NPR's "This I Believe" organization has inspired many to think critically about their treasured values and central beliefs. Now, dozens of college students are adding their voices by reflecting on their own unique experiences and sharing their core beliefs on education.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Ashley Davies' CO300 sections
If you are Ashley Davies' student, reply to this post with the final version of your "This I Believe" essay. Please make sure to include your name and section number in your post.
Competition Is Not Always Bad We live in a highly competitive world. Whether we notice it or not, there is an element of competition to almost everything that we do. People cut each other off for the best parking spot, race for the best grocery line, or feel compelled to come out as the victor of a debate. Competition shapes the way we do things and decisions we make. However, competition is not always a bad thing. In some instances, it can be beneficial. In my life, there is one where being in a highly competitive environment was beneficial to me. This time was when I studied at Brigham Young University (BYU). The Marriot School of Management, BYU’s business college, is one of the best, and most competitive, business colleges in the nation. The strict entrance requirements are made more challenging by the amount of people who apply to attend Marriott. Marriott only takes the best of the best. In the college, thousands of students fight tooth and nail for the limited amount of space available. Students study all night for tests as if their life depends on it. Never in my life have I seen students so disappointed to receive B’s in classes instead of A’s. Gaining acceptance to the Marriott School of Management is a milestone that many never reach. In the end, after working so hard for two years, and enduring many sleepless nights, many students’ grades were just not good enough to be chosen for entrance into Marriot. However, students were about to take this experience and learn from it. I believe that being in a competitive major enhances our educational experience and better prepares us for challenges in the future. We can learn many things from the “failures” we experience through the struggles of being in a competitive major. We can learn to develop a strong work ethic. We learn that in order to get the things we want in life, a little “elbow grease” is necessary to achieve our goals. Another lesson learned is the ability to deal with failure and rise above it. I knew many people who were not accepted into Marriott. They were able to take that experience and learn to be successful in other majors and continue that success in a different career path. Ultimately, the most important thing being in a competitive majors, in my opinion, prepares us for is the competitive job market after graduation. Much like a competitive major in college, there are very few spots available for employees within companies, yet, there are many applicants ready to fill those positions. Quite often, there will be times where candidates do not get the job they were hoping for. With the experience gained from being in a competitive major, people can take what they learned and apply their knowledge to competitive situations later in life.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance Keith Richards
Wade Joggerst Ashley Davies CO300-06 04 September 2012 Caring and Compassion As I reflect back on my education, there is one type of teacher I have always appreciated. I believe a teacher’s interest in their students can be a deciding factor in the student’s success. When I think back to which classes I was most successful in, there was one common factor, the teacher’s interest in my success. Not only does this build a relationship between the teacher and student but it drives the student to want to do well in the class. I have had a few teachers in my life that were thoroughly interested in my success and I received better grades in their classes. The simple feeling of someone caring can be an amazing driving force in someone’s life. I know it has been in mine. The first teacher I can recall showing a unique interest in each student was my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Fallert. Mrs. Fallert would set aside time every day for each student who felt as if they needed help on class work, homework, or any problem relating to school. I thought of her as my friend then and still do today. I know her compassion and desire for each student to do well drove me to get the grades I achieved. Mrs. Fallert never held her students’ hands and didn’t give answers away but encouraged us and gave us the confidence to solve the problem. This unique relationship between student and teacher is a big part of my academic success. A strong relationship between the student and teacher allows for each to understand the other. The common ground created makes for a respect that transcends the material and makes it easier to hear what the teacher is trying to explain. The encouragement a teacher can give a student is a factor too great to be ignored. I personally have seen both types of teachers and the ones who show they care about my success and sincerely encourage me are much more effective in teaching their material. Teachers with a vested interest my achievements have been a huge part of my academic success. The encouragement a teacher can give has the power to build confidence, which helps anyone grasp the material with a solid understanding. Confidence, in my opinion, is one of the most important factors in success. It allowed me to feel as if I were truly understanding the concepts and material rather than just going through the motions. Confidence also helped me ask questions or admit when I didn’t understand. A greater level of comfort between the teacher and myself created an atmosphere of learning rather than teaching. I believe a teacher’s greatest ability and gift is to show they sincerely care about their students. I can directly relate my success to this and I have tried to instill this quality in myself and practice it as often as possible.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance. Wade Joggerst
Simrik Neupane Ashley Davies CO 300 8/5/2012 This I Believe I can’t help but wonder how different I would be as a scholar, if I had grown up cultivating the love of learning. I realize now that my education prior to college failed me. Because I truly believe that education should teach children be taught how to think, and not what to think. I spent 8 years of my life in a private Catholic all-girls missionary school. Needless to say, the demographics of my peers were extremely similar to my own. Our coursework was extremely well thought out, with classes emphasizing “correct” gender roles. As a 4th grader I was required to learn how to knit a little pencil bag! The homework and assignments that were given to us had very carefully selected topics. Straying too far from the suggested topics often ended up in a visit to the principal’s office, who happened to be the most unsympathetic nun you can imagine. I am by no means suggesting that school was the only means of learning for me, I mean I did grow up in a household with computers and internet .But I guess after years of believing that school was a chore, something that I needed to do in order to make my parents happy, I developed the “I am too cool for school” mentality as a teenager. Simply put, I wasn’t a particularly curious student. I did what I needed to do to pass my classes with decent grades. Nothing more, nothing less. At that time I didn’t realize I, but this overly structured education had a long-term effect on me. When I came to college, I didn’t know what I wanted to study, mostly because I had never been interested in school; it had always been a chore to me. But as I ventured though my first year, I took a class that I can honestly say changed by entire outlook on learning, knowledge, and education. It was called Asian American History, ETST 252, taught by my favorite teacher thus far, Dr. Kim, a lanky Korean man with the most dynamic personality, brilliant sense of humor, and most of all, an exceptionally curious mind. This class taught me about the darkest events in American history. But it also taught me about the glorious times when the Chinese laborers along with Irishmen build the transcontinental railroad. It taught me about the Japanese babies that were born in the Internment Camps during World War II. And it taught me about the lifelong commitment of Gordon Hirabayashi, my personal hero, to attain justice. It fueled my curiosity to learn about the alternative history that I had never learned about before. But most of all,this class taught me that learning is anything but boring. Currently, I have 2 majors and 2 minors. Everything that I learn makes me what to learn more. I want to learn about tribal laws and international law too. I want to learn about the development of English language, and I want to learn Chinese. I want to learn about Marxism, and I also want to learn about second wave Feminism. How could I possibly make up of mind to learn about one thing, when there is a world full of so many things to learn about? I seem to face a completely different set of problems now than the ones I faced before coming to college. While before I was an uninterested kid, I am now a kid at a candy store and I want it all!
Stephen Enger Ashley Davies CO300-021 829496879 Preparedness I can remember that first day of high school and college. They both started out about the same, I was just as scared as everyone else. It was an exciting time in my life, but still I did not want the old times to end. We were meeting new kids, farther away from home, and lost to the ways that would make us better equipped to handle these situations. We had been put out of comfort zones, but still got to go home at 3:07 every afternoon and see our parents, siblings, and our own houses or got to chill in our dorms in the new place we were calling home. I was no exception to the rule. I was just an average kid struggling with the pressures of growing up and trying to look cool around my classmates at school. I had no responsibilities or care’s to hold me down, just carefree until my freshman year of college. College can be a very stressful time for freshman students. New students are getting tossed into an essentially “rule less” part of life where they are responsible for making time to study, feeding themselves, and when it is appropriate to go out during the week or on the weekend. High schools are doing their best to give students the base they need for the next level, but some improvement is needed. In primary school, students are trained to memorize facts and regurgitate the information back on tests. College uses different methods of testing that involves critical thinking and thinking out of the box. These variances may not seem like they would matter that much, but the preparation needed for these types of critical thinking tests is a much different and difficult process. Students need to be taught these kinds of skills before they enter the next step in their lives. This may be college, work, or another option, but being able to think critically is important in any of these choices in order to be successful in life. I think that by giving students more responsibility and by holding schools accountable for the maturation of their students we could lower the amount of dropouts at both the high school and college level. Also by changing the focus of learning from facts to critical thinking students could start their college or career days on the right foot. Schools at all levels are doing their best to teach students the important skills needed to have successful and fruitful lives. With a small amount of alteration to the methods used in teaching, I believe educational institutions can prepare students for the many different facets of life.
Alyssa Eckley Ashley Davies CO 300.036 3 September 2012
Hand in Hand
When I graduated high school in 2003, I left not really knowing what I wanted for my future. I lacked the organization and the confidence to apply to Colorado State University (CSU) so I opted for Front Range Community College instead. There I took a myriad of classes that didn’t relate to one another and were a smattering of many interests I had at the time. I took a strong liking to acting and theatre, but after an adventure to New York City to pursue a specialized education at an acting school, I became scared out of my wits of the overwhelming city I needed to find a better fit for me…
I returned to Colorado looking for something new and found it. I started culinary school and stumbled upon a great match. This school focused on the actual experience of cooking and appealed less to theory and formal study. I had not experienced an educational format like this; it was rigorous and difficult. Here concepts were given in small doses and there was little time to memorize them because as soon as they were given to me, I then had to demonstrate them immediately in my cooking. One amazing perk to studying at this school was I got to visit France for a month. The majority of my time there was interning at a high-end restaurant in Avignon. Again concepts were only just presented and I was expected (despite language barriers) to perform under the pressures of a real kitchen and solidify the knowledge I carried with me. Jump now to 2008 and I again want to return to school. Why?
My passion for cooking is undying but there was still something missing. I discovered that there is more to cooking than just what is found in a pantry or walk-in cooler, I needed to learn the beginning of food. I enrolled again at Front Range Community College and took some introductory classes and started to eliminate core classes of my list of things to do before I transferred to CSU. In the spring of 2010 I finally made my way to the university and continued on my path to learn the science of farming. There I had to get used to the formal education structure of lectures, studying, exams, and papers. Unable to shake my need for applying my knowledge directly I was able to intern on CSU’s organic farm two summers in a row and add an internship my final semester. I have been extending my knowledge of food in the Horticulture program at CSU and with that I have not let go of an essential element to education, the hands on experience. I believe that immediate opportunities to apply knowledge fortify and enrich what is being learned in the classroom. The two teaching (or learning) styles will always go hand in hand for me and I will seek them through out my future and pass them on.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Like most 14-15 year olds, I was starting high school, except I was moving to a different state. I had trouble making friends, especially with people who made good decisions. Eventually by my junior year, I told myself that I needed something better than this. I dropped most of my friends who were involved in drama, drugs, alcohol, and smoking, and started to figure out what I wanted.
Without friends, school wasn’t any fun and I became to withdraw from people. No one seemed to notice since I was getting good grades in my class, participating in sports, and being respectful. I didn’t enjoy starting conversations and I was feeling depressed, so I ended up staring at my notes.
About halfway through the first semester, in my chemistry class, Mr. Gainley pulled me aside to talk to me. I was kind of scared, thinking that I was in trouble, and had begun thinking about what I possibly could’ve done wrong.
To my surprise, the words that came out of his mouth were, “Is everything alright? You don’t seem to have as much energy and you aren't talking as much in class. Is everything alright at home? If you need anything you can always talk to me.”
I stood there listening to his words carefully. He sounded like he really cared, not about my academic wellbeing, but my emotional one. I told him no I was fine and genuinely smiled.
After that, I started paying more attention to class and I would go to the classroom at lunch every day, even when I was no longer in his class. He would ask how I was doing and tell me about his family, especially what his adorable daughter Sydney did that week. One time he told me how Sydney was going through a Jonas brother phase and wanted to marry all of them. We would end up laughing and having fun.
The fact that he cared about me as an individual, really impacted my life from that moment on. I started to enjoy school and fell in love with chemistry. Because I started to become interested in chemistry, I took an AP chemistry class, joined Science Bowl and Science Olympiad, just to learn more about it. I made lifelong friends in the class and clubs who love science as much as I do.
Even after high school, Mr. Gainley still affects me. I asked him about advice on deciding a major, which is how I started chemical engineering. I still email him every now and then to say hi, just to let him know how thankful I am.
I believe having a caring teacher, who sees a student as an individual and forms a personal connection to them, can make education a better learning experience and inspire the student to achieve. I don’t know if Gainley remembers my life changing moment, but it has changed me for the better.
Allison Welter Ashley Davies CO300.036 September 4, 2012
This I Believe
When I paint the picture of my childhood, I use dark colors. I can list the reasons, the experiences, and the life-defining moments that splatter across my canvas, in fact, I have done this. They are not what make my life compelling.
I put my canvas out in the sun one afternoon and as the rays lightened the shades a bit, I could see clearly the grace that stopped the paint from seeping through to the next page: my education. Not just any education, though. I can pinpoint teachers that developed in me a sense of efficacy for my future. My advanced placement language teacher when I was 16 and 17, my geometry, algebra, and trigonometry teacher when I was 14, 16, and 17, and my middle school block of teachers that guided my through my eighth grade year all pushed me to challenge myself, to channel my energies into school when my alternatives were addiction, self-harm, apathy, or utter failure. Though my exceptional grades never seemed to bring any exceptional change to my personal life, I could sense the path I was creating. It was my escape route.
One moment in particular stands out. At parent teacher conferences, an especially invested teacher of mine, Mrs. Brannon, gushed about my accomplishments. I blushed, I cringed. I was unable to accept a compliment. Mrs. Brannon, noticing my reaction, explained that too often people are dismissive of even small compliments. When someone compliments an outfit, we are compelled to reply with a qualifying statement, like “oh, this old thing?” She inquired: “What would happen if you just said thank you?”
I reflected on this for a moment.
From her simple statement I drew her underlying meaning. What if I took pride in my accomplishments instead of diminishing the gifts and talents that I worked so hard to hone and apply? In turn, what would happen if I recognized that while I was seldom good enough for those around me, I could be good enough for me?
She saved my life.
I believe that good teaching is a collaboration of individual investment, unconditional love, and unquestioning acceptance. School provided me the opportunity to channel my negative energy to produce a positive outcome. My teachers made the difference, though. Many of my peers faced my same struggles, but they were not able to overcome the deep blacks, grays, and blues of their canvases. They went to the same school, but they did not receive the investment they so desperately needed. It takes more than just an individual familiar with course materials to make a difference.
My teachers were smart. My teachers were experienced. My teachers had boundless qualifications. My teachers also believed me in until I could believe in myself. Today, I can prime my canvas and create a masterpiece because my teachers gave me the bright colors I needed to start over.
Brooke Bandemer Ashley Davies CO 300 5 September 2012
Originality lacks behind the classroom walls. Everything seems to be the same curriculum and strategies as to how and what students are supposed to be learning. This negative attitude and boring atmosphere can put a real damper on something that is supposed to be fun and interesting. Education is something everyone should want to obtain and enjoy their time doing so. In high school, I went through the required three years of learning a second language, Spanish. Although I don’t want to discredit my teacher, he just wasn’t very good at teaching a second language. I learned the alphabet, numbers, some vocab, and basic conjugation through textbook exercises and homework. Unfortunately I never became comfortable with openly speaking Spanish. The in-class practices that my teacher had us do were not very helpful for learning how to actually speak the language. Luckily, the spring break of my last year in Spanish, I travelled to Mexico with my family. I thought I had learned enough to understand some of the Spanish I was taught; once I arrived in Mexico, I realized how mistaken I was. While in Fisherman’s Village, just south of Playa del Carmen, I met a friend, Sophia, who was fluent in both Spanish and English. With her vibrant Spanish sense of culture, she brought me around the city, running me around her favorite stores and chatting with people in the streets. I was able to pick out words and phrases that I understood, but the biggest shock was being in a place where I didn’t understand anything going on around me because of the Spanish-English language barrier. We sat down for lunch and Sophia continued to speak Spanish while I shook my head in confusion as to what she was saying. She told me to try talking only in Spanish, so I began my practiced greetings. Sophia laughed at some of my formal vocabulary, so she started teaching me words that are more commonly used. She also began teaching me phrases that were easy to remember and useful for services in restaurants and shops. Some of the things that my teacher taught me in class were outdated and too formal for interacting with common people. Sophia worked patiently with me as I stumbled over the uncomfortable words coming out of my mouth. She was actually able to teach me something valuable to use in Mexico. I believe the knowledge we receive from experiences outside of the classroom is the best type of education. Getting out of the classroom to actually use the things we have learned something. We remember learning through personal experiences more than doing the same kinds of classwork and homework. That may be helpful for learning how to excel on grades, but it doesn’t help when it’s outside of the classroom. Some of these experiences are made through mistakes, but learning from mistakes is some of the best education as well. Therefore, learning outside of the classroom is a valuable lesson that should be a part of any education.
I believe in educational experiences outside of the classroom as a tool for students to successfully connect concepts to the surrounding world. Taking class field trips and planning other events that take place away from the traditional classroom setting has opened my eyes academic ally and allowed me to make connections to be successful in many areas of my life. I’ve found that I am able to remember many details from such experiences that I can recall in many different classes and subjects. There’s something about looking forward to class for a change and having entirely new experiences that really sticks in your brain. The fact that I could gain some cultural insight and knowledge as a foundation, rather than learning it later on, has enabled me to stay informed about what is going on, as well as connect these things to the approved curriculums. As a high school student I chose to take an advanced course of European history, literature, and humanities. While we covered a lot of material and the coursework was often demanding, including term papers deemed “epochs”, it was my favorite class. Near the end of the last semester of my senior year, my advanced humanities class took the ultimate field trip. We started our day by touring several different churches. We visited a Greek orthodox church, an old catholic church, and a few others. This was particularly interesting because most of us had not been very familiar with the practices of other religions. We studied the architecture, the artwork, and listened to the clergymen talk about the different congregations. Later we visited the museum of modern art and walked around the capital building before heading to the main event. As a student in the 21st century, the opera sounded like it would be very unappealing. I had pictured large, ugly women singing pitches that would be unbearable to my ears. I couldn’t have been more wrong and I’m grateful for the opportunity of attending. The costumes were elaborate and the Italian words flowed out of each performer’s mouth with no effort at all. Even though I didn’t speak Italian, the story told itself. I also picked up a few words here and there from by background in Spanish classes, which has also helped me tremendously outside of school, including times at my job. These experiences have a lasting impression. I even received a scholarship after I was chosen because of an essay I wrote about attending the Colorado State University cadaver lab as a high school anatomy student. I remember taking about Kafka in my humanities class, and then I later connected that to a psychology concept. I feel like more of a well-rounded student and one who is able to make decisions about what to study. I believe in out of the classroom learning. It provides a break from the norm and allows teachers the opportunity to teach differently and more effectively. These experiences will help students make real world connections and be successful in many areas.
JD McCay Ashley Davies CO 300-006 4 Sep 2012 I believe in working at the mine.
That's what everybody in my home town does if they don't go to college, and the coal mine was the last place I wanted to go. I saw my father give up his dreams at that place. I didn't want to give up my dreams. I didn't want to make the types of sacrifices he did, so I went to college instead.
I received a fair amount of scholarships in high school, so I really didn't have to get a job my first year of college. My plan was to skate through school with a few part-time minimum-wage jobs during the summer, and spend the rest of the year getting the “college experience.” I saw no reason to get a job when class was in session, and sacrifice all of the fun times I could have had in school. Of course, that sort of mentality didn’t last much longer after I ran out of money to pay for school.
At this point, I realized how much I had slacked in my work at school, and had all but destroyed my dreams of graduating from college. If I ever wanted to go to school again, I had to get a job that paid really well. Unfortunately, the only job I found that payed well enough to cover tuition was one doing ecological restoration for the coal mine. Please take a moment to consider the blatant situational irony of my predicament.
Every morning for the rest of the summer, somewhere between the second and third rooster’s crow, I would drag myself out of bed and go to work. Between the 50-pound straw bales and the 60-pound backpack-style weed sprayers, I couldn’t help but think about all of the other activities I gave up that a 19 year old kid like myself would rather do during his summer. Nonetheless, I gave up these things because I wanted to go back to school more than anything in the world.
As autumn approached, however, I had a sudden revelation regarding the rest of my college career. I began to realize how much I appreciated what I had; and, because of the sacrifices I made, how thankful I was to have the opportunity to go to college. I hit the books, lightened up on the “college experience” and found a job to occupy my free time between classes. I did these things because I realized at some point we all have to make sacrifices in order to appreciate what we have. At some point, we all have to work at the mine.
I anticipated this particular day all throughout summer vacation. Despite the relaxation of a lazy afternoon, sleeping in only to then wake up laughing with Sponge Bob, and the energizing chill of the local neighborhood pool, I knew as the new school year approached, accompanied was the exciting school supply shopping splurge that would take place at Target. I excitedly walked through the isles, carefully reaching for the most beautiful eye catching Crayola Markers that I could see. I added them to the cart full of writing paper, mechanical pencils, BIC Pens, Elmer’s Glue and a ruler, these items, I had already elected for my upcoming school year. The most prized possession of all, the one I most eagerly and vigilantly had selected however, was my backpack. I knew by the abstract design that displayed on the front that on any given day I would know exactly where to find my property among the other students’ belongings. My backpack, it stuck out among the rest. It defined my interest in art by illuminating a complicated yet simple sketch throughout the pockets, and the purple stitching that lined the zippers only made it that much more pronounced. I would proudly display my backpack as I walked through the classroom on the first day of school, this I was sure of. There was no question; no hesitation and certainly no price tag that would separate my sense of entitlement to my carefully selected backpack. The realization that something as typical, even quite as obvious pertaining to the connection of my education, as my backpack, could regrettably be taken for granted as others may not be as privileged. Sadly, many children do not experience the pride and essential connection towards their education when they do not possess the necessary school supplies, specifically their own backpack each school year. I believe that all children deserve to pursue their education without an immediate barrier presented the first day of class, when they walk into a classroom empty handed. I believe every child deserves the dignity of possessing their own backpack each school year. Something as every day to the fortunate, may seem unfamiliar and as a luxury when speaking of the less providential and underprivileged children in each school. There is a sense of embarrassment that these particular children face, as they instantly fall short of the required expectations of a student. They long for a sense of similarity among their fellow classmates and peers, yet this impression is nonexistent. For these children their identity is not secure, as their self-image is less than par. These disappointing attributes correlate directly with how unlikely they are to succeed with confidence when instructed to complete their first assignment. Something imperative to consider is the principle that through self-poise brings developed coursework. The idea that owning necessary school supplies particularly a backpack, allows children the opportunity to engage in their education without a predisposition.
Allyson Moreno August 30, 2012 CO 300.006 Ashley Davies I believe in an interactive education
Walking into my first college biology class of my freshmen year of college was a very intimidating thought. There were easily three hundred students all piled into one room to learn the same thing as myself. The professor starts off with lecture on plant cells. It is then that I realized I am one of the few who have little idea of what she is going on about. This is the struggle I go through every day because of my former education.
I am now a junior in college and classes are getting harder every semester. However, with the help of great professors, teaching assistants and tutors, I get through every semester a little more successfully, but the gaps in my earlier education still come back to haunt me.
I have since taken advantage of all different forms of help through the university. I have attended study groups, office hours, and seen tutors, however the best learning experiences I have had, have been through interactive classes. Working with my peers and getting their feedback on projects and even homework assignments, has been extremely beneficial to my educational growth. I have made it a habit to regularly study with friends who are knowledgeable on subjects that I do not excel in. I have had great success with subjects such as math and science because I have not been afraid to take advantage of my peers to gain more knowledge on difficult topics.
I believe that everyone should have an interactive education. I attended a traditional public school in a small town in northern California until my fourth grade year. That was when it was decided that I should be homeschooled for the rest of my grade school education. My mom took on the role as my teacher, tutor and peer. I did not realize how much I was being “held back” in my knowledge until my first day of college when I realized I really did not know much at all. I believe that all students whether they are homeschooled or attend a public or private school should be given the access to peers, tutors, textbooks and teachers to help with their individual educational growth. I know that I am very grateful for all the help I have received in the past three years to expand my mind and to slowly fill the gaps I have struggled with. I am by no means an outgoing person, however stepping out of my comfort zone and taking charge to do well in my education has been the best thing I have done for myself. I believe that if students take advantage of their peers and teachers while they have the resources to do so they will exceed their own expectations and do very well in their education.
Buying my books second semester of freshman year I was shocked over the hundreds of dollars I spent. One book in particular stood out to me as outrageous, it was my chemistry text book that was over one hundred dollars. I couldn’t understand how this was a realistic price for a student to pay. I stayed calm by thinking that the books would be a great tool to me and when the time for buying books back comes around I wouldn’t be out so much money. I find it hard to wrap my head around the fact that a college education is so unaffordable for most people today. It is often pointed out that the youth are America’s future, if this is true wouldn’t it be beneficial for everyone to receive an education beyond High School. As the economy has plummeted many teachers have been let go and many classroom resources have been cut, but one thing increases and that is tuition and books. It doesn’t seem right to charge more for potentially worse quality. Being a student myself I do see the importance of having an education and I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity I have been. That being said I can’t help but think of other people who would do anything to go to a university but it just isn’t in their family’s budget. I know there are scholarships to pay for school but I envision a school where we no longer worry about money. I believe in affordable college education to enable more people to attend. Looking back on my second semester of freshman year I know that my books were a huge part of my success. I know if I hadn’t spent the money I would have been behind in all of my classes. I do understand the need for books and other school supplies but with a more affordable path there could be other things the money could go to, like hands on experience. If college was more affordable just think of how amazing the world would be. With everyone being given the same opportunity to learn and thrive my generation could solve serious world problems like global warming or a cure for cancer. I believe in affordable college education to enable more people to attend.
Lani Salas Ashley Davies CO300.006 Procrastination at Its Best
Procrastination is a bad and horrible habit, to pick up, but by applying study skills and tips I believe that one can learn to manage any type of workload. It was the first day of school, and my first class was American History at 8 o’ clock in the morning. As us teenagers walked in the classroom with zombie eyes and wearing our best outfits our teacher, Mr. Wilbur, was patiently waiting for all his students to sit down in their assigned desks. When I arrived at my desk, there was a two page syllabus lying there for my weary eyes to read. In high school, no one ever reads the syllabus but for some reason teachers thought it was important for their students to have. About 15 percent of each class ever read them. Mr. Wilbur started off the class with the usual routine of policies, attendance, and what the semester would be like during the fall of 2007. He then paused and said “There will be a big assignment at the end of the semester. You have ALL semester to do it, which means you have exactly 8 weeks to research, outline, draft, and final draft your five page essay on one historical event in American history,” My class looked at Wilbur as if he was crazy to assign us a five page paper, but we all just sat and accepted the fact that this was a requirement. As weeks went on, I never once picked up the syllabus to see how I would organize the way I was going to write my paper. I instead, would watch T.V when I got home, or during the weekends I would rather go out to movies with my friends. In my mind writing a dumb paper about some event that occurred years ago wasn’t my own concern, I still had 3 weeks to do it. Those 3 weeks went by quick, and it left me in a world of overwhelming work. I then had one whole week to pick a topic, contruct a thorough outline, go to the library, gather up information on my event and then somehow write five pages worth information. In a panic I just began to write random information down that I thought would best fit into my paper. I wasn’t happy with the overall work but hey at least it was something. I turned my paper, which needed a lot of revision, since it was only my first draft. Mr. Wilbur accepted my paper and a week later he tossed my paper in my face and it had a large “C” on the top of my title page. From that day forward, I told myself that instead of wasting 30 minutes of my life on TV I can prioritize my schedule and make a study plan to get homework done in a timely fashion.
