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Friday, March 11, 2011
Reflection
Jack-of-all-trades.
For the last ten years, that's how I've described myself. Since graduating from high school in 1995, I've sold car parts at an automotive store, spent a little over two years in the banking industry, toiled away behind a desk as a paralegal at a law firm, and assisted two doctors at a small animal veterinary hospital - where, I might add, I barely escaped with all of my fingers intact. I'm obsessed with taking pictures and tote a camera with me everywhere I go. I grew up in Iowa, but have also called several other states home: Hawaii, Minnesota, Washington. I admit that I'm a bit flighty, and I feel strongly that life is meant to be lived passionately - no holds barred - and with absolutely no regrets. This is my first quarter back in college, and I'm here because getting my degree is number three on my list of things to do before I die. (It's sandwiched between living in a foreign country for a year and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.)
English has never been my strong subject. In fact, over the years, I've learned to fear it with a passion. Writing has always been my curse, and trying to assemble my thoughts into essay form is more painful than I can express. While creative writing does hold some interest for me, analytical writing has always made me cringe. So, with that being said, it was with great trepidation that I signed up for this course. I was in no way under the assumption that it was going to be a piece of cake and knew without a doubt that I had my work cut out for me. To put it bluntly, I had completely come to terms with the fact that I was going to lose both hair and sleep over the course of this quarter. However, with the overwhelming support of the instructors and my classmates, I have to admit that the class has gone far better than I ever imagined it would. The discussion and paper talk boards have not only been extremely helpful, but they've also been a lot of fun and have (for me, anyway) taken a lot of the tension out of writing.
Because this was a diversity class, the topics covered during the quarter were diversity related: identity, community, and tradition. I have to admit that I loved reading the essays in Remix (the class text) and enjoyed a brief glimpse into the lives and viewpoints of the selected authors. One of my favorite essays, "Befriending Barbie" by Shari Caudron, focused on communities (which also happened to be my favorite unit) and I'll never forget the transformation in attitude that Caudron went through just by briefly taking part in a community that she normally would have shunned. It goes a long way in showing how people can not only learn from one another, but accept one another - differences, weird customs, strange appearances and all. Before entering this class, I myself have had quite a lot of experience with diversity: I worked alongside a steady stream of immigrants from Mexico at an auto store back in high school, encountered minority sneers when living in Honolulu, Hawaii, and have a sister-in-law and nephew that are Japanese. I've always considered myself to be open to other cultures and traditions, and this class proved to be a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals.
In putting together my e-portfolio, I looked to the pieces that were both the most challenging and the most fun to write. For my Writer's Choice, I selected my blog post, "My Purse." I picked this particular piece because I felt that it best described who I am and why I'm the way that I am. When it comes down to it, for any of my other selections to make sense, this piece needs to be viewed first. The next piece, "A Tradition: Hot Dogs and Holidays", represents my Audience and Voice selection and holds a special place in my heart. For my Critical Thinking piece, I chose my community essay, "The Functions of Communities." As I said before, this unit was my absolute favorite of the quarter, and this paper was the most enjoyable to write. And finally, I selected my essay from the unit on tradition, "Fifteen Minutes of Fame", as my Revision piece.
All in all, English 101 did go much better than I ever expected it would. Am I a perfect writer? By all means... no. Not even close. But I will walk away from this class having gained an enormous amount of knowledge and skill that I can ultimately use for the rest of my life. And for that, I am forever grateful.
For the last ten years, that's how I've described myself. Since graduating from high school in 1995, I've sold car parts at an automotive store, spent a little over two years in the banking industry, toiled away behind a desk as a paralegal at a law firm, and assisted two doctors at a small animal veterinary hospital - where, I might add, I barely escaped with all of my fingers intact. I'm obsessed with taking pictures and tote a camera with me everywhere I go. I grew up in Iowa, but have also called several other states home: Hawaii, Minnesota, Washington. I admit that I'm a bit flighty, and I feel strongly that life is meant to be lived passionately - no holds barred - and with absolutely no regrets. This is my first quarter back in college, and I'm here because getting my degree is number three on my list of things to do before I die. (It's sandwiched between living in a foreign country for a year and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.)
