit you negatively. For example, some of my bad habits are smoking cigarettes and biting my nails. Smoking cigarettes can in the long run lead to death or a plethora of health issues and biting my nails will eventually lead to me not having any or prevent my nails from never growing back again. Habits can be really productive in life depending on how you use the. Most good habits, or habits that will benefit you positively, can help you do many good things in life. Bad habits may not benefit you in the best ways, but may also be helpful in certain situations.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Evaluating Emotions
Aim: How do we evaluate Jean- Dominique Bauby's emotional mind state based off of his writing?
Quick Write: Imagine if you were diagnosed with a paralyzing condition that resulted in you not being able to communicate with anyone (it doesn't have to be locked in syndrome). What would your emotional state be like? Would you feel like giving up or would you persevere? What would you want to say to the people around you---family? Friends? Doctors? etc.
Today, we will simply continue the ongoing conversation that we have been having about Bauby's emotional state. As we're discussing, think about your perception of people that are living with paralyzing conditions. Think about how people living with conditions other than locked in syndrome feel. Emotionally? Physically? Think about how those conditions relate to Bauby and locked-in syndrome. Also think about how they differentiate, if they do at all.
Activity: Go online and research 3 types of paralyzing conditions other than locked-in syndrome. After you've researched, respond to the following:
1) Which out of the conditions do you consider to be the worst? Briefly explain why.
2) If you had to live with one of these conditions, which one would it be? Explain why.
3)How do you think the emotional state of a person living with each of these conditions is? How does this relate or differ to Bauby?
4) Discuss your responses in class.
Final Reflection: Turn to the bottom of page 24 in "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly". We are going to read an excerpt from that page. After reading, write a 1-paragraph response describing how you think Bauby felt throughout those moments. Describe the emotion(s) that occurred during those moments. If you find there to be more than one emotion, compare and contrast those emotions. Do these emotions change your original perception of people living with paralyzing conditions? Why or why not? If we have time, we will discuss with the class.
Quick Write: Imagine if you were diagnosed with a paralyzing condition that resulted in you not being able to communicate with anyone (it doesn't have to be locked in syndrome). What would your emotional state be like? Would you feel like giving up or would you persevere? What would you want to say to the people around you---family? Friends? Doctors? etc.
Today, we will simply continue the ongoing conversation that we have been having about Bauby's emotional state. As we're discussing, think about your perception of people that are living with paralyzing conditions. Think about how people living with conditions other than locked in syndrome feel. Emotionally? Physically? Think about how those conditions relate to Bauby and locked-in syndrome. Also think about how they differentiate, if they do at all.
Activity: Go online and research 3 types of paralyzing conditions other than locked-in syndrome. After you've researched, respond to the following:
1) Which out of the conditions do you consider to be the worst? Briefly explain why.
2) If you had to live with one of these conditions, which one would it be? Explain why.
3)How do you think the emotional state of a person living with each of these conditions is? How does this relate or differ to Bauby?
4) Discuss your responses in class.
Final Reflection: Turn to the bottom of page 24 in "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly". We are going to read an excerpt from that page. After reading, write a 1-paragraph response describing how you think Bauby felt throughout those moments. Describe the emotion(s) that occurred during those moments. If you find there to be more than one emotion, compare and contrast those emotions. Do these emotions change your original perception of people living with paralyzing conditions? Why or why not? If we have time, we will discuss with the class.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
April 23rd, 2014 Quick Write and Classwork
To me, imagination is your sense of creativity. Imagination is the word that can be used to describe all of the things that makes no logical sense in reality but perfect sense in your mind. Imagination is the way that we can escape our problems, feelings, thoughts, work, school, family, friends, etc. One's imagination can take them very far. You can imagine the things that you want or the things that you have wanted in the past. You can dream of something and your imagination can make it become a reality for you. Your imagination, to me, is your sanity. One's purpose in life is what their goal is. Whatever you dream to become is what you spend your life working towards. Without your imagination, that dream won't be present and your life would be obsolete. Memory, similar to your imagination, is also important. If you can't remember the things or places that your imagination took you, then your life is nonetheless meaningless.Your imagination is a critical thing, that deserves to never be wasted or taken for granted. Cherish your imagination and you may see a positive change in your life.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Quick Write- April 9th, 2014
Do I believe that animals have souls? I would say that I have never thought about that before. Now that I have to think about it, I would say that I do think that animals have souls. The same way that animals can communicate with other animals like humans do with humans, I believe that animals have souls the way humans have souls. I think that we as humans just don't understand an animals' souls the way we do.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
April 3rd, 2014 Quick Write and Classwork
There are a plethora of things that make life worth living for me. My family, my life, God, and myself (Not in any particular order). Without these people I would have nothing to live for.
