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  • Kenyatta Greer 6:46 pm on May 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    When I was 16, I made a decision that would change my life.

    One night after a school dance, I decided I would play a prank on the women collecting the money, and take the moneybox. After the dance was over and everyone walked out of the school gym, I gathered a couple of my friends, created a distraction, and took the box.

    I figured the women who were taking the money would look around for a while, laugh, I would give it back, and be the talk of the school.However, it did not work like that. After we saw that the women at the table panicking, we went to a friend’s car in the parking lot. In the parking lot, the security officer came to the car where we had the moneybox and asked us if we had seen anyone acting suspicious.

    The officer did not think we had the box, because we were all on the basketball team and were good students. Right then, we could have confessed, gave the box back and accepted our punishment. Instead, we left the dance, divided the money, and went our separate ways with a pact of silence.

    Monday morning, when we arrived at school, the principal called me down to the office. Next, the principal suspended me “indefinitely” and told me that I would have to go to a school board meeting where they would vote to see if I could return to school.

    They voted NO and expelled me from school. I was court ordered to obtain my GED so I never had a chance to finish high school or graduate with my friends.

    I believe one bad decision can alter your life negatively.

     

    • Patrycja Gola 1:53 pm on May 15, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      Wowww…yea crazy how one moment can change so much, but I’m sure you learned a lot from your experience.

    • Mary Zayed 8:58 pm on May 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      very intresting story kenyatta. its a shame they didn’t let you go back to school, but life is about learning from your mistakes.

  • Kenyatta Greer 12:55 pm on May 2, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    Editing used to be the most dreaded part of the writing process for me. I would have pieces close to being finished, but I would not complete them, because I dreaded the editing process. After talking to a friend about it, I was convinced it was because of over identification with my work. I felt great when writing, but when it was time to take out the red pen, I hesitated. I finally realized that just like me, my writing would never be perfect. So instead of me editing my work, I sent it to friends and family. After reading their responses, it was clear again that the process was not as daunting as I imagined. This week, I sat down with a friend with one of my portfolio drafts. Of course, it was the one that I thought I did well on, but he was not impressed. I asked him to read the first sentence and answer the question outlined in our notes. He put it down. At first, I thought he was just joking, but he wasn’t. What I thought was my best opening in my portfolio, did not impress my reader. After all, my writing should be all about the reader, right? He was kind enough to give me some great feedback that I will use during my revision process.

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  • Kenyatta Greer 6:25 am on April 27, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    I really enjoyed this week’s writing style presentation. This class has challenged me in a number of ways as a writer. For example, writing about service is something that is new to me, but I have benefited from the progression. I learned during my service opportunities, however, I was shocked at how much came out of me because of writing about the process. Thus, it was challenging to reflect on my experiences, and communicate to others, who may have never heard of the organization. The video was authentication, because it looked at how when writing, the writer must “show” their audience. Another piece of the video that resonated with me was the part on style. Given that, this is something that I am constantly trying to develop, it was great to examine how different authors use words. My personal style has changed dramatically in the last six months. I believe it was because I was doing more reading than writing. I know it is important for all writers to read, but I had to balance the two, so I would be using my “voice,” instead of sounding like someone else. I am now comfortable with the fact that writing is a process. Through this class, I have become more open to others reading and reviewing my writing. The reviews have been positive, while remaining beneficial. Thus, I have learned a great deal from my peers about a variety of topics.

    — McGuire, Michael. “Writing Style what is it?.” learning.writing101. writing101, 2012. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.
     

    • Patrycja Gola 5:11 pm on April 28, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      I too have become more comfortable with others reviewing and reading my writing, I realized that if I am uncomfortable with someone reading something I wrote than I didn’t do a good enough job on my writing. When you feel good and like what you wrote then you’re more confident and not afraid of what others have to say about it because you know you did a good job and put your all into it.

  • Kenyatta Greer 7:02 pm on April 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    The reading was definitely eye opening. I agree with several things. First, text messaging, emails, and social media have made me extremely sensitive to tone. I do not want my words misinterpreted in any way, so it is something that I watch. However, I respect individuals who are expressive, so I try not to take everything that someone says personally. In my letter to the editor, I dealt with an issue of language. The letter was in response to a youth baseball official suspended for using a racial slur. The official was suspended for calling the late Whitney Houston a stupid N_ _ _ _ _. In my peer group, we had a great conversation where both sides voiced their opinions. It is a word with a number of meanings. More than a few individuals within the African American community have adopted it as a term of endearment. Others believe that it is never acceptable to use the word, regardless of the connotation . One thing that concerns me is the use of words by children. At times, children will use derogatory words with one another, without fully taking into account the possible consequences. As a result, children experience verbal bullying in and outside of schools. This type of bullying usually starts of as a game where children make fun of each other. What starts as “fun,” then can turn deadly when children react by hurting themselves or others.

