1. Blog 1:Write about a paper (any paper) you have written in the past. What was your process
when writing the paper? (Did you have music playing in the background, did you write the paper
the night before, did you outline or just start writing, etc.) What “type” of paper was it? (Creative
piece, research paper, lab report, book report, etc.?) How did you feel when it was assigned?
How about when it finished? Describe this paper and your writing process as thoroughly as
possible.
(My Response) One paper that I can remember writing is the research paper I wrote in eighth grade. It
was the first research paper I had ever written. It was an eight page paper, and could be written about
anything. I chose to write about throat cancer because my uncle had recently passed way from it. I really
didn't know much cancer, so I thought it would be interesting to research it and learn about it.
When the paper was first assigned I was overwhelmed and distraught. I knew it was going to be a lot of
work, and I am usually the type of person to wait until the last minute to do everything.
As an eighth grader, I was required to take a class called "skills." The purpose of the class was to learn
how to write a thesis, use proper citations, and use the MLA format to essentially write a research paper. I
did most of the outlining in class with the teacher, so we didn't have music playing in the background. The
process we took as a class, was the teacher would teach the lesson plan for the day, such as the thesis
statement, and then we would write our thesis statement.
The paper was much easier than I had expected because I was walked through the entire process step by
step, and at the end I had a complete eight page research paper including a thesis statement, conclusion,
and citations. I was very relieved when it was over, and I felt a sense of accomplishment.
Blog 2:In addition to thinking about how we write, it is also important to explore the ways that
we read. That said, why do think it is important to ask questions like "Where did this text come
from? What does it say? Can I trust the writer? Who is the writer's audience?” etc. when
reading? Also, what are some of the techniques you use when reading (i.e. do you underline key
words, write notes in the margins, write summaries, etc)? Do you need to be interested in the
subject matter to really retain what you've read? Do you need to re-read things several times?
(My Response) When reading, I think it is very important to consider where the text came from and
question what the text is saying. In doing this, we can try to figure out the mood or tone of the reading.
Also, if we know the audience of the writer we can tell if the author is trying to be funny, imaginative,
political, or factual.
When I am reading, I use a few different techniques. If it is a text book, I always underline and star key
words/sentences. That way, when I go back to study, I don't have to read the entire chapter over. If I am
studying, I usually make flash cards from the underlined key words and information. With those highlighted
notes and flash cards, I usually re-read them several times to study, especially before a test.
If I am reading book for an English class (non text book), I usually still underline key events or
quotations. I also write notes in the margin summarizing whatever I underlined.
It is easier for me to retain information if I am interested in the subject matter. If I am not interested in
the matter, then I usually have to re-read it several times and/or make notes to retain the info.
Blog 3:What do you feel is the purpose of a college education? Is it vocational training (i.e.
preparation for your eventual career)? Is it for socialization (i.e. adjusting to life on your own
and interacting with a diverse group of people)? Is it for giving back to the community? Is it all
of the above or something else? (Don't just agree or disagree with these possibilities, but explain
and justify your answers). Also, take a few moments to describe your ideal classroom. How
would you want the teacher to interact with you and material of the class? What would your
classmates be like? What assignments or types of assignments would you be of the greatest
interest to you?

2. (My Response) The purpose of a college education is to better yourself in many ways. It can help you
professionally and financially. For example, the person with a college education may land a promotion or a
better job faster, or instead of someone without a degree. It can also help you practically in everyday life.
For example, a college accounting, business, or finance course can help someone manage their finances
batter. The course can also help you invest in different companies, know where there money is going, and
how a profit can be made.
I think a college education can be both vocational and for socialization, depending on the student. It is
what you make of it. For example, I want my college experience to be more vocational than socialization.
I am not living on campus and am taking most of my classes online, so I am not interacting with other
students as much as I would if I lived at school. The reason for this is because I work a fulltime job as well
as a part-time job. I live on my own, but if I lived on campus I would be interacting with students more.
This experience can socialize a student because they learn how to meet new people and live with people
they have never met. This can also create a sense of responsibility because they are forced to adjust to
living own their own and taking care of themselves.
I would like to use my college education vocationally. I would like to obtain a degree in business to either
land a manager’s position at my current employer or be able to work in a larger company. If possible, I
would like to take a business class that requires an internship. This would be the greatest experience
educationally and professionally for my career.
My ideal classroom would be a smaller class. This would allow the students to be able to interact directly
with the teacher and be able to ask as many questions needed. The students would be judgment free, so
that no one would be in fear of being embarrassed and be able to ask for help whenever needed.
It is easy for me to learn when the teacher gives us his lesson in a few different forms. When something
is only gone over once, it is hard for me to retain all the information and clearly know what is being
asked. For example, I appreciate it when a paper is assigned and the teacher explains what he is looking for
in the paper. He would then also give out a sample paper and some other examples. This would be very
helpful to me. In comparison to an online class, I think the videos posted by the teachers are very useful. I
think the videos are useful after reading the assignment online because it directly explains the assignment
and you don't have to try and figure out the context and tone from just the text.
I also enjoy learning about subjects and then relating them to current events. It makes things more
interesting to compare how something is useful in everyday life.