In
English 241, I have learned a lot of about American English in depth. I
have also gained an understanding of the literature through the
mini-lectures that are provided online by Professor Brandon. Some of the
readings that were assigned each week not only prepared me for that
week but it also answered questions that I had from taking studying
American Literature in high school. Before I enrolled in this class I
had flashbacks from high school. I knew that in high school American
Literature was a hard subject for me to understand but I knew I wanted
to learn more about American Literature. I was a little scared to take
this course online because of the hard time I had previously but I have
come to the realization that a teachers technique of teaching can make a
very big difference.
I
have completed all of the assigned essays. I was only late once
completing the essay due to personal issues. In some of the essays, I
have incorporated ideas, quotes, from literature and committee
responses. I also sometimes go online and find quotes and quote them in
my discussion or essays. To ensure that I continue to complete my essays
on time I will make sure that I check the site as often as possible and
start working on it early. I have participated in my COC’s forum
discussions each week. I often times make an initial post and then try
to go back and check for responses. I just found out that there is an
option where I can choose to have an notification sent to me when
someone responds. Some actions I can take in improving my performance in
the COC’s discussion is responding early and taking the time to respond
to my committee members. The advice that I would offer to my COC’s
members to make discussions more enjoyable would probably be something
that I need to work on as well which is to reply early so that we could
keep a discussion going.
Every time
I go to check the assignments are due I read the class announcement and
background articles because they are very helpful in preparing me for
the assignments and also serve as a mini-lecture. As far as
incorporating the literature, your posts, background material, and
committee writings into my work I do not do that often. A matter of fact
I rarely do that. For the next half of the class, I will start to
incorporate all of those things into my writings. As I have always been
told in high school we learn from each other. The grade I hope to earn
in this class is an A. The actions I plan to take to make sure that I
receive that grade is getting my work in on time, re-reading the
syllabus and making sure that I am doing all of the things that I am
asked to do.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Week 5 Assignment
Human Rights has been an issue in this world for a long time. Human Rights are rights that we all have equally. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...”(Declaration of Independence). With that being said no one should be treated differently because of their gender, race, or any other status. The government must protect and refrain from interfering with human rights. As individuals, we all are entitled to our own rights and we must respect the rights of others. The inequality and treatment that some receive because of their status is incompatible with the belief that all are created equal.
Gender inequality is the unfairness towards a person based on their gender. Gender inequality is becoming a major issue in today’s society. It is not only applying to women but it also applies to men but in most cases it is more common towards women. Many women in so many different countries including the United States suffer from gender inequality. The women that are being affected the most are immigrants, women of color, and women that are poor. In this day and time, that doesn’t mean that all of the other women are exempt. Most women in the United States do not receive the same pay as men or even being promoted to a higher position because of their gender. If all are created equal how come women cannot receive the same pay as men and how come they cannot be promoted to higher positions.
The discrimination against individuals based on their immigration status is a violation of the human rights. The immigration law such as the one in Arizona will tear up families and cause problems within the community. The law in Arizona requires individuals to carry proof of registration with them at all times. I understand that the government is only trying to reduce the amount of illegal immigrants but there has to be another way to do it without interfering with human rights. With the government having the right to deny legal rights to the vulnerable is not fair. In most cases, non-citizens are the first and most often the target when it comes to government abuse.
There are beliefs that this country stand upon but do not live up to. The government is suppose to protect and fight for our rights. The government is responsible for our human rights as well as the rights that are guaranteed to us in the United States Constitution. I was reading an article by a law professor and he talked about how the government is control of our freedom and rights. They can tell us what to wear, what to do and how to do it things. “All men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..” (Declaration of Independence). Everybody is suppose to be treated the same because all men are equal no one should have be judged based on the color of their skin or their gender. Those are the kinds of things that prove that we are not truly living up to the beliefs of this country.
Gender inequality is the unfairness towards a person based on their gender. Gender inequality is becoming a major issue in today’s society. It is not only applying to women but it also applies to men but in most cases it is more common towards women. Many women in so many different countries including the United States suffer from gender inequality. The women that are being affected the most are immigrants, women of color, and women that are poor. In this day and time, that doesn’t mean that all of the other women are exempt. Most women in the United States do not receive the same pay as men or even being promoted to a higher position because of their gender. If all are created equal how come women cannot receive the same pay as men and how come they cannot be promoted to higher positions.