3 Observations:
-A man who lost his life.
-A man who just began his life.
-A mixture of emotions
2 Questions:
-How does this man feel about the technology that helps him communicate his thoughts to others?
-What (besides what the technology displays) does this man think about when the different nurses, doctors, family etc. move him around?
1 Feeling:
-Bittersweet
1. How did Bauby write his book if he was paralyzed (especially with the use of only one eye)?
2. What do you think was Bayby's motivation to continue to stay alive and write his memoir as opposed to committing suicide or giving up on his life?
3. Although some may think that this is obvious, do you think Bauby is in a current state of depression? Explain why or why not.
I think what makes life worth living is knowing that someone out there can live their life the way that you can. Knowing that someone out there has it worse than you. Knowing that someone wishes to have a chance at life the way that you do is moving to me.
3 Observations:
-A man who lost his life.
-A man who just began his life.
-A mixture of emotions
2 Questions:
-How does this man feel about the technology that helps him communicate his thoughts to others?
-What (besides what the technology displays) does this man think about when the different nurses, doctors, family etc. move him around?
1 Feeling:
-Bittersweet
1. How did Bauby write his book if he was paralyzed (especially with the use of only one eye)?
2. What do you think was Bayby's motivation to continue to stay alive and write his memoir as opposed to committing suicide or giving up on his life?
3. Although some may think that this is obvious, do you think Bauby is in a current state of depression? Explain why or why not.
I think what makes life worth living is knowing that someone out there can live their life the way that you can. Knowing that someone out there has it worse than you. Knowing that someone wishes to have a chance at life the way that you do is moving to me.
March 24th, 2014 Quick Write and Classwork
So far, I have collected a good amount of supporting details for my claim in my argumentative essay. I support the establishment of selective schools for "smart kids". I have found university research studies conducted by professors, quotes and statistics on "smart kids" in selective schools averages. I also have some opinions from local critics and other teachers from other schools. On top of all of that, I will input my own personal opinion and prior knowledge to assist in supporting my claim.
March 20th, 2014 Quick Write and Classwork
I believe that selective schools for "smart kids" is a very important topic to talk about. I don't think it is often brought up in society. Many, and I too fall victim to this, have not really put too much thought into whether or not selective schools are bias. Sure, I believe that if the subject is brought up then people will give their opinion on it or take the time to become more aware of the issue, but if not brought up, then I believe that people, such as myself, will continue to walk around ignoring it because they feel that that's just a natural part of society.
March 18th, 2014-Quick Write
I still believe that students should not be categorized by their academic ability. However I still support the establishment of selective schools for children with higher academic averages and higher tests scores. I do believe that it is wrong for students to be separated from other students just because of their IQ score or their learning style in school.
I tweaked the essay question a little bit but the position I will be taking in the argument essay will be that I support the establishment of selective schools however I do not support the term "smart kids" and what is used to define one.
I tweaked the essay question a little bit but the position I will be taking in the argument essay will be that I support the establishment of selective schools however I do not support the term "smart kids" and what is used to define one.
March 13th, 2014- Quick Write and Classwork
In my opinion, do I think that smart kids should have their own schools?
I honestly feel that it is discrimination to say that smart kids should have their own schools. I feel like asking this question: What is a "smart kid"? According to that same definition, what would the children that don't fit into the "smart kid" category be considered, "dumb kids"?
However (and I may be contradicting myself when I say this), I agree with there being specialized high schools. I feel as if those schools are put into place for those students who preform exceptionally well on the specialized high school admissions test.
Step 2: My Summary of What I Learned From My Research Thus Far....
