Tomorrow is the last day of classes! What?? Where did the year go? I've been thinking about when I was in elementary school and everyday I would come home and my mom would ask "so what did you learn today?"
So what did I learn during my freshman year of college?
1.How to spell "decision". Goofy, I know but that word always tricked me up (Dad-I know you're reading this and don't worry, I've learned things of much more significance than that). This was honestly the first thing that popped in my head when I started this post.
2.How to learn how to live with someone. I had a "good roommate experience" this year but at times it wasn't always easy to learn how to adjust to another person's living habits.
3.How to use weird things to look at other ideas. I'm thinking specifically of the articles we read on tea last semester
4.A little more on how to write. I still think my writing has a long way to go but I feel like every class I've taken (not just the ones that give us a writing GE) has taught me some new way to write or think about my writing.
5.That lutefisk is pretty gross and lefse is not traditionally eaten with a knife and fork.
6.Our world is so interconnected it's kind of annoying at times. When AmCon lessons are surfacing in math class you know you have a really good problem in your hands.
7.There is always enough time, you just have to find it. It's hard to believe it when you start looking at the mountain of work ahead of you but if you really buckle down you'll get through it.
8.My high school was really weird and life's a little weird but all you can do is accept it and embrace it.
9.A lot of really specific things about America, religion, french, math, psychology, helping people, vocation and courtly love in the Middle Ages that I can't really list because that would be ridiculous.
10.The more I learn the more I realize I don't know much at all. It sounds kind of anticlimactic but it's a really good thing.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Signs of changes
I was watching the news the other night and the final story of the evening was about a mom who was fighting overseas (I can't remember where exactly) and was able to come home 2 weeks earlier than originally planned. Instead of telling her 3 kids the good news, she arranged it so she could come home quietly and have her parents pick her up from the airport. Instead of going home she went to each of her kids' schools to surprise them.
The newscast showed footage of her surprising her youngest son in his 5th classroom and as they hugged each other for the first time in 13 months the news anchor narrated the moment by saying "for generations mothers hugged their sons home from war. Now it's the sons who await for their mothers to return".
I don't really know why this touched me so much. Maybe it was just the nature of the story (I always tear up when I see something like that). This isn't something that I've seen change in my lifetime. I think, perhaps, that it's just one of those things that stood so long throughout time it's startling (not in a bad way) to have the change pointed out.
The newscast showed footage of her surprising her youngest son in his 5th classroom and as they hugged each other for the first time in 13 months the news anchor narrated the moment by saying "for generations mothers hugged their sons home from war. Now it's the sons who await for their mothers to return".
I don't really know why this touched me so much. Maybe it was just the nature of the story (I always tear up when I see something like that). This isn't something that I've seen change in my lifetime. I think, perhaps, that it's just one of those things that stood so long throughout time it's startling (not in a bad way) to have the change pointed out.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sense of Respect
There are two things I really liked about the article from the Economist.
1. This sentence: Indeed, after the daring raid that killed Osama bin Laden, America has discovered that its commander-in-chief is one cool cat.
I just find it amusing. So much so that I sent it along to my dad :)
2. The sense of respect you feel the author has. He always refers to the president and first lady as Mr. and Mrs. Obama. He even refers to Osama bin Laden as Mr. Bin Laden.
It's so much different from everything else we have been seeing from the news and media. The country is rejoicing at this mans death saying they feel a sense of revenge and justice and yet this author is taking the measure to show him a sense of respect. I think that by calling him Mr. Bin Laden shows that there are some people in this country (and the world I'm sure) who have an uneasy feeling at being so jubilant over death.
I think the title of Mr. tones down what seems to be an amusing article at first. The author describes our own president a "cool cat" with a "toothsome smile" who poked fun at the "president wannabe". The sense of humor the author approaches with Obama and the sense of respect given to Bin Laden is such a reversal from what we expect to hear and have heard over the past week.
1. This sentence: Indeed, after the daring raid that killed Osama bin Laden, America has discovered that its commander-in-chief is one cool cat.
I just find it amusing. So much so that I sent it along to my dad :)
2. The sense of respect you feel the author has. He always refers to the president and first lady as Mr. and Mrs. Obama. He even refers to Osama bin Laden as Mr. Bin Laden.
It's so much different from everything else we have been seeing from the news and media. The country is rejoicing at this mans death saying they feel a sense of revenge and justice and yet this author is taking the measure to show him a sense of respect. I think that by calling him Mr. Bin Laden shows that there are some people in this country (and the world I'm sure) who have an uneasy feeling at being so jubilant over death.
I think the title of Mr. tones down what seems to be an amusing article at first. The author describes our own president a "cool cat" with a "toothsome smile" who poked fun at the "president wannabe". The sense of humor the author approaches with Obama and the sense of respect given to Bin Laden is such a reversal from what we expect to hear and have heard over the past week.
another look at "Democratic Vistas"
Today I decided to get started on our final paper for the semester. I looked at what we would be graded on and started thinking back on the semester. As I began to decide what kinds of points I wanted to include in my paper I made a bit of a To do list. The first item on the list was to re-read "Democratic Vistas" by Walt Whitman. I pulled out the article, a pen and a highlighter to get started and kind of groaned. I remember reading this the first time at the beginning of the semester and really struggling to get through it and make any sense of it.
Thank goodness this article is makes much more sense and is much more rewarding to read after we've spent a whole semester discussing the ideas Whitman presents in his article. I could see the ideas of de Tocqueