Writing this blog for my Writing 150 class in my first semester of college at BYU has been a positive experience. This is my first blog, and I was surprised at how simple it was to post stories and pictures. Participating in the creation of this blog has allowed me to see all the things I have accomplished and to record stories that might not have ever been recorded.
Creating a blog has allowed me to see my overall progress, both in my first few months at BYU and also throughout my whole life. When I first began, I wondered if I would have anything interesting to write about because I did not feel like I had done anything particularly special.. When Sister Steadman encouraged us to include pictures, I decided to plug my camera memory card into the computer to see if I could find anything. I found all sorts of fun memories to write about that I could not believe I had forgotten. I enjoyed looking through photos and writing about them because it reminded me of all the great things I have accomplished.
Publishing blog posts has also helped me to record stories that never otherwise would not have been written down. My personal narrative, rhetorical analysis, restaurant review, and even the final presentation have taught me numerous ways to record my family history. I learned how to make stories that did not seem interesting enough to write about very fun and entertaining for me and my family to read in the future.
Overall, participating in the creation of a blog was a positive experience because it has enabled me to discover all of the things I have accomplished and to record my personal experiences. I can also see this blog as a way to show my friends what I am doing here at BYU. I liked being able to customize my blog to my favorite colors, and I enjoyed following everyone else in the class and seeing all the creative ideas. I am excited to show my family what I have been working on these past few months.
Friday, December 5, 2014
19) New Beginnings
"She's going to be born on your mother's birthday." Grandma would confidently say throughout the summer. "No, I just know she's going to be born on my first day of school." I'd reply each time.
My oldest sister Marcee was going to have a baby girl any time now. Her official due date was September 3rd, but I knew the baby was going to come on the 2nd so I couldn't be there. I was going to start school at Brigham Young University on the 2nd, and it was just my luck that I'd be in class when the family went to see her at the hospital.
Well, August 29th, my mother's birthday, came and gone. Still no baby. My grandma finally agreed that the baby would be here on my first day at college. I moved my things to my dorm on the Sunday night before school started. September 2nd was a Tuesday, and we patiently waited for the telephone to ring. It wasn't until Monday night that I realized my classes were on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. My first day of school was not really December 2nd after all. Now Marcee could have the baby and I could be there! But, of course it didn't happen that way.
December 2nd, my not-really-first day of school, came and went. Then the first call came. My dad called that night and said my sister was going to the hospital. Disappointed, I assumed that the baby would be born in the middle of the night and no one would be able to see it until the next night. I reluctantly went to bed and prepared for my first day of college. I didn't know whether to worry more about when the baby would come or about where to go for my classes.
Finally, my real first day of school came. I made it through a total of two classes before the official call came. My dad left a voice mail informing me that my sister had the baby at about 9:00am. I knew it! On my way up the stairs from the Richards Building to my next class, I called my Grandma and we laughed as I said, "I told you so! The baby really was born on my first day of school!" "You were right!" Grandma agreed. I anxiously finished my day of classes and sped home. My other sister Lisa was already there, waiting unpatiently for my parents to come home from work.
Once everyone was home, we all drove to the hospital together. We saw my brother-in-law's family in the waiting room and excitedly waited our turn to see the new arrival. Finally, we all took our turn holding the baby. September 3rd was an exciting day filled with new beginnings. It was my first day at college and my first day being an aunt.
My oldest sister Marcee was going to have a baby girl any time now. Her official due date was September 3rd, but I knew the baby was going to come on the 2nd so I couldn't be there. I was going to start school at Brigham Young University on the 2nd, and it was just my luck that I'd be in class when the family went to see her at the hospital.
Well, August 29th, my mother's birthday, came and gone. Still no baby. My grandma finally agreed that the baby would be here on my first day at college. I moved my things to my dorm on the Sunday night before school started. September 2nd was a Tuesday, and we patiently waited for the telephone to ring. It wasn't until Monday night that I realized my classes were on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. My first day of school was not really December 2nd after all. Now Marcee could have the baby and I could be there! But, of course it didn't happen that way.
December 2nd, my not-really-first day of school, came and went. Then the first call came. My dad called that night and said my sister was going to the hospital. Disappointed, I assumed that the baby would be born in the middle of the night and no one would be able to see it until the next night. I reluctantly went to bed and prepared for my first day of college. I didn't know whether to worry more about when the baby would come or about where to go for my classes.
Finally, my real first day of school came. I made it through a total of two classes before the official call came. My dad left a voice mail informing me that my sister had the baby at about 9:00am. I knew it! On my way up the stairs from the Richards Building to my next class, I called my Grandma and we laughed as I said, "I told you so! The baby really was born on my first day of school!" "You were right!" Grandma agreed. I anxiously finished my day of classes and sped home. My other sister Lisa was already there, waiting unpatiently for my parents to come home from work.