    “What we call ourselves and others: Names, Solidarity, and Stereotypes.” Bauer, Laurie, James Holmes and Paul Warren. Language Matters. Palgrave Macmillan, 2006. 293-307 PDF
     

    • Patrycja Gola 7:41 pm on April 22, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      Kids do use words they should not be using, I am shocked sometimes when I see a kid as young as 7 using language that’s innapropriate for them to use. I like to say blame the parents, the way you are raised signifies who you become as a person, the people that raized you are your biggest role models even if you dont think they are. Parents need to teach their kids appropriate language usage as soon as the kids even learn how to talk.

  • Kenyatta Greer 8:15 pm on April 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    One of the most interesting parts of the spatial gaze presentation was the section, the frame of your gaze. On the slide, it talks about how each individual will enter with their own cultural baggage. Thus, it is extremely important to become aware of how our opinions and beliefs impact the experience. This is something that I was confronted with during my first service opportunity at Share Your Soles. I remember some of the thoughts I had while watching the introductory video. I am familiar with several organizations that provide assistant to deserving countries. However, I am aware that many people do not believe in assisting other countries, when there are so many individuals who need help here. I was thankful when I learned that SYS provides shoes to individuals who are in need locally. This was significant to me because I discerned that after I left, I would encourage others to play a part. Still, based on past conversations, I knew how some people would not support the cause because of their biases. In addition, it is energizing that we are encouraged to maintain authenticity throughout the process. This way, the writer does not feel as if they have to comprise in any way. As a result, the writer will become more engaged, because the research will be communicated in a fashion that is grounded in genuineness.

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  • Kenyatta Greer 6:46 pm on April 5, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    The first aspect that I identified with in the reading was how service projects force students to leave their comfort zones. No matter how much experience that the student has, it is important to remove them from familiar environments. Early in the semester when I was deciding on which service opportunity to join, I instantly thought about my church. I work with a youth group teaching life skills, so I thought it would be perfect. However, I am comfortable with the environment, so it would not have challenged me in the same way. As well, I know the majority of the people and attend church regularly. After reflecting on my experience, I understood the significance of stretching out and serving in settings we are not used to. In addition, I like how the reading addressed situations where the volunteer may not “fit” in, or like the people. This reminded me of my team member who volunteered at an organization with different religious beliefs. In her reflection, she spoke about how there was even a group prayer. While this would make some people extremely uncomfortable, she was able to recognize the differences, but focus on similarities. Lastly, the reading emphasized the telling of stories that are reflective of the experiences of those who participated. One lasting impression that I gathered from the reading is how everyone involved in the process is growing through effective questioning. Questions that will lead to growth of everyone involved.

    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.
     

  • Kenyatta Greer 8:03 pm on March 29, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    During this week, I am continuing my research on service. I am excited about my upcoming service opportunity. Although, I have regularly volunteered in the past, this is the first time I have included the research and writing facets. I am really enjoying the reflective process.

    In my last paper, I opened up and shared my feelings about the entire experience. I was a little hesitant at first because I wanted to be honest, but I did not want my views to negatively impact the organization.
    Immediately when I arrived, I found myself asking similar questions that were featured in the PowerPoint presentation.

    For example, the first two questions that I asked were, what exactly do the volunteers do? And, how do they get the shoes to the different countries? Both of my questions were answered.This was important, because granting I was excited to serve, I also wanted to see the passion in the people that represented the organization. One of the points that stood out for me in the service and ethics activism notes was the idea of integrity.

    In the notes, it mentioned how during service activities it is important not to have an aura of superiority with the people you are serving. This is an excellent point, because some individuals will not accept service because of bad experiences with people. Thus, maintaining integrity at all times is one of the foundational principles of service.

