Reflection Introduction

I am usually not a very good at English, because of the fact that I don’t like to write very much. I also feel like I wasn’t good at writing. It didn’t come very easy to me, so that is why I didn’t like English. I had never been a member of a site where I had a blog and was able to write, so this was new to me. It was also new to me that I had to write a blog every day. It had been a few years that I took English and I wasn’t sure how I was going to make the deadline and come up with 750 words. I think I surprised myself, because I actually enjoyed writing every day. It was time to myself where I could reflect on certain times in my life. I liked being assigned what to write, but it being about something that happened to me in me life and not about something that happened several hundred years ago to other people in biographies and research papers. I was dreading having a summer class and it being English, but I think it turned out in a positive way and I really learned a lot that will help me in other classes.

We were to read a short story every day and then respond to questions about the story. I was thinking we would get easy questions and be able to answer them in just a few short words. I was definitely wrong about this one. The questions really made me think about what was going on in the story and made me think outside of the box. It would take me a long time to think of answers to the questions and it was tough for me in the beginning. After some time and practicing reading and writing every day, I think I was able to improve and think of the answers right away. I didn’t think I would learn so much over an online class to tell the truth, but this class made me think in ways I hadn’t thought in a long time.

After reading and completing the questions about the story I would then being brainstorming for the essay that we were assigned. Again, I liked how the essay was to be about ourselves and something that happened in our life. I was able to write from my own personal experiences, but also tie it into what the reading was about that day. To begin brainstorming, I would print out the worksheet if it was given and I would start to write down my ideas. I would think of anything that would come to my mind about the topic and start to make a spider web like drawing. More ideas would pour out of my mind and I could elaborate on the subject. After I had a few ideas, I would pick the one that I could write more about and begin to write my essay. It was so nice and easy to be able to write about something that meant a lot to me. When I was writing about my friends and family, all my thoughts and emotions would come out in my writing. I felt so laid back and I didn’t mind having to write a lot, because it was fun writing about the things I love. I think the readers would appreciate reading an essay that had thought and emotion in the writing, I know I would. In high school, I was always assigned books that I wasn’t able to understand and given writing topics that I couldn’t relate to, so I hated English classes. I think that was why I was dreading having this class and especially because it was an online class. I tried to stay open to new ideas and ways of writing and I actually enjoyed it.

When I was done writing I would then go back and revise. The notes on blackboard were of good help to me when I was looking over my essay. Like everyone else I read over my mistakes and I don’t catch any errors that I had in my paper. It was very helpful to have the notes on how to write effective paragraphs. It had been awhile that I had an English class and I needed to brush up on my skills. I would take a break from my writing to let my mind have a rest and then I would come back fresh and revise my essay. I found this to be very effective and I was able to catch some mistakes.

In all I liked having this class and I think I learned a lot. I normally don’t like writing, but the writing I was assigned for this class was fun and I was able to write about things that were important to me. I also enjoyed being able to see what my other classmates were writing. I liked being able to read and revise their essay to help me later on. I am glad I took this class and I will take what I learned from it and apply it to classes that I will take in the near future.

Amy H - Classification & Division Blog

1. Is the introductory paragraph interesting? Why or why not? Does the introduction specify clearly what is to be classified and/or divided into groups?
I thought the introductory paragraph was very interesting, because I wanted to know more about the cliques the author was writing about. It was also humorous, so it made me want to continue reading. The introduction is classified and divided into groups very clearly, because I knew from that paragraph what the author was going to write about.

2. Is there a clear thesis statement? Can you find a sentence (or two) that reveals the writer’s point or purpose for the classification and/or division? Type the sentence(s) below that you believe to be the writer’s thesis statement. If the thesis is implied, state it in your own words below.
“These are the groups you should look for, and remember decide wisely which you group you will be in.”

3. Is the writer’s basis of classification clear (see “Notes on Classification and Division” posted August 12th)? Why or why not? By what means is the writer grouping his or her subject matter?
Yes, the writer’s basis of classification was clear, because I was able to understand it. The author took each group and then clearly stated what that group was and consisted of.

4. Are the groups or categories clearly defined and uniquely named? Do any seem to overlap or appear oversimplified or based on stereotypes? Explain.
All the groups were clearly defined. I liked how the author used their creative side and made it very unique. I think some of the groups were stereotyped, but I feel that it was hard to not use them. Most schools are alike and if that was the experience the author had then it was right to use the groups the way they viewed them.

5. Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently? Why/why not? Note any paragraph that seems out of order. Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically? Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected? Explain.
I think the paragraphs were arranged well and didn’t need any changes. The paragraphs were connected smoothly and logically. I didn’t have any problems going from one paragraph to the other, so the transitions were done well.

6. Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed? What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific examples to help illustrate the writer’s classification and/or division?
The paragraphs were very well detailed at the beginning. I would suggest to the author to make more details near the end of the essay to make it more effective.

7. Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent? Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns).
All the writer’s paragraphs were unified and coherent. I don’t think any paragraphs were irrelevant or out of order.

8. Go back and read the first and last paragraph. Has the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction? Does the writer accomplish everything promised in the introduction, or does the essay go off track or seem to switch focus? Why or why not? How can the conclusion be improved?
I think the writer could have made the conclusion with more details and been able to sum up the rest of the essay. It went a little short, but the one liner did have a great affect on the reader. The body paragraphs were well detailed though.

9. Now look at sentences. Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images? Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells? Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of? (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, or switches in verb tense, etc.)
I thought the sentences were effective and the author used commas correctly. There weren’t many errors. I would suggest to the author to double space after each paragraph to make the distinction between each one.

10. Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper. Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement. What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?
I liked reading this essay, it was humorous and made me want to keep reading. I also liked how the author grouped each clique and wrote about it in detail. The only improvement that I would suggest is to make the conclusion longer and sum up the rest of the essay in that one paragraph.

Damara H - Cause and Effect Blog

1. Is the introductory paragraph interesting? Why or why not? Does the introduction specify clearly what is to be analyzed? Can you tell if causes (a number of television programs or characters), effects (positive influences or benefits), or both will be emphasized?
Yes, I thought the introductory paragraph was interesting. The writer wrote about a few shows that had influence on their life and then transitioned into the body paragraphs explaining other shows and characters.

2. Is there a clear thesis statement? Can you find a sentence (or two) that reveals the writer’s point or purpose for the analysis? Type the sentence(s) below that you believe to be the writer’s thesis statement. If the thesis is implied, state it in your own words below.
I don’t think there was a clear thesis statement, but the writer writes in his first paragraph about the television programs that they thought were positive influences on themselves.

3. Does the writer include a sufficient number of programs or characters (cause) and positive results (effect)? Why or why not? What other causes or effects should the writer consider?
Yes, the writer included many different tv shows and characters that had a positive effect. I thought the writer could have included more information about how the positive influenced their life more and gave examples of it.

