The differences and similarities of my two kids is why I chose them as my topics for my first major writing assignment (MWA). We were to pick something to compare /contrast.
Well I cannot even begin to explain how nervous I was at this first major assignment.
However when our instructor Phebe said the magic words ‘’ WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING YOU KNOW, SOMETHING YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT” I thought, SCORE! Wrong, this did not prove to be as easy as I imagined. After the fifth rough draft having input from peers as well as my instructor I was finally submitting my very first final draft. Throughout this essay I used personal examples and supported each one. I was able to take one idea create a strong thesis that clearly stated my purpose and create supporting details. An example would be from my essay “Applying individualized parenting styles based on each child’s differences enables me to more effectively raise my children.” I then went on to support this thesis by giving detailed information about my kids. Putting all this information together in a way that flows and reads nice was hard; however I was able to accomplish it by writing a more narrative paper. Learning the entire writing process from thinking of the concept to complete and final essay was a great experience. I picked this piece to share with you as my “writers choice” because it is a favorite subject of mine!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Cliff Hanger Introduction
“They were the last obstacles which could kill me” (Simpson 165).
This quote is from the book “Touching the Void” by Joe Simpson. In our English98 class we were assigned to read this book. At first I had a hard time overcoming all the technical mountain climbing terms however after I looked them up in the back of the book things became clearer. In this quote I referenced, the writer is talking about his survival after a mountain climbing adventure gone bad. He and his partner share there stories that are at times gut wrenching and amazingly when reading this story I found myself scared at times as if I was there. We had a seminar with a couple other English classes that were also reading the book. In preparation for the seminar we were to write a paper based on some questions our Instructor gave us. This really gave me a chance to practice my analytical writing. By taking words someone else had written and re writing them using my own words while still keeping the authors meaning and points. Putting myself in the author’s shoes so to speak, breaking up and dissecting what was written. Really analyzing what was written.
I chose to share with you this assignment because. I feel I was successful in using good sentence structure and I was able to effectively use parallelism with regards to my sentences, causing the writing to flow and make for easier reading. Using proper quotes was a helpful tool I also learned and used in writing this assignment. I hope after reading this you will be inspired to pick up a copy of the book and read it! The story is truly an example of perseverance in its finest example
This quote is from the book “Touching the Void” by Joe Simpson. In our English98 class we were assigned to read this book. At first I had a hard time overcoming all the technical mountain climbing terms however after I looked them up in the back of the book things became clearer. In this quote I referenced, the writer is talking about his survival after a mountain climbing adventure gone bad. He and his partner share there stories that are at times gut wrenching and amazingly when reading this story I found myself scared at times as if I was there. We had a seminar with a couple other English classes that were also reading the book. In preparation for the seminar we were to write a paper based on some questions our Instructor gave us. This really gave me a chance to practice my analytical writing. By taking words someone else had written and re writing them using my own words while still keeping the authors meaning and points. Putting myself in the author’s shoes so to speak, breaking up and dissecting what was written. Really analyzing what was written.
I chose to share with you this assignment because. I feel I was successful in using good sentence structure and I was able to effectively use parallelism with regards to my sentences, causing the writing to flow and make for easier reading. Using proper quotes was a helpful tool I also learned and used in writing this assignment. I hope after reading this you will be inspired to pick up a copy of the book and read it! The story is truly an example of perseverance in its finest example
Introduction to 2 peas
Two Peas in a Pod is what I titled my last Major Writing Assignment (MWA) which happens to be the first one I chose to share with you. This paper was to be a persuasion essay. I chose School uniforms as the topic. I took the side of pro uniforms. In writing this essay I was able to go from the idea that all schools should have uniforms to really investigating my feelings, researching and documenting my findings in using the skills that we have been learning for the last 10 weeks in English 98. My argument for school uniforms was best summed up by saying “Students eagerly wear uniforms for sports such as football and baseball as well as activities like cheerleading and ROTC and 4-H Why then is there such a reluctance to wear a school uniform”? I Used some new skills we learned on citing our works and making sure to do it properly to avoid plagiarism.