Today I realized that there are more counterclaims against educational tracking then there are claims supporting it. I learned that more and more educators are denouncing educational tracking because of the fear that the discriminatory labels that are put on students with a lower educational ability will follow them from grade to grade. Some teachers support educational tracking because they feel that the students put there are "gifted" and will be better accommodated to continue their extremely high levels of academic achievement without getting "distracted" by students that are not considered gifted. I also learned that some people do not support tracking because they find that the students not accepted into specialized high schools lose motivation in regular public schools to strive to do well.
I honestly feel that it is discrimination to say that smart kids should have their own schools. I feel like asking this question: What is a "smart kid"? According to that same definition, what would the children that don't fit into the "smart kid" category be considered, "dumb kids"?
However (and I may be contradicting myself when I say this), I agree with there being specialized high schools. I feel as if those schools are put into place for those students who preform exceptionally well on the specialized high school admissions test.
Step 2: My Summary of What I Learned From My Research Thus Far....
Today I realized that there are more counterclaims against educational tracking then there are claims supporting it. I learned that more and more educators are denouncing educational tracking because of the fear that the discriminatory labels that are put on students with a lower educational ability will follow them from grade to grade. Some teachers support educational tracking because they feel that the students put there are "gifted" and will be better accommodated to continue their extremely high levels of academic achievement without getting "distracted" by students that are not considered gifted. I also learned that some people do not support tracking because they find that the students not accepted into specialized high schools lose motivation in regular public schools to strive to do well.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
March 7th, 2014-Quick Write
Based on the common core standards, I rate myself a 3. I feel as if I have understood the majority of the topic, however I believe that a person can never stop learning and that there is more substantial information in the depths of mindsets that I have yet to discover. I feel that if I put enough effort and study time into it, that I can find out so much more than about the different types of mindsets that I do not already know.
Final Reflection:
There was a time that my theater company and I had to do a show that consisted primarily of ballet dancing. Although I have ballet training, it is not my specialty nor my favorite type of dance style so I struggled throughout all of our rehearsals. I always believed that I had a growth mindset, so I never gave up when it came down to things that became difficult for me. In the beginning, I was truly enjoying it. I knew all of the basic techniques and all of the standard fundamentals of dance, so I loved to waltz around the rehearsal room and "strut" my stuff in front of all the other girls who were richer and more spoiled than I was. I didn't realize that my stubborn and ethnocentric attitude was about to fail me soon thereafter.
After about 2 more days of rehearsals, the dance routine erupted into something more complex. I taught hip-hop dance; all of that ballet choreography was like Latin to me. The director added steps into the routine that was beyond the fundamentals, and everyone else there had way more professional ballet training than I did. Majority of the training I received was usually by volunteer teachers. Not to say that volunteers are not just as experienced professional ballet teachers, just not necessarily as credited. You don't necessarily perform the same when you have been taught without the same tools and resources as everyone else.
Once I began to notice that I was behind all of the other girls, I gave up. What I thought was my growth mindset has completely disappeared at that point and I never wanted to see ballet again. I spent so much energy flaunting a talent that never really was to feel better about myself however in the end it backfired on me and I hated that. I dropped out of the show and didn't get involved with any theater companies for a while.
Grow Your Mindset: If I would have continued to keep a growth mindset all the way through the end of the show things would have been different. I probably would have pushed myself harder and probably taken some extra ballet classes on the side to improve both my skills for the show and for my personal knowledge. I would have admitted my flaws and the things that I didn't know and would have asked for help. I wouldn't have let my pride get the best of me. I would have practiced harder and harder until I got it right- or at least close enough that I can improvise if necessary. Do I regret my decision back then? No. I found a new theater company that I can apply my new-found growth mindset to. However, do I realize that what I thought was growth mindset back then really a fixed one? Yes I do. And thankfully I realized it early on.
Final Reflection:
There was a time that my theater company and I had to do a show that consisted primarily of ballet dancing. Although I have ballet training, it is not my specialty nor my favorite type of dance style so I struggled throughout all of our rehearsals. I always believed that I had a growth mindset, so I never gave up when it came down to things that became difficult for me. In the beginning, I was truly enjoying it. I knew all of the basic techniques and all of the standard fundamentals of dance, so I loved to waltz around the rehearsal room and "strut" my stuff in front of all the other girls who were richer and more spoiled than I was. I didn't realize that my stubborn and ethnocentric attitude was about to fail me soon thereafter.
