The young mind needs shaping through critical thinking. Whether the means is through a required statistics class or a book review group project in a required English class, the origin is not of importance. Critical thinking through review of a novel, including ethnographic perspective, challenges a student to work independently and in group discussion. It also develops the mind to take in all aspects and perspectives of the author's work and to make critical connections. These strengthening virtues of a book review project make it an essential part of the English curriculum and liberal education. English 110 should continue to make the literature circle project a required element of its coursework.
My literature circle project was based on “The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific,” an ethnographic novel by J. Maarten Troost, and it's funny and sometimes insightful text challenged me independently and in group discussion to connect all aspects of it. The book is about Maarten Troost and his girlfriend Sylvia moving to the small Pacific island nation of Tarawa to pursue Sylvia's job opportunity and Troost's lack of permanent job and unemployment. The transition from life on Kiribati, one of Tarawa's southern islands, was harsh for both who came from the easy life of the U.S. as rampant disease, sweltering heat, a lack of an active government and military, polluted shoreline, and other sub cultural behaviors took some getting used to. This culture shock made them feel foreign as they were considered outsiders by the I-Kiribati people as “I-Matangs.” Eventually they feel a sense of belonging on Kiribati and the ending could be easily assumed. Troost's text shares a cultural outlook and an essential viewpoint is cast onto the reader for consideration.
Troost and Sylvia were destined to remain in the South Pacific after island life changed their views on what is important to them. The ending was very assumptive and did not come as a shock to me. Because of their long stay on Kiribati, they adapted and couldn't find themselves going back to civilization as they knew before. Shopping malls scared them in fact. They found themselves contrite with using what little resources they had for survival in the South Pacific. After moving to the U.S. and finding it too difficult, they moved to Fiji and had their child. This seemed the only satisfactory ending to Troost's ethnographic story as he and Sylvia had found their home there and fell in love with its culture and way of life. In a sense, the only thing that came as a surprise was their son Lukas because he never wrote about her pregnancy till the very end. This left questions of whether their life on Fiji was happier than on Kiribati or whether or not there was a transition from island to island. Troost uses this wonder to let the reader know that the importance of his book was to display how “diving” into another culture changed his life forever enough to create his and Sylvia's happiness by deciding to reside in the South Pacific. The ethnographic story showed his adaption to the culture in which he studied.
“Sex lives” is a good choice for others to read as it is the ultimate ethnography. Troost not only submits himself into another culture, a life cut off from life as he once knew, but is forever changed by his experiences and research despite the harsh living conditions that should have left him unchanged. His initial reaction of Kiribati's culture showed how it seemed he would never change his views. “Small children played with ingenious toys made of sticks and string. Most children have chronic diarrhea and there are indications that cholera has returned. Tarawa is the loveliest place I had ever seen. The water, the beaches, the palm trees, the colors, the sky, and the hovering silver-blue clouds bisected by the horizon. Tarawa isn't a disaster waiting to happen. It is a disaster.” This small segment of his initial reaction shows his negativity towards the island. However, his views are shaped with time and various experiences and towards the end of the book he began to show his learned appreciation for life on Kiribati during the majority of text. And whenever a negative aspect of the island came about he covered it up with something positive such as how he has adapted to it. “Yet, as we rode up and down the atoll on borrowed bicycles (one with a chain that preferred to be elsewhere, the other without brakes, which mattered not on a flat island), watching the men fishing and the women tending gardens and the children playing or shyly staring at us from the heights offered by the coconut trees that they climbed with such ease, it sometimes seemed as if the rhythms of life were focused solely on Butaritari...” shows Troost's acceptance of island life after his significant change from his experiences. This transition from his initial views of Kiribati to his final views shows the in-depth text supporting his experiences, an essential of a successful ethnographic book. Adventurous types and those interested in other cultures are highly encouraged to read this book for the literature circle project because of Troost's changed views from culture shock to adaption.
The project's turnout was very well as I met the deadlines according to the group time line of individual jobs. Because I finished the jobs on time, I was able to actively participate in any group discussion that came about the chapters assigned, whenever discussion was needed. Within the group, the majority of the time went towards finishing the 4 journals; otherwise we would talk of interesting aspects or great changes in the text based on Troost's experiences. The group was fairly balanced by means of who listened who talked and who facilitated. I partook in all of these from time to time to get things accomplished. However, the discussions could have been even more in-depth to give our group more insight into Troost's views. As a learning experience, the group project taught me that depending on others to do their work on time is superficial and never a guarantee. Learning what is in the text is not based on group work or discussion, but independently through reading critically and doing each section's job. Overall, I have changed to become a more analytical reader to catch the smaller details and to look back upon a section if I felt that I had missed something to complete the jobs. This caused me to constantly be asking myself: why did Troost do this? who is he involved with socially in his daily life and for what purpose? These questions allowed me to make connections from the purpose of an ethnography to the ethnography's context while reading the sections. When discussing what I discovered to the group, I learned it is best to state your opinion despite what the others believe. Each person interpret text differently just as each person works much differently within a group project. This goes back to learning to only depend on myself to learn the lessons Troost was promoting throughout the text.
The literature circle project is essential to English 110's coursework because it promotes essential analytic skills for college coursework and professional life. Students need practice to develop critical skills just as Troost needed time to accept the living conditions on Kiribati. It took time and experience for Troost to be changed from the point of being culturally ignorant to deciding to reside in Fiji with Sylvia and Lukas. Being cut off from civilization taught him the independence that changed him.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Mini-essay #6 - Definition
JOINED TOGETHER FOR THE CAUSE
One in five women diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma die. This devastating statistic represents only one type of cancer affecting millions of people. Families of cancer patients, patients, survivors, and friends of these groups feel the effects of cancer every day. No cancer patient undergoes the difficult process of treatment alone as doctors, nurses, oncologists, and others support them in any way possible. Miracles happen and patients survive, however not all make it through as cancer is a life-taking hellish disease. My mom was one of the more fortunate ones affected by cancer. Now this may seem a paradox, but her life was spared and that was the best gifts that God has ever given to me. In efforts to spare an increasing number of lives from cancer, the American Cancer Society has hosted The Relay for Life for decades around the world. I am a member of this group because I am grateful she survived and to raise money to end the times of cancer affecting more millions world-wide.
My involvement with the Relay for Life all began when I was about 10 years old and in girl scouts. From the start, I was always involved in many things, including academic groups and extracurricular activities. For the relay, we worked together to received donations for the cause, set up and decorated a campsite around the track, and took turns walking throughout the entire night until morning. This enduring of the group is a symbol of those who have survived or have lost the fight to cancer. My first experience and involvement in the Relay for Life as a young girl caused me to include others in the future fight against cancer. Year after year I would return and persist with the others around me aiding in the funding for research and the cessation of cancer-related deaths.
This involvement started from a similar group interest and goal, but during 2003, my endurance during the relay came from motives that were personal for the first time. My mom was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma during late winter after she went in to the doctor's after a slip on some ice. Slips are something that people try to avoid during this time; however the slip became a miraculous event. If it weren't for it, she may have never gone in to the doctor, and she may not have been alive today. I walked that summer for that miracle and for the hope that God would bless our family with the sparing of her life. She walked too as the beginning lap ensued, she wore the colored shirt signifying she has or has had cancer, and endured the night along with the rest of the team and other sub-groups at the relay. My mom's determination and strong-will not only allowed her to get through the night of relay events, but also the disease. She has been over 5 years cancer-free and the oncologists declare that to be re-diagnosed would be extremely rare after the fifth year without cancer. For this miracle I walk for the relay, I am who I am today, and I endure the night in hope that cancer will no longer affect anyone.
The members involved in the Relay for Life share this common goal when rallying together to prevent cancer in some way because they have been affected by it. Either they have survived or are battling cancer, or had a friend or family member survive or die from cancer. Being involved in this group allows me to share this feeling of sadness from being affected, happiness for my mom's life, and the hope for future discoveries in the medical field. The revenue made from rallying and donations from several communities at one relay location could aid in the cure. The cure is why we rally.
