Learning Reflection - Week 3

Learning Reflection

1. At what moment did you feel most engaged with what you were learning? Be specific. Was it while reading, writing for the online discussion forum, while thinking about the class, or while talking to others about it? Why was this the moment when you felt most engaged?

For this past week, I felt the most engaged while reading my committee members essays on “What Is an American?” I thought that everyone did a great job of expressing how great this country is to an outsider who has never been here. I also feel engaged when writing for the online discussion forum, as well as reading. I have really enjoyed reading about Poe, and learning more about him. His style and thoughts are unique, and one can only wonder what goes on in his mind. Combining all of these things together made the moments when I felt most engaged.

2. How do you feel when you post your work and an audience outside of a professor reads and comments on it? Does it change how or what you write?

At first I was a little nervous about posting my work for an audience outside of my professor, just because I don’t always take criticism the best. After making several posts, I am now feeling more confident in my writing and it doesn’t bother me at all. I welcome the comments, as I can only improve in my writing style. I think that as far as changing how I write, I will do that as well. Bring me all the comments you have, as I want to become a better writer.

3. What action did the professors or another student take that you found most helpful or affirming?

Once again, the professor saved the day! Sometimes when reading the assignments for the week, I don’t always understand them. The professor for this class has been so helpful, and I really appreciate it. Just send him an e-mail, and he answers promptly. In the end, no more questions or confusion.

4. What action did anyone take that you found most puzzling or confusing? How did you overcome your confusion?

No major confusion this week, just a couple of questions as usual. As always, I can contact the professor and he answers any questions that I have.

5. What about the reading and discussion has surprised you?

The discussion for this week about Poe was an interesting thing to write about. I found the reading to be very intriguing, and the discussion aspect was not too bad. I’m always worried that the reading will be boring, but so far so good. Hopefully, the rest of the semester will go smooth as well.

6. What new thoughts did you have about being an American from writing on the subject and reading the essays of your committee members? What did you think about that you hadn’t thought for a long time?

After reading my committee members essays and writing on the subject, I had several new thoughts on what it means to be an American. Mostly everyone in my committee had the same overview of America, but some just expressed it better than others. I thought about all of the freedoms that America has to offer, and the opportunities as well. Education is such an important factor, and that is a huge advantage for America. Everyone has the same rights, and discrimination is not really intact any longer. America has come a long way from our forefathers, and if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t share and celebrate a lot of freedoms.

What is an American?

What Is An American?

There are many ways to describe America and the people, and this is my version. Many people dream of becoming an American, and I think the reason why is obvious. The United States of America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. As an American citizen, there are certain rights and freedoms that we have the option to take advantage of, as they are personal rights. For example: there is the right to bear arms meaning that any individual has the legal right to own, carry, and operate a gun. There is also the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, then one will be appointed to you. These individual rights make America what it is today. There are also individual freedoms such as the freedom of religion where you have the right to practice any religion you want, and the freedom of speech which entitles you to say what is on your mind. Others may not always agree with you, but these are personal rights that we have as Americans and we should use them. The U.S. Constitution plays a large role in our personal rights and freedoms, as it protects and upholds our rights as Americans. Because our government is democratic, and not one individual holds all the power, we have rule of the majority. We also have the ability to vote for elected officials such as the president and vice president, senators, and members of congress as well as state elections too.

Many have described America as the land of peace and prosperity, which is 100% true. There are so many freedoms and rights that Americans have, versus people in other countries. You have the right to a good education, and a descent job as well.   There is also minimum wage, where you know you will get paid a set amount that is halfway descent. To be an American represents freedom, and there is only one responsibility: to uphold the U.S. Constitution. As it protects our rights and freedoms, we should do the same. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights is the foundation of America, and without them today, America would not be as great as it is.

There are holidays that we celebrate as Americans as well, but the main one is Independence Day which is July 4^th. This is the day that Americans gained their independence, and the shaping of America began. I wonder if Thomas Jefferson knew that America would turn into what it is today from his hard work? Because of the Declaration of Independence, we are able to enjoy freedoms that we may not have received without this important document, and the hard work of many people that contributed to our independence. There is also the issue of equality when it comes to being an American. When you live in America, the color of your skin doesn’t matter. We are all treated equally and fairly, as it should be. Gender is not discriminated against either. Both men and women have equal opportunities. This ranges from employment to politics.  

In conclusion, being an American means helping others in need, even if you do not wish to. When we all pull together and help each other out, the benefit is enormous. What we all need to do is capture the beauty and essence of being an American, and come together to share in the rewards and benefits. Many people do not have the freedoms that America offers, and that is one reason as to why it is so important to take advantage and cherish them. Overall, it is a true honor to be an American. I hope you will visit soon my friend and experience all the benefits that America has to offer. See you soon!

Sincerely,
Courtney D.

Learning Reflection

Learning Reflection

1. At what moment did you feel most engaged in what you were learning? Be specific. Was it while reading, writing for the online discussion forum, while thinking about the class, or while talking to others about it? Why was this the moment when you felt most engaged?

When I first started reading the poem by Walt Whitman, I really felt engaged in what I was learning. It was a great poem and very interesting to read. I also feel engaged in the online discussion forum. It’s a great way to get your thoughts out there and see how other people feel as well. i.e. Did the reading affect them the same way? It’s a great way to communicate with others. The poem by Walt Whitman was so detailed and intriguing, that it just caught me in the moment. This was the moment for me.

2. At what moment did you feel most distant from what the class was doing and what you were learning? Be specific and explain why.

As far as last week goes, I can’t really say that I felt distant at any point. I felt like I was on track with what the rest of the class was doing and learning. I understood the reading and really felt like I was on point with the class. The assignments were detailed, and I didn’t have any major problems.  

3. What action did the professors or another student take that you found most helpful or affirming?

I have found the professor to be very helpful. Anytime I had a question about anything, I just email the teacher, and he responds rather promptly. This action taken by the professor helped me very much.

4. What action did anyone take that you found most puzzling or confusing? Why? How did you overcome your confusion?

There was no action this previous week that I found puzzling or confusing. If I had a question, I just emailed the teacher, and he answered my questions…no more confusion.

5. What about the reading and discussion has surprised you?

I was expecting the reading to be more on the boring side at times, but last weeks reading was not at all. I enjoyed the poems by Walt Whitman and Phyllis Wheatley, as well as the required textbook readings. I think that some weeks will be better than others but so far, it’s off to a good start.

Hello World

This is my first blog post!