After about 2 more days of rehearsals, the dance routine erupted into something more complex. I taught hip-hop dance; all of that ballet choreography was like Latin to me. The director added steps into the routine that was beyond the fundamentals, and everyone else there had way more professional ballet training than I did. Majority of the training I received was usually by volunteer teachers. Not to say that volunteers are not just as experienced professional ballet teachers, just not necessarily as credited. You don't necessarily perform the same when you have been taught without the same tools and resources as everyone else.
Once I began to notice that I was behind all of the other girls, I gave up. What I thought was my growth mindset has completely disappeared at that point and I never wanted to see ballet again. I spent so much energy flaunting a talent that never really was to feel better about myself however in the end it backfired on me and I hated that. I dropped out of the show and didn't get involved with any theater companies for a while.
Grow Your Mindset: If I would have continued to keep a growth mindset all the way through the end of the show things would have been different. I probably would have pushed myself harder and probably taken some extra ballet classes on the side to improve both my skills for the show and for my personal knowledge. I would have admitted my flaws and the things that I didn't know and would have asked for help. I wouldn't have let my pride get the best of me. I would have practiced harder and harder until I got it right- or at least close enough that I can improvise if necessary. Do I regret my decision back then? No. I found a new theater company that I can apply my new-found growth mindset to. However, do I realize that what I thought was growth mindset back then really a fixed one? Yes I do. And thankfully I realized it early on.
Monday, March 17, 2014
March 5th, 2014- Quick Write
Do I believe that I was born with a fixed or growth mindset?
What I believe is that this is a very hard question to answer, but nonetheless, my answer would be that I was born with neither. I believe that in certain circumstances (such as both parents being drug addicts, or both parents having severe mental illnesses), hereditary traits can affect one's mind, however I do not believe that these things define a person's mindset, just a their actions. I believe that all people are born with a brain that enables them to properly breathe, cry, use the bathroom and eat. I believe that a fixed or growth mindset is acquired as they get older.
Besides giving lip service, I believe that teachers can show their students that they believe in their potential by going the extra mile with them to help them succeed. For example, if a student (such as myself) has a hectic home life and often misses school days or school assignments, then a teacher can work with that student to come up to a strategic plan as to how that student can make up that school work and/or do extra things at home to get themselves back on track with the current lesson. In such circumstances, a teacher can also offer to meet with the student during their lunch break or other times that they are both free to help get that student back on track. These are just some examples of ways that a teacher can show that they truly believe in their students' potential outside of just giving them lip service.
In contrast, there are also ways that a teacher can make their students feel like a failure or discourage them. Believe it or not even the smallest things make a difference. I have witnessed teachers make small comments to students when handing back their graded work. Comments such as "I expected better/more from you" or "What happened here?" can make a student feel low or discourage them from doing better in the future.
Besides giving lip service, I believe that teachers can show their students that they believe in their potential by going the extra mile with them to help them succeed. For example, if a student (such as myself) has a hectic home life and often misses school days or school assignments, then a teacher can work with that student to come up to a strategic plan as to how that student can make up that school work and/or do extra things at home to get themselves back on track with the current lesson. In such circumstances, a teacher can also offer to meet with the student during their lunch break or other times that they are both free to help get that student back on track. These are just some examples of ways that a teacher can show that they truly believe in their students' potential outside of just giving them lip service.
In contrast, there are also ways that a teacher can make their students feel like a failure or discourage them. Believe it or not even the smallest things make a difference. I have witnessed teachers make small comments to students when handing back their graded work. Comments such as "I expected better/more from you" or "What happened here?" can make a student feel low or discourage them from doing better in the future.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Quick Write- March 3rd, 2014
Open-Ended Questions Based on Mindset:
1) Why do you think that a fixed mindset involves more negative, defensive and pessimistic emotion?
2) Why do you think that this type of mindset is referred to as a fixed as opposed to a growth mindset?
