The first couple sentences of Chapter eight really caught my attention. It talked about asking stupid questions, and if there really was such thing as a stupid question. It was strange because earlier in my day my two younder brothers were having their own discussion on the topic and it was funny watching them argue their opinions to eachother. Aside from the coincidence there were some good questions in this chapter that a lot of people may ask or be curious about. Especially since we are working on and coming to an end with our portfolios. One question that stood out to me was, “How can I say something about a topic I’m just beginning to explore?” For me that was a recurring question because there were some topics that I have done papers on for this course that I didn’t know much about. But after research and sharing my own ideas about the topic I learned a lot more about it. “I’m just a college student, so I’m totally not an expert here, but here are my two cents anyway.” Am amusing, but sometimes true statment for me. Or how can you forgot the the question of, “How can I possibly write five pages about this?” I know when I get assignments that I don’t know much about the topic, I have no idea how I can possibly meet the required length. I believe that everytime I have done homework with a friend and they’re writing papers they utter that question, and so do I. But it is more important to focus on the actual flow and angle of the paper, and not just meeting the required length. Quality over quantity.
Dow, Thomas. “Advice, Writer to Writer.’ Why White Rice? Thinking Through Writing. Kendall Hunt, 2010. 175-197. Print
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Jessica Konstant
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Jessica Konstant
Style has never been something that I thought about very much when I am writing. I never thought about what my style was and how it affected my writing until now. This presentation was very informative for me, mostly because I usually don’t think about it. I wasn’t sure exactly what it was and the different things that make up your writing style. What was most interesting to me was how much grammar and style are related. But after reading about it, it makes sense that they would go together. Thinking about what we are going to write affects the tone and the overall paper and how the reader perceives it. The advice of “Show don’t tell” is very good advice to take as you are writing. When you are showing you are very detailed and try to make it so the person can feel like they were there when they are reading your writing. It is important to do this so that the reader doesn’t get bored. They want it to be exciting to read and feel like it is as real as possible, and let their imaginations take them to what you are describing. The video also said, “No subject is really interesting; it’s the writer’s job to make it so.” This was the part that stuck out to me the most, and really just shows what the writer’s job is. There were also a lot of good examples of showing and telling, and good tips that I will be using while revising.
McGuire, Michael. “Writing Style: What is it?” learning.writing101. writing101, 2012. Web -
Jessica Konstant
At first when I saw the reading I thought it was going to be very long and hard to get through. But after reading the first paragraph I was already very interested. It starts out talking about Romeo and Juliet and how names are not important because they don’t they have nothing to do with who we are. It goes on to say that for Romeo and Juliet a name meant everything and defined who they were. This got me thinking about how many things it takes to define a person, and how other people view them. Something as simple as a last name can make a huge difference in how you see a person and your opinion on them. In my opinion people should be viewed by their actions and the type of people they are. Nothing else should help form an opinion about a person to anyone. The part of the reading called “Nouns that cut slices” confused me a little. I wasn’t sure what it was talking about exactly. What I took from it was that without words it would be harder to hold a generalization. The labeled picture of the three men labled blind, black and chinese was interesting. I didn’t really understand that either, but I took it as those being just some of the labels that people put on others and judge them off of. People mostly label others based off of what they see and not after actually getting to know the person like we all should. This reading was confusing to me at parts but overall I thought it was interesting.
Winslow. “What we call ourselves and others: Names, Solidarity, and Stereotypes.” Language Matters. New York, Pennsylvania: 1965-1968. 293-333. web -
Jessica Konstant
I felt that this reading was very relatable to me and I think that it would be to a lot of others as well about writing reflections about service or just reflections in general. I like that it points out the fact that a lot of students aren’t sure what exactly is okay to put in their reflections based on their true opinions of it. A student Kaye wrote, “I know that some experiences are ones that I want to tell about and at the same time I and at the same time I don’t feel right telling them..” I think some people have a harder time telling a true experience rather than a fictional story because there is no pressure to be accurate and precise. They can be creative and let their minds wander, but for telling an experience you have tell facts. Also another thing that can be hard is if the person didn’t have a good experience with it. It’s hard saying that you went somewhere and to say negative things about the experience or place that you went. It can be scary and you don’t want to feel bad for saying those things even if they are true. Although it is challenging to write a reflective essay I think it can be very rewarding as well. Recalling what you did and what you took away from the experience is very important and can be a big thing in your life. Even if the people there weren’t the nicest or it wasn’t as clean as it should have been, you can still think of what you went there to do and the difference that you have made.
Hamler Carrick Tracy, Himley Margaret, and Jacobi Tobi. Language and Learning Across the Disciplines. Reptura: Acknowledging the Lost Subjects of the Service Learning Story. (2000):56-74.-
Maureen Rich
Jessica, I agree with your opinion on how some people would rather write a fictional story as opposed to a true experience. When writing about facts from an experience, you don’t want to get them wrong. I also agree with you when you stated “Although it is challenging to write a relective essay I think it can be very rewarding as well.” Writing the reflection opens you up more and recalls your own thoughts and feelings you recieved from the service you provided. Revisiting these thoughts during a reflection can be rewarding like you stated.