One in five women diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma die. This devastating statistic represents only one type of cancer affecting millions of people. Families of cancer patients, patients, survivors, and friends of these groups feel the effects of cancer every day. No cancer patient undergoes the difficult process of treatment alone as doctors, nurses, oncologists, and others support them in any way possible. Miracles happen and patients survive, however not all make it through as cancer is a life-taking hellish disease. My mom was one of the more fortunate ones affected by cancer. Now this may seem a paradox, but her life was spared and that was the best gifts that God has ever given to me. In efforts to spare an increasing number of lives from cancer, the American Cancer Society has hosted The Relay for Life for decades around the world. I am a member of this group because I am grateful she survived and to raise money to end the times of cancer affecting more millions world-wide.
My involvement with the Relay for Life all began when I was about 10 years old and in girl scouts. From the start, I was always involved in many things, including academic groups and extracurricular activities. For the relay, we worked together to received donations for the cause, set up and decorated a campsite around the track, and took turns walking throughout the entire night until morning. This enduring of the group is a symbol of those who have survived or have lost the fight to cancer. My first experience and involvement in the Relay for Life as a young girl caused me to include others in the future fight against cancer. Year after year I would return and persist with the others around me aiding in the funding for research and the cessation of cancer-related deaths.
This involvement started from a similar group interest and goal, but during 2003, my endurance during the relay came from motives that were personal for the first time. My mom was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma during late winter after she went in to the doctor's after a slip on some ice. Slips are something that people try to avoid during this time; however the slip became a miraculous event. If it weren't for it, she may have never gone in to the doctor, and she may not have been alive today. I walked that summer for that miracle and for the hope that God would bless our family with the sparing of her life. She walked too as the beginning lap ensued, she wore the colored shirt signifying she has or has had cancer, and endured the night along with the rest of the team and other sub-groups at the relay. My mom's determination and strong-will not only allowed her to get through the night of relay events, but also the disease. She has been over 5 years cancer-free and the oncologists declare that to be re-diagnosed would be extremely rare after the fifth year without cancer. For this miracle I walk for the relay, I am who I am today, and I endure the night in hope that cancer will no longer affect anyone.
The members involved in the Relay for Life share this common goal when rallying together to prevent cancer in some way because they have been affected by it. Either they have survived or are battling cancer, or had a friend or family member survive or die from cancer. Being involved in this group allows me to share this feeling of sadness from being affected, happiness for my mom's life, and the hope for future discoveries in the medical field. The revenue made from rallying and donations from several communities at one relay location could aid in the cure. The cure is why we rally.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Soundtrack to my life
1. "Kokomo" - The Beach Boyshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG9XfJxMY8A
6. "Iris" - Goo Goo Dolls
6. "Iris" - Goo Goo Dolls
10. "For Good" - Wicked
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbTozgoj9OQ
These 10 songs have a certain level of significance to me because they symbolize a certain memory or important time growing up. I first encountered these songs either through a friend or on the radio. The only exception to this would be the song "For Good" because I heard it in Chicago, Illinois last spring with my music department at the play "Wicked" at the Chicago theatre. Also the first 5 songs in my list came in the earlier part of my life, whereas the last half came about when I was in early adulthood or high school years. Life got tough and so did relationships in level of complexity. Change was a major part of high school and also happy life-long memories. I was changed by a few people during high school and these people will always be remembered if I never see them again.
As for choosing the songs on the soundtrack, it was challenging to narrow down which songs are the most significant to me because music is such a big part of my life. I live it, breath it, and feel it. The mix reflects who I am fairly clearly. My review from a fellow classmate declared that "The songs are too varied to get a clear view on other subcultures she belongs to. More than likely she had someone disappoint or let her down because several songs are about breakups or let downs. Friendship is very important to her." From this, my sense of self is seen in my song choice. I went through tough times finding myself, accepting change, and learning from heartbreak. Friendship became very important to me and I became a sensitive person. The song "For Good" was during my senior year for the Chicago trip. We sat at the theatre and I thought of all of the people who I've been part of a community at school with (and teachers) who have made me who I am today. There are those who do not matter, as I have learned, but for those who made a difference in my life I am truly greatful for them. And I will miss them. I sat at the theatre crying next to my best guy friend who happened to be a foreign exchange student from Bangladesh. I feared the change to come, where we wouldn't be able to hang out or talk as easily because he would be leaving to go back to his home country. The questions raced through my head during this song. Who will I become? Will I miss my friends? Will I be strong during yet more change? I will miss all of this I thought. As for the subcultures, I don't find myself belonging to any of them but music culture, because that is what means the most in my life.
Others would see that I am a sensitive, caring friend who has undergone change and good times and appreciates family and the love of her life. People can see this as my character is transparent in this mix, however as the classmate said before, that others would have trouble finding which subcultures I belong to.
My mix also belongs to a larger scope, connecting others in meaningful lyrics and popular songs. It connects the youth and people from my generation through the genres of music and the love of music. This love is demonstrated here at UWEC, for the countless music organizations, ensembles, bands, orchestras, choirs, and people appreciative of music.
The person saw my love for music quite easily, however when judging another's choice of music, it was a little more difficult to judge. For the most part I judged correctly, his outfit and hangout activities for Friday night were correctly judged, however I saw him more of a sensitive guy who played the guitar and had an appreciation for alternative rock genre. I saw him get his paper back and his puzzled look like "I don't play guitar, she has me all wrong." However I did make the comment that I find alternative a good genre to follow as I listen to it as well. I listen to all types of music genres, and that is why it is hard to judge a person's character by their soundtrack. We each have different life experiences and groups of friends and levels of influence by the media. We are all different!
These 10 songs have a certain level of significance to me because they symbolize a certain memory or important time growing up. I first encountered these songs either through a friend or on the radio. The only exception to this would be the song "For Good" because I heard it in Chicago, Illinois last spring with my music department at the play "Wicked" at the Chicago theatre. Also the first 5 songs in my list came in the earlier part of my life, whereas the last half came about when I was in early adulthood or high school years. Life got tough and so did relationships in level of complexity. Change was a major part of high school and also happy life-long memories. I was changed by a few people during high school and these people will always be remembered if I never see them again.
As for choosing the songs on the soundtrack, it was challenging to narrow down which songs are the most significant to me because music is such a big part of my life. I live it, breath it, and feel it. The mix reflects who I am fairly clearly. My review from a fellow classmate declared that "The songs are too varied to get a clear view on other subcultures she belongs to. More than likely she had someone disappoint or let her down because several songs are about breakups or let downs. Friendship is very important to her." From this, my sense of self is seen in my song choice. I went through tough times finding myself, accepting change, and learning from heartbreak. Friendship became very important to me and I became a sensitive person. The song "For Good" was during my senior year for the Chicago trip. We sat at the theatre and I thought of all of the people who I've been part of a community at school with (and teachers) who have made me who I am today. There are those who do not matter, as I have learned, but for those who made a difference in my life I am truly greatful for them. And I will miss them. I sat at the theatre crying next to my best guy friend who happened to be a foreign exchange student from Bangladesh. I feared the change to come, where we wouldn't be able to hang out or talk as easily because he would be leaving to go back to his home country. The questions raced through my head during this song. Who will I become? Will I miss my friends? Will I be strong during yet more change? I will miss all of this I thought. As for the subcultures, I don't find myself belonging to any of them but music culture, because that is what means the most in my life.
Others would see that I am a sensitive, caring friend who has undergone change and good times and appreciates family and the love of her life. People can see this as my character is transparent in this mix, however as the classmate said before, that others would have trouble finding which subcultures I belong to.
My mix also belongs to a larger scope, connecting others in meaningful lyrics and popular songs. It connects the youth and people from my generation through the genres of music and the love of music. This love is demonstrated here at UWEC, for the countless music organizations, ensembles, bands, orchestras, choirs, and people appreciative of music.
The person saw my love for music quite easily, however when judging another's choice of music, it was a little more difficult to judge. For the most part I judged correctly, his outfit and hangout activities for Friday night were correctly judged, however I saw him more of a sensitive guy who played the guitar and had an appreciation for alternative rock genre. I saw him get his paper back and his puzzled look like "I don't play guitar, she has me all wrong." However I did make the comment that I find alternative a good genre to follow as I listen to it as well. I listen to all types of music genres, and that is why it is hard to judge a person's character by their soundtrack. We each have different life experiences and groups of friends and levels of influence by the media. We are all different!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Mini-essay # 5 - Comparison and Contrast
THE STORK DROPPED THIS OFF
Babies are blessings from God. A miracle is given to a couple from a single act, and from it a life begins, a personality is to be unfolded, and a soul is to be loved in return. However, not all couples ask for this miracle in their lives due to timing or relationship complications or mistakes. Some babies come into the world as an unexpected gift. Abortion, adoption, and raising the child are options. My brother Chris had this unexpected gift show up in his life on December, 1st, 2008, and he and the mother chose to raise him. After Jackson's birth, a big change happened in the family. Some people in my family didn't accept the realism of Jackson's unexpectedness very well, however my immediate family accepted his presence as a miracle and a life. He is an adorable addition to the family that will be loved, despite the complications and changes that have been imposed on Chris and the immediate family.
