Closing Comments

I) Throughout this course I have grown more confident of my writing abilities as well as in sharing my work more openly. The content of this course has given me greater strength in writing in all the areas that I need, to get into university. For example, I've developed better skills in just starting a piece of writing which, in the long run will assist in all future essays in high school and post secondary.

II) I think Mrs. Reidel did an amazing job instructing this course, and I'm not just saying this for the possibility of better marks. Mrs. Reidel is a different kind of teacher, she offers more independence and trust in all her students to get work done and to listen to the spoken word of all the lessons. Her methods of teaching were perfect for me, such as when she just tells us to write on a whim. I know in the grand scheme of things it's all actually planned but there is something new every day which excites me. It has helped me make my decision for, what I think now will be my career. I had great joy in learning the Writers Craft, and now I would very much like to teach it. I have applied to the University of Guelph for an honors degree in English and, if time and budget allows, I may follow in my grandmothers footsteps and earn my PhD in the English language, accept the cancer part. I hope my feedback has been as helpful as I want it to be. Keep teaching Mrs. Reidel!

Christmas! What's it all about?

I believe that Christmas is a time to bring light into other people's lives, be it with presents or just your presence. Many people are drawn into the corporate dominion of the holidays, but Christmas is really about being with your family and cherishing the gifts of their presence in your lives.

In conclusion, Christmas is more than just shiny wrapping paper and eggnog, it's about the gift of family and the quality of life that can be brought about with a meal full of laughter and smiles, despite the stress and frustration that comes with gift shopping and meal preparations. 

Journalistic Ethics

I believe that when a journalist lies they should endure the same consequences as someone who committed fraud, because selling lies is fraud in itself. I do believe they should be fined and I believe that the money should be split between the people that lost money because of it, or it should go to the competition companies vaults, that way the company would loose money and ensure that the fraudster would no longer profit from them.

I do believe prison would accomplish punishment to a certain degree. But I believe they should also be suspended from having works published by anyone for a period of time. They could still write, but not profit from their works. I do not think any fraudulent person, such as Stephen Glass, should profit off book or movie deals because despite his termination from the workplace he would receive more money for the fraud committed. Nobody should be rewarded for their wrong-doings.

Poetry Analysis

Imagining a Bullet

Priscila Uppal

Pretending to Die (p. 18)

"Before the invention of guns

it was possible to kill

by shutting one eye

and aiming for the heart"

This poem is referring to the fragility of of human emotions and convictions, and it points out the folly of human logic. Arrows instead of bullets.

I think this is a very valuable poem that delivers a unique message. This poem could adopt many different meanings to different people with a variety of experiences and beliefs. I liked the imagery of closing an eye and aiming for the heart because I immediately thought of looking someone in the eye as you reveal personal opinions or beliefs. You don't have to aim for someone else's heart. It can be your own.

      

The Right to Vote

Taking in consideration the points made about sixteen-year-old's being eligible to operate a motor vehicle capable of taking lives, and handling the general public's money and food, I still believe that the voting age should remain eighteen years of age. I believe this because at the age of sixteen, teens are just being introduced to politics, and that the future of their country may rest with them one day. Young people may feel it's too big of a responsibility, and waiting until the age of eighteen gives youth the chance to really think about what they believe and what political party really emanates what they are drawn to. Also, I know that many people around my age (sixteen-seventeen) are immature about the elections. For instance the Marijuana party obtained a lot of attention from fellow students in earlier grades because they think it's cool or funny. 

knowing what I know about my age group and what my peers are like I believe that the age to vote should remain eighteen years of age. I understand many people my age feel they are ready to vote, but picking and choosing who votes in a specific age group would be impossible and unfair. I myself feel I'm ready to vote, but I know and acknowledge that I have room to expand my horizons and consider what all the political parties have to offer. We all have a lot of learning to do and I know eighteen isn't much of a difference but a lot can happen in a year to change someone's mind.

My Adaptable Mind

I believe that I already have most of the traits developed that are mentioned in the educational video, The Adaptable Mind. I believe that I need to further develop the skills that I already possess and I need to acquire greater initiative and multi-disciplinary skills in whole.

 I will accomplish this through focusing on my school work until it is finished, and by pushing aside my self-consciousness and displaying self-confidence instead. I will take charge of my life and push aside the stressful times, but not without learning from them first. I also believe I should pursue my curiosities with full intent of discovering the solutions and answers, and not give up on them, even if I get bored.

All in all, I will finish what I start, and I will stimulate my every curiosity. 

Is Education the key?

I believe that education is important if you have a conviction or belief and a desire to pursue something that interests you to your core. I know and understand that some people have no idea what they are interested in, and get an education just because they are told they have to to be successful in life. To add to this, sometimes when you love something enough to educate yourself on the subject, many people become confronted by a course that seems like it shouldn't even be in the curriculum, such as Calculus to become a dentist or doctor.

All in all, education should be sought out by and delivered in a way that truly brings you to knew horizons, instead of forcing you to memorize a date that has no significance to the big picture, unless you're being educated in history. ;)