Kaitlin Hagemeyer Professor Davies CO 300-36 “This I Believe”
Memorization Doesn’t Equal Learning? I once thought that accumulating good grades while in school meant that an individual was smart. I entered my freshman year of high school with that same notion and started memorizing information to get high grades. I wanted to be one of the smart students after all. I succeeded in reaching my goal of receiving A’s on almost every assignment I completed, but after the first few months of school I stumbled upon a revelation. Maybe I wasn’t necessarily becoming any more intelligent than I started out as. I now believe that lasting knowledge should be valued just as highly as achieving honorable grades. I first realized that I was approaching school and what it meant to be a high achiever in a very close minded and simple way, thanks largely in part to my older brother. My brother Jordan was watching a TV show on the History Channel about a war one Saturday; and although I’d never watched the History Channel on my own free will, I sat down and watched with him. Although I knew of the war I was surprised by the facts they were introducing. I started asking my brother questions to help me gain a better understanding of what was being said. He turned to me looking more confused than I did and said, “I thought your class just learned about this in history. Why don’t you know any of this?” I couldn’t give him an answer why I didn’t know. That embarrassing moment caused me to reevaluate my stance on education and my current system of learning. It caused me to take a step back and ask myself if I wanted to appear smart on the surface by continuing to memorize or if I wanted to take my time and actually learn. There will come a day when I won’t be a student anymore and what will I be left with? A good looking transcript with no more intelligence than what I came into started with, or a great deal of knowledge and skills that could take me anywhere I want to go in life? I decided to choose knowledge. Genuinely learning can be hard to master, but the whole point of education is to expand one’s mind, abilities and life skills. Grades are a part of that package and are very central on students’ minds especially when it comes to getting accepted to college or a graduate program. I know that was the case for me, but after that fall Saturday I reinvented my learning and study habits. I still had my sights set on A’s, but I took my time to really absorb the information set before me. I didn’t just skim the assigned textbook to find the answer and write it down anymore. I read it to gain a better understanding of the topic as a whole. I no longer just tried for the A; I tried to become a more educated individual. I then began to reach the full potential of my learning abilities.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance. Kaitlin Hagemeyer
What does education mean? For many people the word education conjures up images of textbooks, classrooms, and schools. I believe that the most important education come from outside the class room. The education that I value the most came not from a book or lecture, but from the experiences I have had in the world. They have allowed me to see and interact with the world in ways I could not have imagined before. Just a few short weeks after my nineteenth birthday, while many of my friends were well on their way in their college classes, I left the United States for the first time. Fresh from Basic Training the Army decided I was to spend a year in South Korea. I arrived with apprehensions not only for my military duties but for the unknown of an entirely new and different culture. I quickly fell in with my platoon, carrying heavy things, running, being wet and cold, and getting yelled at are all pretty easy to figure out regardless of the country you are in, but I was aching most to know more about my host country. I did not know how much more I was going to learn. It was on my weekend passes that my education started. Sergeant Kim, one of the Korean soldiers in my platoon took me on the two hour journey by bus and train to Seoul for the first time and it was Seoul (and its’ bars) that would become my classroom for the next year. Seoul is huge, having a population of over ten million people. This was an eye opener to me, a kid from the mountains of Colorado who thought of Denver as having a lot of people. More than just huge Seoul is an international city with people from all around the world living there and unbeknownst to them they would be my teachers. In Seoul’s restaurants I learned to appreciate the spicy sour crunchiness of kimchi and other flavors I had never had. Over friendly pints of beer and too many shots of soju talking with Canadians and Ausies I learned friendship can transcend different views. Watching a Korean Guns N Roses cover band head banging I learned you can find commonality in the strangest places. Trying to flirt with some cute Korean college girls with only a few phrases of their language I learned how to get rejected with a few giggles. Throughout the year all the small seemingly innocuous lessons made me realize the complexities of people and cultures that are lost in texts and lectures. Understanding the complexities is key to an open mind, to be able to take new views and practices as an opportunity to explore rather than to shun. This is the education I value most.
Sarah Scully Ms. Ashley Davies CO 300.36 September 5th, 2012
As I walk through the crowded university halls and into classrooms full of hundreds of people, I feel lost and insecure. Everything feels so big and I feel small and foreign in my new school. I search for relief from these feeling of insecurity and find it within the walls of the smaller classrooms. I find comfort and inspiration in these rooms because I feel a stronger connection with my teachers and classmates. I truly feel that my learning experience is enhanced with these small classes.
When I first to enrolled in college, I felt nervous about returning to an academic environment. It had been years since I had taken classes, but I put my fears aside and applied to an inner city school in Pittsburgh. I had heard about stadium sized classrooms, full of hundreds of students and felt discomfort at the thought of being reduced to a name on the roster. I walked into my first class and felt relieved that it was so small. There were only enough seats for 20 people and I felt comfort in knowing that I had a chance to be an individual. My teacher came into the room, introduced himself, and encouraged us to do the same. I began to feel like we were a group of individuals who had the opportunity to interact with each other and not just a group of students trying to get through the semester. I have always been shy, but in that classroom, I felt comfortable enough to ask questions and offer my own opinions. That was something I had never been able to do and that comfort gave me the opportunity to learn more.
I continued with my education and excelled in these small classes. Not only did I do well academically, but I established relationships with my classmates. I tutored them in math, gave them impromptu chemistry quizzes, and most importantly, learned with them. I also listened to their stories. I listened to mothers who wanted to give their families better lives, to young women struggling in remedial math and hoping to someday become nurses, and to men who refused to become products of their environment. These experiences are unique and they enabled me to see my classmates as individuals who were part a team. I wanted them to succeed because I understood where they were coming from and how hard they had worked to get there.
I believe that smaller class sizes provide more meaningful learning experiences. They make it possible to build relationships and they offer a sense of community. Sometimes you even learn things in the classroom that are not part of the curriculum and those experiences can reinvent your perception of others. When we are given the chance to interact with one another, we are able to be gain more than a grade. Not only do these classes inspire to me to learn as part of a team, but they have taught me to see others as individuals.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Samantha Schaub Ashley Davis CO 300 “This I Believe” I believe in self-directed learning. My unique schooling experiences have had an incredible impact on who I am today. My schooling background includes going to public school, being homeschooled, a school dedicated to self-initiated learning, charter school, and eventually dropping out of high school. I then went to community college at sixteen and am now attending Colorado State University with a clear path towards veterinary medicine. I believe my non-traditional education has given me a fresh perspective on learning. I know what “I want to be when I grow up," whereas many of my peers aren’t sure. Not being forced to learn things I was uninterested in for my entire childhood gave me an opportunity to think for myself. My parents played an incredible role by giving me their trust and support to make these important decisions on my own. Though we were not farmers, it was important to my family to be connected to nature and the outdoors. I grew up on thirteen acres with a pond, five cows, donkeys next door, and an abundance of Texas wildlife. My dad enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he would sometimes shoot snakes and predatory birds that would eat the stocked fish from the pond. Always having an interest in biology, I was fascinated with getting a closer look at these animals that you would only see a fleeting glimpse of normally. My parents noticed my captivation with the anatomy of the animals and, being homeschooled, they encouraged me to perform a dissection. One time, my father shot a snake thinking it was venomous. During the dissection we found another snake inside of it--a highly poisonous water moccasin--which taught us that the type of snake he shot was actually beneficial to have around. Another time, he shot a couple of cormorant birds that were eating many of the stocked fish. I was engrossed with the internal anatomy of the birds, just as I had been with the snake. When I attended The Brazos Valley Sudbury School I was allowed to decide what I wanted to learn, when, and how. I spent a lot of time researching the perfect environment for a tropical fish tank we had, as part of a school club that focused on living plants and animals. Being a part of the club, combined with my homeschooling experiences, I discovered I wanted to work with animals forever. Being able to work outside and with animals allowed me to further develop my passion. I would not be the passionately curious person that I am today if I had attended a traditional school my whole life. Many children spend a large portion of their adolescence in the classroom, being told what to do, when to talk, what to think, and what’s important in life, like cattle through a shoot, but because I was allowed to freely explore my interests through self-directed learning, I have found my calling and am well on my way.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized material or assistance. -Samantha Schaub
Kimberly Johnson Ashley Davies CO 300-21 "This I Believe"
Coping with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder made high school an especially trying time for me. I wandered hallways and in and out of classrooms. While I was physically present I found it difficult to keep my mind from focusing on the flashbacks and thoughts of what would be waiting for me when I arrived home. The approach taken by many of my teachers at the time was to lecture in a monotone and classroom activities did not captivate me or pull my mind out of my hyper aroused fearful state and into the present to participate. I was constantly looking over my shoulder and afraid for my safety everywhere I went even when I didn’t know what I was afraid of. The disinterested and lifeless attitude toward teaching that all but two of my instructors took was not conducive to my benefiting from my time at school. The two instructors in my high school that differed from this ineffective method were Mr. Versoi, my mathematics instructor, and Mrs. Lackey, the instructor who oversaw my advisement and school store independent study course. They managed to make me feel safe, focused, and confident while in school and after some time I began feeling that way more outside of school as well. Mrs. Lackey shared that she was forced into being independent at a young age and took a headstrong approach to her studies to achieve great things. Mr. Versoi told all of his students that he had gone through hell thus far in life but as a result was a smart, funny, caring and supportive person. Both teachers offered to listen to, tutor, or supply students with any resources they may need in order to succeed inside the classroom and out.
I was not the only student who took Mr. Versoi and Mrs. Lackey up on their offers for support and tutoring. These two classrooms were safe havens for me which I found to be crucial while seeking treatment for my post-traumatic stress disorder. I took advantage of both teachers’ wisdom, opened up about my problems at home and each instructor helped me find the resources that have made an incredible positive impact in my life. By providing a safe, interactive, lighthearted, and caring learning environment I was able to maintain satisfactory grades and learn valuable coping skills during a turbulent time in my life. I am now well into my sophomore year with a declared major at a university and am doing remarkably better with my post-traumatic stress disorder than I was in high school and I know this is in huge part to do with my instructor’s dedication. The innovative teaching styles Mr. Versoi and Mrs. Lackey practiced provided a supportive learning environment that is crucial to the success of students especially when they are having a difficult time otherwise. Engaging and supportive teachers make school a stimulating and safe learning environment key for students receiving maximum benefit from the educational experience; this I believe.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance. Kimberly Johnson
Try Harder, Fly Higher Growing up never required me to do much, as a matter of fact I never thought about things like school very often. I would say that most of the time I even took advantage of it. I used to just go to school because that’s what my parents wanted me to do and I knew that is what I was supposed to do. I kind of coasted through most of grade school, doing my own thing sometimes and going to school the rest of the time. I was content being just an average student, that way I didn’t upset my parents and I could still go have fun with my friends. Going through school with nothing to strive for is like shooting fish in a barrel, it’s pointless. I learned after many years of coasting through school that, yeah it might be more fun to go out with friends and just blow off school, but in the long run it is much better to think about what you really want. I remember a time in highschool when I made a decision that changed me. I was hanging with some friends one day and one of my friends decided that he wanted to skip class and go out to the lake for the day and have some fun. He convinced me and another friend of ours to join along. We went out to the lake for the day and had a ton of fun hiking, fishing, and swimming. I get to school that next day and find out that I had missed a test in one of my classes that previous day, but I didn’t think it was too big of a deal. Well at the end of the semester I ended up getting a 58% in the class which meant I didn’t pass. I knew that if I didn’t skip class that one day, that I wouldn’t have had to retake the class. No retaking a class isn’t a huge deal, but there are other things in life after school that you don’t get to do over again when you mess up. Things like that can be easily avoided though through smart decision making. I believe that having goals in life, and especially as a student is very important because if you have goals to strive for you will ultimately be more successful as a student. I know that if I had made more goals for myself throughout school, that I could have been much more successful later in life. It’s all a part of the decisions we make. So try harder and fly higher.
Connor Lawrence CO 300 - 006 Ashley Davies I Believe
The classroom was a roar; some students listening to music, others looking at their phones, most in conversation, but it class didn’t truly start for another 5 minutes. The teacher wasn’t even there yet, but the door opened gently and the teacher, Elliot, walked in. He wanted us to call him by his first name, to set a more comfortable environment in the classroom. Of course in his hand was the trademark XL mug, not filled with coffee, but one of his many homegrown teas. On his chin engraved was a gnarly scar from his rebellious skateboarding days. The moment he would walk in all attention would turn to him, and he would without a word, peacefully walk to his desk, lay down his old tattered leather briefcase. Stroll to the front of the room, and write the daily idea or topic we would reflect on in our journals – all without usually saying a word. The class would hush down and start in on the work usually before the class would really start. Elliot was a very unordinary teacher in the sense that he was very calm, soft spoken yet would maintain and control the classroom like I have never encountered before or since. It took me a while to realize that Elliot carried a certain presence with him that ultimately took control of the rambunctious situation. It was the entire show, in a sense. It was everything from his normal worn out plaid shirt, ponytail and carpenters pants, to his outrageous stories of his youth. It was almost as if he brought a Zen-like aura with him where ever he went. I thought about what truly made him different and stand out among every other teacher in my education, and that was it. It was this confidence and caring that he possessed, and it commanded the classroom. He cared for the students to learn, and what they had to say, plus he was completely comfortable with himself as this hippy-guru-like-history teacher. I believe in the presence of a teacher. I believe in the charisma and confidence that they bring to the classroom can really act as a catalyst for learning. Regardless of background or previous experiences it is possible for any teacher to bring this to the table. I know that in that history class the final grades were pretty phenomenal across the board, and I ended up taking government and economics the next year, just because Elliot taught it. If a teacher truly believes in what they are doing, and has this sense of confidence and security people are naturally drawn into it and it gets them going.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized material or assistance. Connor Lawrence
Cody Galbraith 9/03/12 CO300 I don't know my section Ashley Davies This I believe… Education for me has always been about textbooks, grades, school and classes never learning on my own or really even thinking for myself. This is what I had always been taught growing up that this is what education is, and how school is synonymous with education. After coming to college and taking on education in a new light I have started to realize something about education it is more than that. Education as I believe it is more than just grades, textbooks, classes and school but rather can help expand past that into an ever changing philosophy that is helping students like myself grow morally. I first began to notice this change when I had my first college course which was CO150 or Composition. I went into that course thinking that I had been a decent writer through high school and I knew how to pass quizzes and write the papers the night before and still do well on the assignments. But I soon began to realize that college was completely different then something I had ever experienced in High School. I was struggling to grasp the concept that you need to actually write multiple drafts not just a paper the night before it is due hand it in and be satisfied with that. I really had a hard time all semester with that, but come to the final paper at the end of the year it hit me that I need to do well on this paper to get a good grade and do well in the class. I focused planned my paper thought everything through and actually took my time to write multiple drafts and thought I did really well and felt awesome about it. I got a C- on the paper and a C+ in the class. But the biggest thing I took away from writing that paper was that in college you can’t just worry about the grade, but actually the process of writing the paper and developing your writing skills as you grow. Along with that I learned how to better time manage and that sometimes even if you think you are doing everything the “right” way it will not always result in a good grade. This is where my belief that education is more than just good grades and such because I learned how to write better and practice the writing process even though I did awful on the paper. This helped me grow morally and taught me the importance of taking your time when doing school work and education because it is not always about the grade in the end.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance -Cody Galbraith
It is my belief that education serves as a launching point for us to dive into a world of reasoning, understanding, and intellectual growth. If it is through our challenges and struggles for understanding that we grow as human beings, then education must be the most important growth factor we experience in our lives. In my experience, education has been the single most influential aspect of my understanding and personal growth. It has moved me, and it has lit a fire in me that is lighting my journey into the fray. I have learned that it is not what you learn, but rather how you learn. I have learned numerous chapters of various disciplines, yet I could not list them all. I can tell you however, that by going to countless lectures, reading textbooks, and participating in discussions, I have learned how to learn. To me this is the importance of education and school. When we learn, we stretch our minds; we struggle with a problem until we master it. This is transferrable to any domain in our lives. What I have learned in class is not necessarily the reward. The reward to me is that I gain a deeper understanding of the world around me. I mean this in the sense that I feel more obligated to do a double take of the external world. Objectivity is the proud son of education, and I feel that learning to see things through an objective lens is in itself worth every hour and penny that comes with school. I have found that through my experience in school I have grown in many ways. Personal convictions have come and gone, some have stayed throughout. This has not simply happened because of the passing of time or the happening of events. Like every red-blooded American, I felt strongly in my convictions. I held deep seated beliefs, I entrenched myself in the comfort of assurance. I believed that I had it all figured out to a point. Then my world was tipped upside down. This was the best thing that ever happened to me. In my first semester back in school I enrolled in a principles level philosophy class. The class was simply core curriculum filler, but had a very lasting impact. My teacher challenged us all. By doing so, he opened up a world of reason, evidence, and truth. Case after case, I was exposed to truths, beliefs, and evidence to support these. I was shown what the qualifications that a truth must endure. I went home, class after class, and examined my life. I held my convictions up to the lens of objectivity. I vowed to examine the principles that guided me. I found that the adage is true, “a life without introspection is one not worth living.” My beliefs have been dethroned and fortified through this process. What I believe has merit, dignity, and truth, and is built upon the foundation of education. I believe in reason and understanding. I believe in education.
This I Believe Theresa Anderson Ashley Davies CO 300-006 With the upcoming election, there are many rumors circulating regarding both candidates. According to some, Mitt Romney does not have a birth certificate. Others say that Obama’s plan is to convert the United States into a communist nation. My scruples regarding the election have nothing to do with who is running. My worries stem from the rumors that have been spreading like wildfire. Why are people so quick to believe anything and everything that they are told? My senior year, I took an advanced composition and literature course. At first, I assumed that this class would be like all of my previous courses: boring, dry, uninspiring. I was nervous to turn in a paper slandering Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. I was afraid that the teacher, Mrs. Carter, would fail me for criticizing such a well-known and loved work. When I got the paper back, there was a note attached. It read “Your writing style is very different. It is not a style that I teach. It works for you, though, so keep up the good work.” I came to respect Mrs. Carter more than any other teacher I have ever had. She encouraged students to work hard, to think, to formulate their own ideas and to question information rather than accept it blindly. After my experience with Mrs. Carter, I began to realize why I had never enjoyed my classes. None of my other teachers had ever told me that it was okay to be different. They never encouraged creativity or abstract thinking. If the students imitated the teachers’ styles, views, opinions, and ideas regarding a subject, then the student did well. I started to think back. Had any other teacher taught me how to do anything more than memorize and imitate? If they had, they did not make a lasting impression the way Mrs. Carter did. That’s when I realized that the public education system is not teaching kids to think and create. The public education system is teaching kids to memorize and recite information. Kids learn to listen to what they are told and not to question the validity of the claims. In essence, the public education system has created a mass of automatons. People would rather be given ideas and thoughts rather than decide right and wrong for themselves. I believe in skepticism and abstract thinking. I believe that students should be given the opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions. Classes should not be solely based off of standardized tests, but should allow students to branch off, become individuals. Most importantly, students should be taught to question other people’s claims. Students need to be taught how to see the world from many perspectives rather than just one. They need to understand that there are many ways of looking at issues and that one view is not enough. In this way, people will learn to understand others and themselves.
This I Believe Passionate teachers are at the heart of true knowledge. I believe that teachers can make or break us as students. Teachers have had such a big influence on my education good and bad. Throughout my whole life I moved to a different state every one to two years. As a child it was really hard for me to constantly jump around in the school system. Situations such as dealing with new kids, and new teachers was always a challenge. One of my hardest years was when I moved to Minnesota, in the middle of my Sophomore year in high school. The town was very different from what I was used to, it was very rich and predominately white. I was used to a military school setting, so naturally I was out of my comfort zone. Because it was the middle of the school year everyone had found their group of friends making it more difficult to fit in. Most of my classes were dull and annoying with teachers who just stood in front of class droning on and on except one; my English class. Before this teacher I loathed the thought of going to English class or doing anything involving grammar or writing. His name was Mr. Torrburg. He was a crazy old man who absolutely loved the English language and everything to do with it. He made every class fun with his silly little mannerisms and idiosyncrasies but he also made it educational. Mr. Torrburg taught us in ways that he knew would keep us in the conversation and without us falling asleep. He never assigned homework saying that we were in school long enough we did not need more at home. An automatic win for the teacher in the students eyes. He was ready to share his opinion and always tried to get us to express ours. He would rather spend the whole class discussing a chapter from the book instead of working on sentence structure. With his class I gained more knowledge about grammar than I ever had in the past years or even to this day. I think this is true because he took the time to make sure we were understanding the material. He would stay after class to talk with you if he noticed your grades were dropping and would sit with you to figure out what was going on and to see if there was a way he could help or fix it. He cared and you could see it in the way he taught and the way he went the extra mile for his students. Teachers have a huge part to play in our education, they inspire us, challenge us; to become better and smarter. In my opinion a passionate teacher who is not as formally educated will always do better than a stoic, bland, monotone teacher who went to Harvard. Sure we can all memorize the facts and definitions that get shoved down our throat but how long do you really retain that information? In most student cases just till the next test. How is that learning? In retrospect a teacher that is passionate about their teaching, cares about the kids, takes time for them and truly wants the kids to understand will get through to their distracted young minds. The knowledge I gained from Mr. Torrburgs English class has stuck with me since high school because of his passion for teaching and his willingness to go the extra mile to help me. I looked forward to his class and I know other kids did do because of similar reasons. When kids enjoy going to class they are more likely to stay awake, retain information and be open for new knowledge because of the teacher. When they made it fun and took the time for us we noticed and we worked harder for them I know I personally did. Teachers have a direct affect on the way we learn in a negative and positive way. They can make the difference, if they choose to go that extra mile for us we’ll go the extra mile for them. Mr. Torrburg took the time for me, showed that he cared and wanted me to succeed. It made a difference in my school experience there in Minnesota for the better. A teachers passion will make all the difference in the world, they are truly at the heart of true learning this I believe.
Moses J. Garza Professor Davies Composition 300 29 August 2012
I Carry It With Me Everywhere I Go
One cold winter day, I was riding home with a friend of my father's from a church service, when I decided to ask him about his education and what he had received from it since he had acquired his degree. I asked him why general education was even required when ones passion would usher them through the subject specific courses of their field. His response was both enlightening and cynical. "it's just a piece of paper Moses, but it shows others your determination. You show you are capable of surpassing difficult odds and challenges in order to pursue that which matters to you. The PhD shows your discipline and courage. But it's just a piece of paper". At first I felt angry. Then I began to understand what he meant.
Every spring, college graduates receive a piece of paper as a representation of an education earned over years of sleepless nights, early mornings, stressful days, parties, classes, and grades. They gain a title but what do they truly walk away with? I believe my education is more than just a piece of paper. My personal experience about school has been extremely eye opening. As I have come through this college experience at 24 plus years of age, I clearly recall what I am learning and love to further expand my knowledge. I believe that college is an essential tool for teaching one how to think and not just what to think. Seeing a new perspective enriches my view of living. I do not enjoy homework, nor the grading system, however I do contend that forum for academia is vital to the expansion of one's tiny world. I carry my education, or understanding of the world around me, everywhere I go. My passion and application makes my education more than just a piece of paper.
Working hard and following ones dream means going through difficult circumstances one would not wish to pass, but one comes out stronger and wiser if they go through with their eyes wide open. I have spoken with many people about following ones dreams and like to say " what else have we better to do?". I believe that unless you are Hindu or Buddhist you will likely agree that you only live once. if we only have one chance, than what could possibly be more important than pursuing our hearts desire? If I have one chance at life I will do what I have to do to get to my goals and enjoy myself along the way. I love learning. I also love to educate. I pursue music, education and conversation fervently, so that I may one day be qualified to aid others in need with knowledge and experience. Education equals opportunity. May language and education never be a barrier for it certainly is not an insurmountable one. I still hold, "I have nothing better to do with my life" than learn and grow as a person, and this belief supports me everywhere I go.
Deanna Sinclair Miss Davies CO 300 Section 021 5 September 2012 This I Believe I believe in the staff, skyscrapers, and brass. These three things have been feeding my passion and my inspiration for many years now. Some very special people in my life began that hunger for music, and I would not adore it the way I do today had it not been for them. It is thanks to some amazing teachers that pushed me to do well and stirred my love for music. This is what I believe has to be at the core of a great education no matter the subject: passion and encouragement. I have been playing the French horn since the fourth grade, and so for the past ten and a half years I have been living by the rules of the five-line staff and everything that goes along with it. Music has been my life-blood for a very long time—I can find both peace and excitement within it whenever I wish. Music has done so many things for me in my life--such as give me very close student-teacher relationships that have let me learn to harness the passion of truly talented individuals, bring me closer to others through amazing experiences, and given me something as simple as helping me to focus on a school assignment. We often hear how smells can create memories, and brass has done that for me. After playing for a long time the smell stays on my hands for hours at a time, letting me relive the magic of playing by simply taking a whiff of my hands, which may sound weird, but I cannot explain it. Part of truly learning something is learning to love to do it, and that is not a hard thing to do with music, and I wish I could harness that same passion for learning in every subject and with every teacher. I have had many ridiculous and life-changing experiences while being a part of band, but by far the most memorable was getting the chance to travel to New York City and having the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall. A once-in-a-lifetime experience like this is a very difficult thing to live up to, but it is certainly possible in every field of study. Having the privilege to perform in a place of that importance and that is so steeped in history was truly amazing; it was on of the most magical experiences I have ever had. I will never forget the sound of a chord resonating throughout that gorgeous hall and knowing that I was a part of creating something so beautiful. Education needs to find ways to harness that kind of creative energy and get kids excited about their learning and careers in the way that I can get excited about music. Teachers need to show their passion so they can inspire students to find that in themselves. I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance. -Deanna Sinclair
Nicole Bibbero Ashley Davies CO 300.036 04, September 2012 Bedtime Stories Daddy comes into my room, pulls the covers up tightly around me, and sits down in the rocking chair next to my bed. He asks me what story I want to hear tonight. I reach down and study my plethora of books scattered across my bedroom floor. I pick one out, hand it to him, and he starts to read. He uses different voices for all the characters, making me giggle. He points to the words he is reading aloud with his finger, allowing me to follow along. As the story ends, I begin to drift. He closes the book, kisses me goodnight, and quietly shuts my door behind him. This nightly bedtime story was one of many stories I read or heard throughout the day while I was growing up. My parents were big advocates of reading to me and teaching me to read at a very young age. When we were out during the day they would point out words on signs for me to try to sound out. I had more books in my bedroom than a school library has in its entire collection. Before I started kindergarten, I could work my way through a second grade level chapter book, all because I had gotten an early start as an avid reader, with a strong vocabulary and comprehension of language. Throughout school, I always volunteered to read aloud during class because I already knew how to read- never shying away out of fear of not being a strong reader or having difficulty pronouncing words. In the first grade I was put on an accelerated learning program due to my strong base in reading. Getting an early start in elementary school has benefitted me throughout my entire education. I stayed on an AP learning program throughout high school, which allowed me to graduate with almost 50 college credits already completed. As a college student I am able to sit down to complete nightly reading assignments for every class with ease, reading quickly and understanding all the information I absorb. I believe that helping young children develop strong reading habits leads students to succeed in school. Reading at an early age can lead to a solid foundation for education as well as allow students to advance more rapidly in school. I believe my parents encouraging me to read and thus gaining a passion for learning at a young age plays a major role in why I have advanced as rapidly as I have in school. I believe every parent should help their child develop strong reading habits before starting school to help their entire educational future. I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance – Nicole Bibbero
Kaitlin L. Robinson Ashley Davies CO300 September 5, 2012
There are all types of people, those who love to be heard, those who hate to speak, and even those who wish they could speak. Everyone is different and an individual, but no matter what their personality is like everyone has a voice, literally or metaphorically. How can we hear them if we do not give them the chance to do so? I am one of those people who really does not like to speak. I have words I could say, but I rarely ever say them. Even so, sometimes there are things I just need to say. I was a freshman in high school when one of these times occurred. I was in the midst of a crisis of life changing proportions, one that was completely out of my control. While all this was going around me everyone who knew about it acted as if I was ready to break. Yes my life was basically ripped out from under me, but that did not mean that I was going to become depressed. That’s just not me. They stuck the words in my mouth and spoke for me, not trying to understand where I stood in all of this. During this time none of my teachers were informed, they left that up to me if I so chose. There was only one teacher I informed, but only because I had a project I could not turn in to him thanks to the circumstances. He was the right person to tell. He took what I said and understood where I was coming from. He was a person who had seen what I was talking about in his own life, but he never tried to put his experience on me. He accepted it and didn’t let it change how he saw me. I was still me to him, not a broken me. He trusted me to be me. It was a huge weight off my shoulders and one less thorn in my heart. Someone actually heard me. I believe in letting people speak. Everyone is different and there are many problems in the world. Sometimes letting a person speak and accepting them as it is changes the whole feeling around that problem. Sometimes that is all someone needs.
