My Last Blog

Throughout this course I have been extremely challenged to push myself. This was my first online class, and I did not know what to expect. I have had my many ups and downs throughout this semester, and sometimes this course was overwhelming.

One thing I believe you should keep is the blogs. I have really enjoyed writing my blog, and getting feed-back from the other students. You get to know them even though we are not in a class together in person. I also enjoyed expressing my beliefs in a creative way while using the blogs, and I will probably continue my blog after this class is over.

One suggestion I would like to make to improve the course would be more of a lesson plan, throughout the semester we read a lot out of our text books and articles on websites to explain what we need to do, especially, with our papers. I realize this is what would be expected, but I think if we had a description from you personally explaining it in your own words would have benefited us a lot.

Kind of with the blogs, for each assignment you could write a short blog entry breaking it down. That way a student could look at it anytime they had a concern with the assignment. You could also use the blog to update students on things, like when an assignment will be graded or if you have gotten behind, I realize the help desk was mainly for this, but you could probably knock out two birds with one stone if you do have it posted before it is asked, but that is just a suggestion. J

Another thing, while I am thinking about it. I have always wondered why I received the grades I did for my blogs, somewhere good and some weren't and it would have been nice to have an short explanation next to the grade explaining why it had deductions, (Example:  grammar, length)

Overall, thanking you for asking for our feedback, I hope you will take mine as constructive and not rude. 

Since this week is free write; I have chosen to write this blog about the most important thing in my life, and that is my family. Growing up I have learned to never to take people and my time on earth for granite. At the age of four-teen I lost my mother very suddenly and then six months later I lost my aunt to cancer. These two women were the most important influences of my life.  Since the death of my mother I have lost several more family members and friends. This includes my sister and my grandma most recently. Death is sadly scary, and the many people I have lost were too young to leave this earth.  Death has given me a different perspective of life. I have learned so much over the past ten years that has molded me into the person I am today from my experiences.  In my opinion, the biggest lesson I have learned about life is “Everything Happens for a Reason”.

For almost every life I have lost, God has given me one to take their place. It’s hard to not be selfish and want them back, but I find comfort knowing I have many guardian angels watching over me. I might have a small family now, but the love we share is so much stronger because I don’t take them for granite. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband who is my best friend, and a beautiful little girl who keeps me smiling. I

am so grateful for the both of them.

 They have helped me heal in more ways than words can explain. I wanted to share my story with everyone to encourage them to always  be grateful for their loved ones, because you never know when they will no longer be around.

Technology Zombies

I have chosen to write my Argumentative Paper on how technology has handicapped society. In this day in age the world revolves around technology. If we were to take five teenagers back in time before electricity was invented, I do not believe they would be able to survive,

I believe society relies too much on technology in everyday life. I am also extremely guilty of this. I remember a time when land lines and payphones were my only source to contact people. Now, I am lost without my cellphone.

I remember a time where I had pen-pals. Now, if I wanted to write someone I would just send them an email.

In a way I miss the simplicity of not having technology. I remember when playing outside or building a fort was the highlight of my day. Now days, if you tell a child to play outside, they look at you like your stupid.

Most kids are glued to the Television, gaming system, computer or phone. Many parents use technology as a babysitter. I have been guilty myself of putting my two year old in front of cartoons while I cleaned or studied.

I believe technology has made society lazy. We rely too much on it, and there might be a day when we will no longer have it. The question is, would we be able to survive. I know the younger generation would suffer the most. 

To Ban Or Not To Ban?

Do you think I should be able to ban certain topics, or should you be able to write about anything you would like?  Why do you think I ban topics?

In my opinion, I agree that certain topics should be banned. There are certain topics like Gay marriage and Abortion that are very sensitive subjects for some people.

We live in a society where we are able to voice our own opinions, and sometimes those opinions offend others. With that being said, sometimes freedom of speech comes with many consequences.  

We see many protesters getting out of control, fighting for what they believe in; going to extreme lengths to get their points across. Hurting and destroying many innocent people in the process.

