Block Building Blogs

Building blogs reminds me of block building, with a new twist in a more personal design of journalism, one story on top of another.

But, my first thought on taking this newspaper class was of excitement. In my mind I had the idea that it would be on how the newspaper is put together, sort of the mechanics of it. Leave the writing and publishing to the more experienced students that are going for degrees in journalism and English.

Then to my surprise and wonderment, the bombshell hit! It was going to be a writing class, one that we had to write articles in. I am not a writer; I like and love to talk. The fears sit in even deeper to the lesson, of putting it out there on the internet in a blog.

To write, let alone put my feelings on paper for anyone to view and critique was down right scary. I really did not want to do this. I have not written papers in years and my English skills fall real short. But I thought ok, maybe this is an area in my education that I probably really need to grow.

Well as the story goes, I have really enjoyed this class. It was funny and interesting on how to get on the computer and start a blog. Learning how to make a blog, publishing it and coming up with new ideas was a challenge. Cleaning up my English punctuation and run on sentences is still an on going challenge.

I also really loved reading my fellow students writings. It connected us more intimately in our personal lives and opened the doors to each others views on what we each have learned this semester at USAO.

My voice I do like in writing. It is more clear and precise and organized. The critiquing was a necessity for me; I definitely needed it to help me develop my blogs. As far as the class goes for the title, "What I Learned at USAO Today....is an ingenious way of connecting the student body to each other and the growth of journalism. Thank you.

Finding My Voice

Today at USAO I learned that finding your voice in your writing is not always easy. At the beginning of the semester, I was determined to write in a motherly voice and all the things that are associated with being a mother and a student. My voice changed although, because my experience as a student is different because I am a mother, but that is not the only reason.

School is a different experience for everyone. Some take it more serious than others but it all depends on the individual. So it is only natural for everyone’s experiences to be different, but somewhat related, because we are all college students.

At the beginning of this course I thought it was going to be super easy. I love to express my ideas but blogging is more than just rambling. Which I learned from this course, it has to be more in depth than that. You can’t just write about what you learned but what that learning does to your life. Does it change your opinion? Make you discover something new about learning? The possibilities are endless.

This summer I learned so much from this class, that developing your voice in writing is important. If you don’t have a voice, you won’t be heard. I feel that my voice at the beginning was a bit whiney. I was talking about how “hard” my life is being a mother, student, and wife. I didn’t want to sound like that, so I changed. I know that in one of my blogs I talk about change and how it is beneficial it can be. I know I changed this summer and to be more optimistic about my learning experiences.

In conclusion, I learned this summer that being a student is more than just the hardships that are associated with it. It is all about your attitude toward your classes. You may surprise yourself and actually like learning new things.

Pitter, Patter, Do I Hear Rain?

"Rain drops keep falling on my head..." words from a song of the past written by Hal David and Burt Backarach and originally sang by B. J. Thomas. Can we even hear this song in our heads, let alone envision it to even happen any time soon. The thought of singing and playing in the rain, seems unfathomable this blistering hot summer.

Once again, we are having another record breaking melt down and heat wave of temperatures reaching well over 110 degrees this week.

At USAO I learned that the topic of our weather, is one of the major questions that every student, teacher and person on campus is asking about. "When will this heat wave change?" "When In God's creation will Chickasha, Oklahoma get some relief from this heat and get some rain?"

So, I went to the experts. I called Gary England's office at News Channel 9 today, and I asked the million dollar question, "When and what's the possibility of Chickasha, Oklahoma being blessed with a change of weather with rain in the forecast?" Their answer, as of now, is next week. There should be a front coming in on Wednesday, August 10 and Thursday, August 11, 2011, with temperatures in the upper 90's and a 20 percent change of rain. Since weather patterns can only be predicted one to three months in advance, they say it's going to be warmer and dryer than normal for months to come.

This summer of 2011 will definitely be remembered as one of the most melting and blistering hot summer school experiences for me and many others.

Growth

Like a lot of my classmates, I wasn't sure what to expect in this class. It wasn't that I thought this class would be easy by any means, but I didn't realize how much effort goes into just writing about your opinions. Writing various papers and responses does reveal parts of your personality, but it's not the same as what I experienced in here. I found that I have a tendency of hiding behind the material or subject and not really wanting to expose my thought processes much. My hopes are that at least some of my blogs were able to resonate with my peers. In my ideas, I tried to express who I was and how I felt about various topics. Some of the topics weren't very serious in the grand scheme of things, and a couple, at least to me, were very important and something I felt very strongly about. It's my effort to be non-biased and judge-mental in life, and occasionally this is quite difficult. Hopefully I expressed my opinions fairly even when I was at my most opinionated.