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Jessica Konstant
Does anyone know if we are going to be penalized on the next paper if we volunteer somewhere that doesn’t have to do with our service guides? I know its stated that if you needed to you could but I was just making sure because I don’t know where I can volunteer for my subject that I wrote about. Thanks!
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Jessica Konstant
After reading Taylor and Butler reading, and watching the video I have to say I took more from the video. The reading was interesting and brought up important issues as did the video, but seeing it, to me is different. I liked when the point of access for the disabled came up. I agree that if they are able to be out and doing things and interacting with others that they feel better and accepted. I think that many people who feel disabled feel that they are a burden to others when that is definitly not the case. I have a disabled cousin, and she always feels bad when she is at my house because she hates having to ask for help. I hate that she feels this way because I want to help her, but I can understand her frustration. I never want her or anyone else to feel that they are ever a burden to others.When we were younger I never saw her as “different” to me or anyone else that I knew, but I could tell that some people looked at her or when we were out somewhere they would stare, and she would notice. I could tell it used to bother her, but now I don’t think she really cares. She has comed to terms that some people are going to stare and look at her, but that shouldn’t affect her doing daily things. I really liked when she brought up the point that we all need help and how it is looked down upon and are interdepedent in different ways. In my opinion no one should ever be looked down on for asking for help. Everyone is going to need help at atleast one point in their lives and there is no reason that we can’t all help eachother.
Butler, Judith. “Interdependence.” learning. writting101. Professor McGuire. Web. -
Jessica Konstant
This article by Bobbi Harro was very interesting to me. The introduction basically just explained how certain things that are born with or born into shape who we are. To me this can be unfair for some. Instead of being judged by what we do in life or what we accomplish we are first judged by how we look or where we come from. I have to say that I agree with the quote from Rodney King when he says “Why can’t we all get along?” Something that could be so simple as getting along and respecting one another is a far reach for some people. I have never quite understood exactly why. Yes, some people are born into certain beliefs and opinions but in my opinion it isn’t to much to ask to just respect one another as human beings. It’s easier to let someone form an opinion for you, but it’s harder to be different and form your own. Just because your family or friends think a certain way doesn’t mean that you have to do the same thing. It’s important to be your own person and have your own opinions and not let other influence you. Aside from the dicussion in the introduction of the article, the Cycle of Socalization chart was interesting to me as well. Something that can be so confusing for some people is all summed up into a simple flow chart. For me the chart seemed that can be very relatable to most people in the sense that every action has a consequence.
Harro, Bobbie. “The Cycle of Socialization.” 15-21.Web. -
Jessica Konstant
The first paragraph of chapter two was very interesting to me. I thought it was a good way to start the chapter, and made me want to keep reading. It connected very well with the topic of writing out of your comfort zone, only it was doing actions that are out of your comfort zone. I also liked how relatable it was, because I know when I read something I can relate to it keeps me interested. In the second paragraph it says, “Speak with confidence and convicition, even if you are not always sure.” To me this has always been a struggle, but I agree that it should be done. If I’m not sure about something I don’t raise my hand, or say what I’m thinking because I dont know if I’m right or not. But I agree that even if you are not right, or not sure, say it anyway. It could make for a new idea, and even another point of view. Speaking with confidence is something that I know that I need to work on. On the second page of chapter two where it starts talking about habits, I noticed that not only do I have the habits listed, but I also have certain habits when I write papers. I basically do the same thing every time, and don’t let myself think outside of the box. I don’t particularly like writing papers, but I think that if I went outside of my comfort zone and actually had fun with it I would. Obviously it’s not easy or it wouldn’t be called a “comfort” zone, but I am interested to see what my writing would be like if I did.
McGuire, Michael. “Chapter 2.” Why White Rice? Thinking Through Writing. Kendall Hunt Pub, 2010.Print.-
Maureen Rich
I can relate with you Jessica on struggling with raising my hand or answering in fear that I am wrong! It is very true that it could make for a new idea or different view point. I always try to encourage my own kids to raise their hands even if they feel they may be wrong. I tell them it’s OK to be wrong because when you are, you tend to remember that the most, because you don’t want to make the same mistake twice! At least that is how I see it. We learn from our own mistakes and those mistakes stick with us the most so we don’t make them again! Anyway, I think that confidence is something I need to work on as well.
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Jessica Konstant
For my research journal this week I have decided to write about the research that I have been doing on the issue of abortion for my service/activist guide. I had always known about abortion, but I had never researched or really even knew my opinion on it, until one of my close friends had to go through it. She found out she was pregnant at the age of sixteen and decided to have an abortion. From the day she got it to today, she regrets her decision, and wishes that she explored other options first. I didn’t realize just how many abortions really happen in our country, and when I saw the statistics it shocked me a little bit. Especially that twenty two percent of all pregnancies (not including miscarriages) end in abortion. That to me just seems like a very high amount and it makes me want to make women see that they have other options that they can consider. Especially since I have a friend who went through it and regrets it. After doing this research it helped me form my opinion even stronger on the issue because I don’t think there is a need to make that decision when it comes to unplanned pregnancy. That is why having sex education in schools is very important. Most people are not educated enough when it comes to that subject, and if they are it may help avoid that type of situation. People will make their own decisions, but I think it is important for them to know that they don’t have to rush into something. They have options and it is important to know that so they won’t make a decision that they may one day regret.