Before Jackson's existence, my immediate family had only 4 members: my mom Debbie, my dad Bryan, my brother Chris, and myself. Each of us has a unique character; having different views, different personalities, different goals, and different interests. Although the family is diverse, personalities come together sometimes to clash and sometimes to blend, which strengthens the group. We make it through hard times and challenges in life. My parents are content with their jobs and live on the farm without Chris and I, my brother has a job in Menominee, Wisconsin, and I go to college at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Not only are we in different locations, but we are in different stages of our lives as well. Our motives and responsibilities mainly involved caring for ourselves before the birth of my nephew. All planning in the family was the immediate future or the present. Our lives changed from caring about the present stresses of work or school to caring for a child as a group effort every weekend.
This change imposed a great sacrifice upon each of us, some more than others. I am rarely home on the weekends due to work, but Chris comes home every weekend to take care of Jackson. He alone has sacrificed the most out of all of us. Money, time, social events, and weekends spent with his girlfriend in Menominee are several of his great sacrifices. My mom has also sacrificed a great deal for her grandson. She picks up Jackson from his mother's house every Friday after work and takes turns watching him throughout the weekend for Chris. She is past the mothering stage and should be able to have the luxury of spoiling her grandson upon each of his visits. Instead, she has taken on the secondary parent to help Chris when the mother is not present. Each of us have sacrificed something. For most of us it is time or hours of sleep per weekend, and I have given up my bedroom temporarily. All of Jackson's clothing, toys, furniture, necessary items, and Chris have taken occupancy in what was once my housing for the occasional weekend at home. This is not necessarily a complaint, however the point made is that the family has experienced change. Some of the changes have been good, some have been bad, and these changes do not matter to the family. What was a mistake turned out to be a miracle. The little boy has made each member of the family more responsible, loving, silly, and cooperative to change diapers, to take turns and watch him, to feed him, to give him baths, and to make him smile. Overall the biggest difference in my family has not been the feeling of being overwhelmed with responsibility, but the feeling of opening our hearts to accept the miracle that God has chosen us to love and care for.
The most recent and greatest change in my life has been the arrival of Jackson, as the family was united to help Chris take on single fatherhood and to bring all of us together from the separation of location and differences in our lives. The little miracle that has changed the family forever may have been unexpected, but now that he is here, there is no choice but to move forward. God works in mysterious ways, and perhaps Jackson is alive to bring us all together, to love one another, and to have faith that with God all things are possible. Anything can be overcome through faith and love.
Babies are blessings from God. A miracle is given to a couple from a single act, and from it a life begins, a personality is to be unfolded, and a soul is to be loved in return. However, not all couples ask for this miracle in their lives due to timing or relationship complications or mistakes. Some babies come into the world as an unexpected gift. Abortion, adoption, and raising the child are options. My brother Chris had this unexpected gift show up in his life on December, 1st, 2008, and he and the mother chose to raise him. After Jackson's birth, a big change happened in the family. Some people in my family didn't accept the realism of Jackson's unexpectedness very well, however my immediate family accepted his presence as a miracle and a life. He is an adorable addition to the family that will be loved, despite the complications and changes that have been imposed on Chris and the immediate family.
Before Jackson's existence, my immediate family had only 4 members: my mom Debbie, my dad Bryan, my brother Chris, and myself. Each of us has a unique character; having different views, different personalities, different goals, and different interests. Although the family is diverse, personalities come together sometimes to clash and sometimes to blend, which strengthens the group. We make it through hard times and challenges in life. My parents are content with their jobs and live on the farm without Chris and I, my brother has a job in Menominee, Wisconsin, and I go to college at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Not only are we in different locations, but we are in different stages of our lives as well. Our motives and responsibilities mainly involved caring for ourselves before the birth of my nephew. All planning in the family was the immediate future or the present. Our lives changed from caring about the present stresses of work or school to caring for a child as a group effort every weekend.
This change imposed a great sacrifice upon each of us, some more than others. I am rarely home on the weekends due to work, but Chris comes home every weekend to take care of Jackson. He alone has sacrificed the most out of all of us. Money, time, social events, and weekends spent with his girlfriend in Menominee are several of his great sacrifices. My mom has also sacrificed a great deal for her grandson. She picks up Jackson from his mother's house every Friday after work and takes turns watching him throughout the weekend for Chris. She is past the mothering stage and should be able to have the luxury of spoiling her grandson upon each of his visits. Instead, she has taken on the secondary parent to help Chris when the mother is not present. Each of us have sacrificed something. For most of us it is time or hours of sleep per weekend, and I have given up my bedroom temporarily. All of Jackson's clothing, toys, furniture, necessary items, and Chris have taken occupancy in what was once my housing for the occasional weekend at home. This is not necessarily a complaint, however the point made is that the family has experienced change. Some of the changes have been good, some have been bad, and these changes do not matter to the family. What was a mistake turned out to be a miracle. The little boy has made each member of the family more responsible, loving, silly, and cooperative to change diapers, to take turns and watch him, to feed him, to give him baths, and to make him smile. Overall the biggest difference in my family has not been the feeling of being overwhelmed with responsibility, but the feeling of opening our hearts to accept the miracle that God has chosen us to love and care for.
The most recent and greatest change in my life has been the arrival of Jackson, as the family was united to help Chris take on single fatherhood and to bring all of us together from the separation of location and differences in our lives. The little miracle that has changed the family forever may have been unexpected, but now that he is here, there is no choice but to move forward. God works in mysterious ways, and perhaps Jackson is alive to bring us all together, to love one another, and to have faith that with God all things are possible. Anything can be overcome through faith and love.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Mini-essay #4 - Process Analysis
How to Milk a Cow
My home is out in the country between each of the few little towns in western Wisconsin. The location of my home is not even in a town, but it exists in an unincorporated destination of Falun, Wisconsin. Known for its dairy farming, tractor pulls, derbies, and the community in which I grew up in, this little locale holds the place where I will always consider my home. Of course my family has a history of farming like the many other local families. I live on a 4th generation dairy farm and have had so much practice with it, that milking a cow has become second nature. Several steps must be done for the sanitary milk to be sent in to the Co-op for manufacturing and distributing. Milking a cow consists of 4 steps: preparing, washing, administering the machine, removing the machine, and storing the milk.
The first step to milking a cow is collecting the materials needed. Before a milking, gather: the cow (obviously), a bucket of hot water with sanitizer solution, a pack of heavy-duty paper towels, a sanitized milk machine, and a sanitized milk tank. Each of these items is essential to achieve the product. Without sanitizer solution, for example, the washing step will not clean the cow’s udder thoroughly, and the milk produced may contain more bacteria than if the udder was sanitary. Now with materials on hand, we are ready to clean the area.
When washing the udders of the cow, the objective is getting the cleanest area possible before putting the machine on. First, submerge a heavy-duty paper towel into the hot sanitized water. Approach the cow slowly with paper towel in hand. Do not get so low that the cow's knees are parallel to your shoulder. Bend down slightly when reaching the udders and use the towel to clean off every surface of the 4 udders. Make sure that you have removed any manure, hair, and milk residue from the udder. Once the area is sanitized, the machine is ready to be connected with the cow.
Connecting the milking machine, though it appears easy, may be a difficult feat for a first-timer. First you must connect the 2 hoses to the pipeline. One supplies air pressure when milking and the other transports milk to the sanitized milk tank. Next you must turn the machine upright with the hoses running beneath the cow. The 4 separate parts that connect in a center globe are then attached to the udders. The air pressure holds the 4 parts on the udders and the air pulsates through the hoses, milking the cow. Removing the apparatus is soon to follow in an order of minutes.