The feedback from my professor (as was the same with all of my professors this semester) was always helpful. USAO as a whole, wants you to succeed and be the best you can be when you enter back into the world with degree in hand. I was encouraged for the strengths I had, and made clear that though we all have weaknesses, they can be worked on and remedied. None of us are perfect, but there is always room for improvement. Like I had mentioned above, I wasn't sure of what to expect. To say I was a little intimidated would be an understatement. I realized just how much of an introvert I tend to be when I'm writing in general and to share my personal feelings at times was a real chore. Like another one of my classmates had mentioned, I have a much greater respect for those that do this as a living and somehow manage to keep everything fresh and new.

Initially the blog theme made writing a little easier. I mean, we all learn something new everyday right? Though I was learning new things and ideas everyday, it wasn't always easy being able to express them. Or for it to be relevant to what the theme was. There were times that I admittedly strayed away from the theme some, but for me it was also about putting myself out there in different facets of life. Overall, I loved the theme and think that it has a lot of potential for many students. I hope that J.C. continues it or at least something like it when she teaches this class again to others.

My favorite piece that I wrote this Summer was about friends and family. After talking with some different people, it was apparent that many were polarized in how they felt about it. Some agreed with me in that they had had problems with family in their past, and that friends had helped make up that positive difference. Others disagreed with me in that family is always more important than friends. In a way, I envy those that felt that way only cause it would've meant my family was there for me more. Perhaps they had similar problems as I did but still felt differently. Either way, I was happy to see that it made people think. Here was something that I wrote, something that was on my chest so to speak, and it had people thinking and analyzing how they felt about it! This truly was a huge compliment and if I do continue blogging in the future, I hope that I can write other things that make people think and take stock of their feelings on a given subject.

Lastly, I am grateful to have taken this class. It has allowed me to grow as a writer, but more importantly allowed me to grow as a person. Even if you don't blog, I recommend writing occasionally just about how you feel about something. Perhaps a journal or diary, even if no one ever reads it and you just throw away the paper after. You would be amazed at how therapeutic it can be. Also, it was a pleasure to not only learn from J.C., but also my classmates. Thank you all for sharing this experience with me and I wish you all the best in your endeavors.

New to Me

It is always an exciting time when choosing classes for the upcoming semester. I remember when I chose this particular class. Flipping through the listed courses available for the summer, I saw “Newspaper Workshop” and it was cross-listed with “Practicum in Online Media”. It was primarily the name that enticed me. I had no idea what to expect specifically. Obviously, I knew writing would be par for the course and that it would be new to me.

The time finally came for classes to begin. Upon entering this class, we, the students, talked about our estimations of what the course held for us. Suggestions surfaced that we would write for the school paper, which made me consider dropping the course. I didn’t want my work subjected to peer scrutiny. Made me nauseous thinking of the possibilities that anyone on campus could read something I had written.

I decided to stick it out and see what the class actually entailed. Perhaps my hopes were a bit naïve. My thoughts concerning the class were that I would merely learn about newspaper operations and what went into the makings of online media. A behind the scenes study is more what I had in mind.

The instructor entered and told us we would be writing. It would be “published” per se in an online format. Due to circumstances, it evolved into a blogging class. I have never blogged. There is a reason for that. It is open season on the internet. Anyone anywhere can see what you have produced. Once something is out there, it cannot be retracted.

To me, this was a scary experience. We were given the theme ‘what I learned today at USAO’ and then given the freedom to interpret at will. As a commuter student, I chose to incorporate my experiences as such with what I learned on campus. Sometimes it came naturally and easily, since there are many challenges commuters face. Other times I had to spend time contemplating and evaluating.

As the course progressed, I learned to become more aware of my surroundings. There would be something to learn and expand upon all around campus. This class helped me develop my observation skills and to link school lessons as well as life experiences together.

