Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Update
I realized last night that I did not give an update on my uncle. Well as you know, he was suppose to have surgery on Monday. However, it did not take place and it won't for a while. This is because they realized that he was to high risk for the surgery due to his CHF. It would have caused him to become sick. Although that he is pain, all they can do for him right now is give him some medication for the pain. I thank everyone who thought and prayed for him.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Creative Nonfiction
Creative nonfiction can be defined as many different things. It is a subject matter that everyone has their own definition that they feel is the correct way to define creative nonfiction. For me, creative nonfiction is a writing that is based on a true event, but the author added a twist to the story to make it more interesting to the audience. However, there are many people from online blogs that have a different view on the meaning of creative nonfiction.
One of the blogs that I have looked at was Bruce Dobler’s Creative Nonfiction Compendium. In this it is stated that they believe that creative nonfiction relates mostly to journalism. They also state that creative nonfiction is actual events that have occurred with fiction added to the literature. I agree with this to an extent as I believe that creative nonfiction can apply to more genres than just to journalism. However, I agree that authors add made up information and story lines to their writings as it is a way to give the material a more exciting edge that people are going to enjoy more when they read the article.
Another blog that I looked at was Brevity. In his blog you are able to submit your own creative nonfiction piece to be published on their blog. However, there are some guidelines that you must follow in order to have your piece posted. First, you have to make sure that you do not write more than seven hundred fifty words. It also has to be very vivid in details that make the audience feel like they are a part of what they are reading. However, you are only able to post two essays a year of creative nonfiction on Brevity.
All Around the Town, by Herbert Asbury is a good example of a collection of creative nonfiction short stories. Each story that we have read throughout the book, has been based on a true occurrence that happened throughout history, yet there was information added to them to make it better reading for those to read.
Over the years I have read multiple books that are creative nonfiction. At the moment I was unaware of what genre that they were considered. Now that I am aware of the genre that they were under, I have a better appreciation for them. One of the books that I have read was Kite Runner. It deals with the war in Afghanistan and of a family that is feeling the affects of the war. Although the story line about the family could be true, it most likely is stretched to make it more interesting to the reader. I know that the book would have been uninteresting and hard for me to read if there wasn’t any creative writing in the book, as I don’t like to read about history.
Another book that I read in high school was Under the Blood Red Sun. This book was based on the bombing of Pearl Harbor and what occurred with one friendship when war was declared. The friendship that was tested in the book was of an American boy and a Japanese boy. Again, the truth of the book was the bombing of Pearl Harbor and a friendship that the boys have. However, some of the details may have been stretched. This book is the perfect example of what I believe to be creative nonfiction.
Overall, there are many different definitions of creative nonfiction. None of which are incorrect as they all depend on what each person believes it to be. For me, creative nonfiction is the truth of an event that has occurred throughout history with a twist to the truth to give the readers something entertaining to read on a subject that may be dry. I wonder if my definition is to narrow to others and if others agree with what I say the definition is.
One of the blogs that I have looked at was Bruce Dobler’s Creative Nonfiction Compendium. In this it is stated that they believe that creative nonfiction relates mostly to journalism. They also state that creative nonfiction is actual events that have occurred with fiction added to the literature. I agree with this to an extent as I believe that creative nonfiction can apply to more genres than just to journalism. However, I agree that authors add made up information and story lines to their writings as it is a way to give the material a more exciting edge that people are going to enjoy more when they read the article.
Another blog that I looked at was Brevity. In his blog you are able to submit your own creative nonfiction piece to be published on their blog. However, there are some guidelines that you must follow in order to have your piece posted. First, you have to make sure that you do not write more than seven hundred fifty words. It also has to be very vivid in details that make the audience feel like they are a part of what they are reading. However, you are only able to post two essays a year of creative nonfiction on Brevity.
All Around the Town, by Herbert Asbury is a good example of a collection of creative nonfiction short stories. Each story that we have read throughout the book, has been based on a true occurrence that happened throughout history, yet there was information added to them to make it better reading for those to read.