English has never been my strong subject. In fact, over the years, I've learned to fear it with a passion. Writing has always been my curse, and trying to assemble my thoughts into essay form is more painful than I can express. While creative writing does hold some interest for me, analytical writing has always made me cringe. So, with that being said, it was with great trepidation that I signed up for this course. I was in no way under the assumption that it was going to be a piece of cake and knew without a doubt that I had my work cut out for me. To put it bluntly, I had completely come to terms with the fact that I was going to lose both hair and sleep over the course of this quarter. However, with the overwhelming support of the instructors and my classmates, I have to admit that the class has gone far better than I ever imagined it would. The discussion and paper talk boards have not only been extremely helpful, but they've also been a lot of fun and have (for me, anyway) taken a lot of the tension out of writing.
Because this was a diversity class, the topics covered during the quarter were diversity related: identity, community, and tradition. I have to admit that I loved reading the essays in Remix (the class text) and enjoyed a brief glimpse into the lives and viewpoints of the selected authors. One of my favorite essays, "Befriending Barbie" by Shari Caudron, focused on communities (which also happened to be my favorite unit) and I'll never forget the transformation in attitude that Caudron went through just by briefly taking part in a community that she normally would have shunned. It goes a long way in showing how people can not only learn from one another, but accept one another - differences, weird customs, strange appearances and all. Before entering this class, I myself have had quite a lot of experience with diversity: I worked alongside a steady stream of immigrants from Mexico at an auto store back in high school, encountered minority sneers when living in Honolulu, Hawaii, and have a sister-in-law and nephew that are Japanese. I've always considered myself to be open to other cultures and traditions, and this class proved to be a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals.
In putting together my e-portfolio, I looked to the pieces that were both the most challenging and the most fun to write. For my Writer's Choice, I selected my blog post, "My Purse." I picked this particular piece because I felt that it best described who I am and why I'm the way that I am. When it comes down to it, for any of my other selections to make sense, this piece needs to be viewed first. The next piece, "A Tradition: Hot Dogs and Holidays", represents my Audience and Voice selection and holds a special place in my heart. For my Critical Thinking piece, I chose my community essay, "The Functions of Communities." As I said before, this unit was my absolute favorite of the quarter, and this paper was the most enjoyable to write. And finally, I selected my essay from the unit on tradition, "Fifteen Minutes of Fame", as my Revision piece.
All in all, English 101 did go much better than I ever expected it would. Am I a perfect writer? By all means... no. Not even close. But I will walk away from this class having gained an enormous amount of knowledge and skill that I can ultimately use for the rest of my life. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Revision: Another Look at Tradition
For my revision piece, I chose my tradition essay, "Fifteen Minutes of Fame." It was by far the most difficult piece for me to write, and now, looking back, I truly wish I had gone with another thesis. The paper itself lacked a connection between the thesis, "With the development of video sharing websites, the glorified fifteen minutes of fame is now easier to achieve than ever," and the subject of tradition. Sure, the paper explained the effect that the internet had on achieving fame, etc. But it really didn't explain why and how this new technology actually altered the old way of obtaining fame. For this particular revision piece, I focused primarily on the conclusion, as it was in desperate need of a re-write.
Revising is so hard for me to do. Not because I believe that my writing is perfect and not in need of corrections. (Far from it!) But once I go back and try to rework a paper, I get lost in the revision and my writing suddenly starts to sound mechanical. However, revising is something that is a must when writing papers, and my ability to look at a piece of writing and revise it is something that I will continue to always, always work to improve.
Revising is so hard for me to do. Not because I believe that my writing is perfect and not in need of corrections. (Far from it!) But once I go back and try to rework a paper, I get lost in the revision and my writing suddenly starts to sound mechanical. However, revising is something that is a must when writing papers, and my ability to look at a piece of writing and revise it is something that I will continue to always, always work to improve.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame
(Original)
Fifteen Minutes of Fame
For centuries, the allure of fame has tempted the egos of even the most demure people. It has been coveted by millions and eluded most. To be well-known, well-respected, and much admired was, in the past, a privilege experience only by an elite few. Before the age of radio, television and the Internet, fame and notoriety were exceedingly difficult to come by. But with the dawning of technology, stardom has become increasingly more and more attainable. Since their arrival on the scene, radio and television have boosted the number of celebrities by almost half. But perhaps the most influencing factor in the quest for fame is the Internet. With the development of video sharing websites, the glorified fifteen minutes of fame is now easier to achieve than ever.