The discrimination against individuals based on their immigration status is a violation of the human rights. The immigration law such as the one in Arizona will tear up families and cause problems within the community. The law in Arizona requires individuals to carry proof of registration with them at all times. I understand that the government is only trying to reduce the amount of illegal immigrants but there has to be another way to do it without interfering with human rights. With the government having the right to deny legal rights to the vulnerable is not fair. In most cases, non-citizens are the first and most often the target when it comes to government abuse.
There are beliefs that this country stand upon but do not live up to. The government is suppose to protect and fight for our rights. The government is responsible for our human rights as well as the rights that are guaranteed to us in the United States Constitution. I was reading an article by a law professor and he talked about how the government is control of our freedom and rights. They can tell us what to wear, what to do and how to do it things. “All men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..” (Declaration of Independence). Everybody is suppose to be treated the same because all men are equal no one should have be judged based on the color of their skin or their gender. Those are the kinds of things that prove that we are not truly living up to the beliefs of this country.
Monday, October 15, 2012
What I live for? - Week 4
In life, I have been constantly told by others that I must live my life to the fullest. No one can live my life for me and if I want the best for myself then I must work hard for it, is something that I remind myself of daily. There are specific things, ideas, and people that I need to make my life complete, engaged, and worthwhile. Living a full life to me means achieving my goals, doing the impossible or things that I have never done, and being successful in all that I do.
Achieving my goals is something that is very important to me. I have so many things that I want to do in life. The first goal I want to achieve is earning my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. My second goal is to go back to school and get my Masters in Education. I also have plans of obtaining me a job working in the White House. Many people tell me that’s going to be impossible. Nothing is impossible! It’s not going to be easy but nothing in life is easy and things aren’t handed to us on a silver platter. I am willing to work hard and sacrifice in order to achieve all of my goals.
In December of 2011, was really when I woke up and realized that I got to live my life to the fullest because tomorrow isn’t promised. The death of my best friend in December of 2011 was an wake up call. I must get out, get involved, and live my life to the fullest. I must treat each day as if it was my last. Most importantly I have to get my life together.
My mother, sisters, and aunts are some of the people that I need in my life. These are the people who are there for me no matter what the situation may be. I can look to them for anything. They are my supporters, providers, and best friends. I don’t think I could have made it this far without them. These ladies have been my strength when I needed it and they are definitely women that I look up too.
I live to better myself. I make sure that I am the best in everything that I do. I want to be able to achieve my goals and make my family proud of me. I want to show others that it doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s where you’re going that matters. It’s possible to come from the bottom and rise to the top. I live to be on the top. I want nothing but the best for myself. If I want the best, then I must be the best. I must think outside of the box and do the extraordinary. “To whom much is given, much is required” is a quote that helps me along the way when the road ahead is looking weary. Most definitely I know I live to be SUCCESSFUL!
Achieving my goals is something that is very important to me. I have so many things that I want to do in life. The first goal I want to achieve is earning my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. My second goal is to go back to school and get my Masters in Education. I also have plans of obtaining me a job working in the White House. Many people tell me that’s going to be impossible. Nothing is impossible! It’s not going to be easy but nothing in life is easy and things aren’t handed to us on a silver platter. I am willing to work hard and sacrifice in order to achieve all of my goals.
In December of 2011, was really when I woke up and realized that I got to live my life to the fullest because tomorrow isn’t promised. The death of my best friend in December of 2011 was an wake up call. I must get out, get involved, and live my life to the fullest. I must treat each day as if it was my last. Most importantly I have to get my life together.
My mother, sisters, and aunts are some of the people that I need in my life. These are the people who are there for me no matter what the situation may be. I can look to them for anything. They are my supporters, providers, and best friends. I don’t think I could have made it this far without them. These ladies have been my strength when I needed it and they are definitely women that I look up too.
I live to better myself. I make sure that I am the best in everything that I do. I want to be able to achieve my goals and make my family proud of me. I want to show others that it doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s where you’re going that matters. It’s possible to come from the bottom and rise to the top. I live to be on the top. I want nothing but the best for myself. If I want the best, then I must be the best. I must think outside of the box and do the extraordinary. “To whom much is given, much is required” is a quote that helps me along the way when the road ahead is looking weary. Most definitely I know I live to be SUCCESSFUL!