Final Reflection on the Socratic Seminar:
I think that overall this was a great Socratic seminar. The discussion was very intuitive as well as engaging and I think all participants were very insightful. The most interesting comment that stood out to me was when Sophia mentioned that unlike people with growth mindsets, a person with a fixed mindset will not analyze a situation from the other parties' shoes. She stated that a person with a fixed mindset will never look at things from the point of view opposite of their own. The seminar, to me, was great. The only way that it could have been any better was if there were more people involved to input more opinions, however at the same time, I enjoyed the very small and intimate discussion.
I think that one way to grade this seminar is to break it up into categories based on what was discussed. Here is one way to format the grading from today's discussion:
Presentation- (Eye contact, Audible, Actively listening)
Discussion- (Was the student actively engaging in the conversation? Was his/her response or input related to the topic? Did this student understand the topic in its entirety? If the student had a difficulty understanding a comment or the topic, did the student still try? Was effort shown?)
Input- (Did the student give any input? Was the content of the student's input strong? How well did the student's input display their understanding of the topic?)
Feedback- (Did the student give strong feedback? Did the student give any feedback at all? Did the student understand any feedback given to him/her on his/her input? Even is the student didn't agree with another student's statement, did they respectfully disagree?)
I think if you followed these guidelines and had a numeric grading system for a 1 2 3 or 4 in each category, similar to a rubric, then this will be a good way to weigh out both the content of the socratic seminar and the quantitative score.
1) Why do you think that a fixed mindset involves more negative, defensive and pessimistic emotion?
2) Why do you think that this type of mindset is referred to as a fixed as opposed to a growth mindset?
Final Reflection on the Socratic Seminar:
I think that overall this was a great Socratic seminar. The discussion was very intuitive as well as engaging and I think all participants were very insightful. The most interesting comment that stood out to me was when Sophia mentioned that unlike people with growth mindsets, a person with a fixed mindset will not analyze a situation from the other parties' shoes. She stated that a person with a fixed mindset will never look at things from the point of view opposite of their own. The seminar, to me, was great. The only way that it could have been any better was if there were more people involved to input more opinions, however at the same time, I enjoyed the very small and intimate discussion.
I think that one way to grade this seminar is to break it up into categories based on what was discussed. Here is one way to format the grading from today's discussion:
Presentation- (Eye contact, Audible, Actively listening)
Discussion- (Was the student actively engaging in the conversation? Was his/her response or input related to the topic? Did this student understand the topic in its entirety? If the student had a difficulty understanding a comment or the topic, did the student still try? Was effort shown?)
Input- (Did the student give any input? Was the content of the student's input strong? How well did the student's input display their understanding of the topic?)
Feedback- (Did the student give strong feedback? Did the student give any feedback at all? Did the student understand any feedback given to him/her on his/her input? Even is the student didn't agree with another student's statement, did they respectfully disagree?)
I think if you followed these guidelines and had a numeric grading system for a 1 2 3 or 4 in each category, similar to a rubric, then this will be a good way to weigh out both the content of the socratic seminar and the quantitative score.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Quick Write- February 25th, 2014
February 25th, 2014
If I could change any attribute or characteristic about myself as a student, it would be my tendency to give up easily when things become difficult for me. I do not work well under pressure and tend to give up easily when I feel I am failing or do not understand the work assigned to me. I also sometimes get upset when I remember understanding the work before, yet no longer understand it if presented to me again. I think my tendency to give up so easily in times of difficulty will hinder me from progressing in my academics; unless I put a stop to it soon. This is one characteristic about me that I plan to change within the remainder of this 2013-14 academic school year.
If I could change any attribute or characteristic about myself as a student, it would be my tendency to give up easily when things become difficult for me. I do not work well under pressure and tend to give up easily when I feel I am failing or do not understand the work assigned to me. I also sometimes get upset when I remember understanding the work before, yet no longer understand it if presented to me again. I think my tendency to give up so easily in times of difficulty will hinder me from progressing in my academics; unless I put a stop to it soon. This is one characteristic about me that I plan to change within the remainder of this 2013-14 academic school year.