Once everyone was home, we all drove to the hospital together. We saw my brother-in-law's family in the waiting room and excitedly waited our turn to see the new arrival. Finally, we all took our turn holding the baby. September 3rd was an exciting day filled with new beginnings. It was my first day at college and my first day being an aunt.
18) Christmas Decorating
There are 20 days til Christmas, and I have done a lot of decorating. When I was home for Thanksgiving Break, my mom and I went to Broadbent's in Lehi and they had the most beautiful tree decorated with cute little owls. My mom bought a bunch of the owl ornaments and I decorated Grandma's Christmas Tree. Grandpa said the new decorations made Grandma's tree look "a lot classier."
The Sunday before I came back to school, my mother and I worked on bringing all the boxes of Christmas ornaments upstairs. I helped set up the tree, string the beads on, and hung a few ornaments. We didn't get very far with the decorating before my oldest sister came to visit with my three-month-old niece. I got to hold her and show her the Christmas tree before coming back to Provo.
One of the funnest things I have done to prepare for Christmas is decorate my dorm window with Christmas Stickers my Grandma sent me. Before now, my roommate and I had not spent much time together and when we did spend time together, it was not especially exciting.
Then, one morning we both happened to be home, and I invited her to put up the stickers with me. Soon we were smiling and having a lot of fun.
The Sunday before I came back to school, my mother and I worked on bringing all the boxes of Christmas ornaments upstairs. I helped set up the tree, string the beads on, and hung a few ornaments. We didn't get very far with the decorating before my oldest sister came to visit with my three-month-old niece. I got to hold her and show her the Christmas tree before coming back to Provo.
One of the funnest things I have done to prepare for Christmas is decorate my dorm window with Christmas Stickers my Grandma sent me. Before now, my roommate and I had not spent much time together and when we did spend time together, it was not especially exciting.
Then, one morning we both happened to be home, and I invited her to put up the stickers with me. Soon we were smiling and having a lot of fun.
17) Thanksgiving Traditions
Traditions are what make the holidays special with our family. This year, my family pioneered some new traditions.
Normally, my grandma would reserve the gym in the 1st Ward church building, and my Uncle Bryan's family and my Uncle Mike's family would come and we would play basketball and have our traditional turkey dinner. However, both my Uncle Mike and Uncle Bryan's families have moved out of state. Despite my constant remindings that it was my grandma's responsibility as Grandma to prepare Thanksgiving dinner, my grandma was certain that this year we were going out to Chuck-A-Rama. It looked like our traditions were being flushed down the drain.
Then just a few days before Thanksgiving, my Uncle Mike called and said that their family would be driving to our house and spending Thanksgiving here. Boy am I glad they did because Aunt Crystal is an excellent cook. We had homemade pumpkin, pie, lemon lush, and the whole turkey dinner. My grandma worked as hard as ever with my mother to clean my house and prepare for their stay. After this Thanksgiving, I think my grandma will return to our old traditions so she doesn't have any more last minute surprises.
My dad's side of the family had a new tradition this year too. My dad is the youngest of five children, so there are a lot more people present at Thanksgiving dinner. We usually have a full dinner, but this year, Aunt Anna Joy decided to only have each family bring a dessert. We brought BYU ice cream because I work at the creamery outlet and know which flavors are the best.
My family was asked to bring my grandma's old BINGO set. We visited and played BINGO for a few hours and each winner was rewarded with a prize. I won one round and we got a game of Tidley Winks for our prize.
Another change to our traditions was the recent arrival to our family. My oldest sister had a baby girl this past September, so we all got to hold and fiddle with her. After the Thanksgiving desserts with my dad's family, my sister brought her baby for my Aunt Anna Joy and Uncle Donald to hold. We took their pictures and recorded this new family event.
Normally, my grandma would reserve the gym in the 1st Ward church building, and my Uncle Bryan's family and my Uncle Mike's family would come and we would play basketball and have our traditional turkey dinner. However, both my Uncle Mike and Uncle Bryan's families have moved out of state. Despite my constant remindings that it was my grandma's responsibility as Grandma to prepare Thanksgiving dinner, my grandma was certain that this year we were going out to Chuck-A-Rama. It looked like our traditions were being flushed down the drain.
Then just a few days before Thanksgiving, my Uncle Mike called and said that their family would be driving to our house and spending Thanksgiving here. Boy am I glad they did because Aunt Crystal is an excellent cook. We had homemade pumpkin, pie, lemon lush, and the whole turkey dinner. My grandma worked as hard as ever with my mother to clean my house and prepare for their stay. After this Thanksgiving, I think my grandma will return to our old traditions so she doesn't have any more last minute surprises.
My dad's side of the family had a new tradition this year too. My dad is the youngest of five children, so there are a lot more people present at Thanksgiving dinner. We usually have a full dinner, but this year, Aunt Anna Joy decided to only have each family bring a dessert. We brought BYU ice cream because I work at the creamery outlet and know which flavors are the best.