Learning Reflection - Week 4
I have learned so much in a three weeks time span. The first thing I learned was how to navigate the weebly website. I have never had that used anything besides blackboard. This was something that was new to me. In the second week, we were assigned to read “What is an American by Crevecoeurs. After reading Crevecoeurs, we then had to compose our own essay of What being an American means to us. Something that I learned from Crevecoeurs, my classmates, and I had in common when it came to realizing “What is an American?” is that you do not have to be from America to be considered to be an American. In Week 3, the major reading was “Self-Reliance” by Emerson. For that week, we had to compose an essay about our best self. I got the chance to actually write about what makes me who I am and how to define who my best self is. I also learned about sublime. A sublime is an intense moment of being overwhelmed with feelings. An example of an sublime could be a religious moment or the death of a family member. In the discussion post, I wrote about when I got saved as my sublime moment. Within the last three weeks we have read several readings but the one that stuck with me the most is “Walking” by Thoreau. Reading “Walking” and then going out and actually taking a walk and engaging with nature helped me to appreciate nature so much more. I go walking a lot on that same trail and on that walk I saw things that I had never seen before. It was very peaceful and relaxing. Thoreau “Walking” essay was a guide for me while I was walking on the trail. In his essay, he explained that you should not bring the worries of the world in the woods with you or you want get to enjoy the whole experience.
In this course, there wasn’t a time where I felt distant. I never had a teacher that knew how to lecture online. With every online class that I have taken usually you have to teach yourself but in this case Dr. Brandon makes you feel like you are in class. He gives online lectures. This is definitely by far the best online class that I have had. The in-depth explanations of everything is definitely something that has helped me thus far. And the fact that Dr. Brandon is always available and make sure that we have several ways of contacting him with questions. He is always there to assist his students. Thus far, there really wasn’t an action taken that was confusing or puzzling to me. Something about the reading or discussion that surprised me is how much I am actually learning from reading the essays of Thoreau and Emerson. I had read some of these essays in high school but now I am finding a more profound interest in them. It’s really hard for me to get the reading done but with most of the reading I try to find a way to relate to it to get it done. I know that in order to gain an understanding of what is trying to be taught I must get it done. I can’t wait until Professor Brandon provides ways to be able to get the reading done and connect with it because I know it’s not something that I will be able to use in this class but in all of my classes.
In this course, there wasn’t a time where I felt distant. I never had a teacher that knew how to lecture online. With every online class that I have taken usually you have to teach yourself but in this case Dr. Brandon makes you feel like you are in class. He gives online lectures. This is definitely by far the best online class that I have had. The in-depth explanations of everything is definitely something that has helped me thus far. And the fact that Dr. Brandon is always available and make sure that we have several ways of contacting him with questions. He is always there to assist his students. Thus far, there really wasn’t an action taken that was confusing or puzzling to me. Something about the reading or discussion that surprised me is how much I am actually learning from reading the essays of Thoreau and Emerson. I had read some of these essays in high school but now I am finding a more profound interest in them. It’s really hard for me to get the reading done but with most of the reading I try to find a way to relate to it to get it done. I know that in order to gain an understanding of what is trying to be taught I must get it done. I can’t wait until Professor Brandon provides ways to be able to get the reading done and connect with it because I know it’s not something that I will be able to use in this class but in all of my classes.
Extra Credit-Take A Hike
This walk at Three Lakes Park helped me to realized that when I am walking I am so busy walking in a fast pace, that I don't stop to engage and enjoy nature. It was really beautiful from the leaves falling off the trees, the fish jumping up on top of the water, the squirrels runnning around, the birds chirping, and so much more. It made actually appreciate nature. I really don't like bugs and I had fight off some nets but besides that it was wonderful experience.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Who your best self is?- Week 3
In life, I have experienced many ups and downs. Those are the moments that have helped me in discovering who my best self is. When I think about being my best self, I think about the times that was most challenging to me because that was when I had no other choice but to bring the best out of me. My best self is strong, responsible, and ambitious.
