Reflection #3

As a college writer, I have learned that there is always room for improvement.  I found that I never knew how my paper actually sounded until I read it aloud and had someone else look over it as well. Throughout WIFYS I did struggle in certain places, but everyone does.  No one can ever write perfectly.  Whether it dealt with the research portion of the paper, the use of certain types of sentences or just transitions between paragraphs, it seemed as if I was always forgetting to do something.  There are many steps and procedures one has to take in order for his or her writing to actually sound professional.  I think now that the semester is winding down and Thanksgiving and Christmas are both around the corner, I am becoming lazy and not concentrating as much on the studies as what I should be.  I think many students are in the same boat as me though.  As far as grammar goes, I have always been pretty strong with it, but there are a couple errors from time to time.  Sometimes even I have to go back and reread a sentence multiple times; but I'm glad I catch it before the reader or professor does.  In my high school, we always used APA format or some sort of format that starts with an A.  We never really used MLA format, so it took some time to refresh it in my brain and learn the techniques and steps again.  When it comes to citing my work, I learned that introducing the author(s) of the article before I state their quote or opinion often times makes the writing sound a lot stronger and supported.  I learned that giving my opinion about a certain quote or  topic helps lengthen the paper a good bit which is always helpful.  Recently in my "Pay for Play" (college athletes should be paid) paper, I used many quotes directly from both text and online sources.  I supported these quotes by offering my opinion to help get the readers attention and to help the reader better understand where the author is coming from with his or her statement.  It is extremely important to use these skills and continue to learn and practice them.  Why?  Because this is not the last time we will use them.  Writing helps everything in daily life.  It helps speech, creativity in the mind, and much more.  I know that I will have to use all of the skills sometime soon in the future.

Argument #4: 30 Days

Dennis and Tom...say that kids should be allowed to be adopted by gay and lesbian families in order to avoid being put in a foster care child home.  No matter who loves who, as long as the kids have a good upbringing then the decisions they make and the homes in which these kids are placed should not matter.

The straight lady(Katie)...says that kids should not be able to be adopted by gay and lesbian families and that they should be placed in mom dad homes only.  In this case I believe that the number of children in foster care homes would dramatically increase and that a lot more kids would be left without a home or family.

This is a very tough topic to talk about.  My opinion is on both sides I guess.  I want to say that kids should be allowed to be placed in gay and lesbian homes ONLY to prevent the numbers in foster care centers from increasing.  I was brought up to believe in mom dad homes only and that that is the best way to be raised.


Katie lives by her faith and by her families rules and how she was raised from birth.  Dennis and Tom are still religious, but their religion allows there to be gay and lesbian families with children in their church/place of worship.

If I had to pick one side, I would go with Katie.  I was raised catholic my family was raised catholic and even their families before them.  We have all grown up in mom dad families and households and that's probably how it always will be.  We have never really been around gay or lesbian families or even people alone to know what it would be like or to know if they could really give the same to a child as a mother and father together.  With that being said, I am not saying everything Katie says is right because I have always been taught to see things with an open mind and meet people with an open heart.  Katie sort of holds to her own beliefs and doesn't let the second half of her try and see where Dennis and Tom are coming from when they are speaking about their family.  From the looks of the video we watched in class, I honestly think that Dennis and Tom are doing a great job raising their family.  They seem to have things controlled perfectly and they show enough love to their kids if not more than some mom dad families.  I think I heard that they have a special needs child who didn't talk before being in their family and now he speaks.  That to me is absolutely amazing because I work with seven severely autistic boys and they are extremely hard to handle, but it is extremely rewarding.  They need more love and attention and care than any other child on this entire planet and if Dennis and Tom can give their little one all that love and attention then I truly believe they know what they are doing and I truly believe that they have the right to have children and raise a family.

Argument #3: Dive

3 rules to dumpster diving

-never take more than you need
-first come first serve
-leave it cleaner than what you found it

we are feeding our landfills as much as we are feeding our country.

Seifert argues that we/grocery stores are wasting perfectly good food that can be eaten without doing any harm to the body.  He says grocery stores are throwing food away just because the sell by date is a day old, but the food is still perfectly fine to eat.  Seifert and a team of others dumpster dive and gather what they think is perfectly good food to eat from dumpsters outside of grocery stores/markets and they eat it and share it with others.

I agree that America does waste a lot of food, but I don't agree with what Seifert is doing.  I know some of the food is probably okay to eat, but I would never take the chance.  No one really knows how much bacteria is in the dumpsters that could now be on the food.  If the food is not properly sanitized then serious harm to the body could be done.  I guess this is risk they are all willing to take since they continue to eat the food they dive for daily.

I would never lay my hands on any food that is pulled out of a trashcan in my house, let alone a dumpster outside a super market.  We as American's could do a lot to help those in need of food.  Dumpster diving is not the first way.  Maybe saving our food and not wasting as much could help those in need a lot.  Taking our left overs to shelters or food kitchens could also greatly help those in need.

