*what you learned -
I learned how to write a strong intro and outro. Shoveling words has never been hard for me but making them flow concisely was a struggle until I got the hang of it. The time it takes me to form a five graph essay has narrowed considerably from the hours of labor needed for the first few (the curse of being a perfectionist). The I-Search was a very new experience. A lot has changed in research since English Comp sixteen years ago.
* whether the course surprised you in any way-
The course surprised me because I expected a lot of online lectures. I’m glad there wasn’t… I’d much rather learn about writing by doing it.
* whether what you learned was worth your time and money-
This course was definitely worth the time and money. I think at times I put more time in than necessary because I hate to post something I’m not happy with. I learned a lot about writing and that was the point I think.
* what was good in the course-
I particularly like the five graph essays. Learning to write different types of essays was very helpful. I only knew one style when I started *fluff.*
I also enjoyed the prompts though I took way more time than I needed to agonizing over them.
* what was not good in the course-
The only thing I didn’t like was the freestyles. I felt like to put the time necessary to write something meaningful was too burdensome (just being honest). It took me most of the semester to realize I didn’t need to write a flowery journal for each one.
* things I should change-
I think the course syllabus should come in the first e-mail when the course starts. Perhaps a video webcast outlining the highlights and what can be taken more likely would be beneficial.
* things that should stay the same-
The five graph essays and the deadlines for the I-Search. I like deadlines because they force someone like me to put something on paper before I think it’s perfect!
Part 2:
I enjoyed the “woe is me” freestyles I wrote. In retrospect the three of them should have been broken down into six or seven freestyles but they allowed me to blow off steam during a frustrating period, while concentrating on articulating my frustrations so that a third party could feel and understand them. I’m not usually an “open book” so it was interesting putting my emotions out there for the world to see.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Practice Final
Most mornings I leave the house around 9 a.m. I start my day with an hour commute, next comes school, work, or both depending on my schedule. I finally roll back into the yard around 11 p.m. or midnight. My schedule can be daunting…that’s why I have hobbies. Hobbies keep me sane. They are something I always make time for and never get sick of.
Hiking is one of my hobbies. It became a passion for me about a year ago. The only place I really hike is Borestone Mountain but I manage to make the trip three or four times a week. It gives me a chance to get some much needed exercise while breathing in fresh air and enjoying the wonders of nature. I hike no matter the time of day, the time of year or the weather conditions. I drive nearly forty miles round trip to indulge in this hobby, but the benefits I receive far out way the inconveniences. The exertion of hiking helps relieve anxiety, and the serene atmosphere helps me relax and unwind.
Another hobby I always make time for is Church. At least once and usually twice a week I make my way to my chosen place of worship. Like any good hobby, the time I spend at church enriches me and keeps me focused. I not only get spiritual renewal during this time but I also get to see friends and family I would otherwise not get to visit very often. I use this hobby as a set time to make sure I keep my inner being nurtured as well as my outer man. I rarely leave a church service thinking I really could have and should have made better use of my time.
My last true hobby, as a matter of fact the one I do most frequently, is reading books. I will read anytime I get the chance. I bring a book to school in case I have down time. I sometimes bring books with me to the top of the mountain and bask in the sunshine while lost in a world created by Dean Koontz or James Patterson. I buy books at Goodwill by the garbage bag full and usually have to visit frequently. In its own right, reading a good book while munching on potato chips is one of life’s finest indulgences. My nightly ritual is to spend at least thirty minutes eating Tostitos and reading a book to get my mind off the daily grind and help me fall into a relaxing sleep.
I sometimes wonder where I find the time for my hobbies but the truth is my hobbies make time for themselves. I write an essay at least ten times easier after a good hike. If I need to study for an exam on Sunday, the thought of missing church helps me focus and stop procrastinating. I’ve found that seven good hours of worriless sleep are more rejuvenating to me than nine hours of fitful slumber… The thirty minutes I invest in a good book before bed seems to actually save me an hour in the long run. The real question is what will I do when I have plenty of time for hobbies? Will they be as fun as they are now?