My family was asked to bring my grandma's old BINGO set. We visited and played BINGO for a few hours and each winner was rewarded with a prize. I won one round and we got a game of Tidley Winks for our prize.
Another change to our traditions was the recent arrival to our family. My oldest sister had a baby girl this past September, so we all got to hold and fiddle with her. After the Thanksgiving desserts with my dad's family, my sister brought her baby for my Aunt Anna Joy and Uncle Donald to hold. We took their pictures and recorded this new family event.
16) Skimming and Close Reading
This semester I am taking Writing 150. My professor is Sister Lori Steadman, and our class is made up of about 20 students. I have really enjoyed our class. For our final, my classmates and I have to each give a presentation on a subject we learned in Writing 150.
I chose to present on Skimming and Close Reading because I am one of those readers. I am the one that always reads a whole page in a wordy textbook and forgets what the chapter is about. I grumpily return to the beginning and read again and again until the idea sinks in. We examined The Family Proclamation in class using the concepts of skimming and close reading, and I could see how useful it could be in my other classes.
My Presentation went as follows:
I chose to present on Skimming and Close Reading because I am one of those readers. I am the one that always reads a whole page in a wordy textbook and forgets what the chapter is about. I grumpily return to the beginning and read again and again until the idea sinks in. We examined The Family Proclamation in class using the concepts of skimming and close reading, and I could see how useful it could be in my other classes.
My Presentation went as follows:
· I showed the class pieces of pictures that I cut up. The pictures were of a basketball, a volleyball, and a golf ball. I had them guess what the pieces of the pictures were of.
·
Introduce topic: Skimming and Close
Reading
·
Skimming and close reading are important
because they save time and help you find the main ideas.
· I taught the class my helpful acronym
F
ind the main idea (introduction and conclusion)
A
nnotate (circle things that stand out to you)
S
tay focused (try not to be distracted)
T
wo words to summarize each paragraph (looking primarily at the topic sentence
and conclusion of each paragraph)
·
I added the idea of relating the three
pictures (texts) to each other. Compare and contrast.
·
Conclude: Just as we can determine what
the picture is from just a few pieces, we can determine the ideas found in a
paper with just a few sentences. We do
not always need to read every word to see the whole picture.
In
conclusion, skimming and close reading are helpful to know when reading texts
for class or any papers we might be reading in the future because they are
processes that save us time and help us to find the main ideas. Sometimes certain points stand out to us more
when we skim and close read. If these points seem interesting or important, we
can always go back and read more. Skimming and close reading are adjustable
activities and can be flexible according to your preferences and the text. I
will continue to develop my skimming and close reading skills that I learned in
Writing 150 and use them in my future years in school.
15) Narrative Reflection
A narrative was different from the other genres we've written because we had to come up with a moral for our story. Although it was difficult to come up with one, I finally found a moral and discovered that the story I chose to tell has influenced my overall personality. It was fun to think back to the time when I was in first grade and remember an event that happened over 10 years ago.
As I wrote, I discovered that I had to create many aspects because I could not remember every detail. My narrative is derived from a true story, but the actual happenings of that day I had to make up.
Overall, I liked writing a narrative more than writing the research paper because it was up to me to record the facts, not a text book or an online encyclopedia. The narrative was also a shorter assignment. It is fun to write down my memories and describe in a story what the experience was like. And now a story is recorded that I probably never would have thought worth writing about.
As I wrote, I discovered that I had to create many aspects because I could not remember every detail. My narrative is derived from a true story, but the actual happenings of that day I had to make up.
Overall, I liked writing a narrative more than writing the research paper because it was up to me to record the facts, not a text book or an online encyclopedia. The narrative was also a shorter assignment. It is fun to write down my memories and describe in a story what the experience was like. And now a story is recorded that I probably never would have thought worth writing about.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
14) Sammy's Restaurant Review
For our restaurant review, my group went to Sammy's in Provo near Center Street. We each came separately and met at the restaurant. Our goal was to write a review for this restaurant based on the price, atmosphere, and the food.
The restaurant itself was very tiny and unique. The entire interior of the building was written on by previous customers. It seemed to be a fairly old restaurant because the chairs were worn out, the menus were sufficiently wrinkled, and the counters had the look of being well-used.
We took our food outside on a little patio table with an umbrella and had a great time. Courtney and Madelyn ordered hamburgers; Cassidy and Lara ordered chicken sandwiches, Jade ordered a Turkey Bacon Sandwich, and I ordered the chicken strips and a chocolate shake. They were delicious! The shake itself was worth coming back for. We noted that the shakes were why it was called 'Sammy's Shake Parlor' and not 'Sammy's Burgers.'
We all agreed that the prices were pretty high for the food. Just for my chicken strips and the shake it was $12. However, if you were looking to take a family with small children there, it might be more reasonable to order one meal and distribute it among children because the proportions were pretty big.