I did like the point that Seifert gives that says..."we are feeding our landfills as much as we are feeding our country."  This is a very distinct point and it draws a lot of opinions.  It certainly got me thinking.  The amount of food that people waste per day is outrageous.  Just imagine what we could do with all the perfectly edible food that we waste each and every day.  Those last couple chips, that extra 3 inches of a hoagie, those vegetables that were never touched on our plate; they could all be eaten and greatly appreciated by those in need and by those who don't have any at all.

Argument #2: McGonigal

I've never really been much of a "gamer", so I'm not very educated on a subject like this.  I guess it would depend on which games you were playing.  I guess certain strategy games or sort of puzzles work the mind more academically than those that require shooting space ships, other people, or random aliens.  War games might have multiple opinions.  Some might argue that they educate those playing them about the history of our world and some might argue that the shooting and language causes more violence to occur in our world.  I believe age groups have a lot to do with this topic.  By that I mean the rating of the games and the age of the kids/adults playing the certain games.  I believe that the world has really changed and that parents are becoming more lenient as to what games their children are playing because "all of their friends are playing them and they don't fit in if they aren't".

- we as humans need to play more video games for a longer amount of time each week.  (3 billion hours isn't enough...we need 21 billion hours)
- "I'm not good enough (at life)"
- epic wins - we love epic wins...on the verge of accomplishing something "important" in order to get a good positive feeling out of it.
- urgent optimism (we continue to try and try our hardest until we succeed or reach a certain goal..until we win)
- Super-Empowered Hopeful Individuals


1.)  We as humans need to play more video games for a longer amount of time each week.

I think McGonigal is crazy.  Humans play enough video games and I believe that is part of the reason why there is so much violence in the world today and in little kid's lives.  Kids today are growing up playing war games and shooting people and things.  Many studies have been done to help prove that video games cause nerve damage in the brain and cause strain to the eyes.  Playing more video games for a longer time period each week would only make this problem even worse.  McGonigal states, "3 billion hours isn't enough...".  I think 1 billion hours would still be too long.

2.)  We love epic wins...on the verge of accomplishing something "important"...

Video games are in no way important unless they are being played in an academic environment.  The only video games that I would agree are important are online computer tutoring programs or study programs for students.  We should allow students to yes, feel a positive feeling about learning instead of taking their academic time away and allowing them to play pointless killing games.

3.)  Urgent optimism - we continue to try our hardest until we succeed or reach a certain goal...until we win.

I was born an athlete, I will always be an athlete.  I'm not saying everyone was born to have a ball in their hands or at their feet, but there is more to life than having a controller in your hands.  Why not feel the urge to win or accomplish a certain goal not sitting on your rear end?  Why not have the confidence to go out and show people there is more you can do to prove you accomplish things other than in video games?



I am not hating on video games in any way shape or form because I occasionally do sit down to take a break and hold a controller for an hour or so.  And when I say occasionally, I mean maybe 3 times a month.  My schedule is too full and I am way too busy with everything else in my life.  I know people have the urge and the talent to play video games every day.  That is alright, as long as it isn't all day.  Make time for your studies and make time for friends so you can be social.  Gamers are often looked at very differently by other groups of people, but sometimes people need to step back and see that this may be a skill that they have and they are just using it to their advantage for their own well-being.

Argument #1: Kilbourne

Kilbourne's argument is that women are being portrayed in ways that are nearly impossible.  That they are almost required to look and feel certain ways in order to benefit or please others more than themselves.  Culture and today's society make women feel that they will never be perfect, but they have to do anything and everything they can to try.  Ads geared toward women create a toxic environment.

"The average American is exposed to over 3000 ads every single day."


The fact that we will spend over two years of our lives just watching commercials amazes me.  No one would ever think that two years of his or her life are spent watching pointless television.  What could one possibly do with those two extra years?

Just to think that I am exposed to over 3000 ads every day of my life is breath taking.  If I lay in bed at the end of the day, I'm not sure if I'd be able to remember even 100 of those ads.  The human eyes see so many scenes and so much activity per day that it's really crazy to even think how we can remember anything.

Kilbourne argues that women are being portrayed in ways that are nearly impossible.  By this she means that their bodies are being shrunken down to absolutely nothing to try and make them more attractive.  As a male, I actually feel bad for women today because of the ways they are almost being forced to feel and look.  Men are men, women are women.  They were meant to look the ways they do, so why alter them electronically to try to make them feel and look better.  When this action is taken, a fake/nonexistent human being is created.  There are too many ads today persuading women to change themselves.  Like Kilbourne says, some ads are directed towards males, but certainly not as harshly as they are towards women.  What happened to the saying "looks don't matter", or "what's on the inside really matters, rather than the views on the outside".  I get it; guys will be guys.  We always have the eyes and our feelings or looks of choice for young women.  Did you ever think that maybe this is because us guys have grown up looking at "fake" or electronically altered women in ads or on commercials?  In other words, we have higher standards in women because we have seen so many "versions" or different views of them.  It is a really intense subject and can spark a lot of opinions.  I think Kilbourne does an excellent job arguing her opinion.  She certainly got me thinking about many different views on this topic.