With life comes daily problems. In our lives we have trials and tribulations. Trials and tribulations come with a purpose and a reward. It seems like everyday I am faced with a problem or situation but it’s those times when I have to be strong. About 10 months ago, I lost a very dear and close friend. I felt like a piece of me was missing for a long time. I cried almost everyday for months but I knew that God makes no mistakes. It was rough for a long time dealing with her death but I knew I had to let go and just be strong and know that the hard times that come my way are just a way to test my strength.
I have learned that you must take accountability for your own self. Being responsible is a moral principle that not only I learned but I was taught. I was raised in a household where we all had responsibilities. I am truly glad that my mother gave me responsibilities at an early age because it has helped me in becoming the responsible young lady that I am today. Within my church, I am often called upon to do certain things. When individuals know that they can trust you and that you are responsible they will make you their first contact. In my classes, I try to make sure that all o my work is turned in on time and that my grades are nothing but the best because I know that I am responsible for turning my work in on time and making sure that my grades are where they should be. I am very reliable and take accountability for my own actions. As a young adult, I have came to the conclusion that I am responsible for myself.
Everyday I encourage myself to set goals and achieve them. I have many goals and expectations for my life. I have my short-term goals and my long-term goals. My goals can range from getting homework done for the week to obtaining me a job working for the government. I am very determined to succeed in everything that I do. My mom always encourages me to be the best in all that I do. I never settle for less and my best is what I always give.
I have found my self to be a strong, responsible, and ambitious young lady. I have came to the conclusion that I am stronger than what I thought I was. I am also more responsible and have the desire and determination to be successful in life and in all that I do. The only person that knows who is your best self is you. After all, nobody knows you better than you.
With life comes daily problems. In our lives we have trials and tribulations. Trials and tribulations come with a purpose and a reward. It seems like everyday I am faced with a problem or situation but it’s those times when I have to be strong. About 10 months ago, I lost a very dear and close friend. I felt like a piece of me was missing for a long time. I cried almost everyday for months but I knew that God makes no mistakes. It was rough for a long time dealing with her death but I knew I had to let go and just be strong and know that the hard times that come my way are just a way to test my strength.
I have learned that you must take accountability for your own self. Being responsible is a moral principle that not only I learned but I was taught. I was raised in a household where we all had responsibilities. I am truly glad that my mother gave me responsibilities at an early age because it has helped me in becoming the responsible young lady that I am today. Within my church, I am often called upon to do certain things. When individuals know that they can trust you and that you are responsible they will make you their first contact. In my classes, I try to make sure that all o my work is turned in on time and that my grades are nothing but the best because I know that I am responsible for turning my work in on time and making sure that my grades are where they should be. I am very reliable and take accountability for my own actions. As a young adult, I have came to the conclusion that I am responsible for myself.
Everyday I encourage myself to set goals and achieve them. I have many goals and expectations for my life. I have my short-term goals and my long-term goals. My goals can range from getting homework done for the week to obtaining me a job working for the government. I am very determined to succeed in everything that I do. My mom always encourages me to be the best in all that I do. I never settle for less and my best is what I always give.
I have found my self to be a strong, responsible, and ambitious young lady. I have came to the conclusion that I am stronger than what I thought I was. I am also more responsible and have the desire and determination to be successful in life and in all that I do. The only person that knows who is your best self is you. After all, nobody knows you better than you.
Monday, October 1, 2012
"What is an American?"- Week 2
An
American is an individual that is a native of North or South America.
American is a word derived from America. In the present-day, it refers
to someone who is a citizen of the United States of America. The word
"American" is often used when the President of the United States is
making speeches and on other occasions. In the 16th centuries, the word
stood for the native inhabitants of the new world. An "American" is a
very broad word as the word refers to citizens of the United States but
it describes a large numbers of individuals.
Americans cannot be defined on by the color of their skin, their ethnicities, the language they speak, their culture, or religion. Americans come in different forms, shapes, and sizes. Americans can be Native Americans, Latinos, Caucasians, African Americans, Asians, Middle Eastern, and the list continues. Individuals who are "Americans" also speak several different languages such as English, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Arabic, Indonesian, Portuguese and the list continues. It is impossible to classify an individual as an American by their religion or culture because not all Americans worship the same leader or have the same beliefs. As Americans we live in a very diverse world.