The atmosphere was very crowded because the building space was limited. We ate outside because we could not find six seats available together. They have a long table with bar stools lined up, so it would be pretty difficult to talk to each other in a big group.
Overall, going to Sammy's was a good experience. The food tasted good and we had a lot of fun eating, talking about our paper, giggling, and having a fun time. I am glad we had this assignment where we got to eat food, write a fun paper, and make new friends in the class.
The restaurant itself was very tiny and unique. The entire interior of the building was written on by previous customers. It seemed to be a fairly old restaurant because the chairs were worn out, the menus were sufficiently wrinkled, and the counters had the look of being well-used.
We took our food outside on a little patio table with an umbrella and had a great time. Courtney and Madelyn ordered hamburgers; Cassidy and Lara ordered chicken sandwiches, Jade ordered a Turkey Bacon Sandwich, and I ordered the chicken strips and a chocolate shake. They were delicious! The shake itself was worth coming back for. We noted that the shakes were why it was called 'Sammy's Shake Parlor' and not 'Sammy's Burgers.'
We all agreed that the prices were pretty high for the food. Just for my chicken strips and the shake it was $12. However, if you were looking to take a family with small children there, it might be more reasonable to order one meal and distribute it among children because the proportions were pretty big.
The atmosphere was very crowded because the building space was limited. We ate outside because we could not find six seats available together. They have a long table with bar stools lined up, so it would be pretty difficult to talk to each other in a big group.
Overall, going to Sammy's was a good experience. The food tasted good and we had a lot of fun eating, talking about our paper, giggling, and having a fun time. I am glad we had this assignment where we got to eat food, write a fun paper, and make new friends in the class.
13) The Coyote Bounty
I am currently taking a Plant and Wildlife class, and one of the major assignments we had was to research a natural resource controversy. I decided to write about the coyote bounty being offered in Utah. There were two bills passed in 2012 that created the programs that offer $50 rewards to Utah residents for killing coyotes. The Predator Control Funding Bill and the Mule Deer Protection Act were passed with the intention of increasing Mule Deer populations in Utah by decreasing the amount of predators through offering $50 for every killed coyote. I learned through research on this topic that there is an ongoing controversy over this effort.
The argument in support of the Mule Deer Protection Act is that coyotes mainly prey on newly born Mule Deer, and if populations of coyotes are decreased, future mule deer populations will increase. Supporters of the act also argue that it is important for mule deer populations to remain steady for the hunting season because a large proportion of Utah's economy is made up of hunting registration fees.
The argument against offering a bounty on coyotes is that eliminating coyotes will not increase mule deer populations because coyotes killed may not be in areas where deer herds live. Another argument is that dishonesty can occur. All the proof that is needed to receive the $50 reward is to provide the lower jaw and scalp of the coyote. Hunters could be bringing in coyotes from out of state that may have been rewarded for in Nevada or other states that offer bounties. In addition, history has shown that it is nearly impossible to eliminate coyote populations. When other programs like this have tried to kill off coyotes, coyotes have easily maintained their population size. Coyotes adapt and are able to have more pups in a litter, as well as changing their behaviors to avoid hunters. These coyote bounties may just be creating more resilient coyotes.
If I were left to make the decision on this controversy, I do not think I would offer the $50 bounty on coyotes because I do not think it will help mule deer populations. I would probably search for other ways to help the mule deer populations.
The argument in support of the Mule Deer Protection Act is that coyotes mainly prey on newly born Mule Deer, and if populations of coyotes are decreased, future mule deer populations will increase. Supporters of the act also argue that it is important for mule deer populations to remain steady for the hunting season because a large proportion of Utah's economy is made up of hunting registration fees.
The argument against offering a bounty on coyotes is that eliminating coyotes will not increase mule deer populations because coyotes killed may not be in areas where deer herds live. Another argument is that dishonesty can occur. All the proof that is needed to receive the $50 reward is to provide the lower jaw and scalp of the coyote. Hunters could be bringing in coyotes from out of state that may have been rewarded for in Nevada or other states that offer bounties. In addition, history has shown that it is nearly impossible to eliminate coyote populations. When other programs like this have tried to kill off coyotes, coyotes have easily maintained their population size. Coyotes adapt and are able to have more pups in a litter, as well as changing their behaviors to avoid hunters. These coyote bounties may just be creating more resilient coyotes.
If I were left to make the decision on this controversy, I do not think I would offer the $50 bounty on coyotes because I do not think it will help mule deer populations. I would probably search for other ways to help the mule deer populations.
12) Provo Canyon Adventures
After Family Home Evening one Monday night, I met two girls that live on the floor below me. I told them that I usually went running in the evenings, and they said they liked to go running too! I was excited to find friends that would be in my ward and I could go to activities with.