Reflection #2: The Writing Process

Working through the writing process greatly improved who I am now as a writer.  I always thought I was a very good writer, but it wasn't until this class that I realized how much more my writing could improve.  WIFYS helped me see my writer as the reader that is reading it.  It helped show me that writing isn't just words on a piece of paper, rather than a conversation with the audience.  This class allowed me to see the different languages and tones of writing.  I learned that tutoring isn't such a bad thing after all. It is always nice to have another set of eyes on your paper before the professor has hers on it with a red pen in her hand, grading it and putting marks on it as if she were trying to construct her own paper.

Throughout this class so far, I learned that as a student, there is always room for improvement.  I learned that writing is never easy and sometimes it can pretty overwhelming, especially if it's a topic you are unsure or uncomfortable writing about.  I never thought I was able to move effectively through a paper and give it sort of a flow until I started this WIFYS class.  I can go on for days about a certain topic, which can be a good thing or a bad thing sometimes.  I just never knew how to transition into what I wanted to say next.  I was able to use transition words throughout my paper and incorporate quotes into my writing to help give my writing a better flow.  For example, the technology paper I just finished writing; I was able to use quotes directly stated from the author in order to transition into different paragraphs.  By giving my own opinion and evidence to back up my opinion, I am able to successfully move through my writing effectively.

They say, I say

1.  The title, "Entering the Conversation" reveals that as a research/argumentative writer, you should connect with your readers as well as you can.  Allow them to feel what you are talking about and truly understand and comprehend your discussion, rather than just reading words on a screen or piece of paper.

2.  "They say, I say" is a model used to spark opinions and conversation between the writer and their audience (the readers).  Offering and discussing multiple opinions within a specific writing is extremely important.

3.  The purpose of templates is to get straight to the point, to attract the audience, and to discuss a certain issue/opinion very directly.  These templates are also very effective when it comes to using a specific quote to back up an opinion of to address an issue specifically.

4.  The story of Dr. X illustrates "an important lesson: that to give writing the most important thing of all-namely, a point-a writer needs to indicate clearly not only his or her thesis, but also what larger conversation that thesis is responding to."

5.  Some of the templates that I will probably try to use in my QDW paper include;

     - It is often said that...
     - You would think that...
     - I've always believed that...
     - Many people assume that...

6.  In Chapter Four, the authors write that the most common and recognizable ways of responding to a text, author, or idea is by agreeing, disagreeing, or using a combination of both.

7.  "It is always a good tactic to begin your response not only by laughing directly into a mass of details, but by stating clearly whether you agree, disagree, or both, using a direct, non-sense move such as: "I agree," "I disagree," or "I am of two minds.  I agree that ....., but I cannot agree that ..... ". (52)

8.  Americans today tend to believe that technology in our lives is extremely important and that it is a necessity to  help us get through every day life.  Lasn and I would disagree with this statement because although technology does help us with some things, it can also distract us from other important things, as well.

Connected, but Alone

The title of her lecture, "Connected, but Alone" and her new book, "Alone Together" say a lot about technology.  When I first look at them, I see the word alone which tells me that we are alone, by ourselves as human beings; we are our own person.  When I look further into it, I see the words connected and alone.  This tells me that we are connected by the technology and in a way we are together.  We all can see the same things on the internet and we can all learn information at the same time whenever and wherever we want.  In other words, technology brings us together as a whole world, but it can still hold us apart, away from each other.  Technology and media are never ending.

Quote #1:  "We are letting technology take us places that we don't want to go."

Every second we unlock our devices we have individual apps or webpages that we choose to navigate through.  We open them and choose to look at the same screen multiple times a day.  From those pages we navigate onto other pages and then onto other pages and before we know it, our phone battery is at 50% and we have been sitting on the toilet with our phone in our hand for almost an hour.  This is a place you do not want to be!  Don't be the person that sits on the toilet for almost an hour on their phone.  We continue throughout the day and find ourselves opening up certain apps just to open them because it is such a habit.  I bet if you really paid attention, you could find yourself opening up certain social media websites or applications just to see who posted what about who, even though none of it has to deal with you.  We are so caught up in everyone else's business that we tend to forget about our own.  Don't find yourself in this place.  Another example is websites.  If you don't have virus protection on your phone or laptop or other mobile device, you better make sure you know the website you are searching is a safe one.  Been there, done that.  You think viruses can only be caused by being on "bad" or "inappropriate" websites when really any website is able to contain viruses or other malfunctions that can ruin the software on your device.  Don't find yourself sitting in these places.


Quote #2:  "The little devices in our pockets don't just change what we do, but also who we are."