Over the years I have read multiple books that are creative nonfiction. At the moment I was unaware of what genre that they were considered. Now that I am aware of the genre that they were under, I have a better appreciation for them. One of the books that I have read was Kite Runner. It deals with the war in Afghanistan and of a family that is feeling the affects of the war. Although the story line about the family could be true, it most likely is stretched to make it more interesting to the reader. I know that the book would have been uninteresting and hard for me to read if there wasn’t any creative writing in the book, as I don’t like to read about history.
Another book that I read in high school was Under the Blood Red Sun. This book was based on the bombing of Pearl Harbor and what occurred with one friendship when war was declared. The friendship that was tested in the book was of an American boy and a Japanese boy. Again, the truth of the book was the bombing of Pearl Harbor and a friendship that the boys have. However, some of the details may have been stretched. This book is the perfect example of what I believe to be creative nonfiction.
Overall, there are many different definitions of creative nonfiction. None of which are incorrect as they all depend on what each person believes it to be. For me, creative nonfiction is the truth of an event that has occurred throughout history with a twist to the truth to give the readers something entertaining to read on a subject that may be dry. I wonder if my definition is to narrow to others and if others agree with what I say the definition is.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Please Say a Pray
Last night my uncle got the phone call from the doctor that said that they had an opening on Monday for surgery. He needs surgery to correct how his sternum healed from his previous surgery.
Let me get you caught up. My uncle moved in with us three years ago. He has Congested Heart Failure (CHF). This made it hard for him to work, which made it almost impossible to support him self. He moved in thinking that he was only going to stay for maybe a month or two and that was it. However, he has stayed with us for three years. I think that it was the best for him, as it gave him a sense of hope. I feel that by him living by himself that it was like he felt it didn’t matter what happened to him. Now living in the house, which is double family (so all together there are 12 people that live her) he felt that he couldn’t just give up on a bad day.
A year ago he had open heart surgery to help with the CHF. The surgery went well. At first it was hard for him to just do the everyday things that we take for granted. As the weeks passed, we were able to see how the surgery has helped. However, he started to have problems breathing again. Lately, he has been complaining that when he moves that everything inside his chest starts to pop. He told his doctors this and they first told him that he was still healing. He is now in more pain than he has been, and he has been having dreams of people torturing him. When he told the doctors this they took a better look and found that his sternum has not healed.
At that moment the doctor told him that he would have to have another surgery to correct the way that the sternum was healing. He said that it would take 10 to 14 days before he would have a surgery opening. Last night at five o’clock, my uncle got a phone call that he had to come in tomorrow (today) to get prepped for surgery on Monday. This was a big shock to everyone as nobody was ready for the call. We feel that it is the best though so now he doesn’t have to dwell on the idea for so long. The surgery is to correct the sternum. It is suppose to relieve him from the pain that he has had.
I ask for everyone to say a pray for him to do well in surgery and through recovery. I pray that this will be the last surgery that he needs and the one that relieves him from all the pain that he has endured over the past year the most.
Let me get you caught up. My uncle moved in with us three years ago. He has Congested Heart Failure (CHF). This made it hard for him to work, which made it almost impossible to support him self. He moved in thinking that he was only going to stay for maybe a month or two and that was it. However, he has stayed with us for three years. I think that it was the best for him, as it gave him a sense of hope. I feel that by him living by himself that it was like he felt it didn’t matter what happened to him. Now living in the house, which is double family (so all together there are 12 people that live her) he felt that he couldn’t just give up on a bad day.
A year ago he had open heart surgery to help with the CHF. The surgery went well. At first it was hard for him to just do the everyday things that we take for granted. As the weeks passed, we were able to see how the surgery has helped. However, he started to have problems breathing again. Lately, he has been complaining that when he moves that everything inside his chest starts to pop. He told his doctors this and they first told him that he was still healing. He is now in more pain than he has been, and he has been having dreams of people torturing him. When he told the doctors this they took a better look and found that his sternum has not healed.