My two new friends are named Maddie and Ashlee. A few weeks later, Maddie said that she was in a photo class and needed to finish a project photographing people using different colors. Her plan was to take a bunch of friends up Provo Canyon and take their pictures with the fall leaves. She invited me to come a long and I did.
We arrived in the canyon about 6:00pm and did not have very much sunlight left. We walked around and saw the ski lift, the restaurants, and nice trails. The trees were deep yellows, oranges, and some pinks and purples. The ski lift was taking people up and down the hill side to show off the changing leaves.
Once it got dark outside, we made it back to the parking lot and drove back to the dorm. Overall, it was very fun and I got to make lots of new friends.
My two new friends are named Maddie and Ashlee. A few weeks later, Maddie said that she was in a photo class and needed to finish a project photographing people using different colors. Her plan was to take a bunch of friends up Provo Canyon and take their pictures with the fall leaves. She invited me to come a long and I did.
We arrived in the canyon about 6:00pm and did not have very much sunlight left. We walked around and saw the ski lift, the restaurants, and nice trails. The trees were deep yellows, oranges, and some pinks and purples. The ski lift was taking people up and down the hill side to show off the changing leaves.
It was very fun walking around and seeing all the pretty streams and taking photos. We all had our turn participating in a photo shoot.
Once it got dark outside, we made it back to the parking lot and drove back to the dorm. Overall, it was very fun and I got to make lots of new friends.
11) This Old Dorm
My first week of college was filled with a lot of firsts. It was my first time living away from home and I had to learn to live with a roommate I had never met before. I also had to walk considerably farther to make it to my classes. My heels had sores all over them as I realized once acceptable shoes were no longer wearable. I also had the first experience of unclogging my own sink. After a full week of a sink that would not drain, I had the excitement of using a coat hanger to fish out the problem.
I felt like the plumber from 'This Old House' as I analyzed the situation, took initiative, and competed the task before me. I am now a truly a self-reliant resident.
I felt like the plumber from 'This Old House' as I analyzed the situation, took initiative, and competed the task before me. I am now a truly a self-reliant resident.
10) Remembering High School
One neat thing about my family is my grandparents, parents, and I all attended Lehi High School. This past summer, my grandma got out her high school sweater with her name and seminary pin on it. She also showed me her graduation ring and and gave it to me after my graduation. My mother often shows me pictures of her and her rifle-twirling team in the old Lehi Auditorium. As I have looked back, I think I got to do some pretty great things during my time there.
I was a member of the Synergy Dance team and got to go with them to New York. We saw Time Square, Rockefeller Square, the Statue of Liberty, and we got to watch the April 2014 General Conference in the New York Temple building. We also saw the 9/11 memorial, Broadway, and Central Park among lots of other fun things.
I got to be a T.A. for dance company and watch them perform in the strangest places.
I participated in Senior Prank Day. We all layed down and "fell asleep" during school.
One of my favorite memories is of Senior Night.
After graduation, we all came back to the high school and stayed there all night!
There were hamster ball races in the gym...
Rock climbing wall outside..
Lots of food and decorations...
And friends!
Many of my friends and acquaintances from Lehi High School are all around the world right now. It sure is fun to be able to have all these pictures to remember all of the fun we had together at Lehi High School.
I was a member of the Synergy Dance team and got to go with them to New York. We saw Time Square, Rockefeller Square, the Statue of Liberty, and we got to watch the April 2014 General Conference in the New York Temple building. We also saw the 9/11 memorial, Broadway, and Central Park among lots of other fun things.
I got to be a T.A. for dance company and watch them perform in the strangest places.
I participated in Senior Prank Day. We all layed down and "fell asleep" during school.
One of my favorite memories is of Senior Night.
After graduation, we all came back to the high school and stayed there all night!
There were hamster ball races in the gym...
Rock climbing wall outside..Lots of food and decorations...
And friends!
Many of my friends and acquaintances from Lehi High School are all around the world right now. It sure is fun to be able to have all these pictures to remember all of the fun we had together at Lehi High School.
9) General Conference Analysis
I thought General Conference was very good this past October. I was able to spend some time with my parents and grandparents that weekend, and it was very relaxing. On Sunday afternoon, my mother and I decided to drive up Provo Canyon and visit Vivian Park for a while. We listened to Conference on the radio and got to see the fall leaves. It was on the radio that I heard one of my favorite talks.
The talk that stood out most to me this Conference was Elder Bednar's talk titled, "Come and See." It was the first talk I remember hearing that is directed to those who are not currently members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And although it was given for non-members, I believe it was still meant for members to hear.
In the Ensign, the subtitle for the talk is "The Church of Jesus Christ always has been and always will be a missionary church." As I listened, I was reminded of all the reasons we the gospel. Just like the little boy in the story that rubbed ointment on all his friends, when we find good things that make us feel good, we want to share it with others because we love them. This talk was a great reminder to share the gospel because it brings us and our families happiness.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/come-and-see?lang=eng#watch=video
The talk that stood out most to me this Conference was Elder Bednar's talk titled, "Come and See." It was the first talk I remember hearing that is directed to those who are not currently members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And although it was given for non-members, I believe it was still meant for members to hear.