     

  • Kenyatta Greer 6:51 pm on March 22, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    I enjoyed reading, “The Cycle of Socialization.” Throughout the reading, I identified with a number of things, in particular the chart on pg. 16. Although I am primarily an auditory learner, I appreciate visuals to complement multifaceted material. For example, I kept thinking about how important parents, teachers, and family are to the early development of children. It is amazing how much information we absorb in these young, impressionable years. As a parent of two young children (2 and 9 months), it has become my goal to the best role model that I can be. However, I recognize children may take over beliefs and stereotypes that influence them in a negative way. This is evident in many cultures, where children believe in certain things, because “this is what we believe.”Another area of the chart that I related to was the enforced/bombarded with messages. When I read this, I thought of Information overload. We experience too much information (TMI).Everywhere I look I have to process information. All day, whether aware or unaware, I am processing information. Everybody has a message and everyone is selling something! Yet, I am addicted to information. Each day, I rely on email, blogs, twitter, and online news. This information shapes me whether I acknowledge it or not. I hope that I can take periodic breaks from the overload that I experience. It really is as simple as turning off the computer. Nevertheless, I am afraid I will miss something. Lastly, I agree with Harro’s views of stereotypes. Harro used several examples that shape views and treatment of many cultures.

    Harro, Bobbi. “Cycle of Socialization”. Reading for Diversity and Social Justice. Ed. 15-21. Web
     

  • Kenyatta Greer 8:44 pm on March 8, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    I really enjoyed watching the Sister Helen documentary. I had never heard of Sister Helen or Hulu prior to watching the film. From the start, I found it appealing for a variety of reasons.The fact that she is a sister, working in that environment is incredible. She lives in a house with recovering addicts who are men, which is not something that you see often. It is not common to see stories like this with men in the backdrop. Usually, the story would involve women. Right away, it was evident that Sister Helen has love for what she does. She loves her ministry, the community, and the men in the house. A love that reminds you of a mother or grandmothers that may be in your family or you know. Through the house, the residents have a second chance to live functional lives. Sister Helen is tough. Her approach with the men is harsh but effective. Several times throughout the movie, I found myself laughing at her blunt use of words. Yet, if she did not speak to the men in a language familiar to them, they may not respect her. While watching the piece, I started to ask questions about some of the ways that the sister was portrayed. Of course, it is impossible to capture every aspect of an individual’s life within two hours, but I still kept thinking about some of her decisions and why she seemed to favor some residents over others. Nevertheless, it could just be clever editing and story development.

    Sister Helen. Perf. Sister Helen. Hulu, 2003. Web.
     

  • Kenyatta Greer 7:40 pm on March 1, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    Throughout the chapter, I learned about strategies that can improve my writing immensely. One of the techniques that I have experience with and use quite often is freewriting. I have been freewriting for a couple of years and I love the results. When I first started to freewrite, I was scared of some of the things that I would write. I originally started because I wanted to get ideas for a project that I was working on; when I realized that, I was writing about the same thing day after day. It was not until after reading my writings, that I made the connection that I needed to address the issues I was writing about. Another part of the chapter that I connected to was about ownership. I feel like Professor McGuire was calling out those individuals who do not want to take responsibility for their ideas. This was significant for me. It was reconfirmation that whether you are student or bestselling author, it is important to take time with your ideas and communicate. Oftentimes, writers are so concerned with professors or their audience, that they structure work in way that is appeasing. For me, I am always uncomfortable when I know people are going to read my writing, even though I know I have a message. However, I have learned how to push past my uneasiness and continue to write. Because when I am finished, I feel more energized than when I started.

    McGuire, Michael. “Chapter 2.” Why White Rice? Thinking Through Writing. Kendall Hunt Pub, 2010.Print.
     

  • Kenyatta Greer 7:34 pm on February 23, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    I have been doing a lot of research on Cyberbullying. Since I work at junior high, I am involved in several situations that center on Cyberbullying. Over the last couple of years, there has been an increase in students impacted outside of school, who bring their troubles into the school environment. The majority of the time, parents, teachers, and other adults are not aware of the situations until after the bullying is in the process. Given that, children have a large amount of access to the internet and electronics, they have freedom to commit hateful acts. As a result, everyone is blaming one another for what is going on, with most of the blame falling on the parents and guardians. Many believe that it is the solely the responsibility of the parents and guardians. During my research, I was able to find several resources that can assist parents and guardians in monitoring the activities of their children. A few might believe that this is an invasion of privacy of the children, but I believe it is essential due to the severity of the issue. It seems like every week, I am reading a story about a sufferer, who has committed suicide because of bullying. We all can help by making others aware of the issue. During my research, I found a great site that promotes awareness of the issue. The site, http://www.ryanpatrickhalligan.com brings awareness to how many teens struggle with bullying but never say a word.

    “Ryan’s Story.” 23 Feb. 2012. Web. 23 Feb. 2012.
     