This is just sad, but it's true.  The little devices in our back pockets are changing who we are as humans.  We are forgetting who we are truly meant to be all because of the internet and technology.  We are changing ourselves physically because we like the way someone else looks, rather than the way we look.  We are changing emotionally because we are somehow stuck in everyone else's problems that we never really wanted to be involved in.  We are changing mentally because the tiny screens we stare at for multiple hours of the day are killing brain cells and straining our eyes.  Be yourself.  Don't allow technology to change who you are as a human being.  Everyone has flaws, but everyone has talents and strengths within them that help create who they really are.  Don't turn into someone else; once you change, you won't be able to change back to who you used to be because you will forget who that person was you once were.


Quote #3:  "We are denying each other of full attention."

Some people are so focused and caught up into their technology that they don't even know how to hold a conversation with a person.  This is terrible.  Some people have trouble making eye contact with others.  It is only going to continue to get worse as technology grows because the more we are in contact with technology the less we are in contact face to face with actual people.  Because of this, we lose people skills.  When you lose people skills, you can't get a job because the interviewee is unable to look you straight in the eyes.  You can probably walk up to a person and shake his or her hand, but do people really know how to carry on a full out conversation longer than five minutes?  I am an 18 year old freshman in college and I have some teachers that still have trouble making eye contact.  I'm not sure the reasons why though because back when they were kids, they were required to make eye contact.  They didn't have the technology that we have today.  It is a never ending cycle with technology and the media.  I feel it will continue to get worse as the years go on.  Often times, I will see a person in the middle of a conversation with another person who is checking Instagram or Facebook while that person is talking to them.  The likes and comments can wait people.  Pay attention to the matter at hand and what the real human being standing in front of you has to say.  For all you know, the "thing" on the social media sites you are roaming through is a fake.

Ecology of the Mind

Pre-Writing:  I know for a fact that I could never live without my phone for a week.  I don't think that I could live without my phone for three days.  I always have my phone and I am always communicating with people, surfing the web, and using social media sites.  Technology is addicting to kids my age and we cannot physically live without it.  Even if a person says they could live without it, I know it would be an extremely hard task to accomplish.  I am outside every day of my life.  Yes, I may need to have my phone every day, but that does not mean it occupies my entire life.  I have grown up playing soccer since the age of 4 and I am always outside.  It is necessary and crucial that I run and stay in shape because that's all that soccer is; running.  I am a hunter and a fisherman.  Tomorrow marks the first day of deer season using bow and arrow.  I am driving back home tonight to pack my things and head out in the woods at 5 o'clock in the morning tomorrow morning for the entire day; sunrise to sunset.  I love being outside.  There is so much to hear, see, and do.  Everyone should take the time to see the outdoors and experience it in as many ways possible.  I personally believe that being outside helps clear one's mind.  It helps relieve stress and it certainly allows people truly find themselves in their own state.  So, with that being said, my interplay with technology has not caused me to lose my touch with the natural world and it never will.

The argument in the article "Ecology of the Mind" can basically be summarized as; our minds are being polluted by media and multiple sorts of technology.  The argument is supported by providing information based around modern day culture.  Also, Lasn's argument is supported by providing clear examples of events that happen within certain forms of media that effect our decisions made throughout every day life.  I absolutely believe that our obsession with technology has obstructed our ability to engage in the natural world.  Every minute we are engaged in technology, whether it be our cellphones, televisions, or computers, are minutes that we could be spending outside being involved in the natural world and environment.  Lasn's argument could very well configure in with Bauerlein's argument in many ways, but I do not believe that they would completely agree with one another.  Bauerlein states that we are the dumbest generation and that technology is the cause of this.  Lasn's argument is based around the ideas that technology and media are polluting our minds and therefore distracting us from the natural world, but no where within Lasn's argument does he state that we are dumb, let alone the dumbest generation.  In this case, Lasn and Bauerlein would surely get along and agree that technology is very distracting and does occupy a significant amount of time, but I do not think they their arguments would completely match up.  

Quote #1:  "Quiet feels foreign now, but quiet could be just what we need"

After being so focused within all forms of technology, as well as being engaged in all of the media within today's society, most people forget to take time out of the day for a break or as some people may call it, "quiet time".  Step outside; go for a walk/run, ride a bike, play a sport, play with a pet, watch the sun set and rise, look at the stars.  There are so many things to do in order to gain some peace and quiet and take some time out of the day to relax.  Get away from the technology and media.

Quote #2:  "Can't work without background music. Can't jog without earphones.  Can't sleep without an iPhone tucked under the pillow."

If any statement in Lasn's article wraps up people and technology within today's society, it is this one.  As I sit here and type this post, I have the television on and I have my cellphone in my lap.  I will be at the gym later lifting and running with my earphones in.  Not because I can't run or lift without them, but because I prefer to have music when working out.  I don't know about other kids my age, but I charge my phone on my window sill or my dresser next to my bed.  This doesn't mean it's tucked under my pillow, but it does mean I am on it in the dark while laying in bed before I fall asleep.  That being said, I think this goes to show that we are always with technology and we are always using some form, being distracted from the natural world and other important things in life.

