The end of the semester is kicking my proverbial ass, so many papers to write, so little time. The feeling of stress has been ripping through my mind lately, creating a feeling of angst as I move through the last part of the semester.
But in effort to not sound like a cry-baby, I'll just end with this. I don't have much time right now, so check out my final blog on reflections as posted below . . .
p.s. I wish everyone the best of luck on all their finals, and a Merry early Christmas too.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Final Blog: Reflections
This class has been the most challenging course I have ever taken for writing. Coming from a journalism studies program, I have been forced to conform to a certain style of writing that has started to become like second nature. When thinking of sports writing, I see a very journalist, direct and to-the-point style of writing, far from the style that was taught in class.
At first I did not agree with the methodology of the class, most of the chalkboard days seemed utterly pointless other than to provide us with busy work. As the semester went on and clarity struck, I realized it was an effective tool to break down the works of these other great authors.
In most writing class, the professors find my writing to be instantly impressive—but in this class that was not the case. My first assignment came off flat and un-inspired, far from the level of work I am used to producing. I started to become frustrated, blaming the class structure itself, instead of looking within at my own flaws.
I was published from the very tender age of 16, giving me a certain sense of confidence and accomplishment that most writers have to wait years to obtain. I was given a monthly column in my local, hometown newspaper to express my views through the eyes of high school student. The instant popularity my column generated shifted my confidence into overdrive, giving me a slight ego that makes it hard for me to understand the imperfections in my writing. Professor Emerson’s plan to make our writing better through editing and revision were two areas that were vastly unfamiliar to me and often became frustrating throughout the course.
I have often had trouble condensing my writing without becoming wordy or saying too much in a single sentence. Grammar has always been my biggest flaw, especially with comma splicing, which has always been my most prevalent weakness. This course has given me the opportunity to work on those issues, sharpening my writing, and giving me a firmer grasp on the grammatical aspects of the English language.
Overall, it was a pretty good class, I feel like I learned a great deal about the importance of revising my writing. The other students were a good bunch to be around, lots of different personalities that blended together for some entertaining moments. I appreciate everything I’ve learned and I only hope to improve my writing as I gain experience and maturity.
At first I did not agree with the methodology of the class, most of the chalkboard days seemed utterly pointless other than to provide us with busy work. As the semester went on and clarity struck, I realized it was an effective tool to break down the works of these other great authors.
In most writing class, the professors find my writing to be instantly impressive—but in this class that was not the case. My first assignment came off flat and un-inspired, far from the level of work I am used to producing. I started to become frustrated, blaming the class structure itself, instead of looking within at my own flaws.
I was published from the very tender age of 16, giving me a certain sense of confidence and accomplishment that most writers have to wait years to obtain. I was given a monthly column in my local, hometown newspaper to express my views through the eyes of high school student. The instant popularity my column generated shifted my confidence into overdrive, giving me a slight ego that makes it hard for me to understand the imperfections in my writing. Professor Emerson’s plan to make our writing better through editing and revision were two areas that were vastly unfamiliar to me and often became frustrating throughout the course.
I have often had trouble condensing my writing without becoming wordy or saying too much in a single sentence. Grammar has always been my biggest flaw, especially with comma splicing, which has always been my most prevalent weakness. This course has given me the opportunity to work on those issues, sharpening my writing, and giving me a firmer grasp on the grammatical aspects of the English language.
Overall, it was a pretty good class, I feel like I learned a great deal about the importance of revising my writing. The other students were a good bunch to be around, lots of different personalities that blended together for some entertaining moments. I appreciate everything I’ve learned and I only hope to improve my writing as I gain experience and maturity.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Matters of the Heart
I've always felt like it was kind of like my mission to educate people on just how important heart is, I sometimes felt like I was speaking to the deaf. On January10th of last year I had the privilege of going from Owego to Wayne, NJ, and on that night, I, along with four of my buddies, got to see a very emotional retirement speech from Vince Russo (former WWE television writer). In his speech Vince talked about heart and how important having lots of heart is. Sound familiar? Vince stated that people do good deeds because of the heart they have, and that the reason people do bad things is because of their lack of heart.
I personally don't really know much about living the "college life." I have no idea what it is like to get drunk everyday, nor do I want to know. I just don't understand why people continue to harm themselves in this manner. There is no way that this "college life" of partying, drinking, and having mindless sex could make them happy, so why does it take place? Why do I not partake in these activities? Is it because I have common sense - or is it that I am too intelligent to be that stupid with my body?
Another part of having heart is caring for fellow members of society and having compassion for others. I will admit that I preach my values and morals a lot of the time but it is not without reason. You see, I know a lot of people that follow my path in life, they carry themselves with the same respect and morals that I do, they have heart. . It would be easy for me to quit, stop fighting, and become one of them - the heartless establishment - but if I did that, I would hate myself even more than all those heartless people already do
I personally don't really know much about living the "college life." I have no idea what it is like to get drunk everyday, nor do I want to know. I just don't understand why people continue to harm themselves in this manner. There is no way that this "college life" of partying, drinking, and having mindless sex could make them happy, so why does it take place? Why do I not partake in these activities? Is it because I have common sense - or is it that I am too intelligent to be that stupid with my body?
Another part of having heart is caring for fellow members of society and having compassion for others. I will admit that I preach my values and morals a lot of the time but it is not without reason. You see, I know a lot of people that follow my path in life, they carry themselves with the same respect and morals that I do, they have heart. . It would be easy for me to quit, stop fighting, and become one of them - the heartless establishment - but if I did that, I would hate myself even more than all those heartless people already do
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