  • Kenyatta Greer 7:13 am on February 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    After completing the reading, I came away with several takeaways that can improve my writing. The first point that resonated with me was in section 4.2, when the author discussed the benefits of asking questions. Although a concept that I have applied in other areas, I can benefit from applying more effective questioning in my writing. When I ask simple questions, this allows me to communicate more successfully with my audience by examining my own writing deeper. Likewise, the author made another good point when he compared writing to a balloon, and how significant it is to be open when developing your writing. Oftentimes, when I write, I develop an outline about what I want to talk about with all my key ideas. While I am able to use an outline that gives me a sense of direction for my writing, sometimes I feel like I am restricted to using that outline. Even if during the process, I develop new ideas. At times, the new ideas are beneficial to my writing, but I put them on hold until I have fully developed that ones on my outline. Reading the authors words inspired me to be open to the ideas that I have, regardless of what stage of the writing process. Lastly, I enjoyed reading the authors thoughts on revision. Normally, when I think of revision, I think of fixing mechanical errors. However, revision involves going back and analyzing our work to determine if we have communicated our message.

    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
     

  • Kenyatta Greer 11:13 am on February 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    When I first read that we would be doing peer reviews, I was curious about how they would be directed. In the past, I have been involved in unproductive reviews where no one learns or grows from the process. I believe one of the reasons why, is over identification with work. Thus, we have a hard time accepting feedback from others, even if it is true. The feedback that I received was not only accurate, but well thought out.

     

  • Kenyatta Greer 11:32 am on February 8, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    In chapter 7 of the text, the author brought up many excellent points. It was recognizable that one of themes of the chapter was to not steal ideas from others. The author did a great job providing specific examples. One example that stood out was President Obama’s use of words from another politician in his speech . That part resonated with me, because I remember watching coverage of the story on different networks. In the past, I have been fairly cautious when it comes to using sources. So cautious, that I would not use them unless I absolutely had to. This chapter helped me pinpoint some of the reasons why. The first reason is because I did not want to cite sources incorrectly. At times it can be difficult to properly cite a source. If you site it appropriately you’re an academic, if you don’t you lose credibility. Second, I was mistakenly under the impression that if you do not use many sources, you are an expert. Using sources does not take away from your expertise, it adds to it. People actually view you as more trustworthy when they can reference your work. I have always thought of using sources as lacking creativity. That’s why the section about there being nothing new under the sun was refreshing. Finally, I learned that there is nothing wrong with gaining “inspiration” from a variety of sources, as long as you credit them. This actually makes a great deal of sense because you are honoring the person who created the work by acknowledging their efforts.

    Troy Swanson.” Mash It Up…Gracefully”. “Why White Rice? -Thinking Through Writing”. Kendal Hunt Pub. 2010. p.163-174
     

    • Prof McGuire 11:51 am on February 11, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      You forgot the city of publication in your citation and the medium.

    • Kimberly Kolozy 1:30 pm on February 8, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      Interesting point of view; “using more sources does not make you an expert, but adds to your expertise”. That is a great way of defining the importance of citing your sources!

  • Kenyatta Greer 6:46 pm on January 29, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    Like many of my classmates, I struggled to get through all of chapter 5. It was not because it lacked substance, it was just a different writing style compared to the first chapter. One point that I agreed with, was to be aware of the many sources that can be used in writing. I love to research, but I am suffering from information overload. With so many opportunities to display information it is hard to find authenticity. I am not against blogs, articles, or any other source but the quality is starting to lack. In addition, the chapter discussed Google and Wikipedia which made me immediately laugh. While I use Yahoo more than Google, I know how it is to go to Yahoo as the first step in the research process. I have heard countless times about the inaccuracies of Wikipedia, and I agree, but I still use it from time to time. This is why I laughed when I read professor DeVillez’s story about how he used Wikipedia as a source to confirm something that he already knew, but had forgotten. I was just in the same situation at a family gathering over the holidays. We were listening to music when a song came on that we all knew. Everyone knew the song and the artist, but we could not figure out the CD the song was on. So what did I do, check Wikipedia and within ten minutes we had our answer.

    Swanson, Troy. “Dry Your Hair and Don’t Lick the Frozen Flag Pole Researching and Information Literacy”. Why White Rice? Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. 2010. 101-132. Print.
     

  • Kenyatta Greer 7:57 pm on January 20, 2012 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment  

    Hello everyone my name is Kenyatta. This is my first online class, so I am looking forward to learning how everything works.

     

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