Within a few minutes, a very small amount of milk is seen in the center globe, indicating it is time to remove the machine. First you must hang on to the metal loop attached to the center globe while turning the stopper on the hose. This stops air and milk supply. Then you must remove the 2 hoses from the pipeline. The last step is already finished, however it is the most essential part of the process.
Milk storage was obtained during the milking, but the storage finalizes the process for the farmer to store, distribute, and receive profit on the milk. The storage comes from the machines itself. During the process of milking, the milk from the cow runs through the hosing, into the pipeline, and finally ending in the milk tank. Throughout the week, a truck driver from the local Co-op comes to the farm to take the milk for distribution and further use.
Milking a cow is second nature to a dairy farmer, so that the steps of preparation, sanitizing, attaching and detaching the machines, and milk storage, are subconscious. But for those who never knew that cows had 4 udders can still learn how, if desired, to milk a cow. Farming is not based on milking cows alone, but feeding, cleaning, breeding, and taking care of the animals are other aspects. Far out in the country throughout little towns of Wisconsin and the world, farmers are all doing certain steps to do their jobs, whether it is raising beef cattle, ranching horses, or milking cows like my dad. This hard working atmosphere reminds me of life on the farm and of my family. They are well missed.
My home is out in the country between each of the few little towns in western Wisconsin. The location of my home is not even in a town, but it exists in an unincorporated destination of Falun, Wisconsin. Known for its dairy farming, tractor pulls, derbies, and the community in which I grew up in, this little locale holds the place where I will always consider my home. Of course my family has a history of farming like the many other local families. I live on a 4th generation dairy farm and have had so much practice with it, that milking a cow has become second nature. Several steps must be done for the sanitary milk to be sent in to the Co-op for manufacturing and distributing. Milking a cow consists of 4 steps: preparing, washing, administering the machine, removing the machine, and storing the milk.
The first step to milking a cow is collecting the materials needed. Before a milking, gather: the cow (obviously), a bucket of hot water with sanitizer solution, a pack of heavy-duty paper towels, a sanitized milk machine, and a sanitized milk tank. Each of these items is essential to achieve the product. Without sanitizer solution, for example, the washing step will not clean the cow’s udder thoroughly, and the milk produced may contain more bacteria than if the udder was sanitary. Now with materials on hand, we are ready to clean the area.
When washing the udders of the cow, the objective is getting the cleanest area possible before putting the machine on. First, submerge a heavy-duty paper towel into the hot sanitized water. Approach the cow slowly with paper towel in hand. Do not get so low that the cow's knees are parallel to your shoulder. Bend down slightly when reaching the udders and use the towel to clean off every surface of the 4 udders. Make sure that you have removed any manure, hair, and milk residue from the udder. Once the area is sanitized, the machine is ready to be connected with the cow.
Connecting the milking machine, though it appears easy, may be a difficult feat for a first-timer. First you must connect the 2 hoses to the pipeline. One supplies air pressure when milking and the other transports milk to the sanitized milk tank. Next you must turn the machine upright with the hoses running beneath the cow. The 4 separate parts that connect in a center globe are then attached to the udders. The air pressure holds the 4 parts on the udders and the air pulsates through the hoses, milking the cow. Removing the apparatus is soon to follow in an order of minutes.
Within a few minutes, a very small amount of milk is seen in the center globe, indicating it is time to remove the machine. First you must hang on to the metal loop attached to the center globe while turning the stopper on the hose. This stops air and milk supply. Then you must remove the 2 hoses from the pipeline. The last step is already finished, however it is the most essential part of the process.
Milk storage was obtained during the milking, but the storage finalizes the process for the farmer to store, distribute, and receive profit on the milk. The storage comes from the machines itself. During the process of milking, the milk from the cow runs through the hosing, into the pipeline, and finally ending in the milk tank. Throughout the week, a truck driver from the local Co-op comes to the farm to take the milk for distribution and further use.
Milking a cow is second nature to a dairy farmer, so that the steps of preparation, sanitizing, attaching and detaching the machines, and milk storage, are subconscious. But for those who never knew that cows had 4 udders can still learn how, if desired, to milk a cow. Farming is not based on milking cows alone, but feeding, cleaning, breeding, and taking care of the animals are other aspects. Far out in the country throughout little towns of Wisconsin and the world, farmers are all doing certain steps to do their jobs, whether it is raising beef cattle, ranching horses, or milking cows like my dad. This hard working atmosphere reminds me of life on the farm and of my family. They are well missed.
Monday, March 2, 2009
"The Experiment"
When deciding what to wear for this clothing experiment in enlgish, I set boundaries of what I couldn't possibly be seen wearing in public, then pushed that boundary only slightly. Bikinis are acceptable on public beaches, and casual wear is accepted most definitely in public, so I paired them up in a slightly ridiculous outfit. I also had put on a pair of leggings with the bikini bottoms over the top, however when thinking that I couldn't possibly get myself to walk down the hill in all silliness, I put a pear of sweats over the top. That would have pushed my limits. It was easier to approach people I knew based on their acceptance of me and their acceptance of the reason why I was wearing this. When approaching strangers, my sweater would be zipped slightly to hide partially the strange outfit. Approaching strangers was difficult because of harsh judgement. Although it was difficult, i sat amongst 260 students in lecture hall where I went unnoticed, which benefited me greatly. I wasn't treated differently by my professors because I never was one-on-one with any of them, however eating breakfast with my friends invoked a few comments on the basis of "um... explain why you're wearing a bikini?" But my peers were not harsh and they didn't shun me! I explained that it was for a social experiment in my english class. The outfit was only commented upon by my peers during breakfast time as I remained anonymous in my last class of the day. Overall this experiment showed me that "clothes do make the person" however friends will not judge you in the same way that strangers do. Friends are more accepting and see you for who you are. I know that this experiment has contradicted my side of the mini-essay, however I still stand by my opinion as I don't judge people upon their appearances alone.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Concluding thoughts about my general research
From my anthropological research, I have concluded that students find the easy routes to get their work done: they study in such a way that will benefit them the most, they have easier work cut out for them than the work issued international student's from their own educational system, they have easy access to helpful resources that they often times do not know of or do not access, and they often do not give enough respect to their professors. As for professors, they cut students slack because of the educational system that the U.S. has, they do not receive enough recognition from students, and they see students as "short-cut" takers that mostly care about their social life and not their academic life. These conclusions are from the information that I have discovered through the ethnography research.
Hold the phone!!
When asked if there were changes in student behaviors throughout their years as educators, both professors reported the main difference. Student's dependency of technology during class was much different than the beginning few years of my 2 elder professor's careers. The use of cell phones for texting, the ipods, the laptops used for facebook during lecture via wi-fi are a very large and noticeable change thanks to the improvement of technological devices and the youth's need for staying connected to their friends. Another commonality in their views of student's behaviors was the "rudeness" that they showed towards the professors, as students pack their things early with a few minutes left of class and some students even leave without being dismissed. This is definitely a change from teaching 15 or more years ago.
Talking with 5 strangers
I went up to 5 random people and of those 5, 4 lived on campus and 1 lived off-campus. Of those 5 "strangers," 2 of the 4 who live in the dorms study in their rooms while the other 2 find it more effective to study in the library. The off-campus student studies both on campus at the library and at home as they do not go home until their classes are finished for the day. As for study habits, they all agreed that their study habits have changed from high school, and of those 5 students 2 listen to music to get the most from the material. The other 3 need silence to understand the material thoroughly. Also 1 of the students said that when they read they like to say the material aloud to read, hear, and interpret the material. "It helps a lot," she reported.
An international view of things
Since I couldn't ask an international student from our class this question, I was not able to ask my two friends Celia or Linda, but I knew one other exchange student personally. I asked Camille Gerstenhaber what the one major difference between her country's education system and her new education here at UWEC was. She said that "In high school in France we have to choose a specialty (either science, economics or literature) and at the end of our senior year we have a huge exam called the BAC. If we fail it we don't graduate so then we have to repeat our senior year. The difference is that in France schooling is very serious with consequences. It is more casual here." (This picture was taken at the David Cook concert, left to right: Camille, me, Celia)
Art around campus
The piece that first caught my eye came into view during my campus tour months ago. This sculpture is located near campus mall and the footbridge. It is up for interpretation as it is artwork, and I saw it as two people dancing or cooperating. The piece then (keeping my interpretation in mind) fits well on campus because it shows students working together in class, in social networks, and in education. The piece gives a sense of happiness that links the social campus mall with the fine arts center across the footbridge. It links the campus in a way.