Cassie Tedesco COMP 300.036 Ashley Davies September 4, 2012
Changing My Ways I remember the day I went to Sylvan Learning Center like it was yesterday. My mom picked me up from school and took me to Starbucks. When we got to Sylvan, I walked into the glass double doors with no intent of being cooperative. When I entered into the lobby, I was escorted to a table with a tutor and two other students. The tutor started explaining “the plan” that Sylvan had set up for me and what I needed to get done every time. This was awful to me. The work that was provided involved math, reading, and writing. Every other day during the week, I would go to Sylvan after school with the same bad attitude. I remember the students that I usually sat with weren’t happy to be there either. What 8th grader wants to go to a tutoring session after they just had eight hours of school? I kept going to Sylvan throughout 8th grade. It wasn’t an option for me anymore. My mom kept reminding me that I would thank her later and I’d be happy with the outcome. I didn’t believe her. It wasn’t until the 10th grade when I was prepping for a grammar test that Sylvan Learning Center changed my view on getting help. Janet, my tutor, helped me make note cards for what was supposed to be on the test. She tested me over and over again until I could recite everything. I went into the test and ended up getting a D. I was so confused and so distraught that I gave up right then. My mom e-mailed Janet and told her what happened and she was shocked. She came up with the idea that I may be dyslexic. Janet e-mailed my teacher about how hard I worked for the grammar test and how I was diagnosed with dyslexia. My English teacher let me retake the test and I ended up getting a B+. I believe that no one should feel ashamed when seeking for help, especially when it comes to school. I stayed at Sylvan through my senior year in high school and I am so thankful for it. Sylvan made me realize that it is okay to get help when you need it. I enhanced my writing, reading and math skills. I found two tutors, Janet and Ron, who I really got along with and stuck with because I was comfortable asking them anything. The one on one time with Janet and Ron helped me because they knew my way of learning from working with me for so long. I think it is very important to get any type of help when one is struggling. Even if it’s outside help, any help makes an impact. Sylvan Learning Center impacted my learning by making me a better student and making me care more about my education and not settling for average work. To this day, I still thank my mom for making me stay and she can’t believe it.
Shanti Clawson-Miller Ashley Davies CO300-006 04 September 2012 Growing Up In Pointe Shoes
My childhood was quite different from the normal, American lifestyle. Growing up in a dance school, I spent more time in conditioning classes and rehearsals than I did in core curriculum classes, and I didn’t understand the concept of having Saturdays free to play and do little league. I knew I had high expectations placed on me, and that I had to work diligently and with full focus in order to accomplish the tasks I was given. I had a specific life virtue repeated to me over and over: Always give 120% of your effort and strength into the goal you want to achieve. This experience taught me the discipline of complete dedication to an art that incorporates both physical and mental stamina.
Now as a college student that is double majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Dance, I can look back and appreciate the strong effect that these high expectations had on me as a young girl. If I had been placed in a traditional school system where each subject taught is given equal weight and interest, I don’t think that I would have maintained focus or attempted to learn that much. Being placed is the dance school provided a setting where I learned how to focus on the development of the body as more than just an intellectual source, but as a multi-functioning system.
My value statement on education has completely emerged from my personal experience of being a student that was raised in an alternative education system. I believe that students should be encouraged to further their knowledge in a subject of true interest. Once dedication is taught to a student using a subject of deep significance to the individual, the likeliness of providing a foundation of discipline in general learning is much more probable. I never felt academically compromised from spending so many years in dance school, and I now believe that it was the work ethic I attained through my schooling in dance that provided the tools I needed to have commitment to other subjects in school later on. If people are taught how to stick with a specific goal until it is learned or achieved, that drive to work diligently on a task will be applied to other aspects of education. If I hadn’t been given the tools and encouragement to focus and work in a subject of great interest to me initially, I wouldn’t have made it as far academically in other aspects afterwards.
Traci Saylor Ashley Davies CO 300 Combined 00281 829300648
Chasing After You
Looking fear straight in the face, I chased after a life with purpose and most importantly one that is unique to me. It can be extremely nerve racking venturing into new waters when you are already juggling a full-time school schedule, but giving that fear up for an extra-curricular club could be life changing! I have met some of the best friends I will ever have through taking that first step and joining various clubs and sports. During high school I kept myself busy by participating in Student Leadership and Varsity soccer, as well as competitive club soccer through my hometown. Not only did this expose me to real life issues and the challenges that come along with maintaining exceptional grades, it forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and find what makes me happy. I learned conflict resolution and how to socialize and work with others, which are valuable life lessons that cannot be taught inside the classroom. Blood, sweat, and tears went into the shaping of who I am today. Without the experience of being pro-active and finding extra- curricular activities that were best suitable for my interest, I would have been unable to experience all the positives that happen during a life outside of the classroom. Rather than being complacent and sticking to the mundane wake up, go to school, and go home, I stepped outside of the box and was able to learn from experience that clubs taught me how to be a social person and how to deal with diversity in my future endeavors. By forcing myself to understand that there is so much more outside if you just take that first step, I was able to proudly express to various colleges through the application process, just how much of an asset I would be to their college. I owe this success to the fact that I believed in myself enough to find clubs and a sport that I could find my own community. I believe that every student should find something that is near and dear to their heart. I believe that the struggles that come from outside of the classroom mold and shape us into stronger individuals. Every student deserves the chance to experience a life that helps you grow as an individual, especially in a crucial time of development. The rewards of joining an extra-curricular sport or club by far outweigh the fear of beginning something new; all it takes is a little faith and perseverance to realize that you could be missing out on an incredible journey that someday will define you!
*I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Ashley Thomas Ashley Davies CO 300 - 21 5 September 2012
A Life of Learning
At the age of eight I was given a placement test and, based on my scores, admitted to The Gifted and Talented Program at my elementary school. Despite my decidedly advanced ability to learn at a higher level, I was the first to neglect assignments, turn in late work, procrastinate, and generally perform below my potential. As I progressed through public education, the expectations that were placed on me got higher, and rather than change my mindset, I got better at avoiding them. I found myself disengaged and under stimulated at school. I would doodle instead of listen and neglect assignments that required only minimal effort. I started feigning illness often to avoid the monotony of classrooms and teachers and textbooks and grade point averages. I even graduated a semester early just to get out. If you had asked me then, I would have told you that getting an education was overrated, and learning was a waste of time. What is clear to me now is that I was misunderstanding the bigger picture. As school aged children, we are told over and over that we must strive to get an education. We come to learn education to mean only the accumulation of diplomas, degrees, and titles, and learning, the pursuit of them. What opened my eyes happened the summer after high school when my mother and I backpacked through Spain. Travelling by train and staying in hostels, we experienced the entire country one place at a time. There, in those moments, hurdling across a foreign country, surrounded by an unfamiliar language, eating things I couldn’t pronounce, I found what I had been searching for desperately in school. In Madrid, I spent hours in a museum, unmovable, soaking in all the Spanish history I could get. In Seville, I went on a pub tour and learned about the social culture on the other side of the world. In Barcelona, I pieced together enough Spanish to speak with street vendors. In Cadiz, I learned about Spanish dialects. In Ibiza, I found out Spain touches no oceans, only seas. In two weeks, I was reinvigorated with life and full of a desperate longing for knowledge. My decision to pursue a college degree thereafter was based entirely on the fact that I never intend to stop travelling in search of the fulfillment I found in that first step onto foreign soil. College is, to me, a stepping-stone onto the path of my life as a pioneer of the world. For me, education is not a word that means to go to school; it is a word that means to grow. Formal education is a tool, but nowhere near the only way to achieve learning. I believe that learning is, and should be, a lifelong process that is fueled by human connection and life experiences, and that those things have more weight than anything you can ever find in a book.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance. Ashley Thomas
I believe that being in school helps prepare a strong foundation on every person to whom they are going to be in the future. It’s easy to say that school has been half my life whereas my family, friends, hobbies, and everything else that I do and know outside of school is the other half that makes me who I am. Ever since I can remember I’ve been in school, from taking naps to making life decisions at it. It has always been there. Yes there have been negative times but also there have been positive times depending on the day. In the beginning I always thought of it as a routine thing of life but now with higher schooling I have come to learn that its what you make out of it and take on a daily basis. Throughout school I have seen and been through many memorable events in life, good or bad these have shaped me to who I am today. To name a few notable moments is simple, I was there with a classroom full of panicked kids and a teacher in tears when the events of 9/11 took place. Nobody in the room knew what to do but it showed me at that young age that even so we still played at recess like normal 11 year olds there was unity when we all hugged each other and showed emotion towards this frightening sight. Participating in outdoor education was an eventful trip that I enjoyed a lot. I learned dependability and that I could hold my own in the wild outdoors. Once in high school things started to change, now I began to plan on the future, and what I wanted to do with life. Talking to counselors showed me that there were people out that actually cared about my future. They would push me into the right things to do. Here is also where relationships started and drama flourished. Being in a relationship during this period helped me fully understand to not allow myself to be held down by some brainless ideas and people. Now though in college, things have once again changed a bit. I have come to notice that there is a close knit of people whom you belong to. Everyone else is in their own world and they kind of like to stick in there. Just walking to lunch every day at the plaza shows me the difference of peoples ideas and belief. Some days there are believers and other days there are pro-drug people. Its funny how school starts to become more of a job than school itself. School has made me see and get hands on understanding of what works for me in everything. From politics to what to eat I have come to find it here, everyday is a different adventure. I Have not give, received, or used any unauthorized assistance Enrique Guerrero
You Win or Lose Before You Start Every student knows the feeling of self-doubt. It’s there, nagging at the back of your mind as you sit down for an exam rumored to be difficult, start a project worth a large percentage of your grade, or begin to write a paper when you aren’t quite sure what you want to say. “I’m not prepared. I don’t know where to begin. This isn’t working.” These are thoughts that I as a student, I am all too familiar with. Yet as I begin to feel myself being plagued by doubt, there is another thought always present in the back of my mind, one that I know to be true: You win or lose before you start. I first heard those words from my boss, when I began working as a swim instructor. The roles were now reversed and I had the opportunity to view students from the outside. One of my students, Landon, was six years old and placed in a class with kids who were much older and more advanced. The others could already swim the 25m pool on their own, while he could barely float. As he was leaving class the first day, I saw him turn to his dad with tears in his eyes and mutter, “I’m not as good as the other kids.” Later, I talked to my boss and expressed my concerns that I didn’t think I could get him to the same level as his classmates, to which he replied “You win or lose before you start.” The next day, as I watched a nervous looking Landon arrive for his lesson, my boss’s words echoed through my mind. I knew that I not only had to believe in my abilities as an instructor, but I also had to find a way to help Landon believe in himself as a student. I made an effort to look beneath the surface to find his strengths and began to build his confidence. By mentally preparing him for success, he was able to do more than I or anyone else initially thought possible. I believe that in order to succeed as a student, you must expect success. Now as I walk in to take an exam, I ignore any feelings of uncertainty because I know that they will only sabotage, and instead reflect on the time I spent preparing. When faced with a challenging assignment or paper, I imagine the final product, rather than spending time feeling overwhelmed and lost about where to begin. I constantly remind myself that if I want to succeed, I have to not only believe that I can, but expect that I will.
I’ve sat in classrooms, seen their walls, boards, pictures and projections, read their motivational quotes, and soaked in their lessons of history, math, language, humanities, science, and arts. I’ve experienced the teachings of responsibility and consequences through my parents, my teachers, and even my friends. I went from one school to the next. I saw different lands, met different people, experienced cultures, and continued to take my proper classes always with that distant vision of graduation.
Oh, graduation. The day after which there are no more classes or lessons. No more teachings. No more changes. It’s the day those little certificates are handed out that say, “I know everything now. I’ve learned the world.” Then someone says a word that’s been said so often in the last few years and the meaning of it is almost shocking: college. Now there are new classes, different teachers, more people, further experiences and even more to learn. “It’s okay. It’s just one more graduation to achieve. Then I’ll be done. Then I’ll be in the world and others will look to me to learn.”
Wait a minute. Is that all that’s made me? Am I so simply a production of multiple school systems and classrooms? No. There’s more. There’s so much more. I learned to ski when I was two. I’ve ridden the best powder days from the Rockies to the Sierras. I’ve hiked, camped, kayaked, canoed, and rafted throughout Arizona, Alaska, California, and Colorado. I got hypothermia in the middle of nowhere with my uncle and father on one trip, and still we made our way out of the mountains. I was hospitalized the day before leaving to help lead a month-long trip to a country I had never been to. I’ve seen more cultures, met more people, and had a myriad of experiences.
I know how to throw freight, help customers, build gardens, identify plants, drive lift equipment, plow roads, clean windows, match and mix paint, take care of animals, mop floors, take phone calls, set up events, deliver food, and create banquets. How could I not have seen how much I know and the degree to which I’m always changing? How could I ever think there is an end to learning?
There is no end to learning. Learning is change, and the world is based on change. Even if one could see all of existence in one moment, it would immediately be different in the next. I believe it is important to continuously strive to learn and evolve and that those changes will still occur even if one is not aware of them. Thankfully, I am unable to know the entire world in any one moment, so there is always an assured pool of knowledge to bathe in.
Abbie Fritz CO300 This I Believe After my first year of college I was lost. I felt like I was running full speed with my eyes shut. So I decided to take some time off and try to narrow down my interests and goals but before I knew it, I had taken more than just some time off. Now I had fallen into the category of a non-student. I was working full time at a job that didn’t pay enough to do any more than cover my necessary bills. This left me trapped. Every ounce of energy was spent working as much as possible and then trying to recover to work again the next day. I could see no way out. I knew that I wanted to go back to school but I didn’t have any extra money, let alone any extra time to take classes. After a few years of thinking about it, I made the decision one day to just start taking steps. I was accepted to Florida Atlantic University to study marine biology. I started looking at apartments in the area and quickly realized that even if I got student loans to cover my tuition, I couldn’t afford to live there. The information I was missing was that I would qualify for grants and scholarships as well as the fact that loans can be as much or as little as you need to cover the rest. Not knowing that is could have been possible, I did not move to Florida. It was another year or so before I had managed to gather enough information to understand that I could actually make this happen. This was information that I found through hours of internet searching and research, but it was there all the while. I am now very close to finishing my bachelor’s degree thanks to the availability of financial aid. It makes all the difference in the world that there is an end in sight to working a low paying hourly job. I feel so grateful that I live in a culture that offers the opportunity to come up out of your current situation and improve your quality of life. Not only have we as a society seen fit to implement government funded aid, but also there are countless private donors offering scholarships and grants. Without this help, it would be impossible for most students and especially non-traditional students to go on to college. This kind of value in the opportunity of growth for the individual is often taken for granted but it has a huge impact on students everywhere. I believe in financial aid.
In my sophomore year of high school, I was invisible. At least, that was the only logical explanation I could come up with at the time. What other reason could there have been for none of my teachers to know my name? How else could I explain the fact that it seemed like none of the other kids in my class could see me or hear me speak?
In reality, the problem was that my school was overcrowded. I went to a large high school in Nashua, NH, which, at the time, was housing twice the number of students it was originally designed to hold. The school district knew it was an issue and there was a new school under construction, but that did nothing to help me. Instead, I walked through the halls feeling insignificant, small, and depressed.
My salvation came in the summer before my junior year. A friend of mine told me about a program called SNTAS, which stood for School Next to a School. It was put in place for kids like me, who were struggling with the large class sizes and would greatly benefit from a little extra attention. There were only a few spots available, and I was lucky enough to make it into the program. SNTAS saved me. For the first time in my life, I was having fun with school. I wasn’t scared to talk to the understanding Ms. Gabriel, who patiently explained the snarls of mathematics to me. I discovered a love of physics thanks to accessible teaching style of Dr. Price. English, which had always been my favorite subject, became even more fun due to the kind Ms. Rogers who always listened and never talked down to us. Mr. Claffey used his sense of humor to make history come alive and keep us engaged.
During my sophomore year, I felt like a ghost. I wasn’t friends with any of the students in my classes, and I was too intimidated to ask any of my teachers for help. In SNTAS, I felt as though I came alive. I made close friends, many of whom I’m still in contact with today. The teachers encouraged me to follow my passions and I ended up discovering a love of theater that helped me overcome my sometimes debilitating shyness and introversion.
I believe that most schools can implement a program like SNTAS to reach out to kids that might need a little something extra. All it takes is a kind word, or a sympathetic ear to make an outsider feel like they have a place in the classroom. I know I was incredibly lucky to have that opportunity, and I often think I would not have made it through high school without SNTAS. I believe that every kid deserves that opportunity. I believe that no child should feel like they are invisible.
The Smartest Man I Know By Caitlin Still CO 300-006
“Hey Cait, did you know?”
Around my house this phrase can be heard almost as often as “clean your room.” It’s usually followed by a random fact, a piece of history or a lesson on a subject that has probably been on Jeopardy a time or two. You see, my dad is quite the polymath. He has always been fascinated by books and history, art and mechanics. It’s not enough to know what something is, but he delves into the why and how and who of every subject. There’s no such thing as a quick explanation from him because he knows just a little bit about everything. As he puts it, “Life is about learning. It should never stop.”
My dad has been my inspiration for as long as I can remember. He is a successful businessman, a passionate photographer, and one of the hardest workers you will find. Dad is a great entertainer who can regale a group for hours with his wicked sense of humor and stories. His intelligence and humility has led him to many a leadership position and many a friend. For all of these successes, he had garnered each of them through his own persistence. He did not earn an MBA, go to a fancy business school or study economic trends. In fact, my dad didn’t even earn a degree. One of the smartest men you’ll ever meet had to drop out of school to help his family. He found a job that would help support them and even through many trials, he never stopped learning.
Because of my dad, I have come to believe that one’s success is determined by far more than formal education. I believe that intelligence, passion and a craving for life’s secrets will lead you to more adventures and success than the words on a diploma ever could. My dad has taught me that while an education will always be important (four years in college can’t be in vain), there are other experiences and qualities that help make you successful. Qualities such as the empathy that my dad has for everyone he meets can’t be found in a textbook or learned through a formula. These qualities along with his diligent and dynamic way of approaching any problem presented have allowed for many accomplishments in business and in life.
From a young age my dad impressed upon my sisters and me the importance of a good education. His own experience led him to understand that cultivating an education is important but not the only factor to success. Dad has passed this knowledge onto my sisters and me and driven us to find out what we want out of life. It’s never enough to just memorize, never enough to simply learn. It’s never enough to accept what’s given. He has pushed us to think, investigate and question everything around us. He has made me crave the phrase, “Hey Cait, did you know?”
Maggie Rollert Ashley Davies Composition 300 S.006 4 September 2012
A Fine Balance
I began my high school career expecting to be given books. Instead, I was given only a computer. Being the first graduating class of a posh private school, we were given the luxury of testing out a new paperless system. Every student was given a computer (which over my senior year transitioned to the iPad). That computer functioned as the source of all our textbooks, notebooks, and research materials. Of course, the initial excitement of having a computer in our classes made me and my classmates much more active in our learning endeavors. Unfortunately, that initial excitement quickly wore off and we began to distract ourselves by checking our Facebook profiles, sending messages to each other, and looking up answers to questions in class. School quickly transitioned from active learning to constant distraction. Four years after beginning high school, my teachers were still struggling to teach effectively with the non-traditional system. Actually, every teacher but one—Mr. Spicer, my AP Physics teacher. Mr. Spicer, instead of trying to adapt a traditional curriculum for the paperless system, used the iPads to his advantage. He used them to show us interactive videos. He used them to do examples, and not just take notes. He used them to reference real-life applications and pictures. He used them to show us how to do our experiments. He used them to show us other experiments that any high school would neither fund nor provide the time for. Without that technology, Mr. Spicer’s curriculum would have been bare. Without Mr. Spicer, my classmates and I would have spent yet another class passing time playing games and pretending to take notes. I believe that Mr. Spicer’s approach to teaching is exactly how anyone currently in academia should approach this technologically advancing world. It’s not always easy to embrace the rapid changes that technology brings to our lives. Some people strongly oppose technological involvement in schools beyond basic television and computer usage. Some people strongly encourage new technology, thinking that it is an easy fix to a school that might have teachers with insufficient abilities or resources. I am not trying to argue that we can, or even that we should, try and stop growth and advancement via technology; however, I think that we have a huge responsibility to uphold in order to keep the realm of education both personal and engaging. I believe that, if aided with modern, innovative teaching, technological advancements will be one of the greatest stimuli in education for many generations to come. I believe in the power of tenacious teaching as we stay on the cutting edge of technology and its advances.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Jonathan Wempe CO 300-006 Ashley Davies So it was just another day of elementary school, 3rd grade if I’m not mistaken. The funny thing is I don’t even remember my teachers name but I do remember the bathroom system. Oh yes, it’s a disaster story. One student could be out of the classroom at a time; all you had to do was get up, grab the pass from off the wall next to the door, and then do your thing. No hand raising, question, or hassle. Or so I thought. I remember glancing over at the girl who sat next to me, Mallory, and noticing that she looked extremely uncomfortable. You know, legs crossed, rocking back and forth slightly with a big ol’ grimace on the face. I proceeded to ask her if she was doing okay and she answered back with something along the lines of, “I really have to go.” I told her that she should just go; it was the simplest thing in the world to me. Ironically, she said she felt too embarrassed; so I figured that I would kill two birds with one stone and relieve myself as well as demonstrate that it wasn’t a big deal. Right when I came back into the classroom Mallory, uh, made her big splash with the class. The first thought that passed through my head was, “holy cow, she really had to go!” Then it went to thoughts like the very eloquent, “ew” and, with a wince, “I should have hung my backpack on the chair.” For the rest of my 3rd grade year I was forced to sit next to and build a friendship with Mallory. I mean, nobody wants to sit next to the kid who wet them self, plus have you ever tried to get the smell of urine out of a backpack? Not fun. Anyway, this story illustrates a belief of mine: Assigned seating in school is a subtle preparation for the real world; there’s always people that you, even if its kicking and screaming, are forced to interact with. And if you don’t learn how to do that, good things can pass you by like taking a girl to senior prom that you affectionately call “Pee-Pants Magoo”.
Grazia Eichmann Ashley Davies CO 300 - 021 I was in elementary school when something happened that stuck with me the rest of my life. I went to a catholic school in Tokyo and grew up in a very liberal family. The contrast from school and home was something I got used to. I was quite young when a teacher of mine stood up in front of the class with colorful paper and lots of craft materials. Excitement smeared across my face. She told us that everyone in the class was going to make a poster against abortion. “Abortion?” I thought “Did I hear something about that once. That’s right. There was some big fight about it”. I told my teacher that I was not even entirely sure what exactly abortion was so I could not be sure I was against it. I was expecting a lecture teaching me about marvelous things that I did not yet know. She said it meant killing babies. Her perfunctory answer caught me off guard. Having heard a little about abortion I was sure this was not the whole story. I suggested I do some research about it online. I even offered to write about it. My teacher was horrified she looked at me as though I had just spat at her. She said I am not to go online and if I do not turn in the poster I will fail. I talked to my mom about what had happed that day. She said she would not be upset if I failed. I never did the poster and I failed the assignment. Whether you are pro choice or anti abortion you should always look up the facts and question your position not shy away from research and doubt. This is the only way we can improve ourselves. It was this event in my child hood that lead me to believe that children should be encouraged to think for themselves. I think expecting children to mindlessly follow their elders can be dangerous. In many classes through college I have been told to think for myself. However I think we should teach kids this from a young age not wait till they are in college. Still today I always make a point to think things through before I come to a conclusion. Even if it means questioning beliefs I have had for a long time.
Daniel Allen Davies CO-300 5 Sept 2012 This I Believe I believe in conspiring about education. I’m very independent by nature and I’m proud of my independence, but over the past year I’ve also realized the tremendous value that others add to my education. Last semester I had a professor that gave out her cell phone number to her students. She put it right on the syllabus. Anytime a student had a question about the homework, which was often, they could text her for a quick answer. This professor’s availability to answer students’ questions was a cornerstone of her teaching method. She emphasized thoroughly understanding the underlying principles rather than plugging numbers into formulas. To encourage this level of learning she encouraged us to ask questions and was sure to ask difficult questions of us too. Her quizzes were individual, oral, and ungraded: truly intended to gauge our understanding of the subject. This professor was in cahoots with her students. She gave them hints on their homework at all hours of the night and had quiet meetings, one-to-one, to discuss how to better accommodate each student’s learning style. She only worried about test scores so far as to see what students learned or what they didn’t. I could’ve just studied the textbook and I would’ve done fine on the exams, but I learned so much more by working with this professor. From this influential professor I understood more about my learning style; I learned how to ask for help and, most importantly, I learned critical thinking skills. I got so much more out of my education by allowing this professor to get personally involved in my learning. Lately I’ve begun actively seeking out co-conspirators for my education. Much of the learning I do is outside the classroom and I’ve learned that this side of my education can also benefit from conspiracy with others. A key draw for me to Greek Life was the opportunity to develop leadership skills and I have definitely not been disappointed: in my fraternity, I have found the most conducive environment to learning life skills that I could’ve imagined. My brothers have encouraged me, on multiple occasions, to take on leadership roles that I normally wouldn’t have been confident filling. Their continued support each step of the way has ensured my success in each undertaking. Their encouragement and help has given me both the freedom to take new approaches and also a safety net to fall back on when an attempt fails. This conspiracy, with my brothers, to do our best and to bring out the best in each other, is the best environment for learning that I’ve ever seen. I believe we need to work with our allies when it comes to our education. While independence is a valued part of learning, working with others who share our goals doesn’t have to undermine that independence.