Within the last few years, the advancement of video sharing websites has allowed people to take the probability of fame into their own hands. YouTube, a site where users can upload and share personal videos, hit the worldwide web in 2005 and has proven to be a priceless catalyst in the pursuit of fame. The site is easily accessible by millions of people across the world and, as a result, provides the crucial connectivity necessary for generating a wide audience. A person can post a video of himself playing the drums and singing a long forgotten Willie Nelson tune one night and be an Internet sensation by the next morning. This video, publicized by the host site and spread by word of mouth, easily possesses the potential to become an instant hit. What at first was merely a crudely shot home recording can, thanks to today's technology, go viral.
Video sharing sites are auspicious, as they reap immediate rewards. Whereas years ago the only chance people had of getting their faces seen by the public was to either happen across some newsworthy incident and, hopefully, be interviewed by a nearby reporter or become a star high school athlete and wind up on the local evening news, folks can now choose how, when and where they want their image to be seen. Sites like YouTube allow users to give a face to their name, a voice to their cause. A passionate volunteer can use Facebook to promote a relatively unknown animal rescue organization, thus increasing adoptions and minimizing unnecessary euthanasias in her city. Likewise, a local band does not have to wait around for a venue to hire them before gaining a loyal audience. By using MySpace, getting recognition is as effortless as uploading a clip of their newest song to their page. Once a following is established (and, in most cases, it doesn't take long), many groups find that instead of having to beg and plead with promoters to get a gig, promoters are begging them.
The freedom brought about by video sharing websites has given just about everyone the most basic tools needed for stardom. And, in turn, it has given the world's population as a whole a wider acceptance for the quality of entertainment they yearn for. In a world where people crave the crass and outspoken, talent is no longer necessary. Just a high speed Internet connection and a video recording device is all that is required to propel even the most mundane person into the limelight. In this day and age, it is not uncommon for here-today-gone-tomorrow celebs to have gotten their start on YouTube, Metacafe, or MySpace. Popularity is determined more by the number of hits on a person's webpage than by assessing the actual talent of that individual. While in the past, anyone truly famous had to be able to prove their aptitude at a particular skill, exude an enormous amount of charm, and display a certain amount of wit, the celebrities and potential celebrities of today simply have to be able to access the Internet.
Because of the large number of video hosting sites, celebrity status is now so easily achieved that the bar that determines the height of fame is constantly rising. Clips of dangerous stunts, cruel heckling, or outrageous displays of idiocy flood the Internet and immediately thrust its creators into the public eye. These websites have successfully fashioned a new form of entertainment - more real than even reality television - and the public seems to love it. In "Stalking Celebrities", Heather Havrilesky claims that society is, "engaged in a mutually destructive relationship with the world's unstable citizens (448)." Just as the masses have become addicted to fame, the rest of the world seem to be addicted to their antics. And getting their fix is as easy as turning on their computers and browsing YouTube.
Another interesting twist that these sites have provided is that people are no longer satisfied with the traditional fifteen minute spot in the limelight. The glare of publicity has made them greedy, and a brief quarter of an hour is no longer enough to satisfy the quench for fame. Videos and slideshows are uploaded by the thousands and quickly posted to numerous Facebook and MySpace pages, distributed to various email addresses, and linked by zealous bloggers - all in the name of prolonging that first fifteen minutes of recognition. The ease of the Internet has made the desire for personal advertisement almost an obsession. It doesn't matter if the content projects the person in a positive or negative light. After all, press is press. And for some, as Havrilesky states, "... anonymity is worse than death (450)."
The world is becoming progressively more fast paced. And, fortunately, with the continued use of video sharing websites, society is able to keep up. Now more than ever before, people are able to have their voices heard and their messages conveyed to as few or as many listeners as they want. With this technologically sophisticated power to promote themselves, people no longer have to wait for that once in a lifetime opportunity of glamorized air time. Whether it is campaigning for something as pure and morally compassionate as an animal rescue organization or satisfying their own immediate desire for notoriety, video sharing websites give society what it has always craved - a guaranteed fifteen minutes of fame.