A "Blugold" is...
I searched this on the UWEC website for quite some time, then finally found some information about the mascot and history of students trying to create an official mascot for the university. Here at UWEC we are known as the "Blugolds" and many of my friends from other colleges ask me what that term means. I always just tell them that a Blugold is our mascot and that blue and gold were our school colors. In reality these are both somewhat true, however we do not have an official mascot (the students have been trying to create an official one) and that the term reflects our attitude academically and spiritually for our university.
What is a microfiche ?
Microfiche is a card of microfilm that holds a number of pages of information on a reduced form, that when inserted into a microfiche reader, a person is able to see the enlarged and readable information. One of these can be located on 2nd floor of McIntyre library, near the stairway, at UWEC along with the newspaper collection.
Locating a newspaper
Many current students here at UWEC do not know that there is quick and easy access to national newspapers right in the McIntyre library! When I entered the library today I looked at the floor directory to find where the newspapers were located. I found out that they live in 2nd floor along with the microfiches. Locating the newspapers was very easy, however taking a picture with one amidst an audience was difficult and slightly embarassing. Within the Wall Street Journal I found a headline that grabbed my attention: Obama Pushes Firmer Budget Rules. The article is about our president telling Americans of his seriousness about the budget deficit, his plans to enforce spending cuts, and his ideas involving no tax cuts. He would like to see the deficit be cut in half by 2013, however many see this as a big feat.
Essay #1 - Deciding what is right for you
Many future and current college students inquire as to whether a liberal education is worth the money, time, and hard work to pursue. As I am a current student at the University, I often debate whether this pursuit is worth it or if an alternative route would yield greater benefits. After viewing “Freshman Provocation 2008,” conducting a personal interview with a professor, and reading various essays, I chose my side of the debate. I believe that a liberal education is worth it because the variety of subject matter that students get exposed to strengthens fundamental skills and community and it promotes life-long learning.
Humanities credits such as fine arts courses may be taken by students even if the credits are not going towards a minor or major of study, defining the credits as electives, therefore the social atmosphere can cause a sense of community from being involved. When interviewed, Robert Mondlock, my professor and director of Women's Chorus at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, was asked what strategy he uses to keep students involved and engaged in class. His response was “I like to use different props within the classroom (such as the large beach ball named Myrtle) to represent important skills needed by musicians and to form a community within the class, to bring the students together socially and academically.” The objective of “Myrtle” is that students must keep the ball from touching the floor during the game. Each student works independently to pass the ball up with their hands, however teamwork, communication, focus, and fun are needed for the group to keep the ball in the air. This exercise is not all about keeping a beach ball from touching the floor, but rather a representation of how the choir needs community to be successful. If each student only performed independently, the performance would be a failure. Success is only achieved in a choral group by the cooperation and synced communication by all of its members. As for Mondlock, the reward achieved from teaching these skills through music is “knowing that I have affected the lives of others in positive ways.” His reward is in turn what the students achieve. Those in fine arts courses strive to affect their audience in a positive way and to take pleasure in being a success within their performing group; a community bound by similar motives to pursue higher knowledge through a liberal education.
Students learn more than just how to sing a chromatic scale or the solfege letters from fine arts courses, as music is a pleasurable and social atmosphere. According to Dr. William Cronan, a professor at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, “every one of the qualities I have described here – listening, reading, talking, writing, puzzle solving, truth seeking, seeing through other people's eyes, leading, working in a community – is finally about gaining the power and the wisdom, the generosity and the freedom to connect.”(3). Music goes hand-in-hand with these skills obtained. Students will need to know how to communicate well with others (both listening and “thinking on one's feet”) for their future career and throughout the life in the “real world.” For example, communication within a choir occurs when listening for tuning, listening for the appropriate time to breathe, and watching the director to know how long to hold a note. Listening to and watching each other, fixing problems on the spot, and working together as a group not only make a choral piece a success, but these skills also learned through a liberal education make life a success.
Learning and strengthening skills do not end after college. Personal education is life-long and liberal education promotes this life-long learning. The electives taken during the 4 years at a University expose students to an array of subjects outside of their major of study. Supporting the importance of a liberal education, Dr. Martin Wood, Interim Provost and English professor at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, stated that “one thing that I love about humans is we dare to exceed our grasp. And I think that's motivated by hope. But we also want to build a wall between ourselves and danger. And that of course, that is motivated by fear. When you hear me talk about hope and fear it would be real easy to think that I mean hope is always good and fear is always bad because I'm kind of crazy about hope. But we can't do without either one. All planning, all forward thinking, all preparations, all commitments, are essentially human activities that value hope a little bit above fear. Without hope you get stagnation and decline, you get no creativity. Without fear you get recklessness and danger.” This dare to exceed our grasp represents the hunger for life-long learning and personal education beginning with a liberal education. Hope for a better future, a better career, and a better understanding of things come from a 4-year University. Fear then is the thing that drives us towards hope and away from future turmoil. If a person doesn't work or receive a higher education, they will not have income and they will struggle to survive. This is a fear that people try to avoid by hope and motivation to better themselves. Money drives people to an extent, but there are still those who have more than just that salaried motivation. People who pursue a liberal education hope for the better things in life, and these hopes lead to becoming a life-long learner. Those who do not pursue a liberal education also have hopes, but they also have fears that motivate them for a better life. What these people lack is the strong skills and hunger for learning that liberally educated people have. What drives all people then is hope and fear toward and away from situations in life and all must decide their own routes through life, and I have decided the beginning of my route starts with the 4 years following my high school education at a liberal arts college.
Liberal education is worth pursuing because elective coursework promotes skill-building, community, and self-education for life. Those that choose an alternative route may be basing their decision upon their motives, such as whether or not they care to receive higher education beyond job training, but they are also missing out on what is obtained by students who do choose a liberal education. The subject is still debatable and completely opinion-based, but all can agree that within everyone there is that desire to “dare to exceed ones grasp.” It can be something as simple as wanting a better salary or a better car. It is hope that drives our actions and fear that inhibits them, and both act as a guide through life's path.
Works Cited
Cronon, William. “Only Connect: the Goals of a Liberal Education.” The Key Reporter (1998):
2-4.Mondlock, Robert. Personal interview. 16 Feb. 2009.
Wood, Martin. “Freshman Provocation.” University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Zorn Arena, Eau Claire. 16 Sept. 2008.
Humanities credits such as fine arts courses may be taken by students even if the credits are not going towards a minor or major of study, defining the credits as electives, therefore the social atmosphere can cause a sense of community from being involved. When interviewed, Robert Mondlock, my professor and director of Women's Chorus at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, was asked what strategy he uses to keep students involved and engaged in class. His response was “I like to use different props within the classroom (such as the large beach ball named Myrtle) to represent important skills needed by musicians and to form a community within the class, to bring the students together socially and academically.” The objective of “Myrtle” is that students must keep the ball from touching the floor during the game. Each student works independently to pass the ball up with their hands, however teamwork, communication, focus, and fun are needed for the group to keep the ball in the air. This exercise is not all about keeping a beach ball from touching the floor, but rather a representation of how the choir needs community to be successful. If each student only performed independently, the performance would be a failure. Success is only achieved in a choral group by the cooperation and synced communication by all of its members. As for Mondlock, the reward achieved from teaching these skills through music is “knowing that I have affected the lives of others in positive ways.” His reward is in turn what the students achieve. Those in fine arts courses strive to affect their audience in a positive way and to take pleasure in being a success within their performing group; a community bound by similar motives to pursue higher knowledge through a liberal education.
Students learn more than just how to sing a chromatic scale or the solfege letters from fine arts courses, as music is a pleasurable and social atmosphere. According to Dr. William Cronan, a professor at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, “every one of the qualities I have described here – listening, reading, talking, writing, puzzle solving, truth seeking, seeing through other people's eyes, leading, working in a community – is finally about gaining the power and the wisdom, the generosity and the freedom to connect.”(3). Music goes hand-in-hand with these skills obtained. Students will need to know how to communicate well with others (both listening and “thinking on one's feet”) for their future career and throughout the life in the “real world.” For example, communication within a choir occurs when listening for tuning, listening for the appropriate time to breathe, and watching the director to know how long to hold a note. Listening to and watching each other, fixing problems on the spot, and working together as a group not only make a choral piece a success, but these skills also learned through a liberal education make life a success.