Ashley Ross CO300-021 Ashley Davies 5 September, 2012
This I Believe
I believe in the power of self-discipline. First day of college, so different than anything I had ever experienced. Big, scary, fast paced. I did not know how I was going to conquer this chapter in my life. Over the next couple of weeks I listened to the other students worry and complain about the fact that the teachers were not giving them the help they thought they needed and deserved. That’s when it hit me. I was going to succeed because I had been taught a very important value during my childhood, self-discipline. I had been taught since I was little, that if something needed done then I was fully capable of finishing it on my own. If I did need help, then it was my responsibility to ask for it. When I finished something, especially if I did it well, I knew it was acceptable to take pride in my accomplishment. I have my parents to thank for this quality that they have instilled into me. They taught me the value in mastering the art of self-discipline. They took the time and effort to help me realize that if I wanted to learn about a topic or accomplish a goal, then I would have to put in the time and effort to get myself to that place. They showed me that nearly anything you want to accomplish you can reach by your own power. This is how I was going to get through. When I didn’t want to finish a project, or complete the research needed to finish a paper, I knew how to make myself buckle down and get it done. I knew in the end it would be worth it to receive a grade reflecting the hard work I had put in. It seems the importance of this quality has been downplayed from my experience of working in the school system. Some children are used to having things handed to them. They feel they have the luxury of casting the blame onto someone else when they fail. Their excuse is they were not taught that material or it was not clear enough, when in reality, they did not take the time to attempt to teach themselves. This is the reason that this value is so important to pass on to the young children in today’s schools. They are capable. They can reach their goals. And most importantly, when they do, they can feel pride in themselves for doing something worthwhile through the use of self-discipline.
Jory Bayne Mrs. Davies CO 300-06 5 September 2012 Survey? On my way to class registration on my first day of orientation at CSU, a man approached me, “Would you like to take a survey?” “Yes.” I replied. Little did I know I would soon be meeting up with this man every week to talk about his spiritual beliefs. I quickly grew annoyed at the amount of phone calls I received, felt conflicted with the material he taught, and became angry with some of his interpersonal tactics. Many times I wanted to just completely ignore him; to block his cell number, avoid him on campus, and never go to his church again. However, I always answered. Sometimes I said yes, sometimes I said no. At first I said yes a lot, but overtime I started feeling pressured as though I would get in trouble if I said no, so I decided to become assertive, which (for a pacifist) was way out of my comfort zone. Pretty soon though, my assertive nature became more natural and I started to say no a lot. This led to me not meeting up with him for several weeks, during which I couldn’t stop thinking about the critical questions he had asked me. I realized that in order for me to learn the answers to my questions, I had to ask them to the source himself, which meant I would have to meet up with him again. Reflecting on this experience, I can see how this man challenged me; challenged me to question everything that I believed in, challenged the way I lived my life, and taught me the value of education. From this experience I learned how to think for myself. I learned how to listen to other’s whose beliefs are different from my own. I learned that in college you learn more than history, math, and science. You also learn about life; about the Poudre River Dam, Medical Marijuana, and God. This experience taught me how to be more assertive and take control of my social interactions. By simply trying to answer his critical questions, and asking him critical questions back, I learned how to learn. I believe in the power of questions. Jobs require more than just a degree, but also experience and there are many ways to gain experience including clubs, volunteering, and part-time work. However, I believe the best experience opportunities come from both asking and answering critical questions. By doing so outside of school, I’ve experienced how much easier it is to do so inside of school. I now not only feel more comfortable, but actually want to participate more in my classes. From this experience, this is what I believe. I imagine having a conversation with this man again… but what question would I ask him?
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance. Jory Bayne
I believe that students would better benefit from frequent testing and skills assessments as a display of their true ability as opposed to just having major exams. I played in the orchestra throughout junior high and high school. There were many different programs for which an audition was required. The director of the orchestras in high school was very well respected throughout the music community for his accomplishments and skills. I was so frightened to audition for him; I really wanted to impress him. As my time wore thin towards when it would be my turn to go into a tiny office with the man whose reputation intimidated me so much, my stomach twisted into progressively growing knots and my hands began to shake. This can be a serious problem as stringed instruments require extreme precision with finger placement in order to produce the correct sound. Time seemed to fly by quickly and I was soon called to play for him. By this time my hands were practically unusable. My audition was a mess, I was unable to play even the simplest part of it effectively. The three main levels of orchestra in high school included Concert as the lowest, Symphonic, and then Chamber. With my audition I was only able to qualify for Concert. Disappointed but determined to do my best, I continued to give it my all even while remaining frustrated at the low level. After a couple weeks, my director asked me to stay after class. He told me he was very impressed with what he’d heard in class and offered me a position in the Chamber orchestra. I was ecstatic to have had my skills recognized by him through more reflective means of my true ability. Another experience contributing to this belief was in one of my college courses. Physiology only had three major tests and then a cumulative final. It is known for being the most difficult course in my major. Throughout the class I spent hours every week outlining notes and studying just to keep up. One of the tests was particularly difficult for me. I spent so much time learning whatever I could, but there was a great many different kinds of chemical gateways that were so similar to each other and seemed impossible for me to memorize. I decided to instead focus on general concepts and systems, figuring that the specific gateways would very likely be barely touched upon when compared to the more relevant whole. Unfortunately, there was great focus on the gates and which goes where on the exam. I barely passed with a D. My overall score could have been a B, but this test pulled it down to a C, the lowest possible passing score for a class required in my major. Were I given more opportunities to prove my understanding of the concepts in presentation or essay format, I believe that one test’s bad score would not have had such an impact.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance. Shauna Brake
Deanna McCraw This I Believe CO 300-021 Ashley Davies
I’m surrounded by hundreds of my peers. Looking up, I see the professor sitting at the front of the room as the Graduate Assistants circle us. Crunching pencils, clicks of a calculator, ticks of the clock and hushed whispers choke the atmosphere of the room. I begin to feel my heart race as my vision blurs and my fingers and legs go numb. Staring at my paper, the words are jumbled so much so that it looks more like my French exam then my Chemistry exam. As the end of the hour approaches, I am now sitting by myself as one of the Graduate Assistants glances from the clock and then back to me. Time is called. Turning in my paper, I feel as if I have blacked out, suddenly unable to remember a single question or answer.
Not surprisingly, when my paper was returned the next week, the score stamped on the front would have been comparable to if I had taken the exam after studying for five seconds rather than the thirty hours I had spent. This was not an unusual occurrence in the past year. I was told by professors that I did not comprehend the material and should consider switching into an “easier” major.
While I might have appeared to be a failure, I knew in my heart that this was false. Although I was never an excellent student, I made good grades in high school and even at the start of my college career. Although this downturn wasn’t sudden, it had become an increasingly apparent issue. Not wanting to let this failing define my college career, I was determined to find the right answer.
Ironically, to find the answer would mean I needed to endure hours of testing and analysis. The difference in these tests was that they revealed what was the underlying issue. In reality, I was capable of comprehending and understanding material, but when put in certain conditions, this becomes masked by a learning/testing disability. No longer was I going to believe that I was incapable of learning. Rather, I would become a believer in quiet spaces, movement, and noise canceling headphones.
Once I return to school, I receive the necessary accommodations. With these accommodations, I have begun to excel in my classes. No longer do professors think I am incapable of getting a good grade. In fact, most all have been receptive to this new realization and have continued to encourage and help me. It has been a learning experience not just for me, but for my professors as well. We all have realized that I was always able to be successful academically; I just had to go about it differently then others.
I’m by myself. The room has one table, one chair and a lamp in the corner. The room is said to be soundproof, but I where noise canceling headphones just to be sure. I have the paper in front of me and a pencil in my hand. When I am finished, I smile and confidently take my paper to the proctor. When my paper is returned, there is a note from my professor, congratulating me on my success and progress. I knew that I could not have done it had I not acknowledged my problem and set out to find a solution. That is why I believe in quiet spaces, movement, and noise canceling headphones.
Torshan Thomas Comp 300 Ashley Davies This I Believe
From a very young age, my parents always instilled in my siblings and I the importance of education. Being that they grew up with very little opportunities they made sure that we took every opportunity presented to us, so that we never limited ourselves. So without a doubt, education is very important to me and is something that I need to be successful. I grew up in a small, poverty filled town in Miami; I loved going to school, learning was my passion. Rightfully my teachers impacted my life in the most amazing and major ways; until I met my second grade teacher, Mrs. Pender. She was an old, tall, slender Caucasian woman who wore glasses and a very strong perfume with an equally strong permanent scold on her wrinkled face. I was in the gifted and talented program at George Washington Carver Elementary School, and one of two African American students in the classroom. Every day I excelled more and more, and expectedly the teacher noticed. Instead of the praise I deserved, I was told to stay after class because the teacher would like to speak with me. What I thought would be my appraisal proved to be one of my most influential moments of my life. At that after class meeting Mrs. Pender looked me in my eyes and told me, “ You know, your wasting your time trying so hard in school because you and your people will never amount to anything.” My heart dropped to my feet and as she dismissed me I tripped over it and left it there. I was only a child and I felt broken walking home that day, I knew I never wanted to return back there. That experience still sticks with me till this day and brought me to one of my beliefs about education, written by Mark Twain, “I never let my schooling interfere with my education.” This means to me that, no matter the teacher or the environment, your education is what you make it and you get what you want out of it. I left that classroom thinking I was broken and she thought she had broken me but we were both mistaken. The next day I walked tall into that classroom, I sat up with the up most poise, and I raised my hand to answer questions with great pride. And every class after that I got the education I wanted and needed no matter what she thought I was capable of doing. I rose to the occasion and had the best grades, the top speller, and unremarkable participation and with out a doubt top of the class. I rightfully earned that title and my education. I went back into that classroom to prove to myself I was capable, show Mrs. Pender African Americans are just as capable, and to get the education I had the rights to. Since that day that scar remains and I have applied it to the different experiences I’ve had with education and it remains relevant even in college.
Chelsea Roberts Professor Davies CO 300-021 5 September 2012 A Little Encouragement Goes a Long Way Like a flower that leaves a fragrance behind after a thunderstorm, teachers who encourage their students leave a lasting mark on their lives, whether they know it or not. These extraordinary teachers create a positive learning environment where kids feel comfortable to absorb knowledge like a sponge. Each of us has had that one phenomenal teacher who has blessed us with a token of knowledge or fond memory. For me, it was my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Burns. Mr. Burns would set aside a special time before lecture, where he would read the most exceptional students’ papers aloud for the whole class to hear. It was my dream to have him read one of my papers, and I was determined to achieve this goal. We were given an assignment to write a short, creative story that taught a valuable life lesson. I wanted to educate my classmates on the detrimental effects of bullying, so I wrote about a giraffe named Jeffy, who was teased by all the other zoo animals at school for having a short neck. I was waiting anxiously at my desk when finally the moment had arrived; Mr. Burns introduced the first paper of the day. He said, “This student is a remarkable writer, and could very well have a bright future ahead of her in writing children’s books.” He then began to read my paper out loud, and I sat in utter shock as the familiar words trickled into my ears like long awaited raindrops in a season of drought. I sat in my chair with a face as red as a tomato, beaming with pride for what I had accomplished. Those simple words of exaltation spoken by my teacher pierced my soul to the core and still echo in my heart today. He helped build my self confidence that day, and I will cherish that genuine compliment for the rest of my life. I was supposed to be teaching my fellow classmates a life lesson through my short narrative, but Mr. Burns ended up teaching me the lesson: that there are no limits for those who believe in themselves. I believe that teachers who choose to encourage their students through positive instructional methods can make a world of a difference in their educational success, as well as instill a sense of personal belief that cannot be shaken. Mr. Burns taught me that with perseverance and a strong work ethic, I can achieve any goal no matter how difficult it may seem. Even now as a young adult in college, I look back on that memory with a smile on my face knowing that I can do anything I set my mind to, all because of a little encouragement from one incredible teacher. I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance. Chelsea Roberts
Maria Fernanda Torres CO-300 8/31/12 The S in Salsa stands for Style We all have our own style in everything that we do. That style is especially noticeable when dancing salsa, one of the most social dances around. I started salsa 3 years ago when I was a senior in High school and found it incredibly easy to begin. Maybe it was the Latin/Hispanic blood in me finally trying to break through into the world, or maybe it was just an easy class; whichever the case, by the end of the night I had grasped the basic moves and was well on my way to harder ones. I would like to say that the pattern continued and my level continued to rise but that would be fooling myself. I started coming every week to the class just so that I would not forget the basics and then practice the harder moves. There were moves that I would easily catch on to and then there were moves that even now I still have trouble with. Even though the moves became slowly but increasingly harder, they were not the true source of my hardships with this new hobby of mine. The difficulties lied in that I was never learning or practicing with the same person. People will always have their own style and that really shines through in salsa. Learning salsa while dancing with different people was, although very difficult to say the least; it was an eye opener for me. I realized how hard it could be to adapt to someone’s style, learning their cues and especially learning to follow the cues of a person I did not know. So much learning is involved in salsa dancing that I was honestly shocked to find out that I was improving. Every time I danced with a new person, whether he was good or bad at salsa, I would learn new tricks and tips on what or where I could still improve. In some cases I learned how to do a new trick because I was able to follow the lead and move in the right direction. Even when I danced with someone who was not entirely sure what to do I grew proficient at being able to steer them in the right direction. Every new dancer provided a new lesson and all the previous dancers would enjoy seeing where I improved. The learning never really stops when learning how to salsa dance but the abilities I gained from the experiences have helped change the way I view learning a new dance. In the end I truly believe that Salsa can be learned but the style is for you to interpret and understand. Even now I can help someone gain the knowledge to do the steps but the way they use them and the little flares they might add to the steps are for them to come up with. Once a style is found it is for life and it takes another person to figure out how to adapt and learn from their style.
Terrance Harris Ashley Davies CO 300 Sec. 036 9/3/12
“Consistent”
I would define consistency as the ability to maintain an optimal and reliable level of output. An example of consistency for me are my grades. Some grades may be lower in certain classes and higher in others, but I always have above a 3.0 GPA. I am consistent because that is expected and what usually happens. Unfortunately, not everything is as consistent as it should be; the teaching staff in public schools being one of those. When I was going to school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I learned a lot and enjoyed my time in school, but I wasn’t livid about the teaching staff inconsistencies.
The schools had a hard time being consistent at keeping staff at their positions. We had so many new teachers within the school year that we began mixing up their names. Teachers would get fired, then new teachers would get hired, but eventually the new teachers would get fired and the originally teacher would get hired again. There was no time to build chemistry with a teacher as they were out the door as soon as we moved on to the next chapter.
Worse than the revolving door of teachers was the gap left between each period after a teacher was fired. For example, a few months in to my 7th grade year, my math teacher was fired for physically fighting a student. After she was fired there was a gap of time in which we had no one teaching 7th grade math. The school tried to patch up this deficiency with having our English teacher try to teach math but that wasn’t working as well as planned. Eventually, though our teacher did get replaced but it was in the middle of second semester. Because of this many of my peers myself included, were behind in math.
When my dreams come true and I become the CEO of a non-profit organization that deals with foster youth, orphans, and those who identify as homeless, I will be always try to be consistent with my staff. I think schools should be consistent with there staff as well. Staff consistency is a major part of how efficient a school is at teaching students. Having consistent teachers and a stable environment improves learning. This I believe.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized, assistance. -Terrance Harris
Michael Brandorff Ashley Davies CO300 - 021 09/5/2012 Pursuing Success Peering through an eyepiece at your subject, left hand on the barrel lens of your new Cannon SLR digital camera. Right hand firmly grasping the body of the camera. All the settings are perfect as you gently place your index finger on the shutter button. Your heart, beats in your throat, holding the shutter button down halfway, the lens focuses. Pressing all the way down, the camera takes 5 shots in quick succession, the distinctive clicking noise from each closure of the shutter rings through one ear and echoes out the other. Ahh yes!! I love it! That perfect shot, that perfect moment, preserved forever!! Throughout my education, I have taken classes that made me love school and classes that made me strongly consider dropping out. I have always loved photography and schools that were exclusively focused on photography were too expensive for me to go to. My freshman year in college, I started out as a science major and hated it. I stayed with it for two years, forcing myself to get through classes that were boring, monotonous and about topics that I didn’t care about. I was afraid of changing majors. All my siblings are studying sciences and the majority of my friends are in science programs as well. It felt like science was my only option. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I believe that more college students should find majors that they are truly passionate about. As a student in college, enjoying what you are studying makes a huge difference. You are more passionate about your schoolwork, you are focused and you work harder for good grades. It took me two years before I switched to a major that I am passionate about. After my sophomore year in college I switched my major to International Studies and French. I love foreign languages and I used to live in Brussels, Belgium so studying cultures other than my own was very natural to me. Although I wasn’t able to switch my major to photography, I was able to change my major to something that interested me. I’m more focused on my schoolwork, I’m making much better grades and will graduate proud about what I have accomplished. Learning about other cultures as well as learning another language will also make me more marketable for a photojournalism job with Newsweek Magazine or a job with National Geographic traveling the world as a photographer. So even though I wasn’t able to study photography, I still have a way of reaching my goal. Your degree doesn’t have to directly correlate with what your job will be after college. Students need to be able to work around obstacles in getting to where they want to be and they need to find a path that will allow them to enjoy their education rather than being focused on what will come in the future. I truly believe that happiness will always find success. Success, doesn’t always find happiness.
This I believe School would be a lot easier if teachers could just peer into my brain and see what I am thinking and what I am actually learning. I am a German and International Studies major and have a passion for both. Getting to the degree of language proficiency was not an easy process. Coming out of high school I knew very little about English grammar. This made learning a new language difficult. Many things I had to learn for the first time. I am a very visual learner so when teachers and professors do not write on the board it causes problems for me. This is part of the reason I have always had difficulty learning any language. I need to visually see and write that language. I knew that when I committed myself to a language major I would have to improve my grammar. As a result I decided to take extra grammar courses to do just that. I enrolled in two language courses that were supposed to increase my knowledge LGER 300 (grammar) and 301 (oral communication). I had one professor for both of classes, who was a brilliant man but never really taught the way that I learn. He would say grammar rules and say a few examples but never write on the board. As students we would have to guess what he was trying to get at. I would ask him every day to write out on the board the course objectives and the grammatical constructions we were trying to learn. This was incredibly frustrating for me and I received a C in both of the classes as a result. My language prospects were not looking good. The next semester, I ended up talking many difficult classes. I thought that if I continued to struggle with the language it would be in my best interest to find a new major. The class I took was LGER 310- German translation. The way the professor went about teaching allowed students to really learn what was being taught. This course proved to be the best learning experience of my life. As students we were responsible for translating an assigned section of the book. Being in this situation were I could visually see the text and see the grammar actively being used was my break through moment in grammatical proficiency. By taking this class I learned more about grammar and the Germanic language then I ever did in all of my other German classes put together. This is all thanks to one professors’ visual teaching style.
Natalie Ballentine Comp 300 Section: 036 9/4/12 The Cost of Higher Education
In August of 2010, I entered what was going to be some of the greatest years of my life learning at college. When I began attending Colorado State University the Recreation Center was still under construction after continually being worked on for several years prior to my presence on this campus. Now the majority of the dorms are re-done, a new study cube has been added, along with a new engineering building were added to the forever growing campus. I was curious to how the university was affording all of these new improvements. It then came to me that the increasing tuition e-mail all the students were receiving every month were informing us that the higher payment was going to be used for the new developments. To most of us, we had no choice but to pay the higher costs because our education is all we have right now. So our choices came down to these: our parents had to start paying more, our loans became bigger, or we would be working along with being full time students. This has caused much controversy about what we are really paying for at Colorado State University, our education or the renovation. I believe increasing the tuition is expanding and improving the campus for a better environment for higher education. In this world, everyone is so quick to look at the negatives before the positives, especially when it comes down to money. With more money comes new technology though. Since the first telephone was created generations have excelled at achieving new technological heights. Now students at the university are able to use these advancements to their benefit. We can do deeper research, use better equipment in labs, and learn from the larger screens and projectors in the classrooms. The university will now in turn be giving us back what we wanted to be paying for in the first place, a higher education. Not to mention with the new buildings more students may apply wanting to attend a top-notch school. This will also lead to more students getting their college experience at CSU and eventually lowering tuition in the future for all students. In the end, enhancing our campus is a smart thing to do. As much as we don’t like it while paying more, in the future we will appreciate the advancements needed to achieve our own life goals.
Alex Mindemann Professor Davies CO300 4 September 2012 Education: like a fine wine, it gets better with age I graduated high school in May of 2006. At 18 years old, I had no plan and no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I did know, however, that society expected me to enroll in college, and since I hadn’t applied to any schools, I enrolled at Front Range Community College. The only thing I did know at that time was that along with college came partying, so I made that my main focus. When I did find time to do homework, usually on hazy-headed, hung-over Sunday afternoon, I realized that I wasn’t really motivated to do my homework, and that led to poor work ethic and even poorer grades. At the age of 20 I was feeling as if I was not cut out to get a four year college degree I decided that I would go to the Institute of Business and Medical Careers to get a degree as a paralegal. This was a step in the right direction for me. Being a little older and working toward something that interested me allowed me to improve my grades and my outlook on education. I began to feel confident that I could have succeeded in a University setting if only I would have put the time and effort into doing so. I also started to realize that there is more to life than trying to see how many beers I could guzzle down. After completing my degree, I received and internship at a local law firm, where I was eventually hired on as a full time paralegal. As I matured I realized how much I enjoyed learning and saw education as something I wanted to further explore. I also realized that without a Bachelor’s degree, my options were limited. I loved being a paralegal, but I craved the challenge and versatility that obtaining a four year degree would bring. However, one belief stuck in my mind, “It’s too late; you are too old to go back to school.” But the attorney I was working for at the time told me that it was silly to give up on my education now. He explained that he didn’t receive his Bachelor’s degree until he was 40 years old, and didn’t get out of law school until he was 44. That is when it really struck me, the traditional view of education, which we must go to, and complete college right after high school, is not beneficial or possible for everyone. In fact it I believe it can be detrimental for some people because you may get more out of your education when you are old enough and mature enough to appreciate it. Now, instead of viewing older, non-traditional students as odd, I applaud their commitment to education, and understand that for some people, the older you are, the more you can get out of your college experience.
Kaylee Terrin Ashley Davies CO300-21 5 September 2012 This I Believe On the first day of my last year of high school I realized I had a choice; to attend college or not. Everyone expected me to go, especially my parents. They even graciously offered to pay my way through all four years but I was still intimidated by the idea. I had a fear of putting my family into a financial struggle and I just didn't feel smart enough. I thought college was only for those who were very intelligent. Even earlier in my life college never crossed my mind. I was one of those kids that worked hard and still performed poorly in school. My plan was to move out as soon as I turned eighteen and there was no way I was going to go to college. So you’re probably wondering what made me change my mind. I had an eye opening moment when I was in high school. I was done disappointing my family and being that all around “nightmare of a kid”. I remember sitting down at the dinner table with my dad telling him I wanted a new start and a second chance to make my life better. He then told me a very unforgettable quote, “It's not what you are that holds you back, It's what you think you're not,” by the motivational speaker Denis Waitley. I forced myself to look down the road of my future. I saw myself traveling, meeting new people, and having a family of my own. How was I going to get there? Motivation, support, and above all, education were my logical means of finding my way through life. Essentially I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and take that leap of faith into college life. Despite the fact that I went diving into school blind, feeling unsure and scared, I believe education is not all about being smart or not. Education has played a huge role in expanding my comfort zone to try new things and push my limits farther than I ever thought possible. Making the decision to take risks and accepting struggle has helped me discover a sense of self and take ownership over my experiences. For me, going to college was more about getting the experience rather than the education. Now I feel content with where my life is going and I believe stepping outside your comfort zone to learn and grow can be accomplished through a college education experience.
Competition Is Not Always Bad
ReplyDeleteWe live in a highly competitive world. Whether we notice it or not, there is an element of competition to almost everything that we do. People cut each other off for the best parking spot, race for the best grocery line, or feel compelled to come out as the victor of a debate. Competition shapes the way we do things and decisions we make. However, competition is not always a bad thing. In some instances, it can be beneficial.
In my life, there is one where being in a highly competitive environment was beneficial to me. This time was when I studied at Brigham Young University (BYU). The Marriot School of Management, BYU’s business college, is one of the best, and most competitive, business colleges in the nation. The strict entrance requirements are made more challenging by the amount of people who apply to attend Marriott.
Marriott only takes the best of the best. In the college, thousands of students fight tooth and nail for the limited amount of space available. Students study all night for tests as if their life depends on it. Never in my life have I seen students so disappointed to receive B’s in classes instead of A’s. Gaining acceptance to the Marriott School of Management is a milestone that many never reach. In the end, after working so hard for two years, and enduring many sleepless nights, many students’ grades were just not good enough to be chosen for entrance into Marriot. However, students were about to take this experience and learn from it.
I believe that being in a competitive major enhances our educational experience and better prepares us for challenges in the future. We can learn many things from the “failures” we experience through the struggles of being in a competitive major. We can learn to develop a strong work ethic. We learn that in order to get the things we want in life, a little “elbow grease” is necessary to achieve our goals. Another lesson learned is the ability to deal with failure and rise above it. I knew many people who were not accepted into Marriott. They were able to take that experience and learn to be successful in other majors and continue that success in a different career path. Ultimately, the most important thing being in a competitive majors, in my opinion, prepares us for is the competitive job market after graduation.