At that moment the doctor told him that he would have to have another surgery to correct the way that the sternum was healing. He said that it would take 10 to 14 days before he would have a surgery opening. Last night at five o’clock, my uncle got a phone call that he had to come in tomorrow (today) to get prepped for surgery on Monday. This was a big shock to everyone as nobody was ready for the call. We feel that it is the best though so now he doesn’t have to dwell on the idea for so long. The surgery is to correct the sternum. It is suppose to relieve him from the pain that he has had.
I ask for everyone to say a pray for him to do well in surgery and through recovery. I pray that this will be the last surgery that he needs and the one that relieves him from all the pain that he has endured over the past year the most.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Spotted Eagle Ray
I just got finished reading Eagle Ray Leaps Onto Boat, Kills Woman. As soon as I read the title it was something that I wanted to know more about. On Thursday, a woman was with her family out on their boat and died an unexpected death.
The woman was just on the boat like any other time that the family has been on the boat. However, this day would change their lives. While they were out on the water, a spotted eagle ray leaped out of the water and onto the boat. When it came over deck, it pierced through her neck. After the pierce the woman collasped and hit her head on the vessel. Doctors are unaware of what caused the woman's death as it could have been either factor that played a role.
It has been stated that this is not uncommon for rays to jump out of the water. There have been many reports that have been placed over the years of those that have been pierced by sting rays.
One of the stories that came to mind right away was about Steve Irwin. I remember hearing the story of how he was under water creating a documentary show when he was pierced in the heart by a different type of sting ray than the one that just killed this woman. Steve's accident occurred in 2006, but it feels like just yesterday that it was all over the news about the unheard of accident.
The woman was just on the boat like any other time that the family has been on the boat. However, this day would change their lives. While they were out on the water, a spotted eagle ray leaped out of the water and onto the boat. When it came over deck, it pierced through her neck. After the pierce the woman collasped and hit her head on the vessel. Doctors are unaware of what caused the woman's death as it could have been either factor that played a role.
It has been stated that this is not uncommon for rays to jump out of the water. There have been many reports that have been placed over the years of those that have been pierced by sting rays.
One of the stories that came to mind right away was about Steve Irwin. I remember hearing the story of how he was under water creating a documentary show when he was pierced in the heart by a different type of sting ray than the one that just killed this woman. Steve's accident occurred in 2006, but it feels like just yesterday that it was all over the news about the unheard of accident.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
"Ashley the Pillow Angel"
In 2006, one family had to make a tough decision that had to do with their “pillow angel.” The term “pillow angel” is what this family refers to their 10 year old daughter who was born with brain damage and suffers from CP.
In 2006, the family consulted with Dr. Daniel Gunther at The Children’s Hospital in Washington to see what they were able to do so that it would be easier to take care of Ashley as she gets older. Ashley’s parents and doctors thought that it would be best if they did an operation that would stop her from growing. In the operation the doctors removed Ashley’s breast buds and gave her a high dose of estrogen to stop growth and sexual maturation, along with a hysterectomy.
The surgery is illegal to be preformed. However, the parents and the doctors involved were pleased with the out come. Since the operation Dr. Gunther has committed suicide. There is no connection between performing the operation and the suicide.
The surgery went well with no complications. Since the operation, Ashley has stayed at the same weight and height. She weighs 63 pounds at the height of 4 feet 5 inches. Ashley will remain this size for the rest of her life. The reason that this is good and helpful is that it will be easier for her parents and future caregivers to do what is needed throughout the day of caring for her.
Ashley’s parents find it easier and more comforting that with the years to come that they will still be able to take care of Ashley. They are glad that as she gets older she will not get bigger so that they will be able to cuddle and hold her in their arms and it will be easier for them to take care of her at that size than if she was to grow her full height.