Learning and strengthening skills do not end after college. Personal education is life-long and liberal education promotes this life-long learning. The electives taken during the 4 years at a University expose students to an array of subjects outside of their major of study. Supporting the importance of a liberal education, Dr. Martin Wood, Interim Provost and English professor at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, stated that “one thing that I love about humans is we dare to exceed our grasp. And I think that's motivated by hope. But we also want to build a wall between ourselves and danger. And that of course, that is motivated by fear. When you hear me talk about hope and fear it would be real easy to think that I mean hope is always good and fear is always bad because I'm kind of crazy about hope. But we can't do without either one. All planning, all forward thinking, all preparations, all commitments, are essentially human activities that value hope a little bit above fear. Without hope you get stagnation and decline, you get no creativity. Without fear you get recklessness and danger.” This dare to exceed our grasp represents the hunger for life-long learning and personal education beginning with a liberal education. Hope for a better future, a better career, and a better understanding of things come from a 4-year University. Fear then is the thing that drives us towards hope and away from future turmoil. If a person doesn't work or receive a higher education, they will not have income and they will struggle to survive. This is a fear that people try to avoid by hope and motivation to better themselves. Money drives people to an extent, but there are still those who have more than just that salaried motivation. People who pursue a liberal education hope for the better things in life, and these hopes lead to becoming a life-long learner. Those who do not pursue a liberal education also have hopes, but they also have fears that motivate them for a better life. What these people lack is the strong skills and hunger for learning that liberally educated people have. What drives all people then is hope and fear toward and away from situations in life and all must decide their own routes through life, and I have decided the beginning of my route starts with the 4 years following my high school education at a liberal arts college.
Liberal education is worth pursuing because elective coursework promotes skill-building, community, and self-education for life. Those that choose an alternative route may be basing their decision upon their motives, such as whether or not they care to receive higher education beyond job training, but they are also missing out on what is obtained by students who do choose a liberal education. The subject is still debatable and completely opinion-based, but all can agree that within everyone there is that desire to “dare to exceed ones grasp.” It can be something as simple as wanting a better salary or a better car. It is hope that drives our actions and fear that inhibits them, and both act as a guide through life's path.
Works Cited
Cronon, William. “Only Connect: the Goals of a Liberal Education.” The Key Reporter (1998):
2-4.Mondlock, Robert. Personal interview. 16 Feb. 2009.
Wood, Martin. “Freshman Provocation.” University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Zorn Arena, Eau Claire. 16 Sept. 2008.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Library Tour
The McIntyre library provides many resources for college students here at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Located on lower campus, the library is a center to escape the habits of “dorm studying” and can give a student a place to receive access to quiet studying and helpful resources. Prior to the library tour that I took part in, I had only been inside the library twice for group meetings. I know now that the library should be accessed by more students because it provides several useful services.
Among the useful services, there is a checkout center for the rental of electronic devices, several computer labs distributed on the different library levels, TV's, reserved and non-reserved study areas, and of course the checkout of texts including: journals, periodicals, books, special collections, and DVD's. To my surprise the services listed are not used by the majority of the student population. A larger awareness is needed for better use of this building as it is very useful and free towards one's higher education.
At the beginning of the library tour, the group of students and I followed the guide and brought to attention of what was located within each level as we made our way from location to location. The lower level contains a map collection and instructional media center, 1st floor has (the very useful) reference desk, equipment checkout and materials circulation, 2nd floor has a periodical and microfiche collection, 3rd and 4th floor has general collections and group study areas, and 5th floor has special and general collections. It was apparent that each floor higher has a quieter atmosphere and computers on every floor. I did not know how much of a blessing the library really is for a quiet place to study and/or sleep. So the next time that I need to catch up on my studies or study for finals, I will more than likely take the elevator to 5th floor for some quiet getaway.
Another future use for the library for me will be researching. The computer lab and access to important texts will aid in the research I am conducting. Either I could look up on the library's website the location of a certain text needed to write the essay or ask for the location of the specific text from the guide at the reference desk. The library aids in easy access and location to find any text needed for any type of project or essay.
The location and readily accessible resources make the library an effective academic institution. Its floor layout is one thing that makes it both effective and unique. I thought it was brilliant to have the more public centers such as the reference desk and the equipment checkout center on the 1st floor for easy access. Another thing that made the layout unique was that the quiet areas were the upper floors where many people don't go to because it is out of the main flow of “traffic.”
Overall, the McIntyre library has an important purpose, an effective access to resources, and a great location to the academic resources. The tour cleared up the confusion and alienation I felt towards the institution, so I do not have any questions about the resource center. If a question were to ever arise, there is the reference desk to give quick answers to the problem. The library is underused by students which is a shame as it is such a great resource for group meetings, studying, researching, and renting useful technology.
Among the useful services, there is a checkout center for the rental of electronic devices, several computer labs distributed on the different library levels, TV's, reserved and non-reserved study areas, and of course the checkout of texts including: journals, periodicals, books, special collections, and DVD's. To my surprise the services listed are not used by the majority of the student population. A larger awareness is needed for better use of this building as it is very useful and free towards one's higher education.
At the beginning of the library tour, the group of students and I followed the guide and brought to attention of what was located within each level as we made our way from location to location. The lower level contains a map collection and instructional media center, 1st floor has (the very useful) reference desk, equipment checkout and materials circulation, 2nd floor has a periodical and microfiche collection, 3rd and 4th floor has general collections and group study areas, and 5th floor has special and general collections. It was apparent that each floor higher has a quieter atmosphere and computers on every floor. I did not know how much of a blessing the library really is for a quiet place to study and/or sleep. So the next time that I need to catch up on my studies or study for finals, I will more than likely take the elevator to 5th floor for some quiet getaway.
Another future use for the library for me will be researching. The computer lab and access to important texts will aid in the research I am conducting. Either I could look up on the library's website the location of a certain text needed to write the essay or ask for the location of the specific text from the guide at the reference desk. The library aids in easy access and location to find any text needed for any type of project or essay.
The location and readily accessible resources make the library an effective academic institution. Its floor layout is one thing that makes it both effective and unique. I thought it was brilliant to have the more public centers such as the reference desk and the equipment checkout center on the 1st floor for easy access. Another thing that made the layout unique was that the quiet areas were the upper floors where many people don't go to because it is out of the main flow of “traffic.”
Overall, the McIntyre library has an important purpose, an effective access to resources, and a great location to the academic resources. The tour cleared up the confusion and alienation I felt towards the institution, so I do not have any questions about the resource center. If a question were to ever arise, there is the reference desk to give quick answers to the problem. The library is underused by students which is a shame as it is such a great resource for group meetings, studying, researching, and renting useful technology.
Mini-essay #3 - Illustration
DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER
For some, appearances are everything, they determine how they are judged and who they are. For others, appearances have little to do with their character or their lifestyle. I disagree with the saying “clothes make the person” as I do not take my wardrobe to an extreme with all brand-named clothing and I tend to not to care whether or not whatever I put on matches or not. Another reason that I disagree with the statement is that I do not judge based on appearances, I give people a fair chance to befriend me. The example I will use is a girl who went to my high school that came from a poor family that couldn't afford the latest fashion trends, but she is a very nice person that I became good friends with. Another example I will use is a girl who had all of the latest fashions and came from a wealthy family.
Her whole life was a financial struggle, as her parents struggled from job to job and paycheck to paycheck. My friend had the desire to own more fashionable pieces in her wardrobe though she could not afford them and her family most definitely could not. She often wore sweatpants, old t-shirts, and ruddy sneakers, daily it seemed. This turned some people away from her in our high school, although it was not like she didn't have good hygiene habits or that she was a mean person. I found that she was a very nice person with the same issues, and she grew up with our graduating class since kindergarten. Therefore there was much to relate to and much to talk about with her. I was the person in our grade to be able to get along with many of the different groups in our high school. I wasn't assigned to a clique and I see people for who they really are, giving people a chance to make up for the so called “stereotype” placed among the student population by the popular clique. From the popular clique comes my next example, as her wardrobe does not make her a good person (she is not nice at all in fact), and she only has her clothing and appearance as a social staple to “friends.”