I also had to learn about deadlines. Now, I am use to deadlines concerning tests and papers for class. However, this was a weekly writing deadline. I have a new appreciation for journalists of newspapers, magazines, television or radio. Not only was there a deadline, I had to get all my information to fit a certain length and style. It was a new way of writing for me.

USAO has taught me so much, whether in the classroom or around the campus. This online media class, a constituent of USAO, has increased my awareness also. Through blogging I have learned to respect the power the internet holds. I have learned to develop my writing skills in a new medium. My appreciation for professionals in related fields escalated. Observation and critical thinking had to increase. I had to master my apprehension of open scrutiny and develop a voice.

You are Responsible

Today at USAO I learned that you are responsible for your grades and how you do in a class. In the end you are responsible for how you do in class, not the professor.

For example, I am not a science person at all and I was going in to life science hoping, for a passing grade. Normally, I am always trying for an A or B but in this particular class I didn’t think that I could even pull a C.

By saying this, I mean that going into a class thinking you won’t be able to do it, is no way to think. I learned you are the one who determines your grades, no one else. Ultimately the professor does have the final say but you are responsible for the work you put in.

I only took one science class in high school and this did not help me when it came to college. I was horrified that I had to take two classes of science to graduate.

I worked very hard in both these classes and did my best and ultimately, I couldn’t ask for more from myself. I feel that everyone is responsible for their actions and their work ethic. If you don’t try or don’t come to class, then you must not really care much about your grades.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people gripe about making bad grades but do not put any effort in. How are you supposed to make good grades you want if you don’t even try? That is just stupid.

I am proud to say that I made a C in life science. This was not easy, but I tried and I did better than my expectations. Science is out of my comfort zone but sometimes it is good to be challenged. I know some may not think a C is a good grade, but going in hoping for a D, I will definitely take the C.

My Inspiring Experience

This summer at USAO I've learned so many things about myself, my writing, etc. This blog has been a real joy for me, and has helped me to appreciate two primary things that I did not appreciate near enough before the class.

The first thing I did not appreciate enough is film. Before I started this class, I knew that I loved movies. Ever since I was very young I have had this unexplainable love for watching movies and television shows, but the reasoning behind it seemed a mystery. Writing these movie reviews has really opened my eyes to the true reasons that I love film. It has increased my knowledge about film in general, causing me to appreciate all of the aspects involved the creation of a movie and the presentation of it. If I loved film before this class, I love it ten times more now.

The second thing I did not appreciate was the blog/newspaper style of writing. Although I knew many people were easily able, I doubted my own abilties write in that format because nearly all my life, I have been writing almost solely fiction stories and attempts at novels. I had never had any experience in this style before, and the couple of times I attempted to write articles, they always seemed forced and not authentic. But this class has helped me grow. I am beginning to understand the proper way to write articles, and I am discovering the shocking easiness of how my fingers flow across the keyboard, spouting my thoughts easily and clearly onto the screen. It amazes me how exciting it is to write in such a style, a style that both I and my readers can understand, with no forced words or attempts at fancy language. I am more myself.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been in this class. It has helped me to grow in so many aspects, and I hope to continue writing my reviews even after it is all done, because honestly, the reviews are not only a potential benefit to the readers: they help me grow as a person. I thank my teacher for this opportunity; it has truly been an inspiring experience.

We Had a Good Run...

Though it has been a long, hot summer at USAO, I learned a different way of writing. I have posted nine blogs and became more comfortable with each one. I began writing about sports, because that is my passion. But as time went on, my life experiences and challenges seemed to take over and I switched my theme to much more random topics. As I went on writing, I became way more comfortable stating my personal experiences as opposed to using sports as a shield. I feel as though on every blog I wrote about my personal experiences were way more in depth and more entertaining to read unlike the sports columns that were just informational and straight to the point. Using the topic “Today at USAO, I learned…” really helped me open up and become more comfortable about writing in this style and format. It was very fun for me to write about things I am passionate about, instead of being given a certain topic.

Reward Yourself.

Today at USAO I learned the value of relaxation. I learned that knowing the end of the semester is near is relaxing but finals are not the relaxing part of school. School is stressful and it is not easy. That is why college is not for everyone. Relaxation has to be a part of everyone’s life even if you are not in school.

I know that being busy can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming, to the point that giving up seems to be the easiest solution. Life is pointless without purpose, but purpose is pointless without happiness. To be happy we have to do things that we love or like to do. I feel that rewarding yourself is one way to be happy in stressful times.