Much like a competitive major in college, there are very few spots available for employees within companies, yet, there are many applicants ready to fill those positions. Quite often, there will be times where candidates do not get the job they were hoping for. With the experience gained from being in a competitive major, people can take what they learned and apply their knowledge to competitive situations later in life.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance
Keith Richards
Keith Richards
Ashley Davies
CO 300.036
Wade Joggerst
DeleteAshley Davies
CO300-06
04 September 2012
Caring and Compassion
As I reflect back on my education, there is one type of teacher I have always appreciated. I believe a teacher’s interest in their students can be a deciding factor in the student’s success. When I think back to which classes I was most successful in, there was one common factor, the teacher’s interest in my success. Not only does this build a relationship between the teacher and student but it drives the student to want to do well in the class. I have had a few teachers in my life that were thoroughly interested in my success and I received better grades in their classes. The simple feeling of someone caring can be an amazing driving force in someone’s life. I know it has been in mine. The first teacher I can recall showing a unique interest in each student was my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Fallert. Mrs. Fallert would set aside time every day for each student who felt as if they needed help on class work, homework, or any problem relating to school. I thought of her as my friend then and still do today. I know her compassion and desire for each student to do well drove me to get the grades I achieved. Mrs. Fallert never held her students’ hands and didn’t give answers away but encouraged us and gave us the confidence to solve the problem. This unique relationship between student and teacher is a big part of my academic success. A strong relationship between the student and teacher allows for each to understand the other. The common ground created makes for a respect that transcends the material and makes it easier to hear what the teacher is trying to explain. The encouragement a teacher can give a student is a factor too great to be ignored. I personally have seen both types of teachers and the ones who show they care about my success and sincerely encourage me are much more effective in teaching their material. Teachers with a vested interest my achievements have been a huge part of my academic success. The encouragement a teacher can give has the power to build confidence, which helps anyone grasp the material with a solid understanding. Confidence, in my opinion, is one of the most important factors in success. It allowed me to feel as if I were truly understanding the concepts and material rather than just going through the motions. Confidence also helped me ask questions or admit when I didn’t understand. A greater level of comfort between the teacher and myself created an atmosphere of learning rather than teaching. I believe a teacher’s greatest ability and gift is to show they sincerely care about their students. I can directly relate my success to this and I have tried to instill this quality in myself and practice it as often as possible.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Wade Joggerst
Simrik Neupane
DeleteAshley Davies
CO 300
8/5/2012
This I Believe
I can’t help but wonder how different I would be as a scholar, if I had grown up cultivating the love of learning. I realize now that my education prior to college failed me. Because I truly believe that education should teach children be taught how to think, and not what to think.
I spent 8 years of my life in a private Catholic all-girls missionary school. Needless to say, the demographics of my peers were extremely similar to my own. Our coursework was extremely well thought out, with classes emphasizing “correct” gender roles. As a 4th grader I was required to learn how to knit a little pencil bag! The homework and assignments that were given to us had very carefully selected topics. Straying too far from the suggested topics often ended up in a visit to the principal’s office, who happened to be the most unsympathetic nun you can imagine. I am by no means suggesting that school was the only means of learning for me, I mean I did grow up in a household with computers and internet .But I guess after years of believing that school was a chore, something that I needed to do in order to make my parents happy, I developed the “I am too cool for school” mentality as a teenager. Simply put, I wasn’t a particularly curious student. I did what I needed to do to pass my classes with decent grades. Nothing more, nothing less. At that time I didn’t realize I, but this overly structured education had a long-term effect on me. When I came to college, I didn’t know what I wanted to study, mostly because I had never been interested in school; it had always been a chore to me. But as I ventured though my first year, I took a class that I can honestly say changed by entire outlook on learning, knowledge, and education. It was called Asian American History, ETST 252, taught by my favorite teacher thus far, Dr. Kim, a lanky Korean man with the most dynamic personality, brilliant sense of humor, and most of all, an exceptionally curious mind. This class taught me about the darkest events in American history. But it also taught me about the glorious times when the Chinese laborers along with Irishmen build the transcontinental railroad. It taught me about the Japanese babies that were born in the Internment Camps during World War II. And it taught me about the lifelong commitment of Gordon Hirabayashi, my personal hero, to attain justice. It fueled my curiosity to learn about the alternative history that I had never learned about before. But most of all,this class taught me that learning is anything but boring.
Currently, I have 2 majors and 2 minors. Everything that I learn makes me what to learn more. I want to learn about tribal laws and international law too. I want to learn about the development of English language, and I want to learn Chinese. I want to learn about Marxism, and I also want to learn about second wave Feminism. How could I possibly make up of mind to learn about one thing, when there is a world full of so many things to learn about? I seem to face a completely different set of problems now than the ones I faced before coming to college. While before I was an uninterested kid, I am now a kid at a candy store and I want it all!
Stephen Enger
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO300-021
829496879
Preparedness
I can remember that first day of high school and college. They both started out about the same, I was just as scared as everyone else. It was an exciting time in my life, but still I did not want the old times to end. We were meeting new kids, farther away from home, and lost to the ways that would make us better equipped to handle these situations. We had been put out of comfort zones, but still got to go home at 3:07 every afternoon and see our parents, siblings, and our own houses or got to chill in our dorms in the new place we were calling home. I was no exception to the rule. I was just an average kid struggling with the pressures of growing up and trying to look cool around my classmates at school. I had no responsibilities or care’s to hold me down, just carefree until my freshman year of college. College can be a very stressful time for freshman students. New students are getting tossed into an essentially “rule less” part of life where they are responsible for making time to study, feeding themselves, and when it is appropriate to go out during the week or on the weekend. High schools are doing their best to give students the base they need for the next level, but some improvement is needed.
In primary school, students are trained to memorize facts and regurgitate the information back on tests. College uses different methods of testing that involves critical thinking and thinking out of the box. These variances may not seem like they would matter that much, but the preparation needed for these types of critical thinking tests is a much different and difficult process. Students need to be taught these kinds of skills before they enter the next step in their lives. This may be college, work, or another option, but being able to think critically is important in any of these choices in order to be successful in life.
I think that by giving students more responsibility and by holding schools accountable for the maturation of their students we could lower the amount of dropouts at both the high school and college level. Also by changing the focus of learning from facts to critical thinking students could start their college or career days on the right foot. Schools at all levels are doing their best to teach students the important skills needed to have successful and fruitful lives. With a small amount of alteration to the methods used in teaching, I believe educational institutions can prepare students for the many different facets of life.
Charlie Mathews
ReplyDeleteProfessor Davies
CO 300.036
31 August 2012
The Value of Art
I have been alive for nineteen years. For the most part, the time I have spent living has been rather dull. I have not experienced anything overtly tragic, I have no remarkable talents and I am not terribly interesting. However, it should be noted that I am incredibly passionate about music. I believe music and art should be a vital component of every person’s education. Unfortunately, I am also the sort of person that is easily inspired by horribly cliché quotes one might find on the wall of a high school band room. Berthold Auerbach, a German poet, author and visionary creator of overused expressions, once declared, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” I find this quote particularly useful because my life is especially dusty.
In my humble opinion, music is a really beautiful gift that is capable of transforming the spirit and cultivating the mind. Years before I was an awkward college student, I was an awkward middle school student whose time was mostly spent avoiding physical activity and worrying about acne. My parents, anxious to expand my area of interest, decided to enroll me in band. Their decision had an enormous impact on my life because music taught me to recognize beauty and appreciate what lies beyond the surface. The best musicians are able to reach past what lies on the page in order to summon thrilling visions of grandeur or feelings of infinite sorrow. This is my long-winded way of saying I really liked band. For a kid who genuinely thought school was a major drag, learning about music was nothing short of mind-blowing. Band has not only taught me the importance of playing an instrument and making music, but band also inculcated crucial values and habits into my young mind. An excellent musical ensemble and positive learning environment promotes creativity, teamwork, maturity, discipline and a greater sense of culture and history. Plus, playing the tuba made me really popular. If the purpose of schooling is to expand one’s understanding of life and knowledge, band was without a doubt the most important part of my formal education.
In this era, many students graduate from schools with music programs that are underfunded or nonexistent, which makes me wonder how teachers are ever going to reach misguided, acne-coated students like me. Math and the sciences are inarguably valuable, but only the arts are able to show a student his unlimited value and potential. People who live unsuspecting and average lives can look to art as a reason to appreciate life and its beauty. Music education gave me a sense of purpose and belonging at an age when I was without a voice or an identity. At the same time, it taught me valuable skills and life lessons. While it might once again sound terribly cliché, music has taught me that each person has his own unique song to sing.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance
Alyssa Eckley
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300.036
3 September 2012
Hand in Hand
When I graduated high school in 2003, I left not really knowing what I wanted for my future. I lacked the organization and the confidence to apply to Colorado State University (CSU) so I opted for Front Range Community College instead. There I took a myriad of classes that didn’t relate to one another and were a smattering of many interests I had at the time. I took a strong liking to acting and theatre, but after an adventure to New York City to pursue a specialized education at an acting school, I became scared out of my wits of the overwhelming city I needed to find a better fit for me…
I returned to Colorado looking for something new and found it. I started culinary school and stumbled upon a great match. This school focused on the actual experience of cooking and appealed less to theory and formal study. I had not experienced an educational format like this; it was rigorous and difficult. Here concepts were given in small doses and there was little time to memorize them because as soon as they were given to me, I then had to demonstrate them immediately in my cooking. One amazing perk to studying at this school was I got to visit France for a month. The majority of my time there was interning at a high-end restaurant in Avignon. Again concepts were only just presented and I was expected (despite language barriers) to perform under the pressures of a real kitchen and solidify the knowledge I carried with me. Jump now to 2008 and I again want to return to school. Why?
My passion for cooking is undying but there was still something missing. I discovered that there is more to cooking than just what is found in a pantry or walk-in cooler, I needed to learn the beginning of food. I enrolled again at Front Range Community College and took some introductory classes and started to eliminate core classes of my list of things to do before I transferred to CSU. In the spring of 2010 I finally made my way to the university and continued on my path to learn the science of farming. There I had to get used to the formal education structure of lectures, studying, exams, and papers. Unable to shake my need for applying my knowledge directly I was able to intern on CSU’s organic farm two summers in a row and add an internship my final semester. I have been extending my knowledge of food in the Horticulture program at CSU and with that I have not let go of an essential element to education, the hands on experience. I believe that immediate opportunities to apply knowledge fortify and enrich what is being learned in the classroom. The two teaching (or learning) styles will always go hand in hand for me and I will seek them through out my future and pass them on.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Alyssa Eckley
One Teacher Made All The Difference
ReplyDeleteLike most 14-15 year olds, I was starting high school, except I was moving to a different state. I had trouble making friends, especially with people who made good decisions. Eventually by my junior year, I told myself that I needed something better than this. I dropped most of my friends who were involved in drama, drugs, alcohol, and smoking, and started to figure out what I wanted.
Without friends, school wasn’t any fun and I became to withdraw from people. No one seemed to notice since I was getting good grades in my class, participating in sports, and being respectful. I didn’t enjoy starting conversations and I was feeling depressed, so I ended up staring at my notes.
About halfway through the first semester, in my chemistry class, Mr. Gainley pulled me aside to talk to me. I was kind of scared, thinking that I was in trouble, and had begun thinking about what I possibly could’ve done wrong.
To my surprise, the words that came out of his mouth were, “Is everything alright? You don’t seem to have as much energy and you aren't talking as much in class. Is everything alright at home? If you need anything you can always talk to me.”
I stood there listening to his words carefully. He sounded like he really cared, not about my academic wellbeing, but my emotional one. I told him no I was fine and genuinely smiled.
After that, I started paying more attention to class and I would go to the classroom at lunch every day, even when I was no longer in his class. He would ask how I was doing and tell me about his family, especially what his adorable daughter Sydney did that week. One time he told me how Sydney was going through a Jonas brother phase and wanted to marry all of them. We would end up laughing and having fun.
The fact that he cared about me as an individual, really impacted my life from that moment on. I started to enjoy school and fell in love with chemistry. Because I started to become interested in chemistry, I took an AP chemistry class, joined Science Bowl and Science Olympiad, just to learn more about it. I made lifelong friends in the class and clubs who love science as much as I do.
Even after high school, Mr. Gainley still affects me. I asked him about advice on deciding a major, which is how I started chemical engineering. I still email him every now and then to say hi, just to let him know how thankful I am.
I believe having a caring teacher, who sees a student as an individual and forms a personal connection to them, can make education a better learning experience and inspire the student to achieve. I don’t know if Gainley remembers my life changing moment, but it has changed me for the better.
By Crystal Jager
Allison Welter
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO300.036
September 4, 2012
This I Believe
When I paint the picture of my childhood, I use dark colors. I can list the reasons, the experiences, and the life-defining moments that splatter across my canvas, in fact, I have done this. They are not what make my life compelling.
I put my canvas out in the sun one afternoon and as the rays lightened the shades a bit, I could see clearly the grace that stopped the paint from seeping through to the next page: my education. Not just any education, though. I can pinpoint teachers that developed in me a sense of efficacy for my future. My advanced placement language teacher when I was 16 and 17, my geometry, algebra, and trigonometry teacher when I was 14, 16, and 17, and my middle school block of teachers that guided my through my eighth grade year all pushed me to challenge myself, to channel my energies into school when my alternatives were addiction, self-harm, apathy, or utter failure. Though my exceptional grades never seemed to bring any exceptional change to my personal life, I could sense the path I was creating. It was my escape route.
One moment in particular stands out. At parent teacher conferences, an especially invested teacher of mine, Mrs. Brannon, gushed about my accomplishments. I blushed, I cringed. I was unable to accept a compliment. Mrs. Brannon, noticing my reaction, explained that too often people are dismissive of even small compliments. When someone compliments an outfit, we are compelled to reply with a qualifying statement, like “oh, this old thing?” She inquired: “What would happen if you just said thank you?”
I reflected on this for a moment.
From her simple statement I drew her underlying meaning. What if I took pride in my accomplishments instead of diminishing the gifts and talents that I worked so hard to hone and apply? In turn, what would happen if I recognized that while I was seldom good enough for those around me, I could be good enough for me?
She saved my life.
I believe that good teaching is a collaboration of individual investment, unconditional love, and unquestioning acceptance. School provided me the opportunity to channel my negative energy to produce a positive outcome. My teachers made the difference, though. Many of my peers faced my same struggles, but they were not able to overcome the deep blacks, grays, and blues of their canvases. They went to the same school, but they did not receive the investment they so desperately needed. It takes more than just an individual familiar with course materials to make a difference.
My teachers were smart. My teachers were experienced. My teachers had boundless qualifications. My teachers also believed me in until I could believe in myself. Today, I can prime my canvas and create a masterpiece because my teachers gave me the bright colors I needed to start over.
Brooke Bandemer
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300
5 September 2012
Originality lacks behind the classroom walls. Everything seems to be the same curriculum and strategies as to how and what students are supposed to be learning. This negative attitude and boring atmosphere can put a real damper on something that is supposed to be fun and interesting. Education is something everyone should want to obtain and enjoy their time doing so.
In high school, I went through the required three years of learning a second language, Spanish. Although I don’t want to discredit my teacher, he just wasn’t very good at teaching a second language. I learned the alphabet, numbers, some vocab, and basic conjugation through textbook exercises and homework. Unfortunately I never became comfortable with openly speaking Spanish. The in-class practices that my teacher had us do were not very helpful for learning how to actually speak the language. Luckily, the spring break of my last year in Spanish, I travelled to Mexico with my family.
I thought I had learned enough to understand some of the Spanish I was taught; once I arrived in Mexico, I realized how mistaken I was. While in Fisherman’s Village, just south of Playa del Carmen, I met a friend, Sophia, who was fluent in both Spanish and English. With her vibrant Spanish sense of culture, she brought me around the city, running me around her favorite stores and chatting with people in the streets. I was able to pick out words and phrases that I understood, but the biggest shock was being in a place where I didn’t understand anything going on around me because of the Spanish-English language barrier.
We sat down for lunch and Sophia continued to speak Spanish while I shook my head in confusion as to what she was saying. She told me to try talking only in Spanish, so I began my practiced greetings. Sophia laughed at some of my formal vocabulary, so she started teaching me words that are more commonly used. She also began teaching me phrases that were easy to remember and useful for services in restaurants and shops. Some of the things that my teacher taught me in class were outdated and too formal for interacting with common people. Sophia worked patiently with me as I stumbled over the uncomfortable words coming out of my mouth. She was actually able to teach me something valuable to use in Mexico.
I believe the knowledge we receive from experiences outside of the classroom is the best type of education. Getting out of the classroom to actually use the things we have learned something. We remember learning through personal experiences more than doing the same kinds of classwork and homework. That may be helpful for learning how to excel on grades, but it doesn’t help when it’s outside of the classroom. Some of these experiences are made through mistakes, but learning from mistakes is some of the best education as well. Therefore, learning outside of the classroom is a valuable lesson that should be a part of any education.
Jessica Link
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO300.036
Field Trips to Everywhere
I believe in educational experiences outside of the classroom as a tool for students to successfully connect concepts to the surrounding world. Taking class field trips and planning other events that take place away from the traditional classroom setting has opened my eyes academic ally and allowed me to make connections to be successful in many areas of my life.
I’ve found that I am able to remember many details from such experiences that I can recall in many different classes and subjects. There’s something about looking forward to class for a change and having entirely new experiences that really sticks in your brain. The fact that I could gain some cultural insight and knowledge as a foundation, rather than learning it later on, has enabled me to stay informed about what is going on, as well as connect these things to the approved curriculums.
As a high school student I chose to take an advanced course of European history, literature, and humanities. While we covered a lot of material and the coursework was often demanding, including term papers deemed “epochs”, it was my favorite class. Near the end of the last semester of my senior year, my advanced humanities class took the ultimate field trip. We started our day by touring several different churches. We visited a Greek orthodox church, an old catholic church, and a few others. This was particularly interesting because most of us had not been very familiar with the practices of other religions. We studied the architecture, the artwork, and listened to the clergymen talk about the different congregations. Later we visited the museum of modern art and walked around the capital building before heading to the main event.
As a student in the 21st century, the opera sounded like it would be very unappealing. I had pictured large, ugly women singing pitches that would be unbearable to my ears. I couldn’t have been more wrong and I’m grateful for the opportunity of attending. The costumes were elaborate and the Italian words flowed out of each performer’s mouth with no effort at all. Even though I didn’t speak Italian, the story told itself. I also picked up a few words here and there from by background in Spanish classes, which has also helped me tremendously outside of school, including times at my job.
These experiences have a lasting impression. I even received a scholarship after I was chosen because of an essay I wrote about attending the Colorado State University cadaver lab as a high school anatomy student. I remember taking about Kafka in my humanities class, and then I later connected that to a psychology concept. I feel like more of a well-rounded student and one who is able to make decisions about what to study. I believe in out of the classroom learning. It provides a break from the norm and allows teachers the opportunity to teach differently and more effectively. These experiences will help students make real world connections and be successful in many areas.
JD McCay
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300-006
4 Sep 2012
I believe in working at the mine.
That's what everybody in my home town does if they don't go to college, and the coal mine was the last place I wanted to go. I saw my father give up his dreams at that place. I didn't want to give up my dreams. I didn't want to make the types of sacrifices he did, so I went to college instead.
I received a fair amount of scholarships in high school, so I really didn't have to get a job my first year of college. My plan was to skate through school with a few part-time minimum-wage jobs during the summer, and spend the rest of the year getting the “college experience.” I saw no reason to get a job when class was in session, and sacrifice all of the fun times I could have had in school. Of course, that sort of mentality didn’t last much longer after I ran out of money to pay for school.
At this point, I realized how much I had slacked in my work at school, and had all but destroyed my dreams of graduating from college. If I ever wanted to go to school again, I had to get a job that paid really well. Unfortunately, the only job I found that payed well enough to cover tuition was one doing ecological restoration for the coal mine. Please take a moment to consider the blatant situational irony of my predicament.
Every morning for the rest of the summer, somewhere between the second and third rooster’s crow, I would drag myself out of bed and go to work. Between the 50-pound straw bales and the 60-pound backpack-style weed sprayers, I couldn’t help but think about all of the other activities I gave up that a 19 year old kid like myself would rather do during his summer. Nonetheless, I gave up these things because I wanted to go back to school more than anything in the world.
As autumn approached, however, I had a sudden revelation regarding the rest of my college career. I began to realize how much I appreciated what I had; and, because of the sacrifices I made, how thankful I was to have the opportunity to go to college. I hit the books, lightened up on the “college experience” and found a job to occupy my free time between classes. I did these things because I realized at some point we all have to make sacrifices in order to appreciate what we have. At some point, we all have to work at the mine.
JD McCay
Kristin Gipson
ReplyDeleteInstructor Ashley Davies
CO-300-006 Writing Arguments
2 September 2012
This I believe
I anticipated this particular day all throughout summer vacation. Despite the relaxation of a lazy afternoon, sleeping in only to then wake up laughing with Sponge Bob, and the energizing chill of the local neighborhood pool, I knew as the new school year approached, accompanied was the exciting school supply shopping splurge that would take place at Target. I excitedly walked through the isles, carefully reaching for the most beautiful eye catching Crayola Markers that I could see. I added them to the cart full of writing paper, mechanical pencils, BIC Pens, Elmer’s Glue and a ruler, these items, I had already elected for my upcoming school year. The most prized possession of all, the one I most eagerly and vigilantly had selected however, was my backpack. I knew by the abstract design that displayed on the front that on any given day I would know exactly where to find my property among the other students’ belongings. My backpack, it stuck out among the rest. It defined my interest in art by illuminating a complicated yet simple sketch throughout the pockets, and the purple stitching that lined the zippers only made it that much more pronounced. I would proudly display my backpack as I walked through the classroom on the first day of school, this I was sure of. There was no question; no hesitation and certainly no price tag that would separate my sense of entitlement to my carefully selected backpack. The realization that something as typical, even quite as obvious pertaining to the connection of my education, as my backpack, could regrettably be taken for granted as others may not be as privileged.
Sadly, many children do not experience the pride and essential connection towards their education when they do not possess the necessary school supplies, specifically their own backpack each school year.
I believe that all children deserve to pursue their education without an immediate barrier presented the first day of class, when they walk into a classroom empty handed.
I believe every child deserves the dignity of possessing their own backpack each school year.
Something as every day to the fortunate, may seem unfamiliar and as a luxury when speaking of the less providential and underprivileged children in each school. There is a sense of embarrassment that these particular children face, as they instantly fall short of the required expectations of a student. They long for a sense of similarity among their fellow classmates and peers, yet this impression is nonexistent. For these children their identity is not secure, as their self-image is less than par. These disappointing attributes correlate directly with how unlikely they are to succeed with confidence when instructed to complete their first assignment. Something imperative to consider is the principle that through self-poise brings developed coursework. The idea that owning necessary school supplies particularly a backpack, allows children the opportunity to engage in their education without a predisposition.
Kristin Gipson
Allyson Moreno
ReplyDeleteAugust 30, 2012
CO 300.006
Ashley Davies
I believe in an interactive education
Walking into my first college biology class of my freshmen year of college was a very intimidating thought. There were easily three hundred students all piled into one room to learn the same thing as myself. The professor starts off with lecture on plant cells. It is then that I realized I am one of the few who have little idea of what she is going on about. This is the struggle I go through every day because of my former education.
I am now a junior in college and classes are getting harder every semester. However, with the help of great professors, teaching assistants and tutors, I get through every semester a little more successfully, but the gaps in my earlier education still come back to haunt me.
I have since taken advantage of all different forms of help through the university. I have attended study groups, office hours, and seen tutors, however the best learning experiences I have had, have been through interactive classes. Working with my peers and getting their feedback on projects and even homework assignments, has been extremely beneficial to my educational growth. I have made it a habit to regularly study with friends who are knowledgeable on subjects that I do not excel in. I have had great success with subjects such as math and science because I have not been afraid to take advantage of my peers to gain more knowledge on difficult topics.
I believe that everyone should have an interactive education. I attended a traditional public school in a small town in northern California until my fourth grade year. That was when it was decided that I should be homeschooled for the rest of my grade school education. My mom took on the role as my teacher, tutor and peer. I did not realize how much I was being “held back” in my knowledge until my first day of college when I realized I really did not know much at all. I believe that all students whether they are homeschooled or attend a public or private school should be given the access to peers, tutors, textbooks and teachers to help with their individual educational growth. I know that I am very grateful for all the help I have received in the past three years to expand my mind and to slowly fill the gaps I have struggled with. I am by no means an outgoing person, however stepping out of my comfort zone and taking charge to do well in my education has been the best thing I have done for myself. I believe that if students take advantage of their peers and teachers while they have the resources to do so they will exceed their own expectations and do very well in their education.
CO300.06
ReplyDeleteHalle Milne
Ashley Davies
Buying my books second semester of freshman year I was shocked over the hundreds of dollars I spent. One book in particular stood out to me as outrageous, it was my chemistry text book that was over one hundred dollars. I couldn’t understand how this was a realistic price for a student to pay. I stayed calm by thinking that the books would be a great tool to me and when the time for buying books back comes around I wouldn’t be out so much money.
I find it hard to wrap my head around the fact that a college education is so unaffordable for most people today. It is often pointed out that the youth are America’s future, if this is true wouldn’t it be beneficial for everyone to receive an education beyond High School. As the economy has plummeted many teachers have been let go and many classroom resources have been cut, but one thing increases and that is tuition and books. It doesn’t seem right to charge more for potentially worse quality.
Being a student myself I do see the importance of having an education and I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity I have been. That being said I can’t help but think of other people who would do anything to go to a university but it just isn’t in their family’s budget. I know there are scholarships to pay for school but I envision a school where we no longer worry about money. I believe in affordable college education to enable more people to attend.
Looking back on my second semester of freshman year I know that my books were a huge part of my success. I know if I hadn’t spent the money I would have been behind in all of my classes. I do understand the need for books and other school supplies but with a more affordable path there could be other things the money could go to, like hands on experience.
If college was more affordable just think of how amazing the world would be. With everyone being given the same opportunity to learn and thrive my generation could solve serious world problems like global warming or a cure for cancer. I believe in affordable college education to enable more people to attend.
Lani Salas
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO300.006
Procrastination at Its Best
Procrastination is a bad and horrible habit, to pick up, but by applying study skills and tips I believe that one can learn to manage any type of workload.
It was the first day of school, and my first class was American History at 8 o’ clock in the morning. As us teenagers walked in the classroom with zombie eyes and wearing our best outfits our teacher, Mr. Wilbur, was patiently waiting for all his students to sit down in their assigned desks. When I arrived at my desk, there was a two page syllabus lying there for my weary eyes to read. In high school, no one ever reads the syllabus but for some reason teachers thought it was important for their students to have. About 15 percent of each class ever read them. Mr. Wilbur started off the class with the usual routine of policies, attendance, and what the semester would be like during the fall of 2007. He then paused and said “There will be a big assignment at the end of the semester. You have ALL semester to do it, which means you have exactly 8 weeks to research, outline, draft, and final draft your five page essay on one historical event in American history,” My class looked at Wilbur as if he was crazy to assign us a five page paper, but we all just sat and accepted the fact that this was a requirement.
As weeks went on, I never once picked up the syllabus to see how I would organize the way I was going to write my paper. I instead, would watch T.V when I got home, or during the weekends I would rather go out to movies with my friends. In my mind writing a dumb paper about some event that occurred years ago wasn’t my own concern, I still had 3 weeks to do it. Those 3 weeks went by quick, and it left me in a world of overwhelming work. I then had one whole week to pick a topic, contruct a thorough outline, go to the library, gather up information on my event and then somehow write five pages worth information. In a panic I just began to write random information down that I thought would best fit into my paper. I wasn’t happy with the overall work but hey at least it was something.
I turned my paper, which needed a lot of revision, since it was only my first draft. Mr. Wilbur accepted my paper and a week later he tossed my paper in my face and it had a large “C” on the top of my title page.
From that day forward, I told myself that instead of wasting 30 minutes of my life on TV I can prioritize my schedule and make a study plan to get homework done in a timely fashion.
Kaitlin Hagemeyer
DeleteProfessor Davies
CO 300-36
“This I Believe”
Memorization Doesn’t Equal Learning?