Her whole life was a financial “carpet ride” where her parents were successful, her dad was a local lawyer, and they vacationed 3 times per year. Every item of clothing that she owned was name-brand and every friend that she had mirrored this similar aspect of fashion. Money never was an issue, her parents paid her way for everything, and the friends she acquired based their views of her through her financial stability and appearance. She looked the part of a “happy, successful, nice” person, however the inside was not pretty. The way she judges others and treats others is inhumane. The way she glares at those less fortunate. The way that she believes she deserves more than others because of her materialistic objects makes her an ugly person. These 2 examples are complete opposite examples from within my high school population, however they both represent how “clothes don't make the person.” It is what is inside that makes the person, their character should be judged and not their appearances should not.
I disagree with the saying “clothes make the person” based upon my past experiences, as everybody comes from different backgrounds and situations, there should be no judgment besides that of one's character. “Don't judge a book by its cover” is a popular expression complimenting my views towards this subject. People deserve more than just one passing glance.
For some, appearances are everything, they determine how they are judged and who they are. For others, appearances have little to do with their character or their lifestyle. I disagree with the saying “clothes make the person” as I do not take my wardrobe to an extreme with all brand-named clothing and I tend to not to care whether or not whatever I put on matches or not. Another reason that I disagree with the statement is that I do not judge based on appearances, I give people a fair chance to befriend me. The example I will use is a girl who went to my high school that came from a poor family that couldn't afford the latest fashion trends, but she is a very nice person that I became good friends with. Another example I will use is a girl who had all of the latest fashions and came from a wealthy family.
Her whole life was a financial struggle, as her parents struggled from job to job and paycheck to paycheck. My friend had the desire to own more fashionable pieces in her wardrobe though she could not afford them and her family most definitely could not. She often wore sweatpants, old t-shirts, and ruddy sneakers, daily it seemed. This turned some people away from her in our high school, although it was not like she didn't have good hygiene habits or that she was a mean person. I found that she was a very nice person with the same issues, and she grew up with our graduating class since kindergarten. Therefore there was much to relate to and much to talk about with her. I was the person in our grade to be able to get along with many of the different groups in our high school. I wasn't assigned to a clique and I see people for who they really are, giving people a chance to make up for the so called “stereotype” placed among the student population by the popular clique. From the popular clique comes my next example, as her wardrobe does not make her a good person (she is not nice at all in fact), and she only has her clothing and appearance as a social staple to “friends.”
Her whole life was a financial “carpet ride” where her parents were successful, her dad was a local lawyer, and they vacationed 3 times per year. Every item of clothing that she owned was name-brand and every friend that she had mirrored this similar aspect of fashion. Money never was an issue, her parents paid her way for everything, and the friends she acquired based their views of her through her financial stability and appearance. She looked the part of a “happy, successful, nice” person, however the inside was not pretty. The way she judges others and treats others is inhumane. The way she glares at those less fortunate. The way that she believes she deserves more than others because of her materialistic objects makes her an ugly person. These 2 examples are complete opposite examples from within my high school population, however they both represent how “clothes don't make the person.” It is what is inside that makes the person, their character should be judged and not their appearances should not.
I disagree with the saying “clothes make the person” based upon my past experiences, as everybody comes from different backgrounds and situations, there should be no judgment besides that of one's character. “Don't judge a book by its cover” is a popular expression complimenting my views towards this subject. People deserve more than just one passing glance.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Mini-essay #2 - Description
A GREAT DATE NIGHT
Uprooted and still standing, Olive Garden, a local restaurant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is inspired from the “Italian Tuscan farmhouse” is a popular favorite. The business originated from General Mills 25 years ago from their food division of Darden Restaurants Incorporated. Today it presents authentic Italian food, passionate employees, and diner’s full stomachs. As for my boyfriend TJ and I, we were seeking just that when we chose our destination to receive a “romantic” and reasonable dinner experience.
The winter chill still hovering over the campus-town, I quickly scooted inside the restaurant into the warmth and the crowd of hungry waiting diners. TJ parked the truck in the dark atmosphere encompassing the awaited location as I held our spot for the next table. A hungry and (long) wait for both of us proved that both the food and service were desirable and worth the wait. Inside this building with a “Tuscan feel,” a soft but not dreary ambiance glowed from overhanging lights above the booths and centers of rooms. The glow set the mood for the date providing that “romantic” setting along with warmth to escape to out from the cold. We were seated and promptly greeted.
“Hello and welcome to Olive Garden, my name is Chandra and I will be taking care of you tonight,” the server announced with a beaming and genuine kindness.
The menus were presented, but I did not know what to choose, as many of the meals appeared and sounded delicious. TJ knew that he was in the mood for pizza, so he thought he would try the ‘chicken alfredo pizza.’ I however was choosing between ‘chicken Marsala with garlic mashed potatoes and red wine sauce’ and ‘stuffed-portabella ravioli with marina sauce.’ Finally I chose the chicken Marsala as the server took our orders.
The conversation around our booth was intimate and very social, as the light illuminated between TJ and I. Italian music softly floated around the rooms on the words of the dining families, friends, associates, and lovers. All aspects of this restaurant please its diners: the setting, the food, the service, and the affordable price. Our food was presented within reasonable timing even though it was a busy night, and the smells of all of the delicious food before us consumed the senses.
Hot lightly salted breadsticks, fresh salad served on ice-chilled plates, cold drinks, and steaming hot entrees lay before us upon the oak-furnished table. It could not be contained, our happiness, and the contentment of the location and time that we were both in together. Conversation, laughter, and good eats filled that night in the “Tuscan” scene.
We left after a pleasing meal, slowly meandered away from the cozy and inviting environment that created the enjoyable date night, and into the cold dark abyss towards the truck near the mall parking lot. The restaurant was so busy that the near lot was full and the truck had to wait for us elsewhere, far into the cold. We scurried into the cold cab of his truck as we clutched hands for "warmth." The dress up night at Olive Garden was just right.
Uprooted and still standing, Olive Garden, a local restaurant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is inspired from the “Italian Tuscan farmhouse” is a popular favorite. The business originated from General Mills 25 years ago from their food division of Darden Restaurants Incorporated. Today it presents authentic Italian food, passionate employees, and diner’s full stomachs. As for my boyfriend TJ and I, we were seeking just that when we chose our destination to receive a “romantic” and reasonable dinner experience.
The winter chill still hovering over the campus-town, I quickly scooted inside the restaurant into the warmth and the crowd of hungry waiting diners. TJ parked the truck in the dark atmosphere encompassing the awaited location as I held our spot for the next table. A hungry and (long) wait for both of us proved that both the food and service were desirable and worth the wait. Inside this building with a “Tuscan feel,” a soft but not dreary ambiance glowed from overhanging lights above the booths and centers of rooms. The glow set the mood for the date providing that “romantic” setting along with warmth to escape to out from the cold. We were seated and promptly greeted.
“Hello and welcome to Olive Garden, my name is Chandra and I will be taking care of you tonight,” the server announced with a beaming and genuine kindness.
The menus were presented, but I did not know what to choose, as many of the meals appeared and sounded delicious. TJ knew that he was in the mood for pizza, so he thought he would try the ‘chicken alfredo pizza.’ I however was choosing between ‘chicken Marsala with garlic mashed potatoes and red wine sauce’ and ‘stuffed-portabella ravioli with marina sauce.’ Finally I chose the chicken Marsala as the server took our orders.
The conversation around our booth was intimate and very social, as the light illuminated between TJ and I. Italian music softly floated around the rooms on the words of the dining families, friends, associates, and lovers. All aspects of this restaurant please its diners: the setting, the food, the service, and the affordable price. Our food was presented within reasonable timing even though it was a busy night, and the smells of all of the delicious food before us consumed the senses.
Hot lightly salted breadsticks, fresh salad served on ice-chilled plates, cold drinks, and steaming hot entrees lay before us upon the oak-furnished table. It could not be contained, our happiness, and the contentment of the location and time that we were both in together. Conversation, laughter, and good eats filled that night in the “Tuscan” scene.