Quote #3:  "Now we're depleting the 'old growth culture' - sucking dry the history, mythology, music, art and ideas that previous generations have bequeathed to us.  All of our past is being picked over, recycled, remixed, regurgitated, and repurposed."

With all of the technology and the media, memories and past cultural traditions are being forgotten and practically thrown away for good.  We are forgetting the important things in the past and trying to push forward and live life, expecting technology to figure everything out for us.  More and more, we are relying on the media to give us information, rather than trying to figure things out on our own.  With all of the new technology and media, we lose the important historical music and art that helped put us where we are today in the world of entertainment.  One way to help regain the history and help people remember the more important things in life is by putting away the technology and not listening or doing what the media tells us to do all the time.  The past traditions helped put society where it is today, so why not continue that trend, rather than letting technology decide where we go from here.

Dumbest Generation

Technology plays a major role in my life.  It not only allows me to connect with friends and family throughout everyday life, but everyone else around the world as well.  Without technology, I really do not know what anyone of us would do.  We rely on our cellphones and computers within the workplace.  Without them, work just doesn't get accomplished.  Communication has gone to all sorts of new levels over the past 10 years.  I honestly have no idea what people did without computers and their cellphones.  I am extremely dependent on both of them.  I use my phone I think 45 minutes of every hour.  I am constantly on my computer typing essays, doing research, taking online quizzes and tests, and other things, such as checking my email, etc.  I rely on my cell phone daily to communicate with family members, classmates, and teammates.


10 hours/day(on phone)
3 hours or less/day(tv)
5 hours/day(social media)
0 hours/day(video games)

11th grade(read book)
10th grade(play)
10th grade(museum)
12th grade(concert)
last Sunday(church)
no idea(civic engagement)

QUOTE #1:  "For digital immigrants, people who are 40 years old who spent their college time in the library acquiring information, the Internet is really a miraculous source of knowledge,'' Bauerlein says. "Digital natives, however, go to the Internet not to store knowledge in their minds, but to retrieve material and pass it along. The Internet is just a delivery system.''  

I find this statement to be relatively true.  Parents today are practically clueless when it comes to the internet.  They know how to do two things; check the news/weather and search on Google.  And when they do search information, they will remember it forever.  Kids my age however, use the internet and technology all day, every day.  We use it to communicate with everyone we know.  Some of us choose to learn from information on the internet, but others often get on the internet to look something up and pass the information to family or friends.  Most of the time, this being information that they won't remember a week later.  

QUOTE #2:  "Social life is a powerful temptation," Bauerlein explains, "and most teenagers feel the pain of missing out." 

Every teenager feels the need to be connected to everyone's business and social life.  If they are not, they feel left out.  Teenagers and young adults tend to use the internet and other forms of technology to connect themselves to other people, rather than learn information that is more important than who is dating or who is going to fight in the bathroom at school.  It was just a couple days ago that my roommate asked me what the Ebola virus was.  If you're reading this and you don't know what the Ebola virus is, I won't make fun of you, but you should probably look it up and learn about it before someone else makes fun of you.  It is perfectly acceptable to use the internet and social media sights to connect with people, but try to learn some important things when using technology.  

QUOTE #3:  "For me, as for others, the Net is becoming a universal medium, the conduit for most of the information that flows through my eyes and ears and into my mind."

This is the most real statement I've heard in a long time.  This literally sums everything up.  I can't say  I remember the last time I chose to read a book on my own and actually took information and learned from it.  All research done today by kids my age is done on the internet.  Sometimes, I often question what a library really is.  

PCP Full Draft

Marks of Strength

Tattoos; a permanent mark on the skin, but a permanent reminder of a certain something or someone in the minds, hearts, and souls of those who choose to wear them.  Tattoos are often worn to further explain or define a significant milestone or moment within a persons life.  They help give an individual meaning to their life and allow them to express themselves in a beautiful way. 

The end of summer is nearing; I am 18 years old, a graduated senior in high school, about to move forward in life and become a freshman in college.  I have decided to get a tattoo.  It was only less than a month ago that my dad was assaulted in his business office late at night during his usual Thursday night visit in order to do the last minute payroll.  He walked in on his office being robbed by two very large men and was attacked in the process of trying to get out as fast as he could.  He fought off one man, but quickly realized after that there was another one, as he collided with the second man right before exiting the back door.  At this point, my father's head and shoulder had both gone through newly installed drywall and he was ripped from his jacket, as well as taken from his shoes.  The only way out, the only light he could see, was through the front window.  If he hadn't had jumped through, hurting himself even more, but saving his life in the process, he probably wouldn't be here with me and my family today.  After receiving the call during the middle of the incident, I was both terrified and in shock.  My first instinct was to call for more help, but he is my father and I was the closest to his location at the time.  By the time I had arrived on the scene, it was too late.  But an ambulance was there.  Seeing my dad beat up, broken down, torn apart, ripped from clothing and shoes, shaking as he struggled to catch a breath was the most difficult thing I have ever seen with my own two eyes.  Today, my father and entire family as a whole are stronger than we have ever been before.  It's not until after the fact that I had realized no human-being can make it through any tragic accident like that and continue to live life normally forever.  Yes, he suffers from head trauma and memory issues here and there, and he has scars from the glass up his forearms and on his hands, but it continues to remind me that my father's heart, mind, and body are the strongest of any father's I have ever known.  This is the main reason, the main story behind my first tattoo. 