Works Cited
Havilesky, Heather. "Stalking Celebrities." Remix. Catherine G. Latterell. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford / St. Martin's, 2010. 446-450.
(Revised)
Fifteen Minutes of Fame
For centuries, the allure of fame has tempted the egos of even the most demure people. It has been coveted by millions and eluded most. To be well-known, well-respected, and much admired was, in the past, a privilege experience only by an elite few. Before the age of radio, television and the Internet, fame and notoriety were exceedingly difficult to come by. Perseverance, drive, and hard work were key factors in the rise to fame. But with the dawning of technology, stardom has become increasingly more and more attainable. Since their arrival on the scene, radio and television have boosted the number of celebrities by almost half. But perhaps the most influencing factor in the quest for fame is the Internet. With the development of video sharing websites, the glorified fifteen minutes of fame is now easier to achieve than ever.
Within the last few years, the advancement of video sharing websites has allowed people to take the probability of fame into their own hands. YouTube, a site where users can upload and share personal videos, hit the worldwide web in 2005 and has proven to be a priceless catalyst in the pursuit of fame. The site is easily accessible by millions of people across the world and, as a result, provides the crucial connectivity necessary for generating a wide audience. A person can post a video of himself playing the drums and singing a long forgotten Willie Nelson tune one night and be an Internet sensation by the next morning. This video, publicized by the host site and spread by word of mouth, easily possesses the potential to become an instant hit. What at first was merely a crudely shot home recording can, thanks to today's technology, go viral.
Video sharing sites are auspicious, as they reap immediate rewards. Whereas years ago the only chance people had of getting their faces seen by the public was to either happen across some newsworthy incident and, hopefully, be interviewed by a nearby reporter or become a star high school athlete and wind up on the local evening news, folks can now choose how, when and where they want their image to be seen. Sites like YouTube allow users to give a face to their name, a voice to their cause. A passionate volunteer can use Facebook to promote a relatively unknown animal rescue organization, thus increasing adoptions and minimizing unnecessary euthanasias in her city. Likewise, a local band does not have to log in long hours of playing and publicizing their music in dive bars across the country before gaining a loyal audience. Those tough days of pounding the pavement to promote an artist's image are over. By using MySpace, getting recognition is as effortless as uploading a clip of their newest song to their page. Once a following is established (and, in most cases, it doesn't take long), many groups find that instead of having to beg and plead with promoters to get a gig, promoters are begging them.
The freedom brought about by video sharing websites has given just about everyone the most basic tools needed for stardom. And, in turn, it has given the world's population as a whole a wider acceptance for the quality of entertainment they yearn for. In a world where people crave the crass and outspoken, talent is no longer necessary. Just a high speed Internet connection and a video recording device is all that is required to propel even the most mundane person into the limelight. In this day and age, it is not uncommon for here-today-gone-tomorrow celebs to have gotten their start on YouTube, Metacafe, or MySpace. Popularity is determined more by the number of hits on a person's webpage than by assessing the actual talent of that individual. While in the past, anyone truly famous had to be able to prove their aptitude at a particular skill, exude an enormous amount of charm, and display a certain amount of wit, the celebrities and potential celebrities of today simply have to be able to access the Internet.
Because of the large number of video hosting sites, celebrity status is now so easily achieved that the bar that determines the height of fame is constantly rising. Clips of dangerous stunts, cruel heckling, or outrageous displays of idiocy flood the Internet and immediately thrust its creators into the public eye. These websites have successfully fashioned a new form of entertainment - more real than even reality television - and the public seems to love it. In "Stalking Celebrities", Heather Havrilesky claims that society is, "engaged in a mutually destructive relationship with the world's unstable citizens (448)." Just as the masses have become addicted to fame, the rest of the world seem to be addicted to their antics. And getting their fix is as easy as turning on their computers and browsing YouTube.