We left after a pleasing meal, slowly meandered away from the cozy and inviting environment that created the enjoyable date night, and into the cold dark abyss towards the truck near the mall parking lot. The restaurant was so busy that the near lot was full and the truck had to wait for us elsewhere, far into the cold. We scurried into the cold cab of his truck as we clutched hands for "warmth." The dress up night at Olive Garden was just right.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mini-essay #1 - Narration
BORING LECUTRE HALL
While the teacher lectured, I stared out the window. The beauty and grace of the falling snowflakes caught my eye as they fell down slowly to the icy streets of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. As I gazed, the shine of the window set me into some kind of trance, a comatose, which gave me moments of escape from the necessary yet rambling nature of diction flowing and reverberating within the walls of this prison.
“Will she ever shut-up?” I thought to myself as my communications professor monotonously uttered the meanings and origins of the terms “signifier” and “signified.”
I definitely had the urge every second of lecture period to either to dash out of the over-crowded lecture hall or to jump out of that window that I still found myself gazing through hypnotically. The outside world, though well below freezing point today, seemed like an inviting escape to this misery.
“Who knew, maybe class will be canceled suddenly due to this ridiculously cold weather today… or maybe for the icy conditions… or the… never mind… it’s no use. I’ll never get out of here, at least not for another 43 dragging minutes.” I contemplated.
“Hi… um… I was gone… so like… can I borrow your notes? Um… what’s your name again?” the bleach-blonde with the nose job asked with snobbery.
“Sure… oh and I’m Jen,” I muttered as I handed yesterday’s notes over and lay my head down upon my desk.
I can go unnoticed if I do happen to doze off as my assigned seat is somewhat hidden behind the three brawny fraternity guys near the right side wall. The professor does not seem to watch for the presence or demeanor of her students, which also aided in my safety against her wrath. Her blank and insincere gaze reminds me of a night watchman or a security guard; they are present at their job, but I wonder if they truly enjoy their duties. The gaze was cast away from me and towards the door near the back wall. Maybe she can’t wait to leave too I presume.
My gaze was directed inward as my vision turned dim.
“I ont pour attraper mon vol!” I heard myself say aloud as my name was called upon by that security guard who preaches to its inmates.
“What was she saying?” was murmured under the breaths of several of my peers.
“Jennifer, I’m glad that you have come back to us, and out of that dream. What does that saying mean?” the guard announced.
“Well, “I ont pour attraper mon vol” means I have to catch my flight. But I don’t know why I said it.” I uttered in reply.
“Well, our time is out. That is all for today and I will see you again on Thursday,” she grumbled.
In embarrassment and shock, I contemplated what my dream could have been about as I rushed out of the prison and toward my next destination: French 102 with yet another security guard.
While the teacher lectured, I stared out the window. The beauty and grace of the falling snowflakes caught my eye as they fell down slowly to the icy streets of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. As I gazed, the shine of the window set me into some kind of trance, a comatose, which gave me moments of escape from the necessary yet rambling nature of diction flowing and reverberating within the walls of this prison.
“Will she ever shut-up?” I thought to myself as my communications professor monotonously uttered the meanings and origins of the terms “signifier” and “signified.”
I definitely had the urge every second of lecture period to either to dash out of the over-crowded lecture hall or to jump out of that window that I still found myself gazing through hypnotically. The outside world, though well below freezing point today, seemed like an inviting escape to this misery.
“Who knew, maybe class will be canceled suddenly due to this ridiculously cold weather today… or maybe for the icy conditions… or the… never mind… it’s no use. I’ll never get out of here, at least not for another 43 dragging minutes.” I contemplated.
“Hi… um… I was gone… so like… can I borrow your notes? Um… what’s your name again?” the bleach-blonde with the nose job asked with snobbery.
“Sure… oh and I’m Jen,” I muttered as I handed yesterday’s notes over and lay my head down upon my desk.
I can go unnoticed if I do happen to doze off as my assigned seat is somewhat hidden behind the three brawny fraternity guys near the right side wall. The professor does not seem to watch for the presence or demeanor of her students, which also aided in my safety against her wrath. Her blank and insincere gaze reminds me of a night watchman or a security guard; they are present at their job, but I wonder if they truly enjoy their duties. The gaze was cast away from me and towards the door near the back wall. Maybe she can’t wait to leave too I presume.
My gaze was directed inward as my vision turned dim.
“I ont pour attraper mon vol!” I heard myself say aloud as my name was called upon by that security guard who preaches to its inmates.
“What was she saying?” was murmured under the breaths of several of my peers.
“Jennifer, I’m glad that you have come back to us, and out of that dream. What does that saying mean?” the guard announced.
“Well, “I ont pour attraper mon vol” means I have to catch my flight. But I don’t know why I said it.” I uttered in reply.
“Well, our time is out. That is all for today and I will see you again on Thursday,” she grumbled.
In embarrassment and shock, I contemplated what my dream could have been about as I rushed out of the prison and toward my next destination: French 102 with yet another security guard.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Intro to me :D
My name is Jen, I am attending the University to receive a major in an unknown (as of now) field of study. It is truly hard for some people to make up their minds what they would like to be when they "grow up," and I am one of those people. The only problem is that I am mostly grown up and I should choose my profession soon if not at least my field of study. My indecisiveness hinders me from choosing and starting down a path to my career. This is a bad thing. Another bad thing is that I am also looking for a transfer most likely for next spring semester, maybe the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. It offers more programs than this University and it is a "Top Ten" School. It is a closer distance from my house than from here as well, but that would be the only downfall about transferring there. Also in the back of my mind, I have always thought about going into a military career of some sort. Being active in the National Guards while attending the University of Minnesota has been an idea of mine for quite some time. But I am one of those people who never know exactly what they want, as I have been this way my whole life.
More about me: I grew up on a dairy farm in the country, my dad is a farmer and my mom works for a corporation that assembles and distributes military parts. I have an older brother who is a telecommunications specialist and has a son who I adore very much. My nephew is 2 and a half months old and it's terrible that I don't get to see him very much since I'm away at college. Our family is very connected and everyone knows everything that's going on, which I guess in a way is both good and bad. I most likely will move away from this close-knit community of kin and work in the city or another state perhaps. I'm not moving to get away from them, I love them all dearly, but I would like a better salary and more job opportunities. I have been dating my boyfriend for over 4 months now and he is currently fulfilling his basic military training for the United States Air Force. So in some ways being a freshman I have experienced much, a feeling of freedom and independence, a feeling of loneliness and disconnectedness from the people that I love, and a feeling of fear of the unknown future pending and of doubt. It was much harder than I thought it would be, moving away from what I felt was my little life back in the country, where everything was always the same. But on the other hand at the same time, I have grown up so much without these securities and I know that there would be no other way... life changes everyday and everyone must go their separate paths for their own independence and finding of "self." I just wish I would find my own "self" soon. Through all of these trials of growing up, I have myself, my friends, my family, and God to help me find my way. If not soon, hopefully eventually. :D
My future goals and dreams include: buying my own home, having a prosperous and fulfilling career, traveling globally, having a family (spouse, kids), seeking and maintaining good relationships with people, and having a happy and meaningful life.
More about me: I grew up on a dairy farm in the country, my dad is a farmer and my mom works for a corporation that assembles and distributes military parts. I have an older brother who is a telecommunications specialist and has a son who I adore very much. My nephew is 2 and a half months old and it's terrible that I don't get to see him very much since I'm away at college. Our family is very connected and everyone knows everything that's going on, which I guess in a way is both good and bad. I most likely will move away from this close-knit community of kin and work in the city or another state perhaps. I'm not moving to get away from them, I love them all dearly, but I would like a better salary and more job opportunities. I have been dating my boyfriend for over 4 months now and he is currently fulfilling his basic military training for the United States Air Force. So in some ways being a freshman I have experienced much, a feeling of freedom and independence, a feeling of loneliness and disconnectedness from the people that I love, and a feeling of fear of the unknown future pending and of doubt. It was much harder than I thought it would be, moving away from what I felt was my little life back in the country, where everything was always the same. But on the other hand at the same time, I have grown up so much without these securities and I know that there would be no other way... life changes everyday and everyone must go their separate paths for their own independence and finding of "self." I just wish I would find my own "self" soon. Through all of these trials of growing up, I have myself, my friends, my family, and God to help me find my way. If not soon, hopefully eventually. :D
My future goals and dreams include: buying my own home, having a prosperous and fulfilling career, traveling globally, having a family (spouse, kids), seeking and maintaining good relationships with people, and having a happy and meaningful life.
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