My tattoo reads "Philippians 4:13".  It means, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  This truly represents my dad and my family in every way.  No matter what the struggle is, no matter how high, how long, how large the obstacle may be, we will always be able to get through it together, forever.  This however is not the only meaning behind my tattoo.  The word, strength, has always been a word that I look to every day of my life.  Growing up, playing soccer since I was 4 years of age, I have always looked for strength; from the very first whistle to the last when the game is blown dead.  I have always looked for strength to help me succeed in the classroom, no matter what the subject was.  At 3 years old, I was blessed with the talent an ability to play the piano.  My mom has played since her early childhood years and it was quickly passed to me only a couple years of my life in this world.  So often times, I search for strength to move my fingers and play the piano to the best of my ability using my God given talents, every day. 

Getting my tattoo was not the most painful thing I have ever felt, but it certainly didn't tickle.  It is placed on my left ribs which people say is one of, if not the most painful place to get one.  It is 4pm, July 29th; I'm sitting in the tattoo parlor waiting to get marked for life.  The chills running up my arms were unbearable and the nerves within my body were like never before, but I knew deep within that it was something I wanted to do.  I remember it all like it was yesterday.  My artist sat me down and laid the stencil on my rib.  This was my last chance to run out the door; but I stayed put and with stood the pain because I knew it would all be worth it.  The first needle hit and it was all just fine, until I found out that he barely made a mark.  I clenched a fist and put my headphones because I knew I had a long hour and a half ahead of me.  Keep in mind, my family had no idea that I was doing this at all.  My younger brother was by my side for support, but I think mainly to see his older brother be put through some pain for a little.  Laying on the table half way through my tattoo all I could think was, mom and dad are going to disown me.  But somehow my parents found out about 4 weeks later.  They didn't really care as much as I thought they would.  They cared because I was the first to ever have one in our family and they weren't sure of the specific meaning behind it all, until I told them.  This was the moment they realized I was marked for a purpose, with a significant meaning behind it all. 

I want to end with a quote by Rikki Rogers, that has also stuck with me since a very young age.  It is not religious based like my tattoo, but it does have to deal with strength and every day life.  "Strength does not come from what you can do.  It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't."

Reflection #1

It is now my fifth week of college intensive writing (WIFYS) and I have made many goals for myself
as an active reader and critical thinker.  Just in the past five weeks, this class has taught me a lot more than what I thought it would.  At first, I figured it would just be a "sit down and write this" kind of
class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but I have actually come to find out that this WIFYS
class has much more to it than just writing papers and posting articles in my blog.  The very first day
of class we were asked to make goals as students and strive to achieve those goals throughout the
semester.  The very first goal I made, the number one thing on my list, the "must achieve or else
nothing is accomplished goal" was to become both a better writer and speaker.  I have never had a
fear of speaking in front of others; I have been doing it all my life.  But the one problem for me is
trying to organize and put together what I am to be talking about, especially under pressure, if I'm
called on in class.  To me, being an active reader/critical thinker means exactly what it says; actively
reading, not just the prompts given for a journal or reflection writing but the passages and key details
within a text.  And the same goes for critical thinking; analyzing and thinking about the reading and
possible response that is put together for that certain task at hand.  Also, this may include reflecting
on ones own work and correcting mistakes that were made, but learning from them at the same time. 
I will continue to strive to meet my goals as a student writer every day, not just in the classroom, but
outside as well.  If I don't understand something or I need an opinion, I will go find one and/or ask
my peers and teachers.  So far within the past five weeks, I have been able to meet all the required
goals of this class.  I have posted all of the journals and reflections on time.  I have used
media/pictures within my writing to allow the students to see where I truly come from and to provide
a visual aide in order for others to truly have an understanding of my writing.  One thing I could work
on is the length of my blogs.  I'm not saying they are short, but for me and I'm sure as well for others,
some topics are easier to write about than others.  I have learned that writing isn't just something we
have to do, but it is something we all should do, even when it's not required for a certain class. 
Writing allows one to express their thoughts without having to speak allowed about them.  Also, it
allows people to form well developed opinions towards a specific topic.  Writing allows everyone to
think critically and meaningfully about a variety of issues and ideas.  Looking back on the blogs I
have written so far, my favorite is a tie between the "I'm From" poem and the "Tattoo" blog.  Both of
these posts have significant meaning to me.  The "I'm From" poem allowed me to express my
physical, mental, social, and emotional background of where I came from, as well as who I am.  It
was such an interesting piece of writing and it brought back many memories that I hadn't thought
about in quite some time.  As for the "Tattoo" response, it meant so much to me to be able to talk
about my significant/permanent mark.  It allowed me to express myself and sort of give the definition
and true meaning of my life to others.  I loved reading about other students blogs because I truly
related to some of them and it was interesting seeing where other people came from and what their
interests are.  After reviewing the course syllabus and the grading for participation, if there was such
a choice, I would give myself an A- or a B+.  I have hit most of the goals and requirements in order to
earn an A, but there were one or two that I could use some work on as well.  I try to extend myself
above a B because I feel as if I have done more and have accomplished more within those certain
requirements for that letter grade.  No matter what grade I receive, I will always reflect upon it and
look back to see what I did wrong as well as right, and learn from my mistakes.  I can't wait to see
what is in store for me the rest of the semester.  I look forward to writing more and expressing myself
a little more every day, as well as striving to reach my goals daily within this WIFYS class.