I used strong transition sentences and had a very strong thesis along with a strong argument to back up my thesis. Using creditable facts was crucial to this essay and especially this topic. My conclusion however was my favorite part of writing this essay. Learning to tie everything up at the very end without bringing up any new information and closing the package so to speak was fun. I learned about
I used strong transition sentences and had a very strong thesis along with a strong argument to back up my thesis. Using creditable facts was crucial to this essay and especially this topic. My conclusion however was my favorite part of writing this essay. Learning to tie everything up at the very end without bringing up any new information and closing the package so to speak was fun. I learned about
Two Peas In a Pod
Two Peas
In a Pod
Students today eagerly wear uniforms for sports such as football and baseball as well as activities like cheerleading, ROTC and 4H. Why then, is there a reluctance to wear a uniform while attending school? Schools should require students to wear a uniform which would allow each student to attend school with more or less the same status among his or her peers. Too much emphasis is placed on individual dress which can lead to cliques and bullying that is counter to a learning culture. In addition, uniforms would prevent students dressing in a manner that is demeaning to them. Some will argue that requiring uniforms takes away from the person’s ability to be an individual while others feel it violates a student’s right to freedom of self expression. This is an unfounded fear. There are many ways a student can express his or her freedom of expression and individuality while still being required to wear a uniform.
Although at this time no long term case studies have been done on the effectiveness of school uniforms some schools have studied and recorded their experiences. In one such case California Long Beach Unified School district adopted a mandatory uniform policy in 1994. Since this time school crime has dropped 76% and attendance has reached an all time high. While it cannot be proved that uniforms made the difference, the circumstantial evidence cannot be ignored. Anthony Poet, Asst. Principle of Pueblo Del Sol middle school Arizona who recently implemented a uniform policy, agrees kids do not like uniforms but states “The kids who hated the idea are glad to have it in place”. In the words of a student “uniforms make the school safer, but I do not like wearing them” (Family Education).
Sadly enough some children are ridiculed for what they are wearing because their family cannot afford the latest fashion trend. If uniforms are required every child would be visually equal, there would be no hierarchy based on your clothing label. The “dress to impress” attitude would be removed from the school day. According to Dr. Alan Hilfer Senior psychologist in the Maimondies Medical Center in Brooklyn: “Uniforms do eliminate competition, pressure and assaults perpetuated by older kids on younger kids for their sneakers and other possessions. They also allow some kids to focus better, especially in the lower grades.” This would leave students with their free choice of friends based on who they are rather than what they wear.
Every day it seems students push the limits of the school dress code. Uniforms would take care of the “judgment” of each individual as to what they call appropriate dress. What one person calls appropriate may be totally inappropriate for a healthy productive learning environment. While it is true that schools would actually have to enforce the rules, the job will be much easier with a uniform as the students only choice.
However tough a lesson it is discipline is something that we all have to get used to at some point in our lives. We will all be accountable to some higher authority. Teaching our children this early will help them make the transition into adulthood. For instance, in the workplace, uniforms are seen everywhere. The military, police departments, airlines etc. all requires uniforms that distinguish them as employees giving the employee a distinct look. Does this violate the employee’s freedom? If it did, we would see pilots in shorts, police officers in swimsuits and firefighters in drag. According to Dr. Alan Hilfer, senior psychologist in the Children and adolescent Unit at Maimondies Medical Center in Brooklyn: “Discipline problems may be decreasing in schools with uniforms because the school and the parents have begun taking the discipline issue more seriously.” Nevertheless some feel requiring a student to wear a uniform violates the student’s right to be themselves. Are they really being themselves or are they trying to fit in, going along with the latest style or trend? Individuality is defined in Webster’s dictionary 2007 edition as: “personality, character, distinction, difference, uniqueness.” While personality, character, distinction, difference and uniqueness can be expressed by clothing, school is not the place to do that. There are plenty of opportunities at school to be distinct, unique and different in ways that do not involve dress. Academic distinction, unique writing and creative art works are just a few of the many ways students can express their individuality. To say a uniform takes away students individuality is untrue, much like saying members of a football team wearing uniforms are all the same. The uniform brings unity to the team. Students wearing uniforms could bring more unity to the school. According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals, “Clothing requirements are not considered a violation of their freedom of expression if there’s a valid educational reason for imposing them.” (Wingert, 1999)
Implementing uniforms into our school system will be a positive step towards a better education environment while still allowing students to be creative, showing their individuality in the work they do through writing, achievement, artwork, etc. Mandatory uniforms will help to provide a safer school environment. If a uniform saves just one kid from being ridiculed or beaten it’s worth it. In addition, schools should be a place where nothing gets in the way of a student receiving an education. While some may say that mandatory uniforms are a violation of a student’s rights, the evidence and the law do not support that. Finally, and for me most importantly, uniforms will bring back a level of decency to the school campus. School uniforms are a good idea, good for the schools and good for the students.
Reference:
Hilfer, Dr. Alan. "School Uniforms Pros/Cons." Family Education.Com. Maimonides Medical Center Brooklyn. 25 Spring 2007.
www.psparents.net/insupport.html
www.psparents.net/inobjection.html
Poet, Anthony. "School Uniforms Pros and Cons." http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-philosophy/individuality/38676.html. Asst Principal Pueblo Del Sol Middle School Arizona. 16 May-June 2007 httpschool.familyeducation.com.
http://www.psparents.net/
Kizis, Sarah
“School Uniforms and Dress Codes”
Writing Stamford. Sept 2000 vol.23, Issn02797208 1 page 18
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=69560579&sid=fmt=38&clientld=8125&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Document 69560579
Daugherty, Richard F.