4. Are the causes/effects reasonable or believable and not too far fetched? Does the author make any creative connections or offer anything that surprises you—or does the analysis seem obvious? Explain.
I think the causes/effects were reasonable and not far fetched at all. I was able to relate to some of the tv shows they talked about because I too watched the same shows and had a positive effect. I also think the author made some creative connections when explaining the characters, because I watched the same shows and they brought new ideas to my attention.

5. Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently? Why/why not? Note any paragraph that seems out of order. Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically? Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected? Explain.
The paragraphs in this essay I thought were arranged well, but maybe the author could have grouped the tv shows and characters together more effectively. They were also connected to one another smoothly and logically and the transitions were good, because the paragraphs flowed nicely.

6. Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed? What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific examples to help illustrate the writer’s cause and/or effect analysis?
I think the author did a good job of explaining the tv show and the characters, but I think it would have been more effective if they wrote more about how the characters influenced their life and give examples.

7. Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent? Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns).
All the writer’s paragraphs were unified and coherent. There were a few misspellings and some word phrases were used incorrectly, but they can be corrected easily.

8. Go back and read the first and last paragraph. Has the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction? Does the writer accomplish everything promised in the introduction, or does the essay go off track or seem to switch focus? Why or why not? How can the conclusion be improved?
Yes, the writer has fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction. The writer started the paragraph about how tv shows and characters had a positive influence on them and they went into writing about the characters and why they were a positive influence. The conclusion could have been improved by being little longer in summing up the essay in one paragraph.

9. Now look at sentences. Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images? Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells? Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of? (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, or switches in verb tense, etc.)
I thought most of the sentences were effective, but there were a few misspellings and some grammatical issues.

10. Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper. Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement. What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?
I thought this was a good essay to read and I was able to relate to it very well. There was good detail, but there were some misspelled words and there were a few words used incorrectly. Also the author could have added more examples on how the characters and tv shows affected their life. Other than that it was a good essay and fun read.

Jesse G - Definition Blog

The essay that I was assigned does not exist.

Michael D - Compare and Contrast Blog

1.Is the introductory paragraph interesting? Why or why not? Does the introduction specify clearly what is to be compared and/or contrasted?
I thought the introductory paragraph was interesting and I wanted to know more about who the two people the writer was comparing and contrasting. The writer clearly stated who the two people were, his mom and dad.


2. Is there a clear thesis statement? Can you find a sentence (or two) that reveals the writer’s point or purpose for the comparison and/or contrast? Type the sentence(s) below that you believe to be the writer’s thesis statement. If the thesis is implied, state it in your own words below.
“They of course had no choice, but they were they first people I saw and of course loved, so it is only right of me to talk about them and compare them, because they in no way are similar.”

3. Does the writer establish a basis for comparison (see “Notes on Comparison and Contrast” posted August 9th)? Which points of comparison and/or contrast need further development? Which points should be deleted? Where do significant points seem to be missing? How has the most important similarity or difference been emphasized?
Yes, the writer established a basis for comparison by comparing his mom and dad. I think the writer could have added more about how his mom and dad were different. There was information, but more points could have made and essay stronger. I don’t think any points should be deleted. The writer emphasized in the essay that both his parents are hard workers.

4. Does the writer use subject-by-subject (block) or point-by-point (alternating) analysis? Why is that the best strategy for this essay?
The writer used subject-by-subject. I think this was the best strategy because he explains both of the people he was writing about and how they are similar and different.


5. Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently? Why/why not? Note any paragraph that seems out of order. Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically? Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected? Explain.
I thought the arrangement of the paragraphs were good the way they were. The writer could have switched the second and third, but I don’t think it would change much. The paragraphs are connected to one another smoothly and logically and there are transitions between the paragraphs.

6. Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed? What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific examples to help illustrate the writer’s comparison and/or contrast? Yes, the paragraphs are well detailed, but I think the writer could have added more about how his parents were different.


7. Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent? Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns). I think all the writer’s paragraphs are unified and coherent. Each paragraph flowed right into the next paragraph and it was easy to follow.


8. Go back and read the first and last paragraph. Has the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction? Does the writer accomplish everything promised in the introduction, or does the essay go off track or seem to switch focus? Why or why not? How can the conclusion be improved?
I thought that the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the in the introduction. The writer wrote about how his mom and dad were similar in ways, but different in some ways and he explained that in the body paragraphs. The essay did not seem to go off track because he stayed on track and focused on comparing and contrasting his mom and dad. I thought the conclusion was good except it needed to be revised for spelling and grammar.


9. Now look at sentences. Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images? Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells? Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of? (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, or switches in verb tense, etc.)
The writer needed to revise his essay and check for misspelled words and make sure to use his commas correctly.


10. Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper. Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement. What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?
I thought the essay was solid and easy to follow along. I was able to relate to this essay because my parents are similar and different in about the same ways. The writer could have added more details and points about their differences and also made sure to spell check his essay and correct grammatical errors.

Michael D- "Night Walker" illustration blog

1. Is the introductory paragraph interesting? Why or why not? What does the writer give you to make you want to continue reading?
I was a little confused as to what the writer was explaining in their introductory paragraph. The writer did not explain anything as to what he was going to write about in the other paragraphs. I think he could have added more in the first paragraph so the reader could follow along better.


2. Is there a clear thesis statement? Can you find a sentence (or two) that reveals the writer’s purpose?
I don’t think there was a clear thesis, but it was implied in the first paragraph.


3. Type the sentence(s) below that you believe to be the writer’s thesis statement. If the thesis is implied, state it in your own words below.
In the first paragraph, the writer talks about an experience that he had not been through before.


4. Do all of the paragraphs contribute to the development of the thesis? Point out any paragraph(s) that you have difficulty relating to the thesis statement or illustration.
I think all the paragraphs contribute to the development of the thesis. The first paragraph was a bit choppy, but it still contributed to the thesis.


5. Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently? Why/why not? Note any paragraph that seems out of order. Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically? Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected? Explain.
I think the writer could have switched the first and second paragraphs. I think it would have made more sense for him to write about his background and then the experience that he went through.


6. Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed? What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific examples to help illustrate the writer’s point or concept?
I think the writer could have added more clear details about the situation he was in. I got a little confused at times.


7. Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent? Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns).
The last paragraph could have been split into two to make the last a closing paragraph. With it all being ran together it gave the essay a different feel than the rest of the story.


8. Go back and read the first and last paragraph. Has the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction? Does the writer accomplish everything promised in the introduction, or does the essay go off track or seem to switch focus? Why or why not? How can the conclusion be improved?
The writer wrote about a time that he had never experienced before and he was able to fulfill the obligations by writing about the experience in the rest of the paragraphs. The conclusion could be improved by making a separate paragraph to wrap up the essay.

9. Now look at sentences. Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images? Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells? Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of? (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, or switches in verb tense, etc.)
There were some misspellings in the essay and I got confused on some of the details. The writer could have improved the essay by adding in more commas.


10. Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper. Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement. What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?
I liked the story and it was an interesting story to read. I also liked the details, but he could have added more and made sure his words were spelled correctly. Another improvement I would suggest is to make a closing paragraph. I would read the essay from bottom to top to catch the grammatical errors.