I don’t know how any one can judge these parents for what they did. It had to be the hardest decision that they have been faced with. I think that this surgery should be allowed for other families to consider if they have a child that suffers like Ashley does. In the long run Ashley will be able to get all the care that she needs as she will be small enough where it will not be to hard for others to care for her.
In 2006, the family consulted with Dr. Daniel Gunther at The Children’s Hospital in Washington to see what they were able to do so that it would be easier to take care of Ashley as she gets older. Ashley’s parents and doctors thought that it would be best if they did an operation that would stop her from growing. In the operation the doctors removed Ashley’s breast buds and gave her a high dose of estrogen to stop growth and sexual maturation, along with a hysterectomy.
The surgery is illegal to be preformed. However, the parents and the doctors involved were pleased with the out come. Since the operation Dr. Gunther has committed suicide. There is no connection between performing the operation and the suicide.
The surgery went well with no complications. Since the operation, Ashley has stayed at the same weight and height. She weighs 63 pounds at the height of 4 feet 5 inches. Ashley will remain this size for the rest of her life. The reason that this is good and helpful is that it will be easier for her parents and future caregivers to do what is needed throughout the day of caring for her.
Ashley’s parents find it easier and more comforting that with the years to come that they will still be able to take care of Ashley. They are glad that as she gets older she will not get bigger so that they will be able to cuddle and hold her in their arms and it will be easier for them to take care of her at that size than if she was to grow her full height.
I don’t know how any one can judge these parents for what they did. It had to be the hardest decision that they have been faced with. I think that this surgery should be allowed for other families to consider if they have a child that suffers like Ashley does. In the long run Ashley will be able to get all the care that she needs as she will be small enough where it will not be to hard for others to care for her.
Case Closed
On September 11, 2003 John Ritter passed away unexpectedly. His death was due to a torn aorta. When he first realized that something was wrong, he was on the set of “8 Simple Rules…for Dating My Teenage Daughter” where he was currently taping for an episode. John was rushed to St. Joseph Medical Center where he was treated. However, at the hospital, the doctors were unable to do much for John.
His widow, Amy Yasbeck, felt that the doctors should be held responsible for John’s death. She decided to sue the doctors that were working on John that night. She also felt that the doctors that gave John a medical test in previous years should have been able to discover that this was going to occur. It is stated that John should have consulted with other doctors after he got those tests back but failed to. Although he didn’t consult with other doctors, this didn’t play a role in his death.
The doctors stated that even if they had time to perform surgery, that the outcome would have been the same. However, the jury decided that the doctors were not reliable for John’s death as they did what they could for him.
Although this was a tragic death, I don’t think that the doctors should be held responsible. I feel that they did what they could do for him. John Ritter will be missed by many. He has brought happiness to all those that he knew him and his fans.
His widow, Amy Yasbeck, felt that the doctors should be held responsible for John’s death. She decided to sue the doctors that were working on John that night. She also felt that the doctors that gave John a medical test in previous years should have been able to discover that this was going to occur. It is stated that John should have consulted with other doctors after he got those tests back but failed to. Although he didn’t consult with other doctors, this didn’t play a role in his death.
The doctors stated that even if they had time to perform surgery, that the outcome would have been the same. However, the jury decided that the doctors were not reliable for John’s death as they did what they could for him.
Although this was a tragic death, I don’t think that the doctors should be held responsible. I feel that they did what they could do for him. John Ritter will be missed by many. He has brought happiness to all those that he knew him and his fans.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Midnight Run
Last night I was able to go on a Midnight Run. For those who don’t know what a Midnight Run is, it is when a group of about ten students go to Manhattan to feed the homeless.
We first meet at the cafeteria at 8 o’clock and start making 120 sandwiches. In each bag lunch we place 2 sandwiches, cookies, fruit, and a drink. At around 9 o’clock we start going through clothes that have been donated to give out to those that are on the street. We finally leave the school at around 9:30 and start our journey to Manhattan. Our night continues until midnight when we make our last stop. After that stop we head back to school at around 12:30- 1 o’clock.