I once thought that accumulating good grades while in school meant that an individual was smart. I entered my freshman year of high school with that same notion and started memorizing information to get high grades. I wanted to be one of the smart students after all. I succeeded in reaching my goal of receiving A’s on almost every assignment I completed, but after the first few months of school I stumbled upon a revelation. Maybe I wasn’t necessarily becoming any more intelligent than I started out as. I now believe that lasting knowledge should be valued just as highly as achieving honorable grades.
I first realized that I was approaching school and what it meant to be a high achiever in a very close minded and simple way, thanks largely in part to my older brother. My brother Jordan was watching a TV show on the History Channel about a war one Saturday; and although I’d never watched the History Channel on my own free will, I sat down and watched with him. Although I knew of the war I was surprised by the facts they were introducing. I started asking my brother questions to help me gain a better understanding of what was being said. He turned to me looking more confused than I did and said, “I thought your class just learned about this in history. Why don’t you know any of this?” I couldn’t give him an answer why I didn’t know.
That embarrassing moment caused me to reevaluate my stance on education and my current system of learning. It caused me to take a step back and ask myself if I wanted to appear smart on the surface by continuing to memorize or if I wanted to take my time and actually learn. There will come a day when I won’t be a student anymore and what will I be left with? A good looking transcript with no more intelligence than what I came into started with, or a great deal of knowledge and skills that could take me anywhere I want to go in life? I decided to choose knowledge.
Genuinely learning can be hard to master, but the whole point of education is to expand one’s mind, abilities and life skills. Grades are a part of that package and are very central on students’ minds especially when it comes to getting accepted to college or a graduate program. I know that was the case for me, but after that fall Saturday I reinvented my learning and study habits. I still had my sights set on A’s, but I took my time to really absorb the information set before me. I didn’t just skim the assigned textbook to find the answer and write it down anymore. I read it to gain a better understanding of the topic as a whole. I no longer just tried for the A; I tried to become a more educated individual. I then began to reach the full potential of my learning abilities.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Kaitlin Hagemeyer
What does education mean? For many people the word education conjures up images of textbooks, classrooms, and schools. I believe that the most important education come from outside the class room. The education that I value the most came not from a book or lecture, but from the experiences I have had in the world. They have allowed me to see and interact with the world in ways I could not have imagined before.
ReplyDeleteJust a few short weeks after my nineteenth birthday, while many of my friends were well on their way in their college classes, I left the United States for the first time. Fresh from Basic Training the Army decided I was to spend a year in South Korea. I arrived with apprehensions not only for my military duties but for the unknown of an entirely new and different culture. I quickly fell in with my platoon, carrying heavy things, running, being wet and cold, and getting yelled at are all pretty easy to figure out regardless of the country you are in, but I was aching most to know more about my host country. I did not know how much more I was going to learn.
It was on my weekend passes that my education started. Sergeant Kim, one of the Korean soldiers in my platoon took me on the two hour journey by bus and train to Seoul for the first time and it was Seoul (and its’ bars) that would become my classroom for the next year. Seoul is huge, having a population of over ten million people. This was an eye opener to me, a kid from the mountains of Colorado who thought of Denver as having a lot of people. More than just huge Seoul is an international city with people from all around the world living there and unbeknownst to them they would be my teachers.
In Seoul’s restaurants I learned to appreciate the spicy sour crunchiness of kimchi and other flavors I had never had. Over friendly pints of beer and too many shots of soju talking with Canadians and Ausies I learned friendship can transcend different views. Watching a Korean Guns N Roses cover band head banging I learned you can find commonality in the strangest places. Trying to flirt with some cute Korean college girls with only a few phrases of their language I learned how to get rejected with a few giggles. Throughout the year all the small seemingly innocuous lessons made me realize the complexities of people and cultures that are lost in texts and lectures. Understanding the complexities is key to an open mind, to be able to take new views and practices as an opportunity to explore rather than to shun. This is the education I value most.
Daniel Ward
Sarah Scully
ReplyDeleteMs. Ashley Davies
CO 300.36
September 5th, 2012
As I walk through the crowded university halls and into classrooms full of hundreds of people, I feel lost and insecure. Everything feels so big and I feel small and foreign in my new school. I search for relief from these feeling of insecurity and find it within the walls of the smaller classrooms. I find comfort and inspiration in these rooms because I feel a stronger connection with my teachers and classmates. I truly feel that my learning experience is enhanced with these small classes.
When I first to enrolled in college, I felt nervous about returning to an academic environment. It had been years since I had taken classes, but I put my fears aside and applied to an inner city school in Pittsburgh. I had heard about stadium sized classrooms, full of hundreds of students and felt discomfort at the thought of being reduced to a name on the roster. I walked into my first class and felt relieved that it was so small. There were only enough seats for 20 people and I felt comfort in knowing that I had a chance to be an individual. My teacher came into the room, introduced himself, and encouraged us to do the same. I began to feel like we were a group of individuals who had the opportunity to interact with each other and not just a group of students trying to get through the semester. I have always been shy, but in that classroom, I felt comfortable enough to ask questions and offer my own opinions. That was something I had never been able to do and that comfort gave me the opportunity to learn more.
I continued with my education and excelled in these small classes. Not only did I do well academically, but I established relationships with my classmates. I tutored them in math, gave them impromptu chemistry quizzes, and most importantly, learned with them. I also listened to their stories. I listened to mothers who wanted to give their families better lives, to young women struggling in remedial math and hoping to someday become nurses, and to men who refused to become products of their environment. These experiences are unique and they enabled me to see my classmates as individuals who were part a team. I wanted them to succeed because I understood where they were coming from and how hard they had worked to get there.
I believe that smaller class sizes provide more meaningful learning experiences. They make it possible to build relationships and they offer a sense of community. Sometimes you even learn things in the classroom that are not part of the curriculum and those experiences can reinvent your perception of others. When we are given the chance to interact with one another, we are able to be gain more than a grade. Not only do these classes inspire to me to learn as part of a team, but they have taught me to see others as individuals.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Samantha Schaub
ReplyDeleteAshley Davis
CO 300
“This I Believe”
I believe in self-directed learning. My unique schooling experiences have had an incredible impact on who I am today. My schooling background includes going to public school, being homeschooled, a school dedicated to self-initiated learning, charter school, and eventually dropping out of high school. I then went to community college at sixteen and am now attending Colorado State University with a clear path towards veterinary medicine.
I believe my non-traditional education has given me a fresh perspective on learning. I know what “I want to be when I grow up," whereas many of my peers aren’t sure. Not being forced to learn things I was uninterested in for my entire childhood gave me an opportunity to think for myself. My parents played an incredible role by giving me their trust and support to make these important decisions on my own.
Though we were not farmers, it was important to my family to be connected to nature and the outdoors. I grew up on thirteen acres with a pond, five cows, donkeys next door, and an abundance of Texas wildlife. My dad enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he would sometimes shoot snakes and predatory birds that would eat the stocked fish from the pond. Always having an interest in biology, I was fascinated with getting a closer look at these animals that you would only see a fleeting glimpse of normally. My parents noticed my captivation with the anatomy of the animals and, being homeschooled, they encouraged me to perform a dissection. One time, my father shot a snake thinking it was venomous. During the dissection we found another snake inside of it--a highly poisonous water moccasin--which taught us that the type of snake he shot was actually beneficial to have around. Another time, he shot a couple of cormorant birds that were eating many of the stocked fish. I was engrossed with the internal anatomy of the birds, just as I had been with the snake.
When I attended The Brazos Valley Sudbury School I was allowed to decide what I wanted to learn, when, and how. I spent a lot of time researching the perfect environment for a tropical fish tank we had, as part of a school club that focused on living plants and animals. Being a part of the club, combined with my homeschooling experiences, I discovered I wanted to work with animals forever. Being able to work outside and with animals allowed me to further develop my passion.
I would not be the passionately curious person that I am today if I had attended a traditional school my whole life. Many children spend a large portion of their adolescence in the classroom, being told what to do, when to talk, what to think, and what’s important in life, like cattle through a shoot, but because I was allowed to freely explore my interests through self-directed learning, I have found my calling and am well on my way.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized material or assistance.
-Samantha Schaub
Kimberly Johnson
DeleteAshley Davies
CO 300-21
"This I Believe"
Coping with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder made high school an especially trying time for me. I wandered hallways and in and out of classrooms. While I was physically present I found it difficult to keep my mind from focusing on the flashbacks and thoughts of what would be waiting for me when I arrived home. The approach taken by many of my teachers at the time was to lecture in a monotone and classroom activities did not captivate me or pull my mind out of my hyper aroused fearful state and into the present to participate. I was constantly looking over my shoulder and afraid for my safety everywhere I went even when I didn’t know what I was afraid of. The disinterested and lifeless attitude toward teaching that all but two of my instructors took was not conducive to my benefiting from my time at school.
The two instructors in my high school that differed from this ineffective method were Mr. Versoi, my mathematics instructor, and Mrs. Lackey, the instructor who oversaw my advisement and school store independent study course. They managed to make me feel safe, focused, and confident while in school and after some time I began feeling that way more outside of school as well. Mrs. Lackey shared that she was forced into being independent at a young age and took a headstrong approach to her studies to achieve great things. Mr. Versoi told all of his students that he had gone through hell thus far in life but as a result was a smart, funny, caring and supportive person. Both teachers offered to listen to, tutor, or supply students with any resources they may need in order to succeed inside the classroom and out.
I was not the only student who took Mr. Versoi and Mrs. Lackey up on their offers for support and tutoring. These two classrooms were safe havens for me which I found to be crucial while seeking treatment for my post-traumatic stress disorder. I took advantage of both teachers’ wisdom, opened up about my problems at home and each instructor helped me find the resources that have made an incredible positive impact in my life. By providing a safe, interactive, lighthearted, and caring learning environment I was able to maintain satisfactory grades and learn valuable coping skills during a turbulent time in my life. I am now well into my sophomore year with a declared major at a university and am doing remarkably better with my post-traumatic stress disorder than I was in high school and I know this is in huge part to do with my instructor’s dedication.
The innovative teaching styles Mr. Versoi and Mrs. Lackey practiced provided a supportive learning environment that is crucial to the success of students especially when they are having a difficult time otherwise. Engaging and supportive teachers make school a stimulating and safe learning environment key for students receiving maximum benefit from the educational experience; this I believe.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Kimberly Johnson
Colin Durkee
ReplyDeleteCO-300
Ashley Davies
This I Believe
Try Harder, Fly Higher
Growing up never required me to do much, as a matter of fact I never thought about things like school very often. I would say that most of the time I even took advantage of it. I used to just go to school because that’s what my parents wanted me to do and I knew that is what I was supposed to do. I kind of coasted through most of grade school, doing my own thing sometimes and going to school the rest of the time. I was content being just an average student, that way I didn’t upset my parents and I could still go have fun with my friends.
Going through school with nothing to strive for is like shooting fish in a barrel, it’s pointless. I learned after many years of coasting through school that, yeah it might be more fun to go out with friends and just blow off school, but in the long run it is much better to think about what you really want. I remember a time in highschool when I made a decision that changed me. I was hanging with some friends one day and one of my friends decided that he wanted to skip class and go out to the lake for the day and have some fun. He convinced me and another friend of ours to join along. We went out to the lake for the day and had a ton of fun hiking, fishing, and swimming. I get to school that next day and find out that I had missed a test in one of my classes that previous day, but I didn’t think it was too big of a deal. Well at the end of the semester I ended up getting a 58% in the class which meant I didn’t pass. I knew that if I didn’t skip class that one day, that I wouldn’t have had to retake the class.
No retaking a class isn’t a huge deal, but there are other things in life after school that you don’t get to do over again when you mess up. Things like that can be easily avoided though through smart decision making.
I believe that having goals in life, and especially as a student is very important because if you have goals to strive for you will ultimately be more successful as a student. I know that if I had made more goals for myself throughout school, that I could have been much more successful later in life. It’s all a part of the decisions we make. So try harder and fly higher.
Connor Lawrence
ReplyDeleteCO 300 - 006
Ashley Davies
I Believe
The classroom was a roar; some students listening to music, others looking at their phones, most in conversation, but it class didn’t truly start for another 5 minutes. The teacher wasn’t even there yet, but the door opened gently and the teacher, Elliot, walked in. He wanted us to call him by his first name, to set a more comfortable environment in the classroom. Of course in his hand was the trademark XL mug, not filled with coffee, but one of his many homegrown teas. On his chin engraved was a gnarly scar from his rebellious skateboarding days. The moment he would walk in all attention would turn to him, and he would without a word, peacefully walk to his desk, lay down his old tattered leather briefcase. Stroll to the front of the room, and write the daily idea or topic we would reflect on in our journals – all without usually saying a word. The class would hush down and start in on the work usually before the class would really start. Elliot was a very unordinary teacher in the sense that he was very calm, soft spoken yet would maintain and control the classroom like I have never encountered before or since.
It took me a while to realize that Elliot carried a certain presence with him that ultimately took control of the rambunctious situation. It was the entire show, in a sense. It was everything from his normal worn out plaid shirt, ponytail and carpenters pants, to his outrageous stories of his youth. It was almost as if he brought a Zen-like aura with him where ever he went. I thought about what truly made him different and stand out among every other teacher in my education, and that was it. It was this confidence and caring that he possessed, and it commanded the classroom. He cared for the students to learn, and what they had to say, plus he was completely comfortable with himself as this hippy-guru-like-history teacher.
I believe in the presence of a teacher. I believe in the charisma and confidence that they bring to the classroom can really act as a catalyst for learning. Regardless of background or previous experiences it is possible for any teacher to bring this to the table. I know that in that history class the final grades were pretty phenomenal across the board, and I ended up taking government and economics the next year, just because Elliot taught it. If a teacher truly believes in what they are doing, and has this sense of confidence and security people are naturally drawn into it and it gets them going.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized material or assistance.
Connor Lawrence
Cody Galbraith
ReplyDelete9/03/12
CO300 I don't know my section
Ashley Davies
This I believe…
Education for me has always been about textbooks, grades, school and classes never learning on my own or really even thinking for myself. This is what I had always been taught growing up that this is what education is, and how school is synonymous with education. After coming to college and taking on education in a new light I have started to realize something about education it is more than that. Education as I believe it is more than just grades, textbooks, classes and school but rather can help expand past that into an ever changing philosophy that is helping students like myself grow morally.
I first began to notice this change when I had my first college course which was CO150 or Composition. I went into that course thinking that I had been a decent writer through high school and I knew how to pass quizzes and write the papers the night before and still do well on the assignments. But I soon began to realize that college was completely different then something I had ever experienced in High School. I was struggling to grasp the concept that you need to actually write multiple drafts not just a paper the night before it is due hand it in and be satisfied with that. I really had a hard time all semester with that, but come to the final paper at the end of the year it hit me that I need to do well on this paper to get a good grade and do well in the class. I focused planned my paper thought everything through and actually took my time to write multiple drafts and thought I did really well and felt awesome about it. I got a C- on the paper and a C+ in the class.
But the biggest thing I took away from writing that paper was that in college you can’t just worry about the grade, but actually the process of writing the paper and developing your writing skills as you grow. Along with that I learned how to better time manage and that sometimes even if you think you are doing everything the “right” way it will not always result in a good grade. This is where my belief that education is more than just good grades and such because I learned how to write better and practice the writing process even though I did awful on the paper. This helped me grow morally and taught me the importance of taking your time when doing school work and education because it is not always about the grade in the end.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance
-Cody Galbraith
Sam Gorton
ReplyDeleteCO 300
“This I Believe”
It is my belief that education serves as a launching point for us to dive into a world of reasoning, understanding, and intellectual growth. If it is through our challenges and struggles for understanding that we grow as human beings, then education must be the most important growth factor we experience in our lives. In my experience, education has been the single most influential aspect of my understanding and personal growth. It has moved me, and it has lit a fire in me that is lighting my journey into the fray.
I have learned that it is not what you learn, but rather how you learn. I have learned numerous chapters of various disciplines, yet I could not list them all. I can tell you however, that by going to countless lectures, reading textbooks, and participating in discussions, I have learned how to learn. To me this is the importance of education and school. When we learn, we stretch our minds; we struggle with a problem until we master it. This is transferrable to any domain in our lives. What I have learned in class is not necessarily the reward. The reward to me is that I gain a deeper understanding of the world around me. I mean this in the sense that I feel more obligated to do a double take of the external world. Objectivity is the proud son of education, and I feel that learning to see things through an objective lens is in itself worth every hour and penny that comes with school.
I have found that through my experience in school I have grown in many ways. Personal convictions have come and gone, some have stayed throughout. This has not simply happened because of the passing of time or the happening of events. Like every red-blooded American, I felt strongly in my convictions. I held deep seated beliefs, I entrenched myself in the comfort of assurance. I believed that I had it all figured out to a point. Then my world was tipped upside down. This was the best thing that ever happened to me. In my first semester back in school I enrolled in a principles level philosophy class. The class was simply core curriculum filler, but had a very lasting impact. My teacher challenged us all. By doing so, he opened up a world of reason, evidence, and truth. Case after case, I was exposed to truths, beliefs, and evidence to support these. I was shown what the qualifications that a truth must endure.
I went home, class after class, and examined my life. I held my convictions up to the lens of objectivity. I vowed to examine the principles that guided me. I found that the adage is true, “a life without introspection is one not worth living.” My beliefs have been dethroned and fortified through this process. What I believe has merit, dignity, and truth, and is built upon the foundation of education. I believe in reason and understanding. I believe in education.
This I Believe
ReplyDeleteTheresa Anderson
Ashley Davies
CO 300-006
With the upcoming election, there are many rumors circulating regarding both candidates. According to some, Mitt Romney does not have a birth certificate. Others say that Obama’s plan is to convert the United States into a communist nation. My scruples regarding the election have nothing to do with who is running. My worries stem from the rumors that have been spreading like wildfire. Why are people so quick to believe anything and everything that they are told?
My senior year, I took an advanced composition and literature course. At first, I assumed that this class would be like all of my previous courses: boring, dry, uninspiring. I was nervous to turn in a paper slandering Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. I was afraid that the teacher, Mrs. Carter, would fail me for criticizing such a well-known and loved work. When I got the paper back, there was a note attached. It read “Your writing style is very different. It is not a style that I teach. It works for you, though, so keep up the good work.” I came to respect Mrs. Carter more than any other teacher I have ever had. She encouraged students to work hard, to think, to formulate their own ideas and to question information rather than accept it blindly.
After my experience with Mrs. Carter, I began to realize why I had never enjoyed my classes. None of my other teachers had ever told me that it was okay to be different. They never encouraged creativity or abstract thinking. If the students imitated the teachers’ styles, views, opinions, and ideas regarding a subject, then the student did well.
I started to think back. Had any other teacher taught me how to do anything more than memorize and imitate? If they had, they did not make a lasting impression the way Mrs. Carter did. That’s when I realized that the public education system is not teaching kids to think and create. The public education system is teaching kids to memorize and recite information. Kids learn to listen to what they are told and not to question the validity of the claims. In essence, the public education system has created a mass of automatons. People would rather be given ideas and thoughts rather than decide right and wrong for themselves.
I believe in skepticism and abstract thinking. I believe that students should be given the opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions. Classes should not be solely based off of standardized tests, but should allow students to branch off, become individuals. Most importantly, students should be taught to question other people’s claims. Students need to be taught how to see the world from many perspectives rather than just one. They need to understand that there are many ways of looking at issues and that one view is not enough. In this way, people will learn to understand others and themselves.
Raquel Lara
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300-006
This I Believe
Passionate teachers are at the heart of true knowledge. I believe that teachers can make or break us as students. Teachers have had such a big influence on my education good and bad. Throughout my whole life I moved to a different state every one to two years. As a child it was really hard for me to constantly jump around in the school system. Situations such as dealing with new kids, and new teachers was always a challenge.
One of my hardest years was when I moved to Minnesota, in the middle of my Sophomore year in high school. The town was very different from what I was used to, it was very rich and predominately white. I was used to a military school setting, so naturally I was out of my comfort zone. Because it was the middle of the school year everyone had found their group of friends making it more difficult to fit in. Most of my classes were dull and annoying with teachers who just stood in front of class droning on and on except one; my English class. Before this teacher I loathed the thought of going to English class or doing anything involving grammar or writing. His name was Mr. Torrburg. He was a crazy old man who absolutely loved the English language and everything to do with it. He made every class fun with his silly little mannerisms and idiosyncrasies but he also made it educational.
Mr. Torrburg taught us in ways that he knew would keep us in the conversation and without us falling asleep. He never assigned homework saying that we were in school long enough we did not need more at home. An automatic win for the teacher in the students eyes. He was ready to share his opinion and always tried to get us to express ours. He would rather spend the whole class discussing a chapter from the book instead of working on sentence structure.
With his class I gained more knowledge about grammar than I ever had in the past years or even to this day. I think this is true because he took the time to make sure we were understanding the material. He would stay after class to talk with you if he noticed your grades were dropping and would sit with you to figure out what was going on and to see if there was a way he could help or fix it. He cared and you could see it in the way he taught and the way he went the extra mile for his students.
Teachers have a huge part to play in our education, they inspire us, challenge us; to become better and smarter. In my opinion a passionate teacher who is not as formally educated will always do better than a stoic, bland, monotone teacher who went to Harvard. Sure we can all memorize the facts and definitions that get shoved down our throat but how long do you really retain that information? In most student cases just till the next test. How is that learning? In retrospect a teacher that is passionate about their teaching, cares about the kids, takes time for them and truly wants the kids to understand will get through to their distracted young minds.
The knowledge I gained from Mr. Torrburgs English class has stuck with me since high school because of his passion for teaching and his willingness to go the extra mile to help me. I looked forward to his class and I know other kids did do because of similar reasons. When kids enjoy going to class they are more likely to stay awake, retain information and be open for new knowledge because of the teacher. When they made it fun and took the time for us we noticed and we worked harder for them I know I personally did. Teachers have a direct affect on the way we learn in a negative and positive way. They can make the difference, if they choose to go that extra mile for us we’ll go the extra mile for them.
Mr. Torrburg took the time for me, showed that he cared and wanted me to succeed. It made a difference in my school experience there in Minnesota for the better. A teachers passion will make all the difference in the world, they are truly at the heart of true learning this I believe.
Moses J. Garza
ReplyDeleteProfessor Davies
Composition 300
29 August 2012
I Carry It With Me Everywhere I Go
One cold winter day, I was riding home with a friend of my father's from a church service, when I decided to ask him about his education and what he had received from it since he had acquired his degree. I asked him why general education was even required when ones passion would usher them through the subject specific courses of their field. His response was both enlightening and cynical. "it's just a piece of paper Moses, but it shows others your determination. You show you are capable of surpassing difficult odds and challenges in order to pursue that which matters to you. The PhD shows your discipline and courage. But it's just a piece of paper". At first I felt angry. Then I began to understand what he meant.
Every spring, college graduates receive a piece of paper as a representation of an education earned over years of sleepless nights, early mornings, stressful days, parties, classes, and grades. They gain a title but what do they truly walk away with? I believe my education is more than just a piece of paper. My personal experience about school has been extremely eye opening. As I have come through this college experience at 24 plus years of age, I clearly recall what I am learning and love to further expand my knowledge. I believe that college is an essential tool for teaching one how to think and not just what to think. Seeing a new perspective enriches my view of living. I do not enjoy homework, nor the grading system, however I do contend that forum for academia is vital to the expansion of one's tiny world. I carry my education, or understanding of the world around me, everywhere I go. My passion and application makes my education more than just a piece of paper.
Working hard and following ones dream means going through difficult circumstances one would not wish to pass, but one comes out stronger and wiser if they go through with their eyes wide open. I have spoken with many people about following ones dreams and like to say " what else have we better to do?". I believe that unless you are Hindu or Buddhist you will likely agree that you only live once. if we only have one chance, than what could possibly be more important than pursuing our hearts desire? If I have one chance at life I will do what I have to do to get to my goals and enjoy myself along the way. I love learning. I also love to educate. I pursue music, education and conversation fervently, so that I may one day be qualified to aid others in need with knowledge and experience. Education equals opportunity. May language and education never be a barrier for it certainly is not an insurmountable one. I still hold, "I have nothing better to do with my life" than learn and grow as a person, and this belief supports me everywhere I go.
Deanna Sinclair
ReplyDeleteMiss Davies
CO 300 Section 021
5 September 2012
This I Believe
I believe in the staff, skyscrapers, and brass. These three things have been feeding my passion and my inspiration for many years now. Some very special people in my life began that hunger for music, and I would not adore it the way I do today had it not been for them. It is thanks to some amazing teachers that pushed me to do well and stirred my love for music. This is what I believe has to be at the core of a great education no matter the subject: passion and encouragement.
I have been playing the French horn since the fourth grade, and so for the past ten and a half years I have been living by the rules of the five-line staff and everything that goes along with it. Music has been my life-blood for a very long time—I can find both peace and excitement within it whenever I wish. Music has done so many things for me in my life--such as give me very close student-teacher relationships that have let me learn to harness the passion of truly talented individuals, bring me closer to others through amazing experiences, and given me something as simple as helping me to focus on a school assignment. We often hear how smells can create memories, and brass has done that for me. After playing for a long time the smell stays on my hands for hours at a time, letting me relive the magic of playing by simply taking a whiff of my hands, which may sound weird, but I cannot explain it. Part of truly learning something is learning to love to do it, and that is not a hard thing to do with music, and I wish I could harness that same passion for learning in every subject and with every teacher.
I have had many ridiculous and life-changing experiences while being a part of band, but by far the most memorable was getting the chance to travel to New York City and having the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall. A once-in-a-lifetime experience like this is a very difficult thing to live up to, but it is certainly possible in every field of study. Having the privilege to perform in a place of that importance and that is so steeped in history was truly amazing; it was on of the most magical experiences I have ever had. I will never forget the sound of a chord resonating throughout that gorgeous hall and knowing that I was a part of creating something so beautiful. Education needs to find ways to harness that kind of creative energy and get kids excited about their learning and careers in the way that I can get excited about music. Teachers need to show their passion so they can inspire students to find that in themselves.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
-Deanna Sinclair
Nicole Bibbero
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300.036
04, September 2012
Bedtime Stories
Daddy comes into my room, pulls the covers up tightly around me, and sits down in the rocking chair next to my bed. He asks me what story I want to hear tonight. I reach down and study my plethora of books scattered across my bedroom floor. I pick one out, hand it to him, and he starts to read. He uses different voices for all the characters, making me giggle. He points to the words he is reading aloud with his finger, allowing me to follow along. As the story ends, I begin to drift. He closes the book, kisses me goodnight, and quietly shuts my door behind him.
This nightly bedtime story was one of many stories I read or heard throughout the day while I was growing up. My parents were big advocates of reading to me and teaching me to read at a very young age. When we were out during the day they would point out words on signs for me to try to sound out. I had more books in my bedroom than a school library has in its entire collection. Before I started kindergarten, I could work my way through a second grade level chapter book, all because I had gotten an early start as an avid reader, with a strong vocabulary and comprehension of language.