Kyle D- Process "On Fire" Blog

1.Is the introductory paragraph interesting? Why or why not? What does the writer give you to make you want to continue reading?
I thought the introductory paragraph was interesting, because the writer wrote about a job that was awful for him and it made me want to know now about that job. Maybe he could have included more about the bad job experience he had in the introductory paragraph.

2. Is there a clear thesis statement? Can you find a sentence (or two) that reveals the writer’s purpose?
I think the thesis statement may have been implied. In the first paragraph the writer talks about having good jobs and some not being so good.


3. Type the sentence(s) below that you believe to be the writer’s thesis statement. If the thesis is implied, state it in your own words below.
He wrote about a job that he had over a summer and he talked about the good part of the job and the not so easy part.

4. Do all of the paragraphs contribute to the development of the thesis? Is it clear to you how each of the paragraphs relate to the process the writer is examining? Are any of the required steps or stages left out? Point out any paragraph(s) that you have difficulty relating to the thesis statement or process.
Yes, the rest of the paragraphs contribute to the development of the thesis. The writer wrote about the easy and fun part of the job and the daily duties and he also wrote about the not so fun part of the job and it was very clear. I think he could have elaborated more about the bad part of the job or what he did day to day at work.

5. Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently? Why/why not? Note any paragraph that seems out of order.
No I think the essay was good the way it was arranged. If the paragraphs were arranged differently then it may have changed the entire feeling. There weren’t any paragraphs the seemed to be out of order.

6. Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically? Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected? Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed? What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific details?
I think the paragraphs were connected to one another smoothly and logically. The writer used good transition statements to go from one paragraph and thought to the other. I think the writer could have added more details about his bad experience. The paragraphs I thought seemed a bit short.

7. Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent? Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns).
I think the last paragraph could be fixed. There really wasn’t a closing paragraph so the writer could have included the information in the closing paragraph to the paragraph about the easy part of the job and then make a closing paragraph to wrap up the essay.

8. Go back and read the first and last paragraph. Has the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction? Does the writer accomplish everything promised in the introduction, or does the essay go off track or seem to switch focus? Why or why not? How can the conclusion be improved?
I think the writer accomplished everything promised in the introduction. It was right on track, but the final paragraph could have been split up to make a closing paragraph.

9. Now look at sentences. Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images? Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells? Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of? (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, switches in verb tense, etc.)
I think the writer used strong sentences and he used his commas very well and effectively. The sentences were short, so the writer could improve that part of the essay.

10. Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper. Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement. What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?
The essay was very interesting and easy to read. I thought the writer kept on point and didn’t get off subject in all of the paragraphs. I liked how the writer wrote about his own experience and what he liked about the job and what he didn’t like about the job. I think the writer could have made his sentences longer and stronger to support the essay and make a closing paragraph. My suggestion to the writer is to elaborate more about his experience to make the sentences longer and stronger. Overall, I thought the essay was solid and a good read.

"Mother Tongue" Blog

My mom’s side of the family lives about two hours away from home, so going there as a child it was like a mini vacation for my sister and I. Mom and Dad would go on their own vacation for a week and so they would drop my sister and I off at my grandparents. Their lifestyle was so much different from ours because they lived out in the country and on a farm. We were used to the city living and having no animals at all because Dad didn’t want them in the house. I was always excited to go because that meant we could stay up late and go horseback riding with my Aunt. It also meant that we would be staying in a non air conditioned house and we would have to help out a lot more. We would help clean the house, shuck corn, can vegetables, and also take food out to the pigs and cows. My sister and I would be around my Grandma Doris and my Grandpa Robert every waking second we were there.

To be able to understand what my grandparents had to say, you had to of been around them for a long time. They would use different words for people and objects that we not always normal. When I would first get to their house it would take me a while to adjust to what they would tell me. I grew up being around them, but I only got to see them on birthdays, Easter, Christmas, and in the summer when we would visit them for a week. Most people would say that my Grandpa was a grumpy old man because of the way he would communicate with others. He would mumble under his breath when he would talk to you and talk in an old fashioned tone to where everything he said would run together. I remember we would always go out to eat somewhere nice one night we would stay with them. The waiter came to take out order and my Grandpa would mutter his order quickly to him. The waiter asked for him to repeat it several times. Soon my Grandpa was starting to get very angry because he wasn’t being understood. It was the fourth time that my sister and I said the entire order together. We only understood because we were used to hearing him talk like that for years. It was like our own special communication and bond that we had together.

Talking with my Grandma Doris was also the same because we too had our own special form of communication. She was able to speak very clearly, but she would have her own names for things. When she was a little girl, the only language she knew was German. Learning English wasn’t an easy task for her and her family. She would tell us the story about when she went to school here in the United States that her and her sister would be slapped upside the head by the nuns when they couldn’t understand what they were saying. It was harsh punishment she would tell us, but she said it made her want to learn English because she didn’t want to get slapped again. After that traumatic experience for her and her sister, she learned English very well and quickly. My Grandma would still use her German accent when talking to us. She would call the kitchen sink, the “zink” and she would add her country accent along with it. If we ever wanted to get a coke to drink, she would call it a sodie and when we would go somewhere nice to eat she would get us “doggie bags” to take home. I remember a time not too long ago where I didn’t know what my Grandma was talking about. We were at her house for a get together and she told us kids that she had some trees in the fridge for us. My cousins went right to the fridge and got them out. My sister and I looked at each other in bewilderment and had to go and see for ourselves. Come to find out that the “trees” she was calling them were actually broccoli stems. We had never heard her call them that, but the rest of the family knew.

Communication is a major part of life and without it, it can be very frustrating. I know my family makes up their own form of communication sometimes, but that is what makes our conversations special. I feel closer to my family knowing that I can understand them and they can understand me. I don’t feel ashamed at all, in fact I am proud of my family.

"Mother Tongue" Response Questions

1. The expression that Tan used in the essay “Mother Tongue,” means that this was the language that her mother used. This was a special language that Tan and her mother used to talk to each other. No one could really understand her mother, because they did not grow up with hearing her talk and have a conversation with her like her daughter did.
2. I think Tan uses dialogue in the essay to make the reader get the sense of realness and fully understand what she was writing about. When Tan said that he mother spoke in a broken language, I wasn’t use what she meant by that until she quoted exactly what her mother said when she told the story about gangster in Shanghai. I also thought when Tan would use dialogue to explain when she would have to talk for her mother was very effective. It again gave it a sense of realness and the emotions of her mother came out when she would talk in the background. I felt like I was there when Tan would describe this situation and use dialogue.
3. Outsiders made judgments of Tan’s mother because of her language. They thought that her mother was not well educated and they did not take her seriously. Because she had a “broken” language she would receive poor service and would ignore her. I think the judgments were deliberate on their part, because they didn’t take the time nor did they want to take the time to understand her.