This may seem confusing but I think that it is important to reward yourself for doing a good job, or even finishing a task. Accomplishing, even small things deserve some sort of reward.

I love getting my nails done. This is one way that I use to have just “me” time. I get to relax and just be. Being a parent I may not get to relax like most college students, and this is just one example of how I make time for myself, or reward myself for finishing up another semester.
When finals are upon us, school is all we can think about. What do I have to study for next? Another way that I use my break is to not think about these things. I try to make the most out of my vacation.

In saying all this, I am trying to make the point that I learned that if we don’t all take a break sometime, we will get worn down and worn out. Make the most of your break and make time for yourself. Reward yourself for doing a good job. Children get rewarded for good behavior but we are no longer children. Being an adult, we accept responsibility and it is our responsibility to be proud of ourselves.

Ask and you shall recieve!

Today at USAO, I learned how important it is to talk to your teachers. I had knee surgery and was unable to make it to class for a week. I may have had a good excuse, but I still missed all of those important lectures that I needed to be there to hear. Not only was I missing one class for a week, but three classes! I am a student that can learn by hearing what the teacher say, not from reading it all in the book. Reading the book actually makes me want to fall asleep. The biggest problem about missing those classes was that finals were two weeks away. Everything the teacher is going to teach in that week is most likely on the final exam!

The good thing about going to school at USAO is that every single teacher here is willing to help and tutor you on anything you don’t understand. All I had to do was e-mail my professors about my situation and they all said “get well and come see me whenever you get the chance so I can get you caught up.” I have friends that are going to the University of Oklahoma and their teachers aren’t nearly as helpful there as they are here. I have a teacher that is letting me take his test on a different day because I was not able to make his scheduled time for his final exam. I am so thankful for my teachers to be so understanding and so helpful through this summer. It was a stressful one indeed. All I had to do was ask for help, don’t be shy or afraid to ask for help. Here, at USAO the teachers are very willing to help and get you through and pass their classes.

Pennies

Today, I came across a penny. Not just any penny, it was a new 2011 one. I was astonished. I flipped it over and examined it. Same old Lincoln face on one side, but on the tails side it had a symbol of the union.

It really surprised me that a coin of so little value to some had been re-designed. I thought to myself that they had quit making pennies. People toss them around like they are worthless and of little value. Rarely will people even stoop down to pick them up.

But, today the thought came back to me " a penny for your thought; a penny saved is a penny earned; pennies from heaven; pretty as a penny and shiny like a new penny.”

To compare these old adages with the college experience, we really have to think outside the box. Most students are really having to watch ever penny they can while trying in this day and time to pay for college. When they receive financial aid and scholarships, its like money from heaven. Our books cost a pretty penny and when we graduate we will shine like a brand new penny.

At USAO I used that penny as a reminder of how valuable we are as students and that like most of us, we are here to be re-designed and to re-discover ourselves. We as students are in the same union of commitment to succeed at college. Some of us will land on heads, and some on tails.

Today at USAO I Learned That..

You never know just how good you are at something until you try. Coming back to school after being out for so long (11 years), I thought I knew what my strengths and weaknesses were. I figured I would be an average writer, a somewhat impatient listener, a horrible procrastinator and bad at art (up to this point I wasn't very good at drawing, painting and etc.).

It turns out that I'm a decent writer. I need to refine my technique and grammar some. Also to establish better ways of coming up with fresh ideas to write about. Once I start writing about a given topic or response, I find that it's easy for me. The hardest part is just starting the first sentence and getting that all important momentum going.

I'm a great note taker. I've found, however, that listening to a lecture where notes aren't needed is much more difficult than I first imagined it would be. If I'm particularly interested in the material than I'm an avid listener, but it's not very often that this is the case. I knew ahead of time that this would be a weakness, though I didn't realize how much of one. It needs to be improved if I'm to continue to excel in my various classes.

Procrastination affects a lot of us to varying degrees. High school in particular, was a bad decision after another in this regard. If the assignment could be put off at all, it was. Likewise for any project or presentation. I found in college, however, that I'm more responsible and often get my assignments done on time or early if possible. It's important to maintain this work ethic and continue improving in this area. So far, I'm proud of myself for not being nearly as bad at procrastinating as I was when I was younger.