Once in Manhattan, we go to a few stops where people know that we will be at. At the stops we hand each person a bag lunch. They are then able to get a hot cup of coffee and clothes if they would like, we even give out toiletries to them.
Although the food and clothes are important to them, they sometimes are just looking for someone to talk to for a while. Each person that we come in contact with is unique. They all have different stories of how they ended up on the streets. It always amazes me how strong these people are. Regardless of the burdens that they are faced with they still have very strong spirits.
On the first stop their was this one gentleman that came up to us and when we gave him a bag lunch, all he was able to say was Thank you, over and over again and he also said that he was starving. When we told him that he was able to get coffee and clothes he told us the food was enough. Right away he sat on the bench right there and devoured the sandwiches. We then asked him if he wanted another bag lunch and he accepted it and started to talk to us. He told us that he has stayed at a shelter but the food is awful there and the sandwiches were great. This man was so grateful that we have come like the rest but he had a charm to him.
On the last stop, there was this man that had such a personality. I couldn’t believe how strong it was. When we first mentioned that we were the Midnight Run crew, he was sitting on steps with no shoes on. He leapt up with a huge smile on his face and said, “ I aint no Eliot Spitzer… I’ll come to you with no shoes on.” He then proceeded to tell us that we were the only people that he would walk in his socks for as we were basically the highlight of their days. This made us feel honored that he was willing to come to us instead of him trying to get us to cater him.
Also on the final stop, there was a woman that came to us that had a cart with her and a cardboard box. It took up most of the sidewalk while we talked to her and gave her some food. There were a group of around 7 guys that walked up and when they say that she was homeless they stopped and stared. They exchanged looks and comments at one another and then walked around the van so that they didn’t have to cross her path. As they proceeded to walk by they continued to turn around and gesture that they were making ignorant comments about this lady. The crew all felt the urge to go up to them and ask them why they were so cruel to a woman that they didn’t even know.
I feel that I am so fortunate for everything that I have after talking to the people on the streets. This is something that I think everyone should have a part in at least once. Next time that you see someone on the streets that has it worse than you, be kind to them as they are also human just like you. Next time you see someone that lives on the street, offer them food. For both them and you, it will make your day for helping another human being. I feel bad for those guys that are so ignorant to realize that these people are someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, or friend and that this can happen to some one they know if something goes wrong in their life.
We first meet at the cafeteria at 8 o’clock and start making 120 sandwiches. In each bag lunch we place 2 sandwiches, cookies, fruit, and a drink. At around 9 o’clock we start going through clothes that have been donated to give out to those that are on the street. We finally leave the school at around 9:30 and start our journey to Manhattan. Our night continues until midnight when we make our last stop. After that stop we head back to school at around 12:30- 1 o’clock.
Once in Manhattan, we go to a few stops where people know that we will be at. At the stops we hand each person a bag lunch. They are then able to get a hot cup of coffee and clothes if they would like, we even give out toiletries to them.
Although the food and clothes are important to them, they sometimes are just looking for someone to talk to for a while. Each person that we come in contact with is unique. They all have different stories of how they ended up on the streets. It always amazes me how strong these people are. Regardless of the burdens that they are faced with they still have very strong spirits.
On the first stop their was this one gentleman that came up to us and when we gave him a bag lunch, all he was able to say was Thank you, over and over again and he also said that he was starving. When we told him that he was able to get coffee and clothes he told us the food was enough. Right away he sat on the bench right there and devoured the sandwiches. We then asked him if he wanted another bag lunch and he accepted it and started to talk to us. He told us that he has stayed at a shelter but the food is awful there and the sandwiches were great. This man was so grateful that we have come like the rest but he had a charm to him.