In the Ensign, the subtitle for the talk is "The Church of Jesus Christ always has been and always will be a missionary church." As I listened, I was reminded of all the reasons we the gospel. Just like the little boy in the story that rubbed ointment on all his friends, when we find good things that make us feel good, we want to share it with others because we love them. This talk was a great reminder to share the gospel because it brings us and our families happiness.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/come-and-see?lang=eng#watch=video
8) BYU Experience
I remember what a worry wart I was as I endured through the vigorous application process for Brigham Young University. During the week I worked on the application, my cousins from Colorado were visiting, it was the week of Thanksgiving, and I was in the school play. I hurried from practices, to interviews, to family activities. It was very exciting. It was such a blessing when I read my acceptance letter. What was next?
I started working at the Creamery Outlet at the beginning of October. It is my first job. I get to run the cash register, stock milk, sweep the floor, put donuts and cookies in the bakery case, and scoop ice cream. Overall, it has been a pretty good job.
My greatest 'aha' moment has been realizing the great impact this short experience in my life will bring to my current and future family. I know that it is my job to be the best student I can be right now, and I see many improvements I can make.
I can start on projects earlier, read my assigned chapters when they are assigned, go to bed earlier, eat better food, and exercise more often. Although these may all seem like obvious improvements, they are pretty difficult goals and it takes experience to learn their true value.
Overall my BYU experience has been exciting. I have always liked to be home, and this has been my first major adventure away from home. Although I have missed laying down and watching TV, my experience has been positive one because I've made friends, learned a lot, and accomplished more than I thought possible. I am very grateful for my teachers, neighbors, friends, and family who have have supported me and helped me all along.
I started working at the Creamery Outlet at the beginning of October. It is my first job. I get to run the cash register, stock milk, sweep the floor, put donuts and cookies in the bakery case, and scoop ice cream. Overall, it has been a pretty good job.
My greatest 'aha' moment has been realizing the great impact this short experience in my life will bring to my current and future family. I know that it is my job to be the best student I can be right now, and I see many improvements I can make.
I can start on projects earlier, read my assigned chapters when they are assigned, go to bed earlier, eat better food, and exercise more often. Although these may all seem like obvious improvements, they are pretty difficult goals and it takes experience to learn their true value.
Overall my BYU experience has been exciting. I have always liked to be home, and this has been my first major adventure away from home. Although I have missed laying down and watching TV, my experience has been positive one because I've made friends, learned a lot, and accomplished more than I thought possible. I am very grateful for my teachers, neighbors, friends, and family who have have supported me and helped me all along.
Friday, November 21, 2014
7) Fear of the Front Narrative
The time long anticipated for was near, and the pack of children pushed harder and harder towards the door. RING! The bell rang, the door opened, and the children stomped forward. It was a STAMPEDE! Before I could step one foot inside the school, I was violently pushed to the linoleum floor. One minute I was standing, and the next minute I was flat on my stomach! I layed there helplessly as the kid stampede ran over me, stepping on my arms and legs with extraordinary force. Wet from the snow deposited by dozens of tiny snow boots, I attempted to escape. As the majority of my first grade classmates passed over, I discovered that my shoes were missing. The shoes had been thrown right off my feet!
* * * * * * * * * *
Hardly a sound was heard across the desolate landscape of the schoolyard that day at recess. The arctic wind blew fiercely as it whistled across the playground and muted any effort of sound. Snowflakes were fluttering to the ground like a white table cloth being spread across the kitchen table. Not even the old kick balls sent over the fence into Powell's backyard could be identified underneath the blanket of snow. The swings rocked, lonesome in the wind, as we huddled in front of the school doors of Lehi Elementary in a penguin-like formation.
"What time is it?" asked my friend Sara.
"When do we get to go inside?!" came the voice of the boy who always smelled like potato chips. We all looked hopeful towards Mrs. Hobbs, the recess lady, as she studied her watch.
The reply was consistently, "A little while longer."
Luckily, my mother made me wear the coat my grandmother gave me for Christmas. It was (as most things my grandma gave me) two sizes too large. I slipped my hands inside the draping sleeves to protect them from freezing and shattering right off my hands like in the movies. I did not want to turn into a human popsicle.
The anticipation grew as the population of kids grouped around the door increased. Fortunately, I was one of the first ones to take my position in front of the pack. I enjoyed the shelter of the building against the north-easterly wind, and the fact that I would be the first to enter the warm interior. Little did I know that I would be the subject of a historical stampede of elementary school children.