LasDeborah, Mescet. “Abortion Facts and Figures.” prb.org. Population Reference Bureau, 2012. Web. 22 Feb 2012. -
Jessica Konstant
Chapter four of Why White Rice was very long to me and a little hard to get through. It did have a lot of useful information though about the different types of thinking, and all about writing a thesis and what it is. Even though this chapter was a little hard to get through I have to say that the first paragraph under 4.1 made me laugh. It talked about how the word thesis causes moaning and groaning and I can’t say that I disagree. I did learn more about what a thesis actually is, rather than the generic knowledge of what it is. I learned that not only is it telling the reader what you are going to be writing about, but also why you are going to write about it. Before I read that I never thought of a thesis that way, but I have to say that it makes sense. After reading 4.1.4 on why it is hard to write a good thesis also taught me a few things on the subject. I realized that when I write a paper I think I know my thesis after the first paragrah. But in reality it’s best to really think about it and even write it after you have written the whole paper.Now when im writing a thesis I can think about it in a different way and possibly get a better result in my future writing. I like that this book isn’t a traditional text book and that it has little funny things that keep it enjoyable. I think it keeps peoples interest and actually helps them learn the material because they want to keep reading.
DeVillez, Eric. “You Can Do It in the Garden or in an Elevator, Writing Is Critical Thinking.” Why White Rice? Thinking Through Writing. Kendall Hunt, 2010. 77-99. Print. -
Jessica Konstant
After reading chapter seven, I had a better understanding of why it is important to cite and give credit for the sources that you use. It always important to give someone credit for their work and thoughts. In writing there is a very specific way to do so, and I refreshed my memory in this chapter. I also liked that in the beginning the author questions if anyone can really own an idea. I have questioned that also because technically it’s not something you can hold like a physical item and say you own it. But after reading I realized it made sense that you can own an idea. It had a good example about someone writing a song and then someone else played it and said they wrote it. If I was that person I would be pretty mad too. A part of the chapter that I wasn’t to clear on was about giving credit but taking ownership. I’m not to sure what that really means. What I took from it was after you read or hear something it sparks another idea which you never would have gotten if you never heard or read what you did. So because it wasn’t all from your own ideas you need to give credit to the ideas that you used. I’m not sure if thats right but that is what I took from it. I really like this book so far, and the different views that it has made me look at as far as writing and thinking goes.
Troy Swanson.” Mash It Up…Gracefully”. “Why White Rice? -Thinking Through Writing”. Kendall Hunt Pub. 2010. p.163-174. Print.-
Natalie Nalepa
It just frustrates me that there are hundreds of thousands of songs out there, and many of them are bound to be similar. I’ve heard of people stealing “beats” and getting sued for it, but “beats” are pretty limited, because there are only so many notes and so many different ways to put them together. Maybe that’s why I see so many artists doing a cover of a song that was realased decades ago.
If I hear a song on the radio and type in some specific lyrics to try and find the name of the song, I usually gets results for like twenty different songs, and have to further analyze it to see which one of the songs it is, because songs have so many similar lyrics.
I do not really think anyone can own a scientific idea, like when the laws of physics were being discovered, because it was not their idea, it was just their discovery. They did not come up with the idea of gravity, it is just something that has always existed.
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Jessica Konstant
In chapter three of why white rice it was very relatable to me in the fact that you should always be doing something that you care about. Even though there was a lot of information, I liked how the author Thomas Dow, talked a lot about his real life situations. Although he had a good job, he wasn’t interested in it, and sometimes doing something about that can be a scary thing. Especially if you have a family that you need to support. I liked the fact he was able to experiment with many careers and seeing what his strengths and weaknesses were, until he found what he enjoyed. I also thought the conversation about winning the lottery was funny. It keeps the reading interesting and enjoyable.
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Prof McGuire
Where’s the citation?
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Jessica Konstant
Hello my name is Jessica Konstant, and this is my first online course. I’m excited to see how it goes, but also a little nervous since it’s not what i am used to. This is my second semester at Moraine and I plan on transferring and getting my bachelors degree in Nursing.
Linda Seguin is discussing. 
Maureen Rich is discussing. 
Natalie Nalepa is discussing. 
Linda Seguin 7:46 am on April 21, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Good Morning Jessica, I agree with this remark, ” In my opinion people should be viewed by their actions and the type of people they are. ” Its a persons character and personality that determines someones path in life. You really must learn the skills necessary to cope with lifes up and downs. In regards to writting and the words one choses to describe a subject , each individual writter must take responsibility for what they may create and critically think about the fact that their words may be derogatory.