“Leadership in Action: Piloting a school Uniform Program.”
Education. 2 2002.390. elibrary. Proquest. EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE.18 May 2007
http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/.
"Uniform." Def. 1. Webster's New World Dictionary. Fourth ed. 2007.
In a Pod
Students today eagerly wear uniforms for sports such as football and baseball as well as activities like cheerleading, ROTC and 4H. Why then, is there a reluctance to wear a uniform while attending school? Schools should require students to wear a uniform which would allow each student to attend school with more or less the same status among his or her peers. Too much emphasis is placed on individual dress which can lead to cliques and bullying that is counter to a learning culture. In addition, uniforms would prevent students dressing in a manner that is demeaning to them. Some will argue that requiring uniforms takes away from the person’s ability to be an individual while others feel it violates a student’s right to freedom of self expression. This is an unfounded fear. There are many ways a student can express his or her freedom of expression and individuality while still being required to wear a uniform.
Although at this time no long term case studies have been done on the effectiveness of school uniforms some schools have studied and recorded their experiences. In one such case California Long Beach Unified School district adopted a mandatory uniform policy in 1994. Since this time school crime has dropped 76% and attendance has reached an all time high. While it cannot be proved that uniforms made the difference, the circumstantial evidence cannot be ignored. Anthony Poet, Asst. Principle of Pueblo Del Sol middle school Arizona who recently implemented a uniform policy, agrees kids do not like uniforms but states “The kids who hated the idea are glad to have it in place”. In the words of a student “uniforms make the school safer, but I do not like wearing them” (Family Education).
Sadly enough some children are ridiculed for what they are wearing because their family cannot afford the latest fashion trend. If uniforms are required every child would be visually equal, there would be no hierarchy based on your clothing label. The “dress to impress” attitude would be removed from the school day. According to Dr. Alan Hilfer Senior psychologist in the Maimondies Medical Center in Brooklyn: “Uniforms do eliminate competition, pressure and assaults perpetuated by older kids on younger kids for their sneakers and other possessions. They also allow some kids to focus better, especially in the lower grades.” This would leave students with their free choice of friends based on who they are rather than what they wear.
Every day it seems students push the limits of the school dress code. Uniforms would take care of the “judgment” of each individual as to what they call appropriate dress. What one person calls appropriate may be totally inappropriate for a healthy productive learning environment. While it is true that schools would actually have to enforce the rules, the job will be much easier with a uniform as the students only choice.
However tough a lesson it is discipline is something that we all have to get used to at some point in our lives. We will all be accountable to some higher authority. Teaching our children this early will help them make the transition into adulthood. For instance, in the workplace, uniforms are seen everywhere. The military, police departments, airlines etc. all requires uniforms that distinguish them as employees giving the employee a distinct look. Does this violate the employee’s freedom? If it did, we would see pilots in shorts, police officers in swimsuits and firefighters in drag. According to Dr. Alan Hilfer, senior psychologist in the Children and adolescent Unit at Maimondies Medical Center in Brooklyn: “Discipline problems may be decreasing in schools with uniforms because the school and the parents have begun taking the discipline issue more seriously.” Nevertheless some feel requiring a student to wear a uniform violates the student’s right to be themselves. Are they really being themselves or are they trying to fit in, going along with the latest style or trend? Individuality is defined in Webster’s dictionary 2007 edition as: “personality, character, distinction, difference, uniqueness.” While personality, character, distinction, difference and uniqueness can be expressed by clothing, school is not the place to do that. There are plenty of opportunities at school to be distinct, unique and different in ways that do not involve dress. Academic distinction, unique writing and creative art works are just a few of the many ways students can express their individuality. To say a uniform takes away students individuality is untrue, much like saying members of a football team wearing uniforms are all the same. The uniform brings unity to the team. Students wearing uniforms could bring more unity to the school. According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals, “Clothing requirements are not considered a violation of their freedom of expression if there’s a valid educational reason for imposing them.” (Wingert, 1999)
Implementing uniforms into our school system will be a positive step towards a better education environment while still allowing students to be creative, showing their individuality in the work they do through writing, achievement, artwork, etc. Mandatory uniforms will help to provide a safer school environment. If a uniform saves just one kid from being ridiculed or beaten it’s worth it. In addition, schools should be a place where nothing gets in the way of a student receiving an education. While some may say that mandatory uniforms are a violation of a student’s rights, the evidence and the law do not support that. Finally, and for me most importantly, uniforms will bring back a level of decency to the school campus. School uniforms are a good idea, good for the schools and good for the students.