The most essential thing that Americans possess is freedom. When I think about people that come to America from all of these different countries. I ask myself why do they want to come here. It was not until one day I had a teacher from Africa that explained to me that he wanted to come here because he wanted freedom and he wanted his child to have a better life. As Americans we have political and individual freedom. With political freedom Americans have the right to participate in the government through voting and acting as a representative. Americans also have their individual rights which are guaranteed in the first ten amendments also known as the Bill of Rights. "Here man is free as he ought to be..." (Heath 962). We have the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of petition, and the right to assemble. Our freedoms play an important role in society.
Although as an American the most essential thing we possess is freedom it's not all about the freedom. To me a genuine American is someone that helps one another. To be American is to be able to unite as one regardless of the culture, religion, or whatever the difference may be.It is about being there for one another in their times of needs. The true test of being an American was tested on 9/11. It was that day that thousands of Americans came together in unity lending a helping hand. An American is not just an individual that lives in America. Americans are individuals that come together to make a difference.
Americans are individuals that knows in order to receive the best in life it requires exertion. That means you must have effort and action. Americans work hard to get the things that they get. Americans are individuals who can fall and get back up. For example, many Americans have suffered from this economy. Many Americans have lost businesses and homes. As Americans we fall but we do not stay down. Americans take the initiative. When Americans can not find work, they create work. Americans are self-starters.
Americans stand up for what they believe in. Not all, but there are some Americans that will speak up about things that they are against. Americans fight for their rights. People think that being an American just means that you are an official citizen of the United States but being an American is more than just being a citizen. “Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world” (Heath 963). An American brings change to their community/world.
As an American I can choose my own religion. I do not have to serve the same religious leader that others serve. I can choose my own occupation. I can be different. I can have my own beliefs.I can go to school and receive an education. I do not have to live the way that others live. I am able to vote for the person I want to be the head of my government. I can speak up and change the things I do not like in my community/world. Being an American gives me a voice!
Americans cannot be defined on by the color of their skin, their ethnicities, the language they speak, their culture, or religion. Americans come in different forms, shapes, and sizes. Americans can be Native Americans, Latinos, Caucasians, African Americans, Asians, Middle Eastern, and the list continues. Individuals who are "Americans" also speak several different languages such as English, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Arabic, Indonesian, Portuguese and the list continues. It is impossible to classify an individual as an American by their religion or culture because not all Americans worship the same leader or have the same beliefs. As Americans we live in a very diverse world.
The most essential thing that Americans possess is freedom. When I think about people that come to America from all of these different countries. I ask myself why do they want to come here. It was not until one day I had a teacher from Africa that explained to me that he wanted to come here because he wanted freedom and he wanted his child to have a better life. As Americans we have political and individual freedom. With political freedom Americans have the right to participate in the government through voting and acting as a representative. Americans also have their individual rights which are guaranteed in the first ten amendments also known as the Bill of Rights. "Here man is free as he ought to be..." (Heath 962). We have the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of petition, and the right to assemble. Our freedoms play an important role in society.
Although as an American the most essential thing we possess is freedom it's not all about the freedom. To me a genuine American is someone that helps one another. To be American is to be able to unite as one regardless of the culture, religion, or whatever the difference may be.It is about being there for one another in their times of needs. The true test of being an American was tested on 9/11. It was that day that thousands of Americans came together in unity lending a helping hand. An American is not just an individual that lives in America. Americans are individuals that come together to make a difference.
Americans are individuals that knows in order to receive the best in life it requires exertion. That means you must have effort and action. Americans work hard to get the things that they get. Americans are individuals who can fall and get back up. For example, many Americans have suffered from this economy. Many Americans have lost businesses and homes. As Americans we fall but we do not stay down. Americans take the initiative. When Americans can not find work, they create work. Americans are self-starters.
Americans stand up for what they believe in. Not all, but there are some Americans that will speak up about things that they are against. Americans fight for their rights. People think that being an American just means that you are an official citizen of the United States but being an American is more than just being a citizen. “Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world” (Heath 963). An American brings change to their community/world.
As an American I can choose my own religion. I do not have to serve the same religious leader that others serve. I can choose my own occupation. I can be different. I can have my own beliefs.I can go to school and receive an education. I do not have to live the way that others live. I am able to vote for the person I want to be the head of my government. I can speak up and change the things I do not like in my community/world. Being an American gives me a voice!
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