"How Do We Find the Student..." Blog

I am from a small town, so anything out of the ordinary would stick out in the middle of a crowd. Even though there weren’t very many people that went to my high school, there were still the general stereotypes of the students. There would also be the kids that would try to be different from everyone else, but today that is just another classification to add to the mix.

At my high school we had the normal jocks, but the jocks at my school weren’t known just for their athletic abilities. The jocks were also known for their brains too. There would be the occasional “dumb jocks” but most of the athletes were really smart. We had our star athletes that would dominate over the statistics and would also be on the distinguished honor roll. It was like these kids had it all, they were smart and they were gifted in being very coordinated. I remember at my high school the football players wearing their jerseys on game days and there were several guys on the team that were extremely gifted. I would see them in the mornings at student council meetings and at class officer meetings. This was a big deal because they ran most of the meetings. I don’t know how they had time for everything, but they did everything perfectly. They were good role models too, because they never got into trouble and didn’t drink or do drugs. I’m sure their parents were very proud of their kids, because they were recognized for everything too.

Since my high school is a small, rural community we had students that were referred to as “hicks”. The so called “hicks” would wear cowboy boots, flannel shirts, and the slim fit wrangler jeans with their big belt buckle. All of the guys would drive their heavy duty diesel trucks to school and would walk around like they owned the place. At my high school we had a major problem with students dipping tobacco and spitting in on the floors. There was a group of “hicks” that would dip spit in the hallways to watch other students and teachers slip and fall. Not only was this problem disgusting, but it was also dangerous. I know it was this group because I witnessed it. I remember I was going to my locker on day and I saw the boys spitting and laughing when someone slipped. So now when I think about the “hicks” I think about the revolting dip spitting. Also at my high school there was a day where all the agriculture students could bring their tractors to school. I remember not being able to find a parking spot because all the tractors took up the parking. At the time I hated it, but now I think it was something unique and pretty cool. I know that all the students who drove their tractors were ecstatic and happy to have the opportunity to do so. The “hicks” were also given a bad name because of their old fashion ways and being racist. It was sad to see the guys in this group wave around the confederate flag and make racial comments to others.

Another group at my high school was the drama and art students. I hate to judge anyone, but there were several people who went way over the top to stand out and it was a little strange to me. I remember in class there would be students who would burst out in the middle of class with either a dance or song. These students were indeed very talented, but they chose the wrong moments to share it with everyone. The drama students would also dress very out of the ordinary. They wanted to stand out and they definitely did with all their piercings and their Goth like clothing. I remember a few would dye their hair many different colors too. I liked how the people in this group were very friendly. Our drama club was also very talented winning awards for their school play performances.

Every school is going to have their own stereotypes, groups or cliques. Our school of course had the jocks, the brains, the “emotional” kids, and the performers, but with a different twist. I also was able to experience several new groups of kids that made a name for themselves. Without these certain groups, I would not have had the same experience and the school would be pretty boring. I wish there were things that I could have changed, but kids, especially high school students are going to do what they want. There were the groups and cliques when I was in high school and I’m sure they are still going on today and will continue on.

"How Do We Find the Student..." Response Questions

1. I think that Baker wanted every type of student to be represented in this essay so he wrote about many different types that most people think about like the jock, the bookworm, the music and art major. He used what most people could relate themselves to. Baker’s tone and language was funny, but he also made is essay more realistic.
2. I think Baker’s classifications of the students are very fair. Yes there are many different kinds of people in the world, but I think that Baker used just about all the stereotypes that students are put into. He used many stereotypes such as the jock, the performer, the egghead, the worker ant, the lost soul, and the partier. When I think about college students all of these come to mind.
3. I don’t think much has changed since 1982, because all of the classifications have held true to this day. There may be some modifications to make it more 2010, but he named stereotypes that I think will be around a long time. I also think that this is true for the students at USI just because I could look around in a classroom and see just a few of the classifications that Baker wrote about.

"Why We Crave Horror Movies" Blog

As a child I loved watching television. When I would get in trouble, my punishment would involve me not being able to watch my favorite television shows. I was really never interested in watching bad television shows, so it wasn’t a problem. My problem as a child was watching too much T.V. I remember my friends and I would get together every Friday night to watch all the shows that came on. It was a series called T.G.I.F and I can still remember to this day the good times I had with my friends. I also had good family bonding times watching television. My family and I would all sit down together to watch the Disney movie that came on Sunday nights. It was a way for my busy family to kick back and enjoy a movie all together. I would have to say that watching television may have taken my time away from studying or doing homework, but it did have a positive influence on my after watching characters on T.V.

One of my favorite T.V shows was Full House. I first started out watching the show because the cute little girl on the show was named Michelle and I thought it was cool that we had the same name. I also liked the show because the characters were funny and always made me laugh. Not only did the show make a giggle at all the funny parts and shed a tear or two at the sad parts, but it also taught me good lessons and values. On the show the daughters D.J, Stephanie, and Michelle would somehow always seem to get in a sticky situation. Through the show I would learn the lesson that the three girls would learn at the end of the show. Sometimes I would feel like I was in the show and in trouble too when they would make the wrong decision. This show had a good ending every time and that was why I liked it. I also liked this show because it was different than all the others. Most girls aren’t raised by their dad, uncle, and their dad’s friend. The girls in the show were positive role models because they did well in school, didn’t drink or do drugs, and they would be considerate of others. Like any other show it went off the air and I remember my sister and I being devastated because we absolutely loved that show. Still today we will get together and watch the reruns that come on abc family network.

Another show that I grew up watching was Boy Meets World. I liked watching this show because it had a good plot between Topanga and Corey and their friends. I always wanted to know what happened next and the characters always made me laugh out loud. This show was also easy to relate to because it was a close family that had their share of problems too. I could also relate to the friends in the show too. When the friends would have a disagreement they would always find a solution to the problem with Mr. Feeney’s help. I also learned a thing a two about relationships after I watched this show. I thought the perfect couple was Topanga and Corey. I liked watching their relationship grow with the show and how the friends would help the two stay together through the tough times. Each character was unique and I was able to relate to them in some way during the show. After watching each episode, I learned a valuable lesson from the kids and I definitely took something from the show to help me in difficult situations.

I also grew up watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I would watch this show religiously and would never miss an episode. I even had all the computer games that I would play all the time. I thought it was so cool that Sabrina was a witch and had magical powers. She was a good role model to look up to also. She wasn’t a popular girl, but she was nice to others and wasn’t a bully to anyone. She was smart and worked hard to make good grades in school and she would do anything to help someone. There would be times where she made the wrong decision but her aunts would be there to steer her in the right direction. I couldn’t help but laugh at her silliness and the talking cat Salem.

Watching T.V was and still is a favorite pass time of mine. When I was little I loved to watch my favorite television and now that I’m older I can see the good that came from watching them. I learned valuable lessons that I didn’t even know I was taking in when I was watching them. I thought I was just enjoying a good T.V show, but really I was learning how to become a better person.