Throughout school, I always volunteered to read aloud during class because I already knew how to read- never shying away out of fear of not being a strong reader or having difficulty pronouncing words. In the first grade I was put on an accelerated learning program due to my strong base in reading. Getting an early start in elementary school has benefitted me throughout my entire education. I stayed on an AP learning program throughout high school, which allowed me to graduate with almost 50 college credits already completed. As a college student I am able to sit down to complete nightly reading assignments for every class with ease, reading quickly and understanding all the information I absorb.
I believe that helping young children develop strong reading habits leads students to succeed in school. Reading at an early age can lead to a solid foundation for education as well as allow students to advance more rapidly in school. I believe my parents encouraging me to read and thus gaining a passion for learning at a young age plays a major role in why I have advanced as rapidly as I have in school. I believe every parent should help their child develop strong reading habits before starting school to help their entire educational future.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance – Nicole Bibbero
Kaitlin L. Robinson
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO300
September 5, 2012
There are all types of people, those who love to be heard, those who hate to speak, and even those who wish they could speak. Everyone is different and an individual, but no matter what their personality is like everyone has a voice, literally or metaphorically. How can we hear them if we do not give them the chance to do so?
I am one of those people who really does not like to speak. I have words I could say, but I rarely ever say them. Even so, sometimes there are things I just need to say. I was a freshman in high school when one of these times occurred. I was in the midst of a crisis of life changing proportions, one that was completely out of my control. While all this was going around me everyone who knew about it acted as if I was ready to break. Yes my life was basically ripped out from under me, but that did not mean that I was going to become depressed. That’s just not me. They stuck the words in my mouth and spoke for me, not trying to understand where I stood in all of this.
During this time none of my teachers were informed, they left that up to me if I so chose. There was only one teacher I informed, but only because I had a project I could not turn in to him thanks to the circumstances. He was the right person to tell. He took what I said and understood where I was coming from. He was a person who had seen what I was talking about in his own life, but he never tried to put his experience on me. He accepted it and didn’t let it change how he saw me. I was still me to him, not a broken me. He trusted me to be me. It was a huge weight off my shoulders and one less thorn in my heart. Someone actually heard me.
I believe in letting people speak. Everyone is different and there are many problems in the world. Sometimes letting a person speak and accepting them as it is changes the whole feeling around that problem. Sometimes that is all someone needs.
Cassie Tedesco
ReplyDeleteCOMP 300.036
Ashley Davies
September 4, 2012
Changing My Ways
I remember the day I went to Sylvan Learning Center like it was yesterday. My mom picked me up from school and took me to Starbucks. When we got to Sylvan, I walked into the glass double doors with no intent of being cooperative.
When I entered into the lobby, I was escorted to a table with a tutor and two other students. The tutor started explaining “the plan” that Sylvan had set up for me and what I needed to get done every time. This was awful to me. The work that was provided involved math, reading, and writing.
Every other day during the week, I would go to Sylvan after school with the same bad attitude. I remember the students that I usually sat with weren’t happy to be there either. What 8th grader wants to go to a tutoring session after they just had eight hours of school?
I kept going to Sylvan throughout 8th grade. It wasn’t an option for me anymore. My mom kept reminding me that I would thank her later and I’d be happy with the outcome. I didn’t believe her.
It wasn’t until the 10th grade when I was prepping for a grammar test that Sylvan Learning Center changed my view on getting help.
Janet, my tutor, helped me make note cards for what was supposed to be on the test. She tested me over and over again until I could recite everything.
I went into the test and ended up getting a D. I was so confused and so distraught that I gave up right then. My mom e-mailed Janet and told her what happened and she was shocked. She came up with the idea that I may be dyslexic.
Janet e-mailed my teacher about how hard I worked for the grammar test and how I was diagnosed with dyslexia. My English teacher let me retake the test and I ended up getting a B+.
I believe that no one should feel ashamed when seeking for help, especially when it comes to school.
I stayed at Sylvan through my senior year in high school and I am so thankful for it. Sylvan made me realize that it is okay to get help when you need it. I enhanced my writing, reading and math skills. I found two tutors, Janet and Ron, who I really got along with and stuck with because I was comfortable asking them anything. The one on one time with Janet and Ron helped me because they knew my way of learning from working with me for so long. I think it is very important to get any type of help when one is struggling. Even if it’s outside help, any help makes an impact. Sylvan Learning Center impacted my learning by making me a better student and making me care more about my education and not settling for average work. To this day, I still thank my mom for making me stay and she can’t believe it.
Shanti Clawson-Miller
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO300-006
04 September 2012
Growing Up In Pointe Shoes
My childhood was quite different from the normal, American lifestyle. Growing up in a dance school, I spent more time in conditioning classes and rehearsals than I did in core curriculum classes, and I didn’t understand the concept of having Saturdays free to play and do little league. I knew I had high expectations placed on me, and that I had to work diligently and with full focus in order to accomplish the tasks I was given. I had a specific life virtue repeated to me over and over: Always give 120% of your effort and strength into the goal you want to achieve. This experience taught me the discipline of complete dedication to an art that incorporates both physical and mental stamina.
Now as a college student that is double majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Dance, I can look back and appreciate the strong effect that these high expectations had on me as a young girl. If I had been placed in a traditional school system where each subject taught is given equal weight and interest, I don’t think that I would have maintained focus or attempted to learn that much. Being placed is the dance school provided a setting where I learned how to focus on the development of the body as more than just an intellectual source, but as a multi-functioning system.
My value statement on education has completely emerged from my personal experience of being a student that was raised in an alternative education system. I believe that students should be encouraged to further their knowledge in a subject of true interest. Once dedication is taught to a student using a subject of deep significance to the individual, the likeliness of providing a foundation of discipline in general learning is much more probable. I never felt academically compromised from spending so many years in dance school, and I now believe that it was the work ethic I attained through my schooling in dance that provided the tools I needed to have commitment to other subjects in school later on. If people are taught how to stick with a specific goal until it is learned or achieved, that drive to work diligently on a task will be applied to other aspects of education. If I hadn’t been given the tools and encouragement to focus and work in a subject of great interest to me initially, I wouldn’t have made it as far academically in other aspects afterwards.
Traci Saylor
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300 Combined 00281
829300648
Chasing After You
Looking fear straight in the face, I chased after a life with purpose and most importantly one that is unique to me. It can be extremely nerve racking venturing into new waters when you are already juggling a full-time school schedule, but giving that fear up for an extra-curricular club could be life changing! I have met some of the best friends I will ever have through taking that first step and joining various clubs and sports.
During high school I kept myself busy by participating in Student Leadership and Varsity soccer, as well as competitive club soccer through my hometown. Not only did this expose me to real life issues and the challenges that come along with maintaining exceptional grades, it forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and find what makes me happy. I learned conflict resolution and how to socialize and work with others, which are valuable life lessons that cannot be taught inside the classroom.
Blood, sweat, and tears went into the shaping of who I am today. Without the experience of being pro-active and finding extra- curricular activities that were best suitable for my interest, I would have been unable to experience all the positives that happen during a life outside of the classroom. Rather than being complacent and sticking to the mundane wake up, go to school, and go home, I stepped outside of the box and was able to learn from experience that clubs taught me how to be a social person and how to deal with diversity in my future endeavors. By forcing myself to understand that there is so much more outside if you just take that first step, I was able to proudly express to various colleges through the application process, just how much of an asset I would be to their college. I owe this success to the fact that I believed in myself enough to find clubs and a sport that I could find my own community.
I believe that every student should find something that is near and dear to their heart. I believe that the struggles that come from outside of the classroom mold and shape us into stronger individuals. Every student deserves the chance to experience a life that helps you grow as an individual, especially in a crucial time of development. The rewards of joining an extra-curricular sport or club by far outweigh the fear of beginning something new; all it takes is a little faith and perseverance to realize that you could be missing out on an incredible journey that someday will define you!
*I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAshley Thomas
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300 - 21
5 September 2012
A Life of Learning
At the age of eight I was given a placement test and, based on my scores, admitted to The Gifted and Talented Program at my elementary school. Despite my decidedly advanced ability to learn at a higher level, I was the first to neglect assignments, turn in late work, procrastinate, and generally perform below my potential.
As I progressed through public education, the expectations that were placed on me got higher, and rather than change my mindset, I got better at avoiding them. I found myself disengaged and under stimulated at school. I would doodle instead of listen and neglect assignments that required only minimal effort. I started feigning illness often to avoid the monotony of classrooms and teachers and textbooks and grade point averages. I even graduated a semester early just to get out. If you had asked me then, I would have told you that getting an education was overrated, and learning was a waste of time.
What is clear to me now is that I was misunderstanding the bigger picture. As school aged children, we are told over and over that we must strive to get an education. We come to learn education to mean only the accumulation of diplomas, degrees, and titles, and learning, the pursuit of them.
What opened my eyes happened the summer after high school when my mother and I backpacked through Spain. Travelling by train and staying in hostels, we experienced the entire country one place at a time. There, in those moments, hurdling across a foreign country, surrounded by an unfamiliar language, eating things I couldn’t pronounce, I found what I had been searching for desperately in school.
In Madrid, I spent hours in a museum, unmovable, soaking in all the Spanish history I could get. In Seville, I went on a pub tour and learned about the social culture on the other side of the world. In Barcelona, I pieced together enough Spanish to speak with street vendors. In Cadiz, I learned about Spanish dialects. In Ibiza, I found out Spain touches no oceans, only seas. In two weeks, I was reinvigorated with life and full of a desperate longing for knowledge.
My decision to pursue a college degree thereafter was based entirely on the fact that I never intend to stop travelling in search of the fulfillment I found in that first step onto foreign soil. College is, to me, a stepping-stone onto the path of my life as a pioneer of the world. For me, education is not a word that means to go to school; it is a word that means to grow. Formal education is a tool, but nowhere near the only way to achieve learning. I believe that learning is, and should be, a lifelong process that is fueled by human connection and life experiences, and that those things have more weight than anything you can ever find in a book.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Ashley Thomas
Enrique Guerrero
ReplyDeleteAugust 26, 2012
Composition 300
I believe that being in school helps prepare a strong foundation on every person to whom they are going to be in the future. It’s easy to say that school has been half my life whereas my family, friends, hobbies, and everything else that I do and know outside of school is the other half that makes me who I am. Ever since I can remember I’ve been in school, from taking naps to making life decisions at it. It has always been there. Yes there have been negative times but also there have been positive times depending on the day. In the beginning I always thought of it as a routine thing of life but now with higher schooling I have come to learn that its what you make out of it and take on a daily basis.
Throughout school I have seen and been through many memorable events in life, good or bad these have shaped me to who I am today. To name a few notable moments is simple, I was there with a classroom full of panicked kids and a teacher in tears when the events of 9/11 took place. Nobody in the room knew what to do but it showed me at that young age that even so we still played at recess like normal 11 year olds there was unity when we all hugged each other and showed emotion towards this frightening sight. Participating in outdoor education was an eventful trip that I enjoyed a lot. I learned dependability and that I could hold my own in the wild outdoors.
Once in high school things started to change, now I began to plan on the future, and what I wanted to do with life. Talking to counselors showed me that there were people out that actually cared about my future. They would push me into the right things to do. Here is also where relationships started and drama flourished. Being in a relationship during this period helped me fully understand to not allow myself to be held down by some brainless ideas and people. Now though in college, things have once again changed a bit. I have come to notice that there is a close knit of people whom you belong to. Everyone else is in their own world and they kind of like to stick in there. Just walking to lunch every day at the plaza shows me the difference of peoples ideas and belief. Some days there are believers and other days there are pro-drug people. Its funny how school starts to become more of a job than school itself.
School has made me see and get hands on understanding of what works for me in everything. From politics to what to eat I have come to find it here, everyday is a different adventure.
I Have not give, received, or used any unauthorized assistance
Enrique Guerrero
Maggie Johnson
ReplyDeleteCO 300-36
Ashley Davies
You Win or Lose Before You Start
Every student knows the feeling of self-doubt. It’s there, nagging at the back of your mind as you sit down for an exam rumored to be difficult, start a project worth a large percentage of your grade, or begin to write a paper when you aren’t quite sure what you want to say. “I’m not prepared. I don’t know where to begin. This isn’t working.” These are thoughts that I as a student, I am all too familiar with. Yet as I begin to feel myself being plagued by doubt, there is another thought always present in the back of my mind, one that I know to be true: You win or lose before you start.
I first heard those words from my boss, when I began working as a swim instructor. The roles were now reversed and I had the opportunity to view students from the outside. One of my students, Landon, was six years old and placed in a class with kids who were much older and more advanced. The others could already swim the 25m pool on their own, while he could barely float. As he was leaving class the first day, I saw him turn to his dad with tears in his eyes and mutter, “I’m not as good as the other kids.” Later, I talked to my boss and expressed my concerns that I didn’t think I could get him to the same level as his classmates, to which he replied “You win or lose before you start.”
The next day, as I watched a nervous looking Landon arrive for his lesson, my boss’s words echoed through my mind. I knew that I not only had to believe in my abilities as an instructor, but I also had to find a way to help Landon believe in himself as a student. I made an effort to look beneath the surface to find his strengths and began to build his confidence. By mentally preparing him for success, he was able to do more than I or anyone else initially thought possible.
I believe that in order to succeed as a student, you must expect success. Now as I walk in to take an exam, I ignore any feelings of uncertainty because I know that they will only sabotage, and instead reflect on the time I spent preparing. When faced with a challenging assignment or paper, I imagine the final product, rather than spending time feeling overwhelmed and lost about where to begin. I constantly remind myself that if I want to succeed, I have to not only believe that I can, but expect that I will.
Natay Storie
ReplyDeleteCO 300
September 5, 2012
I’ve sat in classrooms, seen their walls, boards, pictures and projections, read their motivational quotes, and soaked in their lessons of history, math, language, humanities, science, and arts. I’ve experienced the teachings of responsibility and consequences through my parents, my teachers, and even my friends. I went from one school to the next. I saw different lands, met different people, experienced cultures, and continued to take my proper classes always with that distant vision of graduation.
Oh, graduation. The day after which there are no more classes or lessons. No more teachings. No more changes. It’s the day those little certificates are handed out that say, “I know everything now. I’ve learned the world.” Then someone says a word that’s been said so often in the last few years and the meaning of it is almost shocking: college. Now there are new classes, different teachers, more people, further experiences and even more to learn. “It’s okay. It’s just one more graduation to achieve. Then I’ll be done. Then I’ll be in the world and others will look to me to learn.”
Wait a minute. Is that all that’s made me? Am I so simply a production of multiple school systems and classrooms? No. There’s more. There’s so much more. I learned to ski when I was two. I’ve ridden the best powder days from the Rockies to the Sierras. I’ve hiked, camped, kayaked, canoed, and rafted throughout Arizona, Alaska, California, and Colorado. I got hypothermia in the middle of nowhere with my uncle and father on one trip, and still we made our way out of the mountains. I was hospitalized the day before leaving to help lead a month-long trip to a country I had never been to. I’ve seen more cultures, met more people, and had a myriad of experiences.
I know how to throw freight, help customers, build gardens, identify plants, drive lift equipment, plow roads, clean windows, match and mix paint, take care of animals, mop floors, take phone calls, set up events, deliver food, and create banquets. How could I not have seen how much I know and the degree to which I’m always changing? How could I ever think there is an end to learning?
There is no end to learning. Learning is change, and the world is based on change. Even if one could see all of existence in one moment, it would immediately be different in the next. I believe it is important to continuously strive to learn and evolve and that those changes will still occur even if one is not aware of them. Thankfully, I am unable to know the entire world in any one moment, so there is always an assured pool of knowledge to bathe in.
Abbie Fritz
ReplyDeleteCO300
This I Believe
After my first year of college I was lost. I felt like I was running full speed with my eyes shut. So I decided to take some time off and try to narrow down my interests and goals but before I knew it, I had taken more than just some time off. Now I had fallen into the category of a non-student. I was working full time at a job that didn’t pay enough to do any more than cover my necessary bills. This left me trapped. Every ounce of energy was spent working as much as possible and then trying to recover to work again the next day. I could see no way out. I knew that I wanted to go back to school but I didn’t have any extra money, let alone any extra time to take classes.
After a few years of thinking about it, I made the decision one day to just start taking steps. I was accepted to Florida Atlantic University to study marine biology. I started looking at apartments in the area and quickly realized that even if I got student loans to cover my tuition, I couldn’t afford to live there. The information I was missing was that I would qualify for grants and scholarships as well as the fact that loans can be as much or as little as you need to cover the rest. Not knowing that is could have been possible, I did not move to Florida. It was another year or so before I had managed to gather enough information to understand that I could actually make this happen. This was information that I found through hours of internet searching and research, but it was there all the while.
I am now very close to finishing my bachelor’s degree thanks to the availability of financial aid. It makes all the difference in the world that there is an end in sight to working a low paying hourly job. I feel so grateful that I live in a culture that offers the opportunity to come up out of your current situation and improve your quality of life. Not only have we as a society seen fit to implement government funded aid, but also there are countless private donors offering scholarships and grants. Without this help, it would be impossible for most students and especially non-traditional students to go on to college. This kind of value in the opportunity of growth for the individual is often taken for granted but it has a huge impact on students everywhere. I believe in financial aid.
Sara Williams
ReplyDeleteSection 006
In my sophomore year of high school, I was invisible. At least, that was the only logical explanation I could come up with at the time. What other reason could there have been for none of my teachers to know my name? How else could I explain the fact that it seemed like none of the other kids in my class could see me or hear me speak?
In reality, the problem was that my school was overcrowded. I went to a large high school in Nashua, NH, which, at the time, was housing twice the number of students it was originally designed to hold. The school district knew it was an issue and there was a new school under construction, but that did nothing to help me. Instead, I walked through the halls feeling insignificant, small, and depressed.
My salvation came in the summer before my junior year. A friend of mine told me about a program called SNTAS, which stood for School Next to a School. It was put in place for kids like me, who were struggling with the large class sizes and would greatly benefit from a little extra attention. There were only a few spots available, and I was lucky enough to make it into the program.
SNTAS saved me. For the first time in my life, I was having fun with school. I wasn’t scared to talk to the understanding Ms. Gabriel, who patiently explained the snarls of mathematics to me. I discovered a love of physics thanks to accessible teaching style of Dr. Price. English, which had always been my favorite subject, became even more fun due to the kind Ms. Rogers who always listened and never talked down to us. Mr. Claffey used his sense of humor to make history come alive and keep us engaged.
During my sophomore year, I felt like a ghost. I wasn’t friends with any of the students in my classes, and I was too intimidated to ask any of my teachers for help. In SNTAS, I felt as though I came alive. I made close friends, many of whom I’m still in contact with today. The teachers encouraged me to follow my passions and I ended up discovering a love of theater that helped me overcome my sometimes debilitating shyness and introversion.
I believe that most schools can implement a program like SNTAS to reach out to kids that might need a little something extra. All it takes is a kind word, or a sympathetic ear to make an outsider feel like they have a place in the classroom. I know I was incredibly lucky to have that opportunity, and I often think I would not have made it through high school without SNTAS. I believe that every kid deserves that opportunity. I believe that no child should feel like they are invisible.
The Smartest Man I Know
ReplyDeleteBy Caitlin Still CO 300-006
“Hey Cait, did you know?”
Around my house this phrase can be heard almost as often as “clean your room.” It’s usually followed by a random fact, a piece of history or a lesson on a subject that has probably been on Jeopardy a time or two. You see, my dad is quite the polymath. He has always been fascinated by books and history, art and mechanics. It’s not enough to know what something is, but he delves into the why and how and who of every subject. There’s no such thing as a quick explanation from him because he knows just a little bit about everything. As he puts it, “Life is about learning. It should never stop.”
My dad has been my inspiration for as long as I can remember. He is a successful businessman, a passionate photographer, and one of the hardest workers you will find. Dad is a great entertainer who can regale a group for hours with his wicked sense of humor and stories. His intelligence and humility has led him to many a leadership position and many a friend. For all of these successes, he had garnered each of them through his own persistence. He did not earn an MBA, go to a fancy business school or study economic trends. In fact, my dad didn’t even earn a degree. One of the smartest men you’ll ever meet had to drop out of school to help his family. He found a job that would help support them and even through many trials, he never stopped learning.
Because of my dad, I have come to believe that one’s success is determined by far more than formal education. I believe that intelligence, passion and a craving for life’s secrets will lead you to more adventures and success than the words on a diploma ever could. My dad has taught me that while an education will always be important (four years in college can’t be in vain), there are other experiences and qualities that help make you successful. Qualities such as the empathy that my dad has for everyone he meets can’t be found in a textbook or learned through a formula. These qualities along with his diligent and dynamic way of approaching any problem presented have allowed for many accomplishments in business and in life.
From a young age my dad impressed upon my sisters and me the importance of a good education. His own experience led him to understand that cultivating an education is important but not the only factor to success. Dad has passed this knowledge onto my sisters and me and driven us to find out what we want out of life. It’s never enough to just memorize, never enough to simply learn. It’s never enough to accept what’s given. He has pushed us to think, investigate and question everything around us. He has made me crave the phrase, “Hey Cait, did you know?”
He’s the smartest man I know.
Maggie Rollert
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
Composition 300 S.006
4 September 2012
A Fine Balance
I began my high school career expecting to be given books. Instead, I was given only a computer. Being the first graduating class of a posh private school, we were given the luxury of testing out a new paperless system. Every student was given a computer (which over my senior year transitioned to the iPad). That computer functioned as the source of all our textbooks, notebooks, and research materials. Of course, the initial excitement of having a computer in our classes made me and my classmates much more active in our learning endeavors. Unfortunately, that initial excitement quickly wore off and we began to distract ourselves by checking our Facebook profiles, sending messages to each other, and looking up answers to questions in class. School quickly transitioned from active learning to constant distraction.
Four years after beginning high school, my teachers were still struggling to teach effectively with the non-traditional system. Actually, every teacher but one—Mr. Spicer, my AP Physics teacher. Mr. Spicer, instead of trying to adapt a traditional curriculum for the paperless system, used the iPads to his advantage. He used them to show us interactive videos. He used them to do examples, and not just take notes. He used them to reference real-life applications and pictures. He used them to show us how to do our experiments. He used them to show us other experiments that any high school would neither fund nor provide the time for. Without that technology, Mr. Spicer’s curriculum would have been bare. Without Mr. Spicer, my classmates and I would have spent yet another class passing time playing games and pretending to take notes. I believe that Mr. Spicer’s approach to teaching is exactly how anyone currently in academia should approach this technologically advancing world.
It’s not always easy to embrace the rapid changes that technology brings to our lives. Some people strongly oppose technological involvement in schools beyond basic television and computer usage. Some people strongly encourage new technology, thinking that it is an easy fix to a school that might have teachers with insufficient abilities or resources. I am not trying to argue that we can, or even that we should, try and stop growth and advancement via technology; however, I think that we have a huge responsibility to uphold in order to keep the realm of education both personal and engaging. I believe that, if aided with modern, innovative teaching, technological advancements will be one of the greatest stimuli in education for many generations to come. I believe in the power of tenacious teaching as we stay on the cutting edge of technology and its advances.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Jonathan Wempe
ReplyDeleteCO 300-006
Ashley Davies
So it was just another day of elementary school, 3rd grade if I’m not mistaken. The funny thing is I don’t even remember my teachers name but I do remember the bathroom system. Oh yes, it’s a disaster story. One student could be out of the classroom at a time; all you had to do was get up, grab the pass from off the wall next to the door, and then do your thing. No hand raising, question, or hassle. Or so I thought.
I remember glancing over at the girl who sat next to me, Mallory, and noticing that she looked extremely uncomfortable. You know, legs crossed, rocking back and forth slightly with a big ol’ grimace on the face. I proceeded to ask her if she was doing okay and she answered back with something along the lines of, “I really have to go.” I told her that she should just go; it was the simplest thing in the world to me. Ironically, she said she felt too embarrassed; so I figured that I would kill two birds with one stone and relieve myself as well as demonstrate that it wasn’t a big deal. Right when I came back into the classroom Mallory, uh, made her big splash with the class. The first thought that passed through my head was, “holy cow, she really had to go!” Then it went to thoughts like the very eloquent, “ew” and, with a wince, “I should have hung my backpack on the chair.”
For the rest of my 3rd grade year I was forced to sit next to and build a friendship with Mallory. I mean, nobody wants to sit next to the kid who wet them self, plus have you ever tried to get the smell of urine out of a backpack? Not fun. Anyway, this story illustrates a belief of mine: Assigned seating in school is a subtle preparation for the real world; there’s always people that you, even if its kicking and screaming, are forced to interact with. And if you don’t learn how to do that, good things can pass you by like taking a girl to senior prom that you affectionately call “Pee-Pants Magoo”.
Megan Stauffer
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300
8 September 2012
“Life’s A Journey (Forgive the Cliché)”
At the ripe old age of five, I didn’t picture myself doing much more than running around on all fours, let alone attending Colorado State. Even as a high school senior in a mid-size city in Michigan, I was offered the option of going out of state for college, but I had my first boyfriend at the time and didn’t see any reason to explore. Despite the solidity of this high-school relationship -which is definitely what most high-school relationships are known for- we split and I attended Central Michigan University with some friends. About a year in, I realized Mount Pleasant, Michigan was terrible and perpetually smelled like cow manure. I became convinced I needed to go elsewhere. Summer after freshman year arrived and I had internships lined up and paperwork prepared to ship out to Colorado. My plans then hit a snag. The third day back home I was run over by an old lady and her Taurus. After a short stint in the hospital and a summer of internships and part-time jobs, I was still determined to go, but put off plans to leave for another year.
Sophomore year dragged. My application for Colorado State was in the mail; all I needed was the response. I had no idea time could halt itself to a mere crawl like it did. Not only that, but summer needed to arrive; I was headed to an internship in Virginia to visit the childhood dream of Chincoteague and its wild ponies. Finally, relief was granted in the form of a letter from Colorado State, welcoming me as a new student. My plans were set; I was headed for the mountains.
A few weeks after arrival, I realized something: making friends was so much easier when younger. Depression began to cloud my logic. I spent too much, slept too little, and stopped going to class. After only one semester, my parents pulled me home to work and get my brain right again. Eight long months of what they christened “Parent Boot Camp” and one glorious in state tuition discount later, I’m back in Fort Collins and couldn’t be happier.
When we’re young, our family and other assorted adults try their best to make our educational journey as straight and narrow as they can. I remember receiving a handout from a counselor back in freshman year of high school that attempted to lay out the next eight years of education and where I would eventually end up in society. Of course, they’re looking out for our best interests, but education isn’t always like that. It’s not a straight bridge from one side to another; it’s more like a trek up a switchback trail. There are turns and curves and sometimes you have to backtrack when the trail gets too rough. It’s a journey.
Grazia Eichmann
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300 - 021
I was in elementary school when something happened that stuck with me the rest of my life. I went to a catholic school in Tokyo and grew up in a very liberal family. The contrast from school and home was something I got used to.
I was quite young when a teacher of mine stood up in front of the class with colorful paper and lots of craft materials. Excitement smeared across my face. She told us that everyone in the class was going to make a poster against abortion.
“Abortion?” I thought “Did I hear something about that once. That’s right. There was some big fight about it”. I told my teacher that I was not even entirely sure what exactly abortion was so I could not be sure I was against it. I was expecting a lecture teaching me about marvelous things that I did not yet know.