Another interesting twist that these sites have provided is that people are no longer satisfied with the traditional fifteen minute spot in the limelight. The glare of publicity has made them greedy, and a brief quarter of an hour is no longer enough to satisfy the quench for fame. Videos and slideshows are uploaded by the thousands and quickly posted to numerous Facebook and MySpace pages, distributed to various email addresses, and linked by zealous bloggers - all in the name of prolonging that first fifteen minutes of recognition. The ease of the Internet has made the desire for personal advertisement almost an obsession. It doesn't matter if the content projects the person in a positive or negative light. After all, press is press. And for some, as Havrilesky states, "... anonymity is worse than death (450)."
The old tradition of achieving fame the hard way is fading. The hard knocks, the struggles, and the countless hours spent perfecting a craft has fallen to the wayside. Because fame is now so easy to achieve, it has lost some of its sparkle. And without that struggle to reach the top, the feeling of elation that is usually experienced upon reaching celebrity status is greatly diminished. As fame falls more and more within everyone's grasp, it no longer bears the luster and exclusivity that it once held. Yes, that fifteen minutes of fame maybe be easier to achieve now than ever before. However, because of the ease with which it is achieved, it is no longer glorified.
Works Cited
Havilesky, Heather. "Stalking Celebrities." Remix. Catherine G. Latterell. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford / St. Martin's, 2010. 446-450.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Critical Thinking: Assessing Communities
My paper on community was by far the easiest one for me to write. For some reason, the words just flowed, and relating the readings to my thesis - "As long as people do not get lost in them, communities can indeed prove to be extremely beneficial by providing a sense of belonging, stability, and confidence" - was really an enlightening process.
In analyzing how communities serve to benefit people, I interviewed my niece, Sara, who is a senior at the University of Iowa. An active student, she participates in countless clubs, and speaking with her gave me the most valuable insight on communities and the extent of their influences on not only individuals, but on society as a whole. For example, this particular quote from my paper completely sums up the power of communities: "... as Dam points out, one of the main attractions of associating with a college (in her case, the University of Iowa) is that, "once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye."
In assessing the different types of communities and their impacts on society's various circles, I was able to obtain a better grasp on the roles that we all play when interacting with one another and, on a larger scale, with our chosen groups.
In analyzing how communities serve to benefit people, I interviewed my niece, Sara, who is a senior at the University of Iowa. An active student, she participates in countless clubs, and speaking with her gave me the most valuable insight on communities and the extent of their influences on not only individuals, but on society as a whole. For example, this particular quote from my paper completely sums up the power of communities: "... as Dam points out, one of the main attractions of associating with a college (in her case, the University of Iowa) is that, "once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye."
In assessing the different types of communities and their impacts on society's various circles, I was able to obtain a better grasp on the roles that we all play when interacting with one another and, on a larger scale, with our chosen groups.
The Functions of Communities
No matter how they go about it, people want to belong... somewhere. Inevitably, humans are attracted to other individuals with like-minded ideas and goals. People want to feel accepted, they want to be liked. In fact, when it comes down to it, people will gravitate toward whatever makes them stronger. And, in most cases, that is a community. As long as people do not get lost in them, communities can indeed prove to be extremely beneficial by providing a sense of belonging, stability, and confidence.
The desire to belong, for most people, is overwhelming. From groups to clubs to cliques to secret societies, people will look for acceptance any way that they can get it. Occasionally, they will even go so far as forfeiting their own morals or subjecting themselves to extreme hazing rituals just to be included. The need to be around others with similar interests can sometimes cause people to make frenzied leaps into the first community that they come across - even if it is one that supports not so healthy behavior. In her essay "A Secret Society of the Starving", Mim Udovitch is introduced to the world of pro-anas, people (mostly of the female gender and of high school and college age) who believe that anorexia nervosa is a lifestyle choice and not - as is widely believed - an illness. While researching this particularly bizarre community, Udovitch interviews a girl named Claire who, when talking about her pro-ana friends, claims, "I can go online and talk to them there, and they know exactly what I'm going through and how I feel. And I don't have to worry about them judging me... (149)." Belonging to a group can fulfill a need for security, and Claire gets exactly that from her fellow pro-anas. Even though most of these people are aware of how unhealthy an actual eating disorder can be, they are, either through ignorance or denial, bonded through their established circle - a circle that continues to not only justify their behavior, but strengthen it. Cases such as this demonstrate how supportive a community can be. And just how dangerous.