After the bell rang and I was trampled over, I tried to regain my senses as I searched for my shoes and gathered my belongings. My coat was more stamped with foot prints than Abbie's lunch box with star stickers. I feebly recovered and survived the journey back to Miss Lavelle's first grade class. Never again would I stand at the front.
* * * * * * * * *
Today is Thanksgiving, and Grandma is reporting all of the sales she saw on the five o'clock news last night. My mother looks up from a sink full of dishes as my aunts and uncles discuss their shopping plans. I cringe as the inevitable question approaches. "Are you coming with us?" Aunt Crystal inquires.
I look back and forth between my mother and grandmother and reply, "Are there going to be snow boots?"
Although I wish it were, completely avoiding crowds is not possible. I too have had to wait in line at the D.M.V., school assemblies, and community gatherings. As others participate in the Thanksgiving Day shopping sprees, early morning sales, and other events that involve large crowds, I believe you will find me at the back of the line.
Friday, October 31, 2014
6) Reflective Essay
I chose to write my research paper on a family story, and I think there were several pros and cons to doing so. The good thing about choosing a family-related topic is I could ask members of my family about their experiences. My grandpa also had binders full of newspaper articles, paperwork, and journal entries related to my topic. I had so much information to draw from for my essay. An abundance of information was a good thing as well as a bad thing because I did not have to spend much time searching for information, but I spent a huge amount of time sifting through and trying to organize information. The con of writing on a topic about my family story is I cared so much about every word and sentence because I wanted to turn in a paper that would make my family happy. I felt more worried writing about a family-related topic than I would have if it were a topic of less importance to me.
If I were to change one thing about my experience on this research paper, I would have started earlier and wrote for a longer period of time. As we started to work on this paper as a class, I found myself relaxed the first few weeks and then a sudden panic. I realized that sources I skimmed over were not actually useful to my topic. I did not study my sources as soon as I should have. I wish I had time to think more about how I wanted to use them. On the other hand, one thing I would not change about my experience is all of the things that I learned. Although I am far from being an expert, I feel like I am almost to the point of being a scholar on my subject. I feel like everything I read delivered similar information and I could talk about this topic for an hour or more.
If I were to change one thing about my experience on this research paper, I would have started earlier and wrote for a longer period of time. As we started to work on this paper as a class, I found myself relaxed the first few weeks and then a sudden panic. I realized that sources I skimmed over were not actually useful to my topic. I did not study my sources as soon as I should have. I wish I had time to think more about how I wanted to use them. On the other hand, one thing I would not change about my experience is all of the things that I learned. Although I am far from being an expert, I feel like I am almost to the point of being a scholar on my subject. I feel like everything I read delivered similar information and I could talk about this topic for an hour or more.
Friday, October 17, 2014
5) Revised Research Paper Thoughts and Thesis
Many thoughts have been circling around in my mind regarding this research paper. At first, I thought I was going to research the "Indian Placement Act." However, when I started exploring this topic, I discovered that I could not find a good amount of sources or information, I think mainly because it was a church act installed by President Kimball that lasted for a short period of time.
Then I started pondering what other subjects could be found in my family history. I finally asked my grandparents what they thought I could find some good information on. My grandpa took me out to his shed and gave me a large binder of papers about the "downwinders." The "downwinders" refers to those who were exposed to the radiation from atomic testing in the 50's. The government allowed atomic bomb tests to be conducted on the desert of Nevada, the radiation then exposing populations in Nevada and Utah. Grandpa Cawley grew up in Flowell, Utah- a small farming community near Fillmore. My drafted thesis is "the decision of the United States government to engage in atomic bomb testing in Nevada negatively effected the lives of many people in both Nevada and Utah because their exposure harmed livestock, caused cancers, and diminished the trust of the American people."
Other ideas I have thought of is: how did it affect both Americans and the government? Did the compensation the government gave later on help the people feel better? Another way to word the thesis is "The atomic bomb testing in Nevada created feelings of distrust in the American people towards the government because the exposure to radiation harmed livestock, desolated the environment, and caused cancers."
I hope to talk to my family much more on this topic and include some quotes from my grandpa and his journal.
Then I started pondering what other subjects could be found in my family history. I finally asked my grandparents what they thought I could find some good information on. My grandpa took me out to his shed and gave me a large binder of papers about the "downwinders." The "downwinders" refers to those who were exposed to the radiation from atomic testing in the 50's. The government allowed atomic bomb tests to be conducted on the desert of Nevada, the radiation then exposing populations in Nevada and Utah. Grandpa Cawley grew up in Flowell, Utah- a small farming community near Fillmore. My drafted thesis is "the decision of the United States government to engage in atomic bomb testing in Nevada negatively effected the lives of many people in both Nevada and Utah because their exposure harmed livestock, caused cancers, and diminished the trust of the American people."
Other ideas I have thought of is: how did it affect both Americans and the government? Did the compensation the government gave later on help the people feel better? Another way to word the thesis is "The atomic bomb testing in Nevada created feelings of distrust in the American people towards the government because the exposure to radiation harmed livestock, desolated the environment, and caused cancers."