She said it meant killing babies. Her perfunctory answer caught me off guard. Having heard a little about abortion I was sure this was not the whole story. I suggested I do some research about it online. I even offered to write about it. My teacher was horrified she looked at me as though I had just spat at her. She said I am not to go online and if I do not turn in the poster I will fail.
I talked to my mom about what had happed that day. She said she would not be upset if I failed. I never did the poster and I failed the assignment. Whether you are pro choice or anti abortion you should always look up the facts and question your position not shy away from research and doubt. This is the only way we can improve ourselves.
It was this event in my child hood that lead me to believe that children should be encouraged to think for themselves. I think expecting children to mindlessly follow their elders can be dangerous.
In many classes through college I have been told to think for myself. However I think we should teach kids this from a young age not wait till they are in college. Still today I always make a point to think things through before I come to a conclusion. Even if it means questioning beliefs I have had for a long time.
Daniel Allen
ReplyDeleteDavies
CO-300
5 Sept 2012
This I Believe
I believe in conspiring about education. I’m very independent by nature and I’m proud of my independence, but over the past year I’ve also realized the tremendous value that others add to my education.
Last semester I had a professor that gave out her cell phone number to her students. She put it right on the syllabus. Anytime a student had a question about the homework, which was often, they could text her for a quick answer. This professor’s availability to answer students’ questions was a cornerstone of her teaching method. She emphasized thoroughly understanding the underlying principles rather than plugging numbers into formulas. To encourage this level of learning she encouraged us to ask questions and was sure to ask difficult questions of us too. Her quizzes were individual, oral, and ungraded: truly intended to gauge our understanding of the subject.
This professor was in cahoots with her students. She gave them hints on their homework at all hours of the night and had quiet meetings, one-to-one, to discuss how to better accommodate each student’s learning style. She only worried about test scores so far as to see what students learned or what they didn’t.
I could’ve just studied the textbook and I would’ve done fine on the exams, but I learned so much more by working with this professor. From this influential professor I understood more about my learning style; I learned how to ask for help and, most importantly, I learned critical thinking skills. I got so much more out of my education by allowing this professor to get personally involved in my learning.
Lately I’ve begun actively seeking out co-conspirators for my education. Much of the learning I do is outside the classroom and I’ve learned that this side of my education can also benefit from conspiracy with others. A key draw for me to Greek Life was the opportunity to develop leadership skills and I have definitely not been disappointed: in my fraternity, I have found the most conducive environment to learning life skills that I could’ve imagined.
My brothers have encouraged me, on multiple occasions, to take on leadership roles that I normally wouldn’t have been confident filling. Their continued support each step of the way has ensured my success in each undertaking. Their encouragement and help has given me both the freedom to take new approaches and also a safety net to fall back on when an attempt fails. This conspiracy, with my brothers, to do our best and to bring out the best in each other, is the best environment for learning that I’ve ever seen.
I believe we need to work with our allies when it comes to our education. While independence is a valued part of learning, working with others who share our goals doesn’t have to undermine that independence.
Ashley Ross
ReplyDeleteCO300-021
Ashley Davies
5 September, 2012
This I Believe
I believe in the power of self-discipline.
First day of college, so different than anything I had ever experienced. Big, scary, fast paced. I did not know how I was going to conquer this chapter in my life. Over the next couple of weeks I listened to the other students worry and complain about the fact that the teachers were not giving them the help they thought they needed and deserved. That’s when it hit me. I was going to succeed because I had been taught a very important value during my childhood, self-discipline.
I had been taught since I was little, that if something needed done then I was fully capable of finishing it on my own. If I did need help, then it was my responsibility to ask for it. When I finished something, especially if I did it well, I knew it was acceptable to take pride in my accomplishment. I have my parents to thank for this quality that they have instilled into me. They taught me the value in mastering the art of self-discipline. They took the time and effort to help me realize that if I wanted to learn about a topic or accomplish a goal, then I would have to put in the time and effort to get myself to that place. They showed me that nearly anything you want to accomplish you can reach by your own power.
This is how I was going to get through. When I didn’t want to finish a project, or complete the research needed to finish a paper, I knew how to make myself buckle down and get it done. I knew in the end it would be worth it to receive a grade reflecting the hard work I had put in.
It seems the importance of this quality has been downplayed from my experience of working in the school system. Some children are used to having things handed to them. They feel they have the luxury of casting the blame onto someone else when they fail. Their excuse is they were not taught that material or it was not clear enough, when in reality, they did not take the time to attempt to teach themselves. This is the reason that this value is so important to pass on to the young children in today’s schools. They are capable. They can reach their goals. And most importantly, when they do, they can feel pride in themselves for doing something worthwhile through the use of self-discipline.
Jory Bayne
ReplyDeleteMrs. Davies
CO 300-06
5 September 2012
Survey?
On my way to class registration on my first day of orientation at CSU, a man approached me, “Would you like to take a survey?” “Yes.” I replied. Little did I know I would soon be meeting up with this man every week to talk about his spiritual beliefs. I quickly grew annoyed at the amount of phone calls I received, felt conflicted with the material he taught, and became angry with some of his interpersonal tactics. Many times I wanted to just completely ignore him; to block his cell number, avoid him on campus, and never go to his church again. However, I always answered. Sometimes I said yes, sometimes I said no. At first I said yes a lot, but overtime I started feeling pressured as though I would get in trouble if I said no, so I decided to become assertive, which (for a pacifist) was way out of my comfort zone. Pretty soon though, my assertive nature became more natural and I started to say no a lot. This led to me not meeting up with him for several weeks, during which I couldn’t stop thinking about the critical questions he had asked me. I realized that in order for me to learn the answers to my questions, I had to ask them to the source himself, which meant I would have to meet up with him again. Reflecting on this experience, I can see how this man challenged me; challenged me to question everything that I believed in, challenged the way I lived my life, and taught me the value of education.
From this experience I learned how to think for myself. I learned how to listen to other’s whose beliefs are different from my own. I learned that in college you learn more than history, math, and science. You also learn about life; about the Poudre River Dam, Medical Marijuana, and God. This experience taught me how to be more assertive and take control of my social interactions. By simply trying to answer his critical questions, and asking him critical questions back, I learned how to learn.
I believe in the power of questions. Jobs require more than just a degree, but also experience and there are many ways to gain experience including clubs, volunteering, and part-time work. However, I believe the best experience opportunities come from both asking and answering critical questions. By doing so outside of school, I’ve experienced how much easier it is to do so inside of school. I now not only feel more comfortable, but actually want to participate more in my classes. From this experience, this is what I believe.
I imagine having a conversation with this man again… but what question would I ask him?
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Jory Bayne
I'm sorry Master Davies, I accidentally addressed you as mrs...
DeleteAshley Davies
ReplyDeleteCO 300-021
Shauna Brake
I believe that students would better benefit from frequent testing and skills assessments as a display of their true ability as opposed to just having major exams.
I played in the orchestra throughout junior high and high school. There were many different programs for which an audition was required. The director of the orchestras in high school was very well respected throughout the music community for his accomplishments and skills. I was so frightened to audition for him; I really wanted to impress him. As my time wore thin towards when it would be my turn to go into a tiny office with the man whose reputation intimidated me so much, my stomach twisted into progressively growing knots and my hands began to shake. This can be a serious problem as stringed instruments require extreme precision with finger placement in order to produce the correct sound. Time seemed to fly by quickly and I was soon called to play for him. By this time my hands were practically unusable. My audition was a mess, I was unable to play even the simplest part of it effectively.
The three main levels of orchestra in high school included Concert as the lowest, Symphonic, and then Chamber. With my audition I was only able to qualify for Concert. Disappointed but determined to do my best, I continued to give it my all even while remaining frustrated at the low level. After a couple weeks, my director asked me to stay after class. He told me he was very impressed with what he’d heard in class and offered me a position in the Chamber orchestra. I was ecstatic to have had my skills recognized by him through more reflective means of my true ability.
Another experience contributing to this belief was in one of my college courses. Physiology only had three major tests and then a cumulative final. It is known for being the most difficult course in my major. Throughout the class I spent hours every week outlining notes and studying just to keep up. One of the tests was particularly difficult for me. I spent so much time learning whatever I could, but there was a great many different kinds of chemical gateways that were so similar to each other and seemed impossible for me to memorize. I decided to instead focus on general concepts and systems, figuring that the specific gateways would very likely be barely touched upon when compared to the more relevant whole. Unfortunately, there was great focus on the gates and which goes where on the exam. I barely passed with a D. My overall score could have been a B, but this test pulled it down to a C, the lowest possible passing score for a class required in my major. Were I given more opportunities to prove my understanding of the concepts in presentation or essay format, I believe that one test’s bad score would not have had such an impact.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Shauna Brake
Deanna McCraw
ReplyDeleteThis I Believe
CO 300-021
Ashley Davies
I’m surrounded by hundreds of my peers. Looking up, I see the professor sitting at the front of the room as the Graduate Assistants circle us. Crunching pencils, clicks of a calculator, ticks of the clock and hushed whispers choke the atmosphere of the room. I begin to feel my heart race as my vision blurs and my fingers and legs go numb. Staring at my paper, the words are jumbled so much so that it looks more like my French exam then my Chemistry exam. As the end of the hour approaches, I am now sitting by myself as one of the Graduate Assistants glances from the clock and then back to me. Time is called. Turning in my paper, I feel as if I have blacked out, suddenly unable to remember a single question or answer.
Not surprisingly, when my paper was returned the next week, the score stamped on the front would have been comparable to if I had taken the exam after studying for five seconds rather than the thirty hours I had spent. This was not an unusual occurrence in the past year. I was told by professors that I did not comprehend the material and should consider switching into an “easier” major.
While I might have appeared to be a failure, I knew in my heart that this was false. Although I was never an excellent student, I made good grades in high school and even at the start of my college career. Although this downturn wasn’t sudden, it had become an increasingly apparent issue. Not wanting to let this failing define my college career, I was determined to find the right answer.
Ironically, to find the answer would mean I needed to endure hours of testing and analysis. The difference in these tests was that they revealed what was the underlying issue. In reality, I was capable of comprehending and understanding material, but when put in certain conditions, this becomes masked by a learning/testing disability. No longer was I going to believe that I was incapable of learning. Rather, I would become a believer in quiet spaces, movement, and noise canceling headphones.
Once I return to school, I receive the necessary accommodations. With these accommodations, I have begun to excel in my classes. No longer do professors think I am incapable of getting a good grade. In fact, most all have been receptive to this new realization and have continued to encourage and help me. It has been a learning experience not just for me, but for my professors as well. We all have realized that I was always able to be successful academically; I just had to go about it differently then others.
I’m by myself. The room has one table, one chair and a lamp in the corner. The room is said to be soundproof, but I where noise canceling headphones just to be sure. I have the paper in front of me and a pencil in my hand. When I am finished, I smile and confidently take my paper to the proctor. When my paper is returned, there is a note from my professor, congratulating me on my success and progress. I knew that I could not have done it had I not acknowledged my problem and set out to find a solution. That is why I believe in quiet spaces, movement, and noise canceling headphones.
Torshan Thomas
ReplyDeleteComp 300
Ashley Davies
This I Believe
From a very young age, my parents always instilled in my siblings and I the importance of education. Being that they grew up with very little opportunities they made sure that we took every opportunity presented to us, so that we never limited ourselves. So without a doubt, education is very important to me and is something that I need to be successful. I grew up in a small, poverty filled town in Miami; I loved going to school, learning was my passion. Rightfully my teachers impacted my life in the most amazing and major ways; until I met my second grade teacher, Mrs. Pender. She was an old, tall, slender Caucasian woman who wore glasses and a very strong perfume with an equally strong permanent scold on her wrinkled face. I was in the gifted and talented program at George Washington Carver Elementary School, and one of two African American students in the classroom. Every day I excelled more and more, and expectedly the teacher noticed.
Instead of the praise I deserved, I was told to stay after class because the teacher would like to speak with me. What I thought would be my appraisal proved to be one of my most influential moments of my life. At that after class meeting Mrs. Pender looked me in my eyes and told me, “ You know, your wasting your time trying so hard in school because you and your people will never amount to anything.” My heart dropped to my feet and as she dismissed me I tripped over it and left it there. I was only a child and I felt broken walking home that day, I knew I never wanted to return back there. That experience still sticks with me till this day and brought me to one of my beliefs about education, written by Mark Twain, “I never let my schooling interfere with my education.”
This means to me that, no matter the teacher or the environment, your education is what you make it and you get what you want out of it. I left that classroom thinking I was broken and she thought she had broken me but we were both mistaken. The next day I walked tall into that classroom, I sat up with the up most poise, and I raised my hand to answer questions with great pride. And every class after that I got the education I wanted and needed no matter what she thought I was capable of doing. I rose to the occasion and had the best grades, the top speller, and unremarkable participation and with out a doubt top of the class. I rightfully earned that title and my education. I went back into that classroom to prove to myself I was capable, show Mrs. Pender African Americans are just as capable, and to get the education I had the rights to. Since that day that scar remains and I have applied it to the different experiences I’ve had with education and it remains relevant even in college.
Chelsea Roberts
ReplyDeleteProfessor Davies
CO 300-021
5 September 2012
A Little Encouragement Goes a Long Way
Like a flower that leaves a fragrance behind after a thunderstorm, teachers who encourage their students leave a lasting mark on their lives, whether they know it or not. These extraordinary teachers create a positive learning environment where kids feel comfortable to absorb knowledge like a sponge. Each of us has had that one phenomenal teacher who has blessed us with a token of knowledge or fond memory. For me, it was my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Burns.
Mr. Burns would set aside a special time before lecture, where he would read the most exceptional students’ papers aloud for the whole class to hear. It was my dream to have him read one of my papers, and I was determined to achieve this goal. We were given an assignment to write a short, creative story that taught a valuable life lesson. I wanted to educate my classmates on the detrimental effects of bullying, so I wrote about a giraffe named Jeffy, who was teased by all the other zoo animals at school for having a short neck.
I was waiting anxiously at my desk when finally the moment had arrived; Mr. Burns introduced the first paper of the day. He said, “This student is a remarkable writer, and could very well have a bright future ahead of her in writing children’s books.” He then began to read my paper out loud, and I sat in utter shock as the familiar words trickled into my ears like long awaited raindrops in a season of drought. I sat in my chair with a face as red as a tomato, beaming with pride for what I had accomplished. Those simple words of exaltation spoken by my teacher pierced my soul to the core and still echo in my heart today. He helped build my self confidence that day, and I will cherish that genuine compliment for the rest of my life. I was supposed to be teaching my fellow classmates a life lesson through my short narrative, but Mr. Burns ended up teaching me the lesson: that there are no limits for those who believe in themselves.
I believe that teachers who choose to encourage their students through positive instructional methods can make a world of a difference in their educational success, as well as instill a sense of personal belief that cannot be shaken. Mr. Burns taught me that with perseverance and a strong work ethic, I can achieve any goal no matter how difficult it may seem. Even now as a young adult in college, I look back on that memory with a smile on my face knowing that I can do anything I set my mind to, all because of a little encouragement from one incredible teacher.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Chelsea Roberts
Maria Fernanda Torres
ReplyDeleteCO-300
8/31/12
The S in Salsa stands for Style
We all have our own style in everything that we do. That style is especially noticeable when dancing salsa, one of the most social dances around. I started salsa 3 years ago when I was a senior in High school and found it incredibly easy to begin. Maybe it was the Latin/Hispanic blood in me finally trying to break through into the world, or maybe it was just an easy class; whichever the case, by the end of the night I had grasped the basic moves and was well on my way to harder ones. I would like to say that the pattern continued and my level continued to rise but that would be fooling myself. I started coming every week to the class just so that I would not forget the basics and then practice the harder moves. There were moves that I would easily catch on to and then there were moves that even now I still have trouble with. Even though the moves became slowly but increasingly harder, they were not the true source of my hardships with this new hobby of mine. The difficulties lied in that I was never learning or practicing with the same person. People will always have their own style and that really shines through in salsa. Learning salsa while dancing with different people was, although very difficult to say the least; it was an eye opener for me. I realized how hard it could be to adapt to someone’s style, learning their cues and especially learning to follow the cues of a person I did not know. So much learning is involved in salsa dancing that I was honestly shocked to find out that I was improving. Every time I danced with a new person, whether he was good or bad at salsa, I would learn new tricks and tips on what or where I could still improve. In some cases I learned how to do a new trick because I was able to follow the lead and move in the right direction. Even when I danced with someone who was not entirely sure what to do I grew proficient at being able to steer them in the right direction. Every new dancer provided a new lesson and all the previous dancers would enjoy seeing where I improved. The learning never really stops when learning how to salsa dance but the abilities I gained from the experiences have helped change the way I view learning a new dance. In the end I truly believe that Salsa can be learned but the style is for you to interpret and understand. Even now I can help someone gain the knowledge to do the steps but the way they use them and the little flares they might add to the steps are for them to come up with. Once a style is found it is for life and it takes another person to figure out how to adapt and learn from their style.
Terrance Harris
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO 300 Sec. 036
9/3/12
“Consistent”
I would define consistency as the ability to maintain an optimal and reliable level of output. An example of consistency for me are my grades. Some grades may be lower in certain classes and higher in others, but I always have above a 3.0 GPA. I am consistent because that is expected and what usually happens. Unfortunately, not everything is as consistent as it should be; the teaching staff in public schools being one of those. When I was going to school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I learned a lot and enjoyed my time in school, but I wasn’t livid about the teaching staff inconsistencies.
The schools had a hard time being consistent at keeping staff at their positions. We had so many new teachers within the school year that we began mixing up their names. Teachers would get fired, then new teachers would get hired, but eventually the new teachers would get fired and the originally teacher would get hired again. There was no time to build chemistry with a teacher as they were out the door as soon as we moved on to the next chapter.
Worse than the revolving door of teachers was the gap left between each period after a teacher was fired. For example, a few months in to my 7th grade year, my math teacher was fired for physically fighting a student. After she was fired there was a gap of time in which we had no one teaching 7th grade math. The school tried to patch up this deficiency with having our English teacher try to teach math but that wasn’t working as well as planned. Eventually, though our teacher did get replaced but it was in the middle of second semester. Because of this many of my peers myself included, were behind in math.
When my dreams come true and I become the CEO of a non-profit organization that deals with foster youth, orphans, and those who identify as homeless, I will be always try to be consistent with my staff. I think schools should be consistent with there staff as well. Staff consistency is a major part of how efficient a school is at teaching students. Having consistent teachers and a stable environment improves learning. This I believe.
I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized, assistance.
-Terrance Harris
Michael Brandorff
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO300 - 021
09/5/2012
Pursuing Success
Peering through an eyepiece at your subject, left hand on the barrel lens of your new Cannon SLR digital camera. Right hand firmly grasping the body of the camera. All the settings are perfect as you gently place your index finger on the shutter button. Your heart, beats in your throat, holding the shutter button down halfway, the lens focuses. Pressing all the way down, the camera takes 5 shots in quick succession, the distinctive clicking noise from each closure of the shutter rings through one ear and echoes out the other. Ahh yes!! I love it! That perfect shot, that perfect moment, preserved forever!!
Throughout my education, I have taken classes that made me love school and classes that made me strongly consider dropping out. I have always loved photography and schools that were exclusively focused on photography were too expensive for me to go to. My freshman year in college, I started out as a science major and hated it. I stayed with it for two years, forcing myself to get through classes that were boring, monotonous and about topics that I didn’t care about. I was afraid of changing majors. All my siblings are studying sciences and the majority of my friends are in science programs as well. It felt like science was my only option. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I believe that more college students should find majors that they are truly passionate about. As a student in college, enjoying what you are studying makes a huge difference. You are more passionate about your schoolwork, you are focused and you work harder for good grades. It took me two years before I switched to a major that I am passionate about. After my sophomore year in college I switched my major to International Studies and French. I love foreign languages and I used to live in Brussels, Belgium so studying cultures other than my own was very natural to me. Although I wasn’t able to switch my major to photography, I was able to change my major to something that interested me. I’m more focused on my schoolwork, I’m making much better grades and will graduate proud about what I have accomplished.
Learning about other cultures as well as learning another language will also make me more marketable for a photojournalism job with Newsweek Magazine or a job with National Geographic traveling the world as a photographer. So even though I wasn’t able to study photography, I still have a way of reaching my goal. Your degree doesn’t have to directly correlate with what your job will be after college. Students need to be able to work around obstacles in getting to where they want to be and they need to find a path that will allow them to enjoy their education rather than being focused on what will come in the future. I truly believe that happiness will always find success. Success, doesn’t always find happiness.
Gregory Grow
ReplyDeleteCO300-21
9-1-12
This I believe
School would be a lot easier if teachers could just peer into my brain and see what I am thinking and what I am actually learning. I am a German and International Studies major and have a passion for both. Getting to the degree of language proficiency was not an easy process. Coming out of high school I knew very little about English grammar. This made learning a new language difficult. Many things I had to learn for the first time. I am a very visual learner so when teachers and professors do not write on the board it causes problems for me. This is part of the reason I have always had difficulty learning any language. I need to visually see and write that language. I knew that when I committed myself to a language major I would have to improve my grammar. As a result I decided to take extra grammar courses to do just that.
I enrolled in two language courses that were supposed to increase my knowledge LGER 300 (grammar) and 301 (oral communication). I had one professor for both of classes, who was a brilliant man but never really taught the way that I learn. He would say grammar rules and say a few examples but never write on the board. As students we would have to guess what he was trying to get at. I would ask him every day to write out on the board the course objectives and the grammatical constructions we were trying to learn. This was incredibly frustrating for me and I received a C in both of the classes as a result. My language prospects were not looking good.
The next semester, I ended up talking many difficult classes. I thought that if I continued to struggle with the language it would be in my best interest to find a new major. The class I took was LGER 310- German translation. The way the professor went about teaching allowed students to really learn what was being taught. This course proved to be the best learning experience of my life. As students we were responsible for translating an assigned section of the book. Being in this situation were I could visually see the text and see the grammar actively being used was my break through moment in grammatical proficiency. By taking this class I learned more about grammar and the Germanic language then I ever did in all of my other German classes put together. This is all thanks to one professors’ visual teaching style.
Natalie Ballentine
ReplyDeleteComp 300 Section: 036
9/4/12
The Cost of Higher Education
In August of 2010, I entered what was going to be some of the greatest years of my life learning at college. When I began attending Colorado State University the Recreation Center was still under construction after continually being worked on for several years prior to my presence on this campus. Now the majority of the dorms are re-done, a new study cube has been added, along with a new engineering building were added to the forever growing campus. I was curious to how the university was affording all of these new improvements. It then came to me that the increasing tuition e-mail all the students were receiving every month were informing us that the higher payment was going to be used for the new developments. To most of us, we had no choice but to pay the higher costs because our education is all we have right now. So our choices came down to these: our parents had to start paying more, our loans became bigger, or we would be working along with being full time students.
This has caused much controversy about what we are really paying for at Colorado State University, our education or the renovation. I believe increasing the tuition is expanding and improving the campus for a better environment for higher education.
In this world, everyone is so quick to look at the negatives before the positives, especially when it comes down to money. With more money comes new technology though. Since the first telephone was created generations have excelled at achieving new technological heights. Now students at the university are able to use these advancements to their benefit. We can do deeper research, use better equipment in labs, and learn from the larger screens and projectors in the classrooms. The university will now in turn be giving us back what we wanted to be paying for in the first place, a higher education. Not to mention with the new buildings more students may apply wanting to attend a top-notch school. This will also lead to more students getting their college experience at CSU and eventually lowering tuition in the future for all students. In the end, enhancing our campus is a smart thing to do. As much as we don’t like it while paying more, in the future we will appreciate the advancements needed to achieve our own life goals.
Alex Mindemann
ReplyDeleteProfessor Davies
CO300
4 September 2012
Education: like a fine wine, it gets better with age
I graduated high school in May of 2006. At 18 years old, I had no plan and no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I did know, however, that society expected me to enroll in college, and since I hadn’t applied to any schools, I enrolled at Front Range Community College. The only thing I did know at that time was that along with college came partying, so I made that my main focus. When I did find time to do homework, usually on hazy-headed, hung-over Sunday afternoon, I realized that I wasn’t really motivated to do my homework, and that led to poor work ethic and even poorer grades.
At the age of 20 I was feeling as if I was not cut out to get a four year college degree I decided that I would go to the Institute of Business and Medical Careers to get a degree as a paralegal. This was a step in the right direction for me. Being a little older and working toward something that interested me allowed me to improve my grades and my outlook on education. I began to feel confident that I could have succeeded in a University setting if only I would have put the time and effort into doing so. I also started to realize that there is more to life than trying to see how many beers I could guzzle down.
After completing my degree, I received and internship at a local law firm, where I was eventually hired on as a full time paralegal. As I matured I realized how much I enjoyed learning and saw education as something I wanted to further explore. I also realized that without a Bachelor’s degree, my options were limited. I loved being a paralegal, but I craved the challenge and versatility that obtaining a four year degree would bring.
However, one belief stuck in my mind, “It’s too late; you are too old to go back to school.” But the attorney I was working for at the time told me that it was silly to give up on my education now. He explained that he didn’t receive his Bachelor’s degree until he was 40 years old, and didn’t get out of law school until he was 44. That is when it really struck me, the traditional view of education, which we must go to, and complete college right after high school, is not beneficial or possible for everyone. In fact it I believe it can be detrimental for some people because you may get more out of your education when you are old enough and mature enough to appreciate it. Now, instead of viewing older, non-traditional students as odd, I applaud their commitment to education, and understand that for some people, the older you are, the more you can get out of your college experience.
Kaylee Terrin
ReplyDeleteAshley Davies
CO300-21
5 September 2012
This I Believe
On the first day of my last year of high school I realized I had a choice; to attend college or not. Everyone expected me to go, especially my parents. They even graciously offered to pay my way through all four years but I was still intimidated by the idea. I had a fear of putting my family into a financial struggle and I just didn't feel smart enough. I thought college was only for those who were very intelligent. Even earlier in my life college never crossed my mind. I was one of those kids that worked hard and still performed poorly in school. My plan was to move out as soon as I turned eighteen and there was no way I was going to go to college.
So you’re probably wondering what made me change my mind. I had an eye opening moment when I was in high school. I was done disappointing my family and being that all around “nightmare of a kid”. I remember sitting down at the dinner table with my dad telling him I wanted a new start and a second chance to make my life better. He then told me a very unforgettable quote, “It's not what you are that holds you back, It's what you think you're not,” by the motivational speaker Denis Waitley. I forced myself to look down the road of my future. I saw myself traveling, meeting new people, and having a family of my own. How was I going to get there? Motivation, support, and above all, education were my logical means of finding my way through life. Essentially I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and take that leap of faith into college life.
Despite the fact that I went diving into school blind, feeling unsure and scared, I believe education is not all about being smart or not. Education has played a huge role in expanding my comfort zone to try new things and push my limits farther than I ever thought possible. Making the decision to take risks and accepting struggle has helped me discover a sense of self and take ownership over my experiences. For me, going to college was more about getting the experience rather than the education. Now I feel content with where my life is going and I believe stepping outside your comfort zone to learn and grow can be accomplished through a college education experience.