Journal #5

 

"Philippians 4:13"

 

the meaning behind it all...

 

-STRENGTH-

...on the soccer field (under the lights from the first whistle to the last)

...in the classroom (strength/courage to do nothing but my best no matter the subject)

...family (times when strength was prayed for and when it was already there holing us all together)

...religion (he who helps me get through every day life in the greatest times and the worst)

...music/piano (one of my God-given talents handed down by my mom)

 

(other quotes)

 

- getting the tattoo done and how my family first reacted as to how they feel now..

- my story, my definition

- the meaning behind it all

- placement of the tattoo and why I chose to put it where I did

- other tattoos I consider getting

- where I had it done/price

- different opinions I have heard about not just my tattoo but others in general

- the slight pain that was to me worth it all in the end afterwards

 

 

 

 

Journal #4

Our body is a part of our identity because the art that is portrayed on it tells a different, personal story about each individual.  A tattoo is not just ink; its not just a symbol, but a definition to a person's life. 

I love the quote in the CNN article, "The lesson I hope to teach others through my life is that it's important to see past appearances."  Some people automatically think that because a person has a tattoo or a certain piercing that they are lesser of a person.  They make assumptions and question whether that individual is on drugs or an alcoholic.  People start to wonder and assume that individuals with tattoos have many problems in their lives; none of which are true.  Another quote that really caught my attention is the one that states "I will not blend in with the crowd. I will be noticed, for better or worse."  I am my own person.  Everyone is their own person.  Whether or not we have tattoos should not affect the way others view us. 

The second article was interesting and I thought it was pretty cool how it said "in 2006, 40% of all Americans between the ages of 26 and 40 are tattooed."  The technique used back in the days to give tattoos sound like it would be very difficult to do precise, detailed work.  Also, I feel as if it wouldn't be safe or sanitary at all to give tattoos back in the day like they did, but I guess they didn't know of any other way at the time.

As it goes for the 25 most ridiculous tattoos, well they are pretty ridiculous.  I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what man or woman in their right mind would get a tattoo like any of those.  To me, those are pointless tattoos because I don't see a true meaning revolving from them. 

Everyone's physical appearance tells a story about them; what they have been through throughout their life, maybe their favorite things, remembrance of a lost loved one, even cultural/religious beliefs.  I just recently got a tattoo on July 29th.  I am the first person in my entire family (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins included) to have a tattoo so it was tough for my family to grasp the true meaning and story behind it all.  After a couple of weeks, they all quickly realized that the tattoo did not affect who I am as a human being, but rather express myself from the inside, out, telling part of my life story.  My tattoo reads "Philippians 4:13".  It means "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  This is a saying I have lived by throughout my entire life, even when I was a child.  I was taught this saying at a young age and it has helped form who I am as a person today. 

Journal #3

Your name helps define who you are as a person and possibly where you and/or your ancestors are from, along with many other reasons such as religion, ethnicity/race, and culture.  My name helps define my own personality and my characteristics.  Depending on how people look at it, our names have certain distinctive meanings, but throughout life we have many opportunities to define our name ourselves and find our own meaning.  Also, names separate people from one another.  Rarely will people find another person with the same name as them, but I find that when I do, it's pretty cool.  I would never change my name because it is the same name as my dads.  Although I am not a junior, sharing the same first and last name with my father means more than people actually think.  There are many meanings to the name Daniel, but I never really looked them up.  Throughout our childhood and still today, my dad and I are often referred to as Danny, a shortened version of Daniel. 

"How could our parents have ever imagined that someday we would end up in a country where monosyllabic names reign supreme, a land where "William" is shortened to "Bill," where "Susan" becomes "Sue," and "Richard" somehow evolves into "Dick"?"