I hope to talk to my family much more on this topic and include some quotes from my grandpa and his journal.
4) Thoughts on Research Paper
My dad is the youngest of five children. His closest sibling in age is seven years older than him, just like me. With the majority of her children grown, my grandma accepted the call to house a Native American as a part of President Kimball's Indian Placement Program. My dad recalls the Native American, Leroy, being mean to him and unenthusiastic about being in a strange home. I would like research if all Native Americans felt this way, or if there were successes in the program. What impact did this act have on the lives of the Native Americans (their culture, their families, their education, etc.). Also, what impact did the act have on the families the Indians stayed with? I also would like to look in my dad's family journals and talk to my aunts and uncles about this topic and see what else I can learn.
What questions do you want to answer with your research paper?
What purpose do you have in sharing your narrative? In other words, how do you answer the, "so what?"
What is it exactly you're trying to discover?
How does this affect you?
What questions do you want to answer with your research paper?
What purpose do you have in sharing your narrative? In other words, how do you answer the, "so what?"
What is it exactly you're trying to discover?
How does this affect you?
Friday, September 26, 2014
3) John F. Kennedy Rhetorical Analysis
I read John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address given in 1961. I chose to look at his use of diction, syntax, and repetition that he used to give the American people feelings of patriotism and hope. If I had just read his speech without studying these literary devices, I would not have learned as much about Kennedy's talent in writing and delivering this speech. I liked being able to make connections between my writing class principles and a great presidential speech.
Friday, September 12, 2014
2) The Stories That Bind Us
In a newspaper article published in March of 2013, Bruce Feiler reports many interesting findings surrounding children and their knowledge of their family history. After an explosive family argument, Feiler's father expressed his fear of his family falling apart. Feiler says that conversation with his dad left him wondering, "What is the secret sauce that holds a family together? What are the ingredients to make some families effective, resilient, and happy?" After researching these thoughts, Feiler reports, "The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative."
Several studies performed by psychiatrists found that children who have a strong knowledge of their family stories are better able to handle challenges, maintain control of their lives, have faith in their family's success and function, moderate the effects of stress, have a higher self-esteem, and are more resilient. Feiler concludes that everyone should make an effort to share their treasured family stories with their children and grandchildren. He states, "That act alone may increase the odds that your family will thrive for many generations to come."
I am very grateful for the many records, journals, and stories that my family has shared with me. I believe that when we come to know our family and their experiences, that we can feel loved, comforted, and guided. As we share stories about our ancestors with our children and grandchildren, we will develop a greater appreciation for genealogy work.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
https://www.lds.org/callings/temple-and-family-history/sunday-lesson/stories-that-bind?lang=eng
Several studies performed by psychiatrists found that children who have a strong knowledge of their family stories are better able to handle challenges, maintain control of their lives, have faith in their family's success and function, moderate the effects of stress, have a higher self-esteem, and are more resilient. Feiler concludes that everyone should make an effort to share their treasured family stories with their children and grandchildren. He states, "That act alone may increase the odds that your family will thrive for many generations to come."
I am very grateful for the many records, journals, and stories that my family has shared with me. I believe that when we come to know our family and their experiences, that we can feel loved, comforted, and guided. As we share stories about our ancestors with our children and grandchildren, we will develop a greater appreciation for genealogy work.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
https://www.lds.org/callings/temple-and-family-history/sunday-lesson/stories-that-bind?lang=eng
1) Things As They Really Are
Elder David A. Bednar (a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) gave instruction to the inhabitants of the earth in his two talks titled, "Things as They Really Are" and "Sweep the Earth as With a Flood." After reading these talks, I found myself pondering the purpose of these messages.
Elder Bednar states that improper or addictive use of the internet can lead us to "miss the richness of person-to-person communication," "minimize the importance of our physical bodies," and "squander and damage authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones." As I considered the message to avoid negative use of the internet in the talk "Things As They Really Are," and the message to pour the gospel througout the world in "Sweep the Earth as With a Flood," I realized that these two talks identified a highly effective way to spread the gospel. When we spend our time reading, posting, and emailing gospel truths rather than indulging in time-wasting activities, we are helping in the Lord's work to strengthen the testimonies of others, as well as our own.
Elder Bednar states that improper or addictive use of the internet can lead us to "miss the richness of person-to-person communication," "minimize the importance of our physical bodies," and "squander and damage authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones." As I considered the message to avoid negative use of the internet in the talk "Things As They Really Are," and the message to pour the gospel througout the world in "Sweep the Earth as With a Flood," I realized that these two talks identified a highly effective way to spread the gospel. When we spend our time reading, posting, and emailing gospel truths rather than indulging in time-wasting activities, we are helping in the Lord's work to strengthen the testimonies of others, as well as our own.
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