The likelihood that people can lose themselves in their chosen communities is great. By so identifying with the particular groups they belong to, people begin to acquire a sense of "us" versus "them". As David Berreby states in his essay "It Takes a Tribe", "Human beings will give a lot, including their lives, for a group they feel a part of - for 'us,' as in 'our nation' or 'our religion.' They will also harm those labeled 'them,' including taking their lives (120)." This extreme sense of allegiance, albeit less dramatic, utterly displays itself in high schools and colleges, where students are zealously pitted against each other in passionate rivalries. Whether it involves inter-school competition or outside adversaries, students and faculty alike are often susceptible to the "us" and "them" syndrome. Sara Dam, a twenty-one year old undergraduate student at the University of Iowa and resident advisor (RA) at Burge Hall, likens this behavior to a "...desperate need to belong. Most people need to be a part of something, and college exclusivity is an easy way to accomplish that." Dam sees that need quite often in her classmates and residents. "The football games out here are intense. Most of the students don't even like football, or sports for that matter, but they can't wait to go to each and every game and cheer on the Hawks." A sports lover herself, she chuckles good-naturedly before continuing. "Half of the crowd doesn't even know what's going on. They just cheer when their friends do. But it's all in good fun." And, as Dam points out, one of the main attractions of associating with a college (in her case, the University of Iowa) is that, "once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye." Or, in other words, once a part of a college community, always a part of a college community.
The desire to belong, for most people, is overwhelming. From groups to clubs to cliques to secret societies, people will look for acceptance any way that they can get it. Occasionally, they will even go so far as forfeiting their own morals or subjecting themselves to extreme hazing rituals just to be included. The need to be around others with similar interests can sometimes cause people to make frenzied leaps into the first community that they come across - even if it is one that supports not so healthy behavior. In her essay "A Secret Society of the Starving", Mim Udovitch is introduced to the world of pro-anas, people (mostly of the female gender and of high school and college age) who believe that anorexia nervosa is a lifestyle choice and not - as is widely believed - an illness. While researching this particularly bizarre community, Udovitch interviews a girl named Claire who, when talking about her pro-ana friends, claims, "I can go online and talk to them there, and they know exactly what I'm going through and how I feel. And I don't have to worry about them judging me... (149)." Belonging to a group can fulfill a need for security, and Claire gets exactly that from her fellow pro-anas. Even though most of these people are aware of how unhealthy an actual eating disorder can be, they are, either through ignorance or denial, bonded through their established circle - a circle that continues to not only justify their behavior, but strengthen it. Cases such as this demonstrate how supportive a community can be. And just how dangerous.
The likelihood that people can lose themselves in their chosen communities is great. By so identifying with the particular groups they belong to, people begin to acquire a sense of "us" versus "them". As David Berreby states in his essay "It Takes a Tribe", "Human beings will give a lot, including their lives, for a group they feel a part of - for 'us,' as in 'our nation' or 'our religion.' They will also harm those labeled 'them,' including taking their lives (120)." This extreme sense of allegiance, albeit less dramatic, utterly displays itself in high schools and colleges, where students are zealously pitted against each other in passionate rivalries. Whether it involves inter-school competition or outside adversaries, students and faculty alike are often susceptible to the "us" and "them" syndrome. Sara Dam, a twenty-one year old undergraduate student at the University of Iowa and resident advisor (RA) at Burge Hall, likens this behavior to a "...desperate need to belong. Most people need to be a part of something, and college exclusivity is an easy way to accomplish that." Dam sees that need quite often in her classmates and residents. "The football games out here are intense. Most of the students don't even like football, or sports for that matter, but they can't wait to go to each and every game and cheer on the Hawks." A sports lover herself, she chuckles good-naturedly before continuing. "Half of the crowd doesn't even know what's going on. They just cheer when their friends do. But it's all in good fun." And, as Dam points out, one of the main attractions of associating with a college (in her case, the University of Iowa) is that, "once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye." Or, in other words, once a part of a college community, always a part of a college community.