I agree with the authors decision to change her name to an "American" name.  If I was at a young age with a name as difficult to pronounce as Firoozeh Dumas and I had just recently moved to the US from Iran, I would absolutely change my name to something easier for Americans to say, as well as something that wasn't going to get myself made fun of every day.  For cultural reasons I would probably keep part of my Iranian name, but I would not choose to be called that name in America.

Stereotyping and discrimination absolutely still occur based on a person's name; not just here, but in other countries as well.  I see it every day on campus and I know it still occurs every where that people are.  People assume that because someone doesn't have a name that they are familiar with that that person is lesser than them or less popular; that that individual isn't as important of a human being and that they shouldn't be treated as equal as them.  It's not right at all.  People should respect others for who they are as individuals because everyone comes from a different place and their names help make them who they are.

The name Daniel (Danny) means "God is my judge" or "God is my guide".





  

Journal #2

"We are not a divided nation.  We are a cafeteria nation."  This quote caught my attention because of how true it is.  I know many other students can relate to this because we were all in high school at one point in time and we know how the little cliques work.  For example, like the article stated, there are the nerds, the jocks, the punks, bikers, and techies.  The cliques are all still around today everywhere.  We often time assume we know everything about everyone in these little cliques, but usually that case isn't true.  We don't really know anything about anyone in the cliques unless we are a part of them.  So therefore, "We are not a divided nation.  We are a cafeteria nation", made up of many cliques running, trying to find their way.  Also another quote that caught my attention was the very last sentence of the article.  "There may be cracks, but there is no chasm.  Rather, there is a common love for this nation-one-nation in the end."


Red:  churches, guns, farms, trucks, closer family ties, self-disciplined and patriotic, more racist

Blue:  uses motors, cities, modern, secular, self-expressive

(Red sail, Blue powerboat, Red cross-country ski, Blue snowmobile, Red hike, Blue ATV, Red have vineyard tours, Blue have tractor pulls, when it comes to yard work, Red have illegal aliens, Blue have riding mowers)

What does where you're from say about who you are?

Where you are from plays a big role and has a big impact as to who you are and what other people think of you.  The places you grew up, the people you hung out with, the schools you previously attended, etc.  Your culture and practices help define who you are, too as a person.  Your upbringing from previous generations and how your family reacts to certain things all contribute to who you are.  All struggles and past experiences define who you are. 

I agree and disagree with the author.  I find some of his points spot on and I can relate to them, but others are more difficult to get a clear understanding of.  I recognize these places and where he is coming from in his article.  The author makes many distinctive assumptions about people who live in these "Red" and "Blue" places and he has his own opinions on them.  Many people probably have a number of different views and opinions as to the differences between the people living in the "Red" and "Blue" societies. 

Poem Brainstorming

I'm From

 

I am from the red brick house
 whose inner walls are covered with mom's pictures.
I am from the back deck full of family and friends
 by the crackling wood burning fire pit roasting gooey marshmallows
 for s'mores.
I am from big old oak trees in the front yard
 whose almost dead branches hang by threads.
I am from the crystal chandelier inside the front door
 by the Steinway grand piano in the bay window.

 

 

 

 

 I'm from warm chocolate chip waffles covered in whipped cream,

 the hot plate of scrambled eggs, and the heaping pile of bacon
 early Saturday morning.
I'm from my wet puppy after a troublesome, long-dreaded bath on a hot summer day.
I'm from homemade dinners mom always cooked after a long day at work and the many warm, homemade
 pies and cookies smelling up the house for dessert.
I'm from campfires in the late, fall evenings and the pollen seeping through the
 open windows of the house on the weekend.

 

 

 

I'm from church bells singing as the car rolled into the parking lot across the street
 from the Cathedral Sunday morning.
I'm from many beautiful sounds of the grand piano late in the evening before bed.
I'm from laughter every where family was.
I'm from many neighborhood dogs barking early in the morning and little kids splashing
 in the pool out back.
I'm from music coming from the radio and the TV that was always on even if nobody
 was sitting and watching it.

 

  I am from long hours on planes flying to Ireland, Italy, and 42 of the 50 states.

I am from the soccer field since birth with bleachers full of fans under the stadium lights.

I am from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.
I am from Penn State football on Saturday afternoons.
I am from pizza every Friday night at the same little Italian shop (Dottavio's).
I am from pain is only temporary, and if you let it, it will help form who you are
 in the future.
I am from strength doesn't come from what you can do, but yet overcoming the things
 you once thought you couldn't.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



I am known to be a good writer.  I often express myself best through writing.  I won the PSSA writing award in 8th grade back in my home town of Altoona, PA out of all kids within our entire county that had to take the PSSA standardized test.  I love to write, but as most often do, I hit blank spots from time to time and don't know where to take my writing next.  I am not the strongest at citing work so that is a goal for me this semester in WIFY's.  I hope this class allows me to see writing from many different angles and perspectives.  I am looking forward to this class and all our writing prompts and I hope to become a better writer very soon.