I have always been taught that there are certain subjects to avoid in conversation. Sexuality, religion, politics, people’s rights, cultural beliefs and difference are the type of conversations to avoid.

I believe everyone has a right to their own opinions, thoughts and beliefs. I have no authority to question whether or not it is right or wrong, and I believe that goes for everyone else.

When writing an essay that will be read by our professor, you would want to try and avoid any subject that might offend them, because you would not want to do, or say anything to upset them, especially, if your grade is at stack. I am not saying our professor would ever tamper with our grade out of spite; I am referring to anyone in general. That is why it is extremely important to avoid any sensitive subjects, so, banning certain subjects is the right thing to do.

Cash For Grades

There are several schools that are promoting the idea of "cash for grades." In this system, children who get good grades will be given money from the school.
Discuss what you believe to be some of the negative and positive aspects of this policy.

   As a child I received five dollars for every A+ I made on my report card and one dollar for every B+. My mother wanted to encourage me to do well in school by rewarding me, and it did work. I tried hard to excel in school to make sure I made A’s.

  In my opinion, I believe this would be extremely beneficial for schools. More children would want to do well to earn the cash. Then again, I can also see the disadvantages of the “cash for grades”. Some students have learning disabilities and might not do as well, even though the try just as hard. This might make a child feel bad about their selves, and that’s not the message we want to send our children.

  I think the concept is good for schools, but I think they should do it a different way. Maybe every child who brings up their grades could receive tokens. Then they could spend the tokens at the book fair or school store. This way the teachers can fill the store with educational toys or books; Instead of the child using real cash to buy junk food or video games at Walmart. I think this way both the child and teachers benefit from the policy.

Blog #9

  Discuss whether or not you believe the use of medical marijuana is justified or should be legalized.

In my opinion, I believe medical marijuana should be legalized. In my family over the past decade I have lost three family members to Cancer, and they all used medical marijuana to help comfort them during their illness.

   For those who are not familiar with Cancer, the chemo-therapy and radiation treatments they have to endure made them very sick. Sometimes to the point where they did not have an appetite or could even hold any food down. They Marijuana helped them a lot during this time. It gave them an appetite and even helped cope with the pain.
   Many people have mixed feelings about the use of marijuana because it is considered a drug; even though it has been legalized in many states for the use of medical purposes. I support the use of marijuana for medical purposes, because I have seen first-hand how beneficial it can be for people, especially, cancer patients. 

   Unlike many medicines created to help treat an illness, marijuana is a natural substance. I believe it would be more logical to use a substance that is natural rather than putting unknown chemicals in one’s body.
I do not condone the use of marijuana for personal use while it is illegal; I only condone it for medical purposes in the states where it is legalized. I believe more states should be more open minded about the beneficial use of marijuana for medical purposes and legalize it. 

Blog # 8

    

  I have chosen Lance Armstrong for my bibliography paper. Lance Armstrong has been in the media for many years, and most people know of him by name.

     Ever since Armstrong has been made public in the media he has been an inspiration for many people; especially, cancer patients. He has overcome many obstacles in life despite fighting cancer and being a survivor of it. He has proven that anything is possible if someone puts their mind to it.

   Over the past month I have heard that he has admitted to using steroids during his races, and has had his medals revoked. Like many other Americans, I am saddened by this news. Armstrong has been a “Hero” to many people while being deceiving at the same time. Not only has he lied and used illegal substances, he has ruined his name and all the accomplishments he worked hard for. It is such a disappointment because he has not only let down the many people that admire him; he also cheated himself.

    I cannot understand what possessed Armstrong to put such harmful chemicals in his body. Armstrong knows first-hand from battling cancer how precious and short life is. It baffles me that he would risk his body for a race. Considering the long term effects it could have caused him.

I realize that celebrities have a lot of pressure to be perfect, but no one is perfect! I praise Armstrong for being honest despite the consequences, but in my opinion there is no excuse for that type of behavior, and he deserves to be punished.