Quick Write-2/12/14
February 12th, 2014
I consider myself as tough as nails but only when necessary. I believe that my overall personality is one of open-mindedness, kindness, generosity, love, care and compassion. However when I am upset or if my patience is challenged, then characteristics such as nonchalant, crude, stern and irritable are displayed. I don't have an explanation as to why I get this way, except for people pushing my buttons. I consider my personality as a student also very tough. Although I sometimes give up easily in difficult times, I am very determined, persistent, and proficient when it comes to attacking my school work. Education being one of my main priorities and necessities is the main reason my attitude towards school is the way it is.
I consider myself as tough as nails but only when necessary. I believe that my overall personality is one of open-mindedness, kindness, generosity, love, care and compassion. However when I am upset or if my patience is challenged, then characteristics such as nonchalant, crude, stern and irritable are displayed. I don't have an explanation as to why I get this way, except for people pushing my buttons. I consider my personality as a student also very tough. Although I sometimes give up easily in difficult times, I am very determined, persistent, and proficient when it comes to attacking my school work. Education being one of my main priorities and necessities is the main reason my attitude towards school is the way it is.
Quick Write- February 24th, 2014
February 24th, 2014
I would say that throughout my lifetime I have failed many times. One time that stood out to me the most was about 5 years ago. I was 12 years old and I was auditioning for LaGuardia High School for the Arts. I was trying to get into their dance program, however I wanted to get into hip-hop; their dance audition was ballet. I have danced ballet before, but it wasn't my forte and I didn't like it that much. All the other girls in their had super advanced training in Ballet and/or were still taking the classes that they had started since they were born. I, on the other hand, am a hip-hop dancer who knows just the fundamentals of ballet. When it was my turn to go, I totally blew the audition. My training was rusty and I didn't have the super anorexic form that most ballet dancers are required to have, so that affected my posture. I went into the locker room trying to contain my one or two tears that were trying to emerge from my eyes and I was doing a good job at it too. Then this one little girl stared at me for a second and then said, "Are you seriously crying right now?" That is when I completely started balling. I knew at that point that I had failed. It killed me inside because I knew that I was a good dancer and I loved to dance. That is all that I wanted to do growing up, but because my style of dancing was different from theirs I had to give up my dream? My reaction to my failure was complete and utter sadness and pain. I was emotionally hurt for a few months, but I grew up and learned about the different dance possibilities that I can explore. I took dance for years and became good at it. I grew to know that dance goes way beyond LaGuardia High School.
I would say that throughout my lifetime I have failed many times. One time that stood out to me the most was about 5 years ago. I was 12 years old and I was auditioning for LaGuardia High School for the Arts. I was trying to get into their dance program, however I wanted to get into hip-hop; their dance audition was ballet. I have danced ballet before, but it wasn't my forte and I didn't like it that much. All the other girls in their had super advanced training in Ballet and/or were still taking the classes that they had started since they were born. I, on the other hand, am a hip-hop dancer who knows just the fundamentals of ballet. When it was my turn to go, I totally blew the audition. My training was rusty and I didn't have the super anorexic form that most ballet dancers are required to have, so that affected my posture. I went into the locker room trying to contain my one or two tears that were trying to emerge from my eyes and I was doing a good job at it too. Then this one little girl stared at me for a second and then said, "Are you seriously crying right now?" That is when I completely started balling. I knew at that point that I had failed. It killed me inside because I knew that I was a good dancer and I loved to dance. That is all that I wanted to do growing up, but because my style of dancing was different from theirs I had to give up my dream? My reaction to my failure was complete and utter sadness and pain. I was emotionally hurt for a few months, but I grew up and learned about the different dance possibilities that I can explore. I took dance for years and became good at it. I grew to know that dance goes way beyond LaGuardia High School.
Quick Write-2/28/14
February 28th, 2014
On a scale of 0-4, I would rate myself a 3 when evaluating my progress in this class. I believe that I am a great writer and that the content of my writing is proficient, however I am slightly behind in this class and owe a few assignments. Thus, I feel as if I am a 3. If all of my assignments were up to date, then based on the work that I have produced so far, I would rate myself a 4. On Monday, when I have turned in all of my missing work and have made up anything that I am late on, then I would hope that my grade will bounce up making my rate also increase to a 4.