"Why We Crave Horror Movies" Response Questions

1. I do not thing that King uses an explicitly stated thesis in this essay. He refers going to see a horror film to riding a roller coaster. He also writes in the essay about people daring to see horror movies like it’s a guilty pleasure and to unleash the inner child in them.
2. King compares a horror film to a roller coaster; he also compares the feelings that you get when you are watching a horror film and riding a roller coaster. King uses description throughout the essay when writing about people’s emotions and he illustrates it so well that you can actually picture what he is writing. He also uses narration in the essay when he referred to actual characters in horror movies like the melting woman and he narrates the story about the boy and his joke about the bowling ball and babies.
3. I think King chose to write such a short concluding paragraph so it could leave the readers wanting to know more and to let the readers make up their own scary, twisted ending themselves.

"I Want a Wife" Blog

My sister and I are close, but we have our times where we don’t get along at all. She is three years older than me, yet I feel like I am the older sister sometimes. We also have issues with each other because we still live together at home. We do have our good times though. She is family and I know that I can trust and depend on her for anything. There are certain aspects of being a sister that are not perfect, but it would be nice for my sister to be the perfect sister for just one day.

Since my sister and I still live together, I want a sister that will be more considerate of my things. I want a sister that won’t throw my personal belongings in the corner and walk in my room with her dirty shoes on. I want a sister that can learn to share a bathroom and to not leave it a mess when she is done. I want a sister that will also pick up after herself. I want a sister that will clean my room for me and not complain about it. I want a sister that will not eat all the good food that our parents buy. I want a sister that will replace cold drinks when she takes one out. I want a sister that will do my laundry and fold each and every clothing item the way I like it. I want a sister that will move her car when she has me parked in without having to ask her to move it. I also want a sister that will do all the extra chores around the house so that I wouldn’t have to after a long day of school and work. I want a sister that will take care of the cats and clean out their litter box.

Going to school full time and working part time has consumed my life. I want a sister that will be sympathetic to the fact that I go to school and work. I want a sister that will do my homework when I don’t have the time to do it. I want a sister that would make all my note cards out for me so I can study for all of my tests. I also want a sister that would stay up with me till the early morning trying to study for a test or writing a paper. I want a sister that will be willing to give me some extra money when I don’t have any cash for lunch that day or make me a lunch to take to class. I want a sister that would go to work for me if I was too tired to go. I want a sister that would share her paycheck with me and let me go shopping with it.

I want a sister that I know I can tell her anything and be sure that it will be kept secret. I want a sister that I can do anything with. I want a sister that I can get along with all the time and not have any arguments between us. I want a sister that I can share anything with. I want a sister that I can go to dinner with and just have a good time. I want a sister that can make me laugh so hard that it makes my cheeks hurt. I want a sister that I can stay up all night with and talk about just anything. I want a sister that I can lean on when I am upset. I want a sister that has a shoulder that I can cry on when I am feeling extra down. I also want a sister that will be able to cheer me up. I also want a sister that will always have my back and will cover for me if I get into trouble.

Having a sibling is something that I may have taken for granted, but I am very thankful to have a sister like her. She has been the one person in my life that I know the most and that would do anything for me. My sister and I may not be the best of friends all the time, but when we get along it is the best feeling. I have looked up to her as a younger sister and we will forever have a bond that no one will be able to replace.

"I Want a Wife" Response Questions

1. I think this essay has a thesis. “As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it suddenly occurred to me that I, too, would like to have a wife.”
2. I think Brady repeats the words “I want a wife” to give the reader the full effect of why she would want a wife. Each time she repeats these words she goes into detail of what a good wife is expected to do.
3. Brady never uses the personal pronouns he or she, because she is defining what kind of wife she would want and to let the reader fill in that “blank” whether it be a he or she.
4. I think she kept the first and last paragraph short so that the reader could follow along right into why Brady wrote about wanting a wife. This essay gets right to the point and that is why she keeps the first and last paragraphs brief.
5. I think everyone would want to have the ideal spouse that Brady describes, but life and people are not perfect. I think that Brady would want the wife she describes, but I think she knows that the ideal spouse doesn’t really exist. I think she wrote this essay to sort of vent to her readers and show the kind of spouse she would want to have and possibly be.

"Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts" Blog

I have two best friends and they just so happen to be two completely different people. I would have to say they are polar opposites. They both bring qualities to our friendships that are very different, but I am very lucky to have them both as my best friends. Even though they are both different from each other, they get along better together than anyone I know. We have built a trust between one another and I can tell Ashley and Erica almost anything and they can do the same back. I always have a good time with them and they can make me laugh in many ways. They have also been there for me in the bad times too and I know I can count on both of them whenever I need them.

Ashley has been my best friend ever since we were in kindergarten. We hit it off the minute that we talked to each other and ever since then we have been in separable. She has been the friend that has been there for me all of my life pretty much. If I ever had a problem or just needed someone to talk to she would be there. When we were little we would talk on the phone for hours on end. I used to get in trouble for being on the phone for so long. I think Ashley and I got together so well because we had a lot in common. We both liked the same things, we played the same sports, and we both grew up in a family with the same values. Ashley and I were partners in anything we did and when we played games at recess we had to be on the same team because we were a “package deal”. We would go to each other’s houses all the time. I think I lived at her house for one summer. Even though we were together all the time we rarely ever fought. Ashley was very intelligent and could make me laugh on cue. She really can make anyone laugh, but to me she is the funniest person I know. Ashley also likes her space. She wasn’t the kind of person that likes to be touched. She is also a sarcastic person, but in a joking matter. Her sarcasm is a quality that some people take the wrong way, but if you know her you know that’s just her personality.

Erica is my other best friend that I haven’t known for very long, but I grew very close to her in a short amount of time. I met Erica when I was in Jr. High and we bonded by having class together. Erica was so easy to get along with and she has a sweet personality. She was so nice to me and treated me like she knew me forever when I first met her. I knew from that day on that we would be friends. Erica is what I call a social butterfly because she knows everyone. She is also the fun girl and likes to go out all the time and takes lots of pictures. Erica is also loves to be around people and give hugs. Anytime we get together I know there will be hugs with her. She is a great listener and is a shoulder to cry on. She is very good at making the best out of bad situation and tries to be positive when everyone else isn’t. Erica has her moments where she is a little silly, but that is what I love about her. She always does her best in whatever she does even though she doesn’t have competitive bone in her body. I would have to say that Erica is a fun-loving girl that loves to just have a good time.

My two best friends are very different from one another, but they do have one similarity and that would be our friendship. I like that I have two good, unique people as my best friends. Although Ashley is loud, funny, and competitive and Erica is soft, sweet, and outgoing, I value their qualities as two individuals. When we are all together we have the best time and I know that I can depend on them in good times and in the bad times. I am very proud to call them my friends.

"Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts" Response Questions

1. Catton used subject-by-subject comparison because he wrote about Robert E. Lee and then wrote about Ulysses S. Grant.
2. The contrast between Grant and Lee becomes the most striking is that Lee saw himself in relation to his own region and He would fight to the limit of endurance to defend it, because in defending it he was defending everything that gave his own life its deepest meaning. Grant, in comparison would fight with an equal tenacity for the broader concept of society.
3. I think that Catton’s purpose in comparing Grant and Lee are the same as his purpose in contrasting them and their similarities also make a statement about U.S. history because of the way they lead and fought for their country.
4. “Succeeding generations of Americans” are in debt to Grant and Lee because of the way the two men acted at Appomattox. They both put their bitterness to rest so that they could make peace and make their nation one again.
5. I think Catton provides background for the meeting at Appomattox but no information about the ending to show that even though the two men had their differences they could come together at an agreement. The point of the ending was that they came to a peaceful agreement and not the all details of the meeting itself.

"What I've Learned From Men" Blog

I work at the Buckle in the mall in sales and sometimes it can be an easy fun job and other times it can be a real pain to work there. I have worked there for over and year and a half, much longer than the people working there now. Even though I’ve been there for a while, it doesn’t mean that I get any special treatment or get the respect from the new people. My paycheck is based off of commission so it is my job to sell, sell, and sell. If I don’t sell anything then I don’t get a good paycheck and as a college student I need to make as much money to pay off my loans. I would say that I am a nice person when it comes to some things and I definitely do not like conflict. I try to stay away from it as much as possible. This “ladylike” attitude of mine is what gets me walked all over, especially in my job.

We have a system where I work and it seems to work, but sometimes people get greedy and break the system. The system works that if you are helping someone then the next sales person will help the next guest and it keeps going. This is only fair because if only one person helps everyone, then they will be the one with all the commission and leave the others with nothing. We also keep in touch with other sales people to let them know who we have so there isn’t any confusion. There is only one person that I work with that we have problems with because he becomes too greedy and likes to take all the sales that he can get and his name is Kevin. Most of the people I work with don’t like him for this reason and he gives salespeople a bad name. It also doesn’t help that he is a full time leader and has good relations with the manager of the store.

I had many problems with this guy, but there was one particular instance that I will remember for a very long time. I remember I was helping a family that I usually always help when they come in the store. I have helped them many times before so it was easy to find the fits they liked. They even came in the store looking for me to help them, not anyone else. I was helping the mom, the dad, and their two daughters. This was going to be a big sale for me and I needed it because I hadn’t got a good sale in a long time. In order to keep my job there I have to keep my sales up. I was doing everything right in my sales presentation by showing jeans, tops, shoes, and accessories to each family member. They were really fun to work with and these were the people that I liked to work with. It was out of my knowledge that Kevin was trying to take the sale right from underneath me. When I was in the back showing shoes or busy helping one of the family members, he was showing the family clothing and making a pile of what he was selling to them. Kevin couldn’t get any of his own sales that day so he thought he would just take part of mine. I was so incredibly mad when I found out he was doing this. The family was checking out and to act professional I didn’t say anything in front of the family. After I was finished checking them out and they left the store Kevin approached me and said that we were going to split the commission. I asked him why would we spilt the commission and he said that he showed the product and they purchased it so it was his part of the sale. To not make a scene in the store I said okay and he took over half of my sale. I didn’t argue with him and to start more drama in the store.

If I could go back to that day where Kevin took a big sale from me I would have handled it differently. I would have fought about it and not let him get away with taking sales from people. I could have gone to my manager at the time and demanded that something be done. I wouldn’t have held my tongue and not said anything. I think that I would have been listened to and something would have been done about it. I learned from this experience and that I cannot let people take advantage of me. Since this incident I have spoken up and my voice is now heard.

"What I've Learned From Men" Response Questions

1. I think the tone of the first paragraph is comic because she opens the story with a funny line about getting the attention of a waiter. Not only is the tone comical, but it is also informing the reader about what women can learn from men. This paragraph suggests that we can expect this story to have some humor and also get the point across.
2. Ehrenreich refers to “being tough” when men have an aura of power and control. She also talks about how men will be more confident and cheerfully own up to the hard work to which they owe their success. When Ehrenreich refers to “being ladylike” she is talking about how women will be nice and not own up to their successes because they feel like they would be selfish and would become embarrassed if they are praised. Women have more leading questions and verbal encouragements than men in social interactions and women smile and are nice to everyone just because they want to.
3. According to Ehrenreich, women are reluctant to exert power because they think it is selfish and destructiveness.
4. I think she shares her story about her encounter with her professor so that the readers can relate to her story better. Everyone has a time in their live that they feel embarrassed, but then learn from their experiences. She also used the story to build up the meaning at the end.
5. Ehrenreich “reruns” the scene with the professor to conclude her essay to show the readers that change can be made from having the mentality of a “wimp”. She learned that women do not always have to be nice and that women can be more like men and hold their own in situations like the one she had with her professor.

"Night Walker" Blog

I went to a private school for grades K-5 and I would have to say that I was very sheltered. Our small school consisted of Caucasian boys and girls. This meant that everyone was the same race and there weren’t any racial problems that most public schools had to deal with. It was a whole new world for me when I went to a public junior high. There were many different races that were in the mix now and it was something that I wasn’t used to. I was taught to not judge anyone and to treat someone the way I would want to be treated, so I was nice to everyone that I met the first day of junior high. I also wanted to make as many friends as I could, because I came from a small grade school.

In sixth grade all the students were split up into classes. The class that you were assigned to was the class that you would be with everyday. This made our class extremely close. I also became very close to an African American boy in my class. He was out going and funny we hit it off as soon as we met. We lived close to each other so it was also easy to hang out and we continued our friendship throughout high school also. He always made me laugh and I felt like I could tell him anything. I think we also became very protective of one another, because we didn’t want to see the other get hurt. I didn’t think that my friend would have to go through tough times just because he was black though. We are living in a new age and there shouldn’t be racial problems still going on. My friend was still being judged by the color of his skin. Even his family was criticized just because his mom was white and his dad was black.

In high school my friend had to listen to all the racial slurs that were thrown at him every day. The people that were making the racial slurs were the “hicks” of our school. They thought they ran the school and were very racist because of the way they were raised. Anytime my friend would be verbally attacked by these boys he would take the high road and not say a word back. I know that the hurtful words would get to him, but he never would stoop down to their level and say anything back. I always wanted to say something back to the guys, but he would tell me not to. It was so hard to hold my tongue and I had to do something about it. I went straight to the school office and reported the names of the boys. They were watched from there on out, but did not get in trouble. The remarks did not let up either. This made me sick to my stomach that people would really act this way because someone has a different skin color than them. School wasn’t the only place where my friend would be judged by the color of his skin. When we would go somewhere together we would get extra stares because I was white and he was black. If we would go shopping together my friend would be followed like he was going to steal something. It was just ridiculous that we couldn’t even shop without him getting dirty looks. My friend still chose to be the bigger person and to just ignore the looks.

