Another Class, Another Semester

I just wanted to take what I think is my last blog to reflect upon the semester.

What did you/I learn?

• That using too many be, been, was, etc. is bad.
  
• That goes for them and they
• English/writing doesn't have to be awful
• I never want to write in inquiry paper again, but I know I am going to have to so, I'm glad I got my first one over with
• Redos are helpful in the learning process-doesn't have to be a bad thing
• Difference between inquiry, convincing, and persuasive papers
  

What had you/I wished I learned?

• Different formatting times (ie APA, Chicago style, etc)
• how to write effective blogs (I still don't get how blog writers can get people to read theirs)
  

How did you/I improve?

• I am able to write in a way that makes more sense to people other than myself
• More confidence in my writing
• How to critique papers effectively
  

Overall I think this was a very productive semester for me. I want to thank all of you for helping me overcome my fear or writing/showing other people what I've written by being very open and honest but not mean. I hope you all got a lot out of this class as well.

So, I thought today would be an apt time to write about how age changes identity. I turned 21 today and that seems like a big deal.

Legally I can buy alcohol, rent cars (with a fee), and rent a hotel room (you may be able to do that when are 18). Personally I don't feel that different. I am still 5'2, curly haired, and still getting the same grades in school (unfortunately). I have found that the biggest change is how people treat or view me. Which, according to Goffman could change my identity. People now ask me if I want a drink or that I need to have my life planned out by now.

Also, my friends have been telling me. You are so old! And when I actually think about my age I feel old. Yet, I feel no older than yesterday when I was 20. I do feel like I have more of a responsibility now.

I am no longer a child in any sense. In nine years I will be 30. By the time I am thirty I want to be married, start having kids, a job! Nine years. I better get started.

English 225

I know I have brought up this topic before but it has continued to intrigue me. We have talked a lot about identity and creation of the self but not about the creation of group identity.

Coming into this semester I dreaded this English 225 class. I am not a fan of writing, I was never good at writing, and I didn't see the importance in taking another writing class. My view of this class quickly changed. Our class became a space where we could all share our ideas (complete or incomplete) to the entire class or in our small groups. I still am not a fan of writing, however, I am a fan of this class.

How did Brett create a sense of security and friendliness that other teachers haven't been able to do in their classes?
- Small groups
- our answers were always right, even if she had to change the question to make them right
- she shared her life with us
- class size was small
- It seemed Brett was putting as much time into the class as we were putting in

Another big part of it was the unique group of people we had. I enjoyed going to this class most days because of the community it brought. I wish I knew how to make a community out of the other classes or organizations I'm in. And to be honest I don't want to read more old people's view on the identity of a group.

Anyways. I have been really appreciative of Brett's support this semester and I thought it would be cool if we could all support her. Would anyone be interested in having her contact us if she does a presentation at U of M? If you would let me know.

P.S. Everyone's presentations have been very good. I am very impressed.

Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is Singing Loud for All to Hear!

So, Christmas is almost here and usually my Mom buys me an advent calendar or wraps little presents for me to open the 24 days until Christmas. This year she is doing a cyber advent calender that isn't a countdown until Christmas but more a method of preparing us for Christmas.

I love Christmas. I get to be with my family, no school, my birthday is a few weeks before Christmas (in 5 days! I am so old), I get things without having to pay for them, we sing my favorite hymns in church, and I get to eat as many Christmas cookies as I want.

I know not everyone is Christian and celebrates Christmas but we can all prepare ourselves by realizing the holidays are more than good food and presents but giving to those who have nothing.


If you wish to watch my Mom's first three days of cyber advent calendar here they are.

December 1st


December 2nd


December 3rd