Reference:
Hilfer, Dr. Alan. "School Uniforms Pros/Cons." Family Education.Com. Maimonides Medical Center Brooklyn. 25 Spring 2007
www.psparents.net/insupport.html
www.psparents.net/inobjection.html
Poet, Anthony. "School Uniforms Pros and Cons." http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-philosophy/individuality/38676.html. Asst Principal Pueblo Del Sol Middle School Arizona. 16 May-June 2007 httpschool.familyeducation.com.
http://www.psparents.net/
Kizis, Sarah
“School Uniforms and Dress Codes”
Writing Stamford. Sept 2000 vol.23, Issn02797208 1 page 18
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=69560579&sid=fmt=38&clientld=8125&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Document 69560579
Daugherty, Richard F.
“Leadership in Action: Piloting a school Uniform Program.”
Education. 2 2002.390. elibrary. Proquest. EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE.18 May 2007
http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/.
"Uniform." Def. 1. Webster's New World Dictionary. Fourth ed. 2007.
Its over!!!!
Thanks for taking the time to read my entries. I hope you enjoyed your reading and possibly inspired by something you read!
I AM DONE YEAH!!!!!!!!
I AM DONE YEAH!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Momma's Pride and Joy
Kindra and Jakob they are part of the reason I came back to school. At the bottom of this article you will see a picture of all 4 of our children the "full" picture of my family, this picture is the last day they were all together.It was a snow day and I wanted to take pictures for Christmas cards that year. I got my picture. The picture that would prove to be the last of them all playing together.Being a wife and mother is a lifelong full time endeavor something I have ALWAYS wanted to do. Four years ago my husband and I lost two of our other children Elisse and Marisa in a tragic plane crash. This has been tough on our entire family and has given us daily challenges in dealing with grief and all that it encompasses. Even though we had just a short time with "the girls" (that's how we refer to them) they were 11 & 9 when they died. We have such wonderful memories of there smiling faces. This is probably the HARDEST part of my mothering experience.One experience I think has made me a stronger mom always careful to give my kids a hug and tell them I love them whenever I can especially when we are not together. Naturally as a mom I want to take all the pain away from my kids and I just want to fix it all for my husband so no one hurts. Well I have learned I cannot do that. Our faith in God has gotten us through and will continue to see us through. He has a plan and knows what we need.
As if this was not enough pain, in December of this year (2007) 1 week prior to Christmas Jakob and I were in an armed robbery at a pharmacy . The pain that goes along with this horrific nightmare seems to be endless, we both are always looking over our shoulders he is scared of things he never was before.I had a moment where I had to make a decision and I responded in a way that probably saved his and my life. For that I am forever grateful that I had the response I had. I wrote of this in one blog entry titled " Robbery of the Young" this was a great way to get some feelings out and work through them. Something we try and do everyday!
For the last 15 years I have been trying hard to model what I wanted my children to grow up to be. I have not always succeeded in making the correct choices however I feel like at least I point out my mistakes and they both see that even mom messes up sometimes. I do know that however I mess up they Have never seen me give up.Completing this first quarter here at Everett Community College has been just another example of the example I want my children to see.I think I have been able to set a really good example for both of my kids. They have seen me upset because I couldn't figure out what the heck my instructor meant by a comma splice (I am the UN official queen ) or watching me get so excited because I got a good grade on an assignment. Never quiting! I have grown a lot this quarter not just academically with my writing but as an individual as well. I know that writing better was the main objective I just think I conquered more than learning to write better. I am proud of all my writing assignments good and bad, they all represent some different area of learning from basic sentence structure to full process essay writing.
Although my favorite thing we did this quarter would surprisingly have to be when we did a seminar! I was so nervous when our instructor Professor Shen told us about her plans to seminar with 2 other classes. Come to find out a seminar was just meeting breaking into small groups and talking about the book. Lucky for us our class came to the seminar with typed papers of notes. I felt so prepared when my group used what I had written because the other classes had not come that prepared! Well this was a first for me and I felt really good about the grade received on my seminar paper. Hard work paid off. As I sit and look back at this first quarter I see some growth and I see area's that still need a lot of work,grammar and COMMA use will be a struggle but hey I may get it. I have made some new friends and have had fun I am looking forward to my summer quarter here at EVCC, I am taking Child development. I am interested in Early Childhood development. The younger kids always pull at my heart strings. Looking forward always remembering where I came from but not looking back! It is now the end of Spring quarter 2007 ! I can honestly say I made some new friends and look forward to watching myself and them grow in our educational pursuits.
Make it a great day!!
Shellee
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