Linking up with a community allows people to relax into a certain sense of stability. In knowing that others are constantly there for them - to watch out for them, to help them if need be - is a huge relief factor and is one of the reasons that most seek out the comfort of communities in the first place. Likewise, in watching out for others of the group and contributing to its greater good, each member is gifted with a feeling of value and self-worth - something that is remarkably hard to come by when drifting through life solo and unattached. This principle comes across expressly during college years, when students are more easily pieced into groups. Dam claims that she loves being an RA for her Hall because, "My residents become my friends, and I get to see them grow so much during the school year. Plus," she adds, "I love being there for them. It was actually because of this reason that I decided to apply for the position of Resident Counselor at my graduate school next year. Helping someone solve a problem they otherwise couldn't have is a great feeling." Dam's main goal as an RA is to make sure the people on her floor feel stable. "College students have enough stress in their lives," she points out. "But being able to return to the dorms and knowing that everything there, at least, is okay, is priceless."
A feeling of value and self-worth frequently inspires in people a supreme confidence. As long as they have their chosen communities behind them, people often feel like they can accomplish anything - whether it is struggling through a particularly difficult class or graduating with honors. As John Stewart encourages college graduates during his commencement speech at the College of William and Mary, "Love what you do. Get good at it (128)." And it is inarguable that doing "what you love" does take confidence - the sort of confidence that a community of well-wishers can provide. Stewart, however, also advises students to play to their own "internal sense of decency (128)" and cautions them to not lose themselves too much in the opinions of others (i.e. communities). It is widely known that college is a time to join together with others, commune. And as long as people are still able to flesh out their own identities while cradling themselves within their selected communities, they will be able to achieve the best of both worlds.
Communities, just like people, come and go. But it is what individuals do with their time while a part of those groups that decides what overall benefits are eventually attained. The actual functions of a community are wide, and the promise of belonging, stability, and confidence can be enticing. If handled correctly, those functions can provide people the sturdy ground and strong footholds that are necessary in their climb to ultimate success. When it comes down to it, people can survive on their own. But they need others to thrive.
Works Cited
Udovitch, Mim. "A Secret Society of the Starving." Remix. Catherine G. Latterell. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford / St. Martin's, 2010. 149-156.
Berreby, David. "It Takes a Tribe." Remix. Catherine G. Latterell. 2nd ed.
Boston: Bedford / St. Martin's, 2010. 119-123.
Boston: Bedford / St. Martin's, 2010. 119-123.
Stewart, Jon. "Commencement Address." Remix. Catherine G. Latterell. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford / St. Martin's, 2010. 125-128.
Dam, Sara. Telephone Interview. 31 January 2011.
Audience and Voice: A Tradition
I love to blog. It's almost like a guilty pleasure. Like taking that first bite of a ridiculously large, warm, gooey piece of chocolate fudge - the first few words I type instantly leave me craving more. Blogging is addicting - it's a great way to release your emotions, grapple with your thoughts and, best of all, explore your own soul. In a nutshell, blogging is freeing.
"A Tradition: Hot Dogs and Holidays" is a piece that describes a ritual from my youth. It takes a particular food normally associated with summer and various outdoor activities and places it in a situation that not many would couple it with - Christmas. In writing this piece, I acknowledged a few scenarios that the reader might relate hot dogs with: "Quick and easy, they're a food that you can either throw on the grill or roast over an open fire. They're tasty with or without a bun, and they tempt even the most sophisticated palate when covered with ketchup, mustard and relish."
This was a fun piece to write, and I feel that most readers can easily connect with it. Whether or not their traditions include the same things that mine does is irrelevant. Everyone has, at one time or another, been a part of a tradition. And, as a result, everyone can relate to the warm, fuzzy, blissful feelings of security that those traditions bring about.
"A Tradition: Hot Dogs and Holidays" is a piece that describes a ritual from my youth. It takes a particular food normally associated with summer and various outdoor activities and places it in a situation that not many would couple it with - Christmas. In writing this piece, I acknowledged a few scenarios that the reader might relate hot dogs with: "Quick and easy, they're a food that you can either throw on the grill or roast over an open fire. They're tasty with or without a bun, and they tempt even the most sophisticated palate when covered with ketchup, mustard and relish."
This was a fun piece to write, and I feel that most readers can easily connect with it. Whether or not their traditions include the same things that mine does is irrelevant. Everyone has, at one time or another, been a part of a tradition. And, as a result, everyone can relate to the warm, fuzzy, blissful feelings of security that those traditions bring about.
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