I didn’t think that racism was still an issue when I was younger and I am still surprised to this day that it still goes on. This is an issue though that is very close to my heart because I saw a close friend go through the pain and suffering of racism. I really do admire his patience and kindness and the great person that he is. Since we went to college we don’t get to see each other very much, but we hang out when we can. I am very lucky to have a friend like him and to have such a good person in my life.

"Night Walker" Response Questions

1. She was not literally a victim, but probably felt like she was a victim.
2. By “unwieldy”, he means that it is not something that he intentionally means to portray. Just by the inheritance of being an African American boy he has been stereotyped.
3. In the first paragraph, he turns a corner and happens to be following a young woman; she looks back worriedly and speeds up and eventually runs away. He also makes references to people locking their doors when they saw him, people would pass to the other side of the street, being mistaken for a burglar at the jewelry store, and at his editors office.
4. I don’t think it would change anything. The way the story is written paints a good enough picture.
5. I think that most people do not think of burglars as being educated. Knowing songs written by Beethoven give the impression that the person is intelligent and probably not a burglar.

"How to Con an Instructor" Blog

If I could go back and do things differently in high school I definitely would have. I was one of those people who wanted to move on to college so badly that I wished away most of my high school days. I thought that college would be a lot more fun with having more freedom and to be able to pick out my own classes. Going to school for eight hours was something that I hated and I couldn’t wait to be able to go to class whenever I wanted to. I didn’t realize at the time that I was very wrong to wish that I was out of high school. Compared to college high school was so easy and fun. Now that I have two years of college under my belt I have learned things to do and not to do.

My first year of college I signed up for all of my hard classes because my advisor said to. She told me it would be a good idea to get the hard classes out of the way first. This was my number one mistake. I was completely overloaded with hard classes that I ended up doing really bad in one of them. I was taking anatomy 1 and 2, math 111, sociology, speech, and psychology. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed up for these classes. In high school I could study for a few hours top and I would get good grades, but in college it was so much different. I would study for hours on end for one test and I would just barely pass with a C. I also hated the fact that all the grades were based off of tests only. I was used to have other assignments to help out my grade, but now if I did badly on a test I wouldn’t have much more room for error. Also, in high school I was used to all my teachers knowing me and my family. This would help me out if I ever needed any extra help on homework or studying for a test. In college it was different, because I didn’t know any of the professors and instructors and they didn’t seem to care like my high school teachers were. I would advise all new freshmen to make their schedule the way they want to and not what someone else tells them. I would also suggest to new students not to take their hard classes their first year. This was my major mistake. I think it takes about a year to get the hang of studying for college level tests. If I would have known this then I could have saved time and money by not having to take a class over again.

Most college students want to move out as soon as they graduate, but I think it was the right decision for me to stay at home and commute to school. I know several people who live several minutes away from USI and they have their own apartments. This is a huge waste of money. I would advise any new student to save money in as many ways as they can. I again lost a lot of money by buying my text books from the bookstore. I would buy a book for full price and then go to class with some that bought the book for more than half the price less than me. Another way to save money is to not eat on campus. The food is expensive and not very good. I started taking my lunch with me and I saved about thirty dollars a week. With being a full time college student it is hard to find a job, so I would suggest finding a job that has flexible hours to help pay for tuition.

There are many things that I wish I could do over my first year of college. I would have made my own schedule the way I liked it and studied the right material for tests. I also wouldn’t have skipped so many classes my first year to sit outside and talk with friends. My college experience wasn’t all that bad, but I wish I would have known more of what I was getting myself into. I think I have grown so much in the past two years and it has made me a better person. I am now an experienced college student and I try to help give advice to any freshmen going into their first year. Looking back it would have helped if someone gave me advice about what college life would be like and so that I could be more successful.

"How to Con an Instructor"

How to Con an Instructor

Enter college, and you'll soon be reminded of an old saying: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” That person behind the instructor's desk holds your future in his or her ink-stained hands. So your first important assignment in college has nothing to do with required readings, examinations, or even the hazards of registration. It is, instead, how to con an instructor.

The first step in conning an instructor is to use body language. You may be able to convince your instructor that you are special without even saying a word. When you enter the classroom, be sure to sit in the front row. That way, the instructor can't possibly miss you. Then, as the instructor lectures, take notes frantically. The instructor will be flattered that you think so much of his or her words that you want to write them all down. A felt-tip pen is superior to a pen or pencil; it will help you write faster and prevent aching wrists. While you are writing, be sure to smile at the instructor's jokes and nod violently in agreement with every major point. Most important, as class continues, sit with your body pitched forward and your eyes wide open, fixed firmly, as if hypnotized, on your instructor's face. Make your whole body suggest that you are watching a star.

Once you have mastered body language, it is time to move on to the second phase of conning the instructor: class participation. Everyone knows that the student who is most eager to learn is the one who responds to the questions that are asked and even comes up with a few more. Therefore, be sure to be responsive. Questions such as, “How does this affect the future of the United States?” or “Don’t you think that someday this will all be done by computer?” can be used in any class without prior knowledge of the subject matter. Many students, especially in large classes, get lost in the crowd and never do anything to make themselves stand out. Another good participation technique is to wait until the instructor has said something that sounds profound and then ask him or her to repeat it slowly so you can get it down word for word in your notes. No instructor can resist this kind of flattery

However, the most advanced form of conning an instructor happens after class. Don’t be like the others who slap their notebooks closed, snatch up their books, and rush out the door before the echoes of the final bell have died away. Did you ever notice how students begin to get restless about five minutes before class ends, even if there’s no clock on the wall? Instead, be reluctant to leave. Approach the instructor’s desk hesitantly, almost reverently. Say that you want to find out more about the topic. Is there any extra reading you can do? Even better, ask if the instructor has written anything on the topic—and whether you could borrow it to read (or, even better, where you can purchase a copy).

Finally, compliment your instructor by saying that this is the most interesting course you’ve ever taken. Nothing beats the personal approach for making an instructor think you care. Body language, questions, after-class discussions—these are the secrets of conning an instructor that every college student should know. These kinds of things go on in high school, too, and they’re just as effective on that level. Once you master these methods, you won’t have to worry about a thing—until the final exam.

"On Fire" Blog

Once I started college my parents pushed me to get a job. It was everyday that my mom would nag me about looking for a job. Working when I was in high school was never an issue because I played sports. There wasn’t any extra time in my schedule to have a job, but now that I was in college my parents thought I had all the time in the world. I would get so annoyed by it that I would just tune them out whenever my parents would talk to me about it. I didn’t want a job at all because that would require extra work outside of school. I thought I had enough on my plate as it was with going to school full time. I did like the sound of having extra money to spend and that I wouldn’t have to ask my mom and dad for money anymore. I was saving a lot of money by staying at home, but I thought that maybe this whole job situation wouldn’t be so bad after all. I decided that I would apply a few places to see if I could actually get a job.