On a scale of 0-4, I would rate myself a 3 when evaluating my progress in this class. I believe that I am a great writer and that the content of my writing is proficient, however I am slightly behind in this class and owe a few assignments. Thus, I feel as if I am a 3. If all of my assignments were up to date, then based on the work that I have produced so far, I would rate myself a 4. On Monday, when I have turned in all of my missing work and have made up anything that I am late on, then I would hope that my grade will bounce up making my rate also increase to a 4.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Allow Me To Intorduce Myself
Hello Everyone,
My name is Melanie Thompson and I am 17 years old. I am of Puerto Rican and Jamaican decent and am the oldest of 7 children. I have just moved down to the Bronx from Westchester County, however I am originally from Queens, NY. In 5 years, I see myself about to graduate from Hunter College with a Master's Degree in Social Work. In 20 years, I plan to have my own apartment or house, a family, and a stable, successful career in the Social Work field. In 50 years, I plan to be on my way to retiring from my career and living a peaceful, lavish and relaxing elderly lifestyle.Writing poetry and spoken word, singing, dancing and acting is what engages me the most. These things occupy the majority of my spare time. I have many responsibilities outside of school. Like I mentioned before I am the oldest of 7 children, so I am always working to assist my mother in caring for them and trying to set the best example possible for them as the older sister. I am also a foster child, so as a ward of the state, I have a responsibility to report to my foster care agency and record majority of my daily movements as well as abide by a set a rules and regulations that the government provides for children in the system. I am also part of an acting company, so another one of my outside of school responsibilities is to continue to commit to my rehearsals and shows. I best learn by reading, writing and listening. Sometimes, I am quick to give up when I feel like something is too difficult for me or if I feel like I am on the verge of failing, but in those times, I just need a reassurance or validation of my accomplishments and how far I have come. In this English course I hope to explore various types of literature and quotes from famous writers/authors. I love to interpret other peoples' sayings and reading between the lines of words that most people consider hard to understand. I want to write lots of journal entries and focus on topics that I can somehow relate to my life. I also want to perfect my grammar and learn new ways of phrasing things as well as expand my vocabulary. I honestly want to take any new information that is taught to me and absorb it. I feel that being a part of this collaborative learning community will be very beneficial to me because it will put me around others who are just as naive to the work being taught in class as I am. I also think that being a part of such a group will help me to evolve in my ability to work in groups. I hope that this will turn out to be a successful class for me.
Sincerely,
Melanie Thompson
My name is Melanie Thompson and I am 17 years old. I am of Puerto Rican and Jamaican decent and am the oldest of 7 children. I have just moved down to the Bronx from Westchester County, however I am originally from Queens, NY. In 5 years, I see myself about to graduate from Hunter College with a Master's Degree in Social Work. In 20 years, I plan to have my own apartment or house, a family, and a stable, successful career in the Social Work field. In 50 years, I plan to be on my way to retiring from my career and living a peaceful, lavish and relaxing elderly lifestyle.Writing poetry and spoken word, singing, dancing and acting is what engages me the most. These things occupy the majority of my spare time. I have many responsibilities outside of school. Like I mentioned before I am the oldest of 7 children, so I am always working to assist my mother in caring for them and trying to set the best example possible for them as the older sister. I am also a foster child, so as a ward of the state, I have a responsibility to report to my foster care agency and record majority of my daily movements as well as abide by a set a rules and regulations that the government provides for children in the system. I am also part of an acting company, so another one of my outside of school responsibilities is to continue to commit to my rehearsals and shows. I best learn by reading, writing and listening. Sometimes, I am quick to give up when I feel like something is too difficult for me or if I feel like I am on the verge of failing, but in those times, I just need a reassurance or validation of my accomplishments and how far I have come. In this English course I hope to explore various types of literature and quotes from famous writers/authors. I love to interpret other peoples' sayings and reading between the lines of words that most people consider hard to understand. I want to write lots of journal entries and focus on topics that I can somehow relate to my life. I also want to perfect my grammar and learn new ways of phrasing things as well as expand my vocabulary. I honestly want to take any new information that is taught to me and absorb it. I feel that being a part of this collaborative learning community will be very beneficial to me because it will put me around others who are just as naive to the work being taught in class as I am. I also think that being a part of such a group will help me to evolve in my ability to work in groups. I hope that this will turn out to be a successful class for me.
Sincerely,
Melanie Thompson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)