Art has been the best pleasant surprise for me this Summer. There were 3 pieces total that myself and my classmates made in ceramics. Of those, 2 I believe to be very good and better than the average piece for my skill level going into this class. One was a seashell I made using the process of "coil structure," and the other was a likeness of the I.M. Pei glass pyramid at the Louvre in France using "solid slab structure." This class was a lot of fun and I was encouraged to go to the next level in sculpture, which I fully intend to do, schedule permitting.

I have other examples, but these are what stood out to me the most this semester. There are some areas to improve on, overall though, I'm proud of what I have accomplished and learned thus far. So my message to others is not to assume. You never know how good or bad you are at something until you try. You may surprise yourself.

Hindrances to a Healthy Lifestyle

In a previous blog, I mentioned my desire to become a fitter person. I want to be able to get from class to class with the same ease I use to have. I have been walking more and trying to eat more nutritious meals.

Today, at USAO, I learned it’s easier said than done. I can see a problem and find a solution. However, executing the resolution is the trickier part.

Being a commuter, I sit for extended periods of time. It is necessary, but also brings a new set of problems. Since commuting a long distance became part of my routine, I noticed a decline in physical fitness. To introduce more activity into my regimen, I decided to park further away. This allows for more walking. This is only a small adjustment though. It will require much more work than this simple step.

Food is a major stumbling block. It is simpler and easier to just grab something on the go. Most of the choices for on the go dining is fast food and junk food. I can save time in my daily routine by eating in the car. However, I find when I do that the nutritional value suffers tremendously. For example, when I prepare a meal at home, I include lean protein and vegetables. When I eat in the car, it is typically packaged and has little or no nutritional value or preparation time.

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was young. Food is an integral part of everyone’s health, but especially so for a diabetic. This is another reason food is such an obstacle. If my blood sugar goes low, I need something to get it raised fast.

As a student, a commuter and a diabetic, I find there a many hindrances to a healthy lifestyle. The problem is plain. The solution can be seen. Attainment is complicated.

Baby, It's Hot Outside

Today at USAO I learned that it is extremely hot outside, with the temperature reaching over 100 degrees every day this month. It seems impossible to escape this heat.
If you went to summer school, we only have a couple weeks off before the fall semester. It is important to make the most of this break. Here are some tips on staying cool and ways to enjoy the rest of summer break.
1. Go swimming. This is a simple way to cool off and enjoy outside. It is impossible to be outside for five minutes without sweating. Cooling off in a swimming pool is a great way to just be outside without sweating to death.
2. Drink lots of water. It is important to stay hydrated because it is so hot. The risk of heat stroke and many other medical conditions increase when it is this hot.
3. Eat a frozen treat. The weather is a great excuse to eat something frozen and delicious. This can help you stay cool.
4. Go see a movie. The movie theatre is air conditioned and it is a great way to spend time with friends.
5. Go to the mall. This is a great way to get some exercise and a way to look at new clothes for the fall.
Everyone knows that this summer has been a scorcher; I can’t remember the last time that it has been this hot. It is important to stay safe and to stay cool. Let’s finish up with finals and enjoy the rest of the summer, even if it is a hot one.

Note to Self

Sometimes my brain is not the most reliable thing. At school, I rely on it often, but sometimes I need a reminder or extra support.

Trying to make sure I have everything ready for finals, I find myself unsure of specifics for certain assignments. So, here I am wishing I knew the details. I was so confident I would remember the essential information. However, I am unable to pinpoint the ideas I had at the time as well as the precise instructions.

Today, at USAO, I learned to take notes.

If I had written down my thoughts about the project, I wouldn’t be fumbling for inspiration later. If I had jotted down what the instructor was saying at the time, I wouldn’t be questioning if my work is right now.

I even keep a miniature notepad and pen in my purse so I am always prepared to capture information I don’t want to lose. Guess I had to relearn the importance of taking notes.

Since I spend a good amount of time in the car, I have considered using a tape recorder. Usually, I grab my notepad and scribble my thoughts even while commuting. It would be simpler and safer to use a recording device. It seems many of my ideas come while on the go.

Although during class time, I had plenty of ideas for my assigned projects. I just wish I had made the effort to grab something to keep a record of them. It would have spared me trying to brainstorm later for a topic. Also, I wouldn’t be tense concerning the particulars.

Note to self: don’t skimp on note taking.