On the last stop, there was this man that had such a personality. I couldn’t believe how strong it was. When we first mentioned that we were the Midnight Run crew, he was sitting on steps with no shoes on. He leapt up with a huge smile on his face and said, “ I aint no Eliot Spitzer… I’ll come to you with no shoes on.” He then proceeded to tell us that we were the only people that he would walk in his socks for as we were basically the highlight of their days. This made us feel honored that he was willing to come to us instead of him trying to get us to cater him.
Also on the final stop, there was a woman that came to us that had a cart with her and a cardboard box. It took up most of the sidewalk while we talked to her and gave her some food. There were a group of around 7 guys that walked up and when they say that she was homeless they stopped and stared. They exchanged looks and comments at one another and then walked around the van so that they didn’t have to cross her path. As they proceeded to walk by they continued to turn around and gesture that they were making ignorant comments about this lady. The crew all felt the urge to go up to them and ask them why they were so cruel to a woman that they didn’t even know.
I feel that I am so fortunate for everything that I have after talking to the people on the streets. This is something that I think everyone should have a part in at least once. Next time that you see someone on the streets that has it worse than you, be kind to them as they are also human just like you. Next time you see someone that lives on the street, offer them food. For both them and you, it will make your day for helping another human being. I feel bad for those guys that are so ignorant to realize that these people are someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, or friend and that this can happen to some one they know if something goes wrong in their life.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Breath Taking
When I first heard that Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, my heart stopped. I have been a fan of his since the first time I watched Dirty Dancing when I was little. Throughout my life, Dirty Dancing has been one of my favorites along with other movies that Patrick has starred in.
Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that starts in the pancreas. However, the cells of this type of cancer spread by dividing itself into unlimited amounts. This cancer also is one that most likely spreads throughout the body to other organs. Around 33,000 people of all ages in the United States are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. It is stated that those diagnosed do not live longer than 5 years after they find out.
According to CNN, they state that the doctors are being optimistic about Patrick's recovery. They also state that treatment is helping right now. Patrick is not continuing to work on new projects during this time although A&E cable networks is currently looking at his pilot of "The Beast.
In another article from CNN, Whoopi Goldberg said that she wouldn't have won an Academy Award if not for Patrick. It also is said that Patrick made it a point that if Whoopi was not casted for the part of Oda Mae Brown in Ghost that he would not be a part of the production. At the end of the article Whoopi says, "We want you to feel better- we will talk soon, I hope."
Like Whoopi, I hope that Patrick feels better and that he is comfortable with no pain. Patrick has been and will continue to be a star and a role model to many. Regardless of what is to come, I hope that Patrick realizes that he has touched many with his work. Also, I hope that he and his family knows that many people are praying for him and the others that are battling this disease.
Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that starts in the pancreas. However, the cells of this type of cancer spread by dividing itself into unlimited amounts. This cancer also is one that most likely spreads throughout the body to other organs. Around 33,000 people of all ages in the United States are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. It is stated that those diagnosed do not live longer than 5 years after they find out.
According to CNN, they state that the doctors are being optimistic about Patrick's recovery. They also state that treatment is helping right now. Patrick is not continuing to work on new projects during this time although A&E cable networks is currently looking at his pilot of "The Beast.
In another article from CNN, Whoopi Goldberg said that she wouldn't have won an Academy Award if not for Patrick. It also is said that Patrick made it a point that if Whoopi was not casted for the part of Oda Mae Brown in Ghost that he would not be a part of the production. At the end of the article Whoopi says, "We want you to feel better- we will talk soon, I hope."
Like Whoopi, I hope that Patrick feels better and that he is comfortable with no pain. Patrick has been and will continue to be a star and a role model to many. Regardless of what is to come, I hope that Patrick realizes that he has touched many with his work. Also, I hope that he and his family knows that many people are praying for him and the others that are battling this disease.