Hiking is one of my hobbies. It became a passion for me about a year ago. The only place I really hike is Borestone Mountain but I manage to make the trip three or four times a week. It gives me a chance to get some much needed exercise while breathing in fresh air and enjoying the wonders of nature. I hike no matter the time of day, the time of year or the weather conditions. I drive nearly forty miles round trip to indulge in this hobby, but the benefits I receive far out way the inconveniences. The exertion of hiking helps relieve anxiety, and the serene atmosphere helps me relax and unwind.
Another hobby I always make time for is Church. At least once and usually twice a week I make my way to my chosen place of worship. Like any good hobby, the time I spend at church enriches me and keeps me focused. I not only get spiritual renewal during this time but I also get to see friends and family I would otherwise not get to visit very often. I use this hobby as a set time to make sure I keep my inner being nurtured as well as my outer man. I rarely leave a church service thinking I really could have and should have made better use of my time.
My last true hobby, as a matter of fact the one I do most frequently, is reading books. I will read anytime I get the chance. I bring a book to school in case I have down time. I sometimes bring books with me to the top of the mountain and bask in the sunshine while lost in a world created by Dean Koontz or James Patterson. I buy books at Goodwill by the garbage bag full and usually have to visit frequently. In its own right, reading a good book while munching on potato chips is one of life’s finest indulgences. My nightly ritual is to spend at least thirty minutes eating Tostitos and reading a book to get my mind off the daily grind and help me fall into a relaxing sleep.
I sometimes wonder where I find the time for my hobbies but the truth is my hobbies make time for themselves. I write an essay at least ten times easier after a good hike. If I need to study for an exam on Sunday, the thought of missing church helps me focus and stop procrastinating. I’ve found that seven good hours of worriless sleep are more rejuvenating to me than nine hours of fitful slumber… The thirty minutes I invest in a good book before bed seems to actually save me an hour in the long run. The real question is what will I do when I have plenty of time for hobbies? Will they be as fun as they are now?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Comparison Essay
This evening as I sat, perched like a turkey vulture, atop the magnificent summit of Borestone Mountain, my mind drifted back over the last 248 times I’d sat there in the last 12 months. It struck me as ironic how different but equally compelling the view from that location can be depending on what time you sit there.
During daylight hours the attraction lies in the seemingly endless expanse of untamed wilderness. The tree line stretches for miles in every direction, broken only by mountains and ponds. It feels like you are floating above the earth, free of trouble and worry. You are the king of a domain with no boundaries.
In early evening, this scene changes. The setting sun now captures your attention like a hypnotist’s medallion. Shadows shroud the miles of landscape so compelling in the daylight, and offset the brilliant colors of the skyline directing the eye to the sunset, laid out like a painting by some great master. During these moments the earth below is only an easel on which the setting sun rests.
At night the earth has vanished. The gorgeous views of the daytime are replaced by an equally mindboggling expanse of celestial bodies. The stars are like diamonds, so close you feel you can touch them. Once again you feel like you are floating but this time it is through time and space. The only reminder of solid ground is the cool, hard rock beneath you.
One position, three experiences. It’s impossible to rank which of these settings is the most compelling. The only common ground in their comparison is location, extreme beauty and serenity. My best advice is to make the climb, bring plenty of provisions, a blanket and a bright light, experience them all and decide for your self.
During daylight hours the attraction lies in the seemingly endless expanse of untamed wilderness. The tree line stretches for miles in every direction, broken only by mountains and ponds. It feels like you are floating above the earth, free of trouble and worry. You are the king of a domain with no boundaries.
In early evening, this scene changes. The setting sun now captures your attention like a hypnotist’s medallion. Shadows shroud the miles of landscape so compelling in the daylight, and offset the brilliant colors of the skyline directing the eye to the sunset, laid out like a painting by some great master. During these moments the earth below is only an easel on which the setting sun rests.
At night the earth has vanished. The gorgeous views of the daytime are replaced by an equally mindboggling expanse of celestial bodies. The stars are like diamonds, so close you feel you can touch them. Once again you feel like you are floating but this time it is through time and space. The only reminder of solid ground is the cool, hard rock beneath you.
One position, three experiences. It’s impossible to rank which of these settings is the most compelling. The only common ground in their comparison is location, extreme beauty and serenity. My best advice is to make the climb, bring plenty of provisions, a blanket and a bright light, experience them all and decide for your self.
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