Since I was thinking about going into the medical field I thought it would be a good idea to apply at the hospital as a patient care tech. I also applied to a few small businesses in my home town. I didn’t get any feedback from anyone for weeks, so I was beginning to think that I wasn’t going to get a job anytime soon. I was actually getting used to the fact that I would be jobless forever until one day I was looking online and found something interesting. I somehow stumbled upon The Buckle website that had its own job link at the bottom. I looked at the job requirements and I thought that I may be able to do this so I applied. I was surprised to receive a phone call the next day to come in for an interview. By the next week I was hired and started orientation. This job was definitely different than what I thought it would be and I had to learn the ropes very fast.

Now that I have been at The Buckle for about a year and a half as a sales associate I started to have the same routine. I would usually work a five to close shift and in that time I was expected to get a lot done. I would arrive to work and go straight to our red planner book to see what was going on for the day and any side notes the manager would write to give us motivation and more ways to sell our products to the guest. After reading the planner I would grab my SPG card and see what projects I was given for the night. This was the part that I did not like at all. I feel like the projects that we are assigned are sometimes a little too much to handle. I would get a project like folding an entire wall of jeans. This probably doesn’t sound like a hard job, but it’s hard when you are trying to sell the product to the guest at the same time. I work on commission, so if I do not sell then I don’t get a very good paycheck. This was the biggest part of my job, selling. When I get to work I always wait to talk to anyone, because I like to see what’s new and where everything is so I can help the guest better. I then scope out the shoppers and go to help my first guest. I like this job because I can interact with other people, but it can also be the bad part of the job. Most of the time I help really nice people who will accept my help, but there are the mean people too. It never fails that I will help at least one really mean shopper every shift that I work. This is the part of the job that I hate. I’ve been treated so badly before that I almost quit this job.

At closing time we have to do all the closing duties which include trash, sensors, putting hangers away, and cleaning. This job can also become even more difficult if the people I would with are lazy. Even though this job can be very stressful, I still enjoy working there and I will continue to work there as long as I can. I like being able to help people find what they are looking for and seeing their eyes light up when they find something that fit them so well. I have also learned a lot from this job and have met a lot of really cool people along the way.

"On Fire" Response Questions

1. Brown describes the process of being a firefighter and the process of getting ready each day. He explains everything he does to become a good firefighter and his own experiences.
2. I think this essay is unlike the typical process explanation because it does not go in order. Brown writes about his own experiences and the story is going to go how he saw it and not in perfect order. This gave the story a sense of realness and made it “fit” because as a firefighter his life can probably get a little crazy sometimes.
3. Brown uses other similes in the story and he also uses personification. I think such language enhances the essay because the reader can put themselves in his situation and picture it in a way that Brown did. When I read this essay I could get a picture of what he was going through when he used examples of figurative language.
4. I think Brown uses the second person perspective instead of I in this essay so that the reader can relate more to the story. It’s like he is putting you in the story.
5. Brown wishes to convey that firefighting is not just an everyday job and it can also have its ups and downs. In the last paragraph he talks about how he checks and tests everything at the fire house only to wait for the call. This shows that firefighting is not an ordinary job. It’s a job of waiting, but when in action it can be a rewarding and dangerous job.

"My First Conk" Blog

Everyone wants to be in the “it” group and be popular. No one wants to be the odd one out, so going with the crowd and the popular kids was something you would just have to get used to at my school. I went to a grade school that was very small and there were only fifteen people in my class with only six being girls. This meant that you wanted to be friends with all the girls and try and fit in as much as possible. There were two girls in my class that I would call “the leaders of the pack.” They were the girls that everyone wanted to be friends with. They were the “pretty girls” and I used to think they had it all. Even the boys in our class liked them. I wanted to be their friends so badly that I did some things that I think are silly today.

In the second grade, the popular girls always wore the coolest clothes. They would set the fashion for the rest of the girls in class. I remember there was one particular day at recess where I noticed a popular girl’s shoes. We were playing jump rope so my attention went directly to her shoes. She was wearing these black, almost platform heels that had a cute little buckle to top off the cool new shoes. I loved them immediately and wanted to have them because a popular girl had them. I went home that night and told my mom about them. I was so excited to get these new shoes, but unfortunately for me, my mom said no. It was like my dreams were shattered. I was so angry that I couldn’t get these new shoes. My mom thought it was absurd to get new shoes just because someone else had them.

The next day I was still bummed about not getting the shoes, but I would soon get over it. I arrived at school the next day to find that two other girls in my class had got the same shoes. Now I really had to have these shoes. The girls in my class now classified that if you didn’t have these shoes then you could be a part of their new club they were starting. Everyone went out and got these new shoes. I was so crushed to hear this because I knew I wasn’t going to be able to get those shoes. I had to do something to change my mom’s mind. When I got home I did all my chores and then some so my mom would take me to the mall to get these shoes. She was still against the idea, but she said that if I paid for them with my own money then I could get them. At this age I really didn’t get much money from my parents, so I was going to have to use some money from Christmas and birthdays. I worked so hard to earn enough money for those shoes. It was months before I was able to get the shoes. By the time I got them everyone else was on to the next fashion. I was so disappointed, but I was just going to have to live with the clothes I was given. It was just too much work to pay for my own shoes again. I was still teased about not being in this “club” of theirs.

Now that I’m older and much more mature, I look back on that memory and I think I was silly to think I needed a certain shoe to fit in. When I get together with my old friends from grade school we always go back to that story and we can’t help but laugh. It’s a funny story to tell now, but at the time it wasn’t a joke. From my experiences it isn’t fun to be left out and be the one who is different from everyone else. Kids and teens today now crave to be different from everyone. I wouldn’t take back anything that I did during my life even though I feel a little foolish for doing things to make others like me. I think I learned a valuable lesson that it’s okay to be different and that you should always just be yourself.

"My First Conk" Response Questions

1. Malcolm X wanted to get his hair conked so that he could be initiated into sophistication. He wanted to become a part of urban life to fit in. At the end of the story he talks about how this was his big step toward self-degradation. Malcolm X endured so much pain to look more like a white man. This kind of mindset was instilled into people thinking that black people were “inferior” and that white people were “superior.”
2. I think he wanted to show the pain that he went through to look more like a white man. His feelings were shown more throughout the story by writing it as a process explanation rather than a set of instructions.
3. I think that Malcolm X includes so many references to the pain and discomfort that he went through to show what he and others went through. People were brainwashed into thinking that they should look like white men and they would go to great lengths to achieve this. I think he wanted to show the readers that going through pain and discomfort to look like something you aren’t isn’t right and what he called, “self-degradation.”
4. I think he used so many quotation marks in the last paragraph to show what people thought about black people and white people. There isn’t a skin color that is “superior” to the other and I think Malcolm X wanted his readers to understand what African Americans had to go through during that time period when they were considered “inferior.”
5. This message is definitely still relevant today. There are many people today that will try and act like the opposite race and will go through anything to achieve this. African Americans will bleach their skin to look more like white people and white people will perform practices that African Americans do. I think that people want what they can’t have and will try to be something they really aren’t. This story sent a good message to the readers that they shouldn’t try to change themselves into something they aren’t.