Gimme A Break
Over Spring break, I participated in a program called Gimme a Beak. The program allows students the opportunity to go out of state and do a community service program depending where you are interested in. I was able to go to South Dakota with two other students where we worked at Red Cloud Indian School. It is an elementary school that was designed for those who are Native American and are Sioux Indian descent.
At the school I was with a first grade classroom. Right away I was able to see some differences in how they function in the classroom compared to what I know first hand. The students were more respectful to the teachers and those that they came in contact with during the school day. Instead of calling their teachers by mister or miss’ they referred to them by their first name. I thought this was odd as we were brought up that you had to call the teachers by their last names as a way of respect. Another thing that is different is that there was a small amount of students in each grade. They only had one class for each grade. There were only 22 students in the class that I was in.
When I first got there I was unaware of the different things that I was going to do. Right away the teacher had me help the students with the work that they were doing. I was also placed on recess duty where I had to take the class outside for 20 minutes and watch them all by myself. This was overwhelming as I didn’t think that this was something that they would have me do on the first day when I didn’t know any of the students. All went well though. However the whole time I kept counting the students to make sure I didn’t lose anyone. By the end of the week, I was more relaxed when on recess duty. Also I felt more comfortable in the classroom while I took charge of some situations that were presented to me.
For me the experience allowed me to become closer to the other two girls that I went with. By being in the first grade classroom for the week, I am now positive that I am making the correct decision to be an elementary teacher in the future. It was an experience that I will never forget. All the people that we came in contact with were so respectful and willing to try to make you feel like a part of their world. I hope that I will be given another opportunity to do something else like this in the future.
At the school I was with a first grade classroom. Right away I was able to see some differences in how they function in the classroom compared to what I know first hand. The students were more respectful to the teachers and those that they came in contact with during the school day. Instead of calling their teachers by mister or miss’ they referred to them by their first name. I thought this was odd as we were brought up that you had to call the teachers by their last names as a way of respect. Another thing that is different is that there was a small amount of students in each grade. They only had one class for each grade. There were only 22 students in the class that I was in.
When I first got there I was unaware of the different things that I was going to do. Right away the teacher had me help the students with the work that they were doing. I was also placed on recess duty where I had to take the class outside for 20 minutes and watch them all by myself. This was overwhelming as I didn’t think that this was something that they would have me do on the first day when I didn’t know any of the students. All went well though. However the whole time I kept counting the students to make sure I didn’t lose anyone. By the end of the week, I was more relaxed when on recess duty. Also I felt more comfortable in the classroom while I took charge of some situations that were presented to me.
For me the experience allowed me to become closer to the other two girls that I went with. By being in the first grade classroom for the week, I am now positive that I am making the correct decision to be an elementary teacher in the future. It was an experience that I will never forget. All the people that we came in contact with were so respectful and willing to try to make you feel like a part of their world. I hope that I will be given another opportunity to do something else like this in the future.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Frozen in Time
Have you ever felt like you wanted to stop time? Well someone actually took the time to plan a mission to do exactly that. In the clip, you are able to see that over 200 people took part in the mission to freeze time. They all froze in a position at the same exact moment.
While this was taking place, those who were passing by where confused and wondered what was going on. In a way this was a hoax, as those who partook in the mission were able to really stop time. Every one took the time to stop and see what was happening around them although they had somewhere to go. They were successful with the hoax as it made others think of the situation.
If I was in the mist of the hoax, I am not sure what I would think right away. I have viewed the video a couple of times to see if I could pick up anything different. The only thing that I was able to think each time I watched, was how neat this mission was. I wish I was able to experience it first hand. I think that it would have given me a new perspective than what I got from it by watching it as a clip. Overall, I think it was meant for people to take the time to see new things in their everyday life. It also can be symbolic for how time is precious and that you should take time to view things you normally see.
While this was taking place, those who were passing by where confused and wondered what was going on. In a way this was a hoax, as those who partook in the mission were able to really stop time. Every one took the time to stop and see what was happening around them although they had somewhere to go. They were successful with the hoax as it made others think of the situation.
If I was in the mist of the hoax, I am not sure what I would think right away. I have viewed the video a couple of times to see if I could pick up anything different. The only thing that I was able to think each time I watched, was how neat this mission was. I wish I was able to experience it first hand. I think that it would have given me a new perspective than what I got from it by watching it as a clip. Overall, I think it was meant for people to take the time to see new things in their everyday life. It also can be symbolic for how time is precious and that you should take time to view things you normally see.
Monday, March 3, 2008
58 pounds lighter
For me, I have been looking into the study abroad program that is offered here. I plan to study abroad spring semester of 2009. The process has already began for me to chose where I would like to go. Also I have to start filling out the forms saying that I am interesting in study abroad and what I want to be able to take away from the experience if I am selected to go. With this stated, I was shocked to learn about a student that studied abroad this past semester and what he has experienced.
Jonathan McCullum is a seventeen year old that went to Egypt for five months for an exchange program with AFS. When his family saw him off he weighed 155 pounds. However, when he returned from Egypt he weighed only 97 pounds. The reason for the drop in his weight was that his host family had not provided him with the correct amount of food that he should have had at each meal.
There were some things that should have let the parents know something wrong. Both Jonathan and his parents were told to have little contact with one another throughout the semester as it would take away from the experience. When Jonathan started to lose weight, he wrote an e-mail to his parents to have them help look for a new exchange family to stay with. Even some of his teachers sent the family e-mails saying that Jonathan should no longer stay with the Hanna family. When Jonathan found out that the only other family he was able to stay with lived in a bad area, he decided that he would stay with the Hanna family.
When the McCullum's picked up Jonathan from the airport they couldn't believe what they saw. Their son was now so skinny that he was unable to carry his lugage and walk a flight of steps. The once outgoing boy was now subdued from everyone. He was brought to the hospital and was keep there for two weeks. Jonathan was at risk of a heart attack. He has been able to regain 25 pounds back. His parents are looking to sue AFS as they have given the family a false reassurance that Jonathan was alright. They are also looking for an apologue from the host family.
When I first heard this story, I couldn't believe what has happened. I know that this has opened my eyes in a way as I am interesting in study abroad for a semester. My main question about the whole thing is why did the Hanna family even apply to be a host family if they were unwilling to take care of the student that would be living with them? Also why wasn't there more done to help Jonathan while he was there?
Jonathan McCullum is a seventeen year old that went to Egypt for five months for an exchange program with AFS. When his family saw him off he weighed 155 pounds. However, when he returned from Egypt he weighed only 97 pounds. The reason for the drop in his weight was that his host family had not provided him with the correct amount of food that he should have had at each meal.
There were some things that should have let the parents know something wrong. Both Jonathan and his parents were told to have little contact with one another throughout the semester as it would take away from the experience. When Jonathan started to lose weight, he wrote an e-mail to his parents to have them help look for a new exchange family to stay with. Even some of his teachers sent the family e-mails saying that Jonathan should no longer stay with the Hanna family. When Jonathan found out that the only other family he was able to stay with lived in a bad area, he decided that he would stay with the Hanna family.
When the McCullum's picked up Jonathan from the airport they couldn't believe what they saw. Their son was now so skinny that he was unable to carry his lugage and walk a flight of steps. The once outgoing boy was now subdued from everyone. He was brought to the hospital and was keep there for two weeks. Jonathan was at risk of a heart attack. He has been able to regain 25 pounds back. His parents are looking to sue AFS as they have given the family a false reassurance that Jonathan was alright. They are also looking for an apologue from the host family.
When I first heard this story, I couldn't believe what has happened. I know that this has opened my eyes in a way as I am interesting in study abroad for a semester. My main question about the whole thing is why did the Hanna family even apply to be a host family if they were unwilling to take care of the student that would be living with them? Also why wasn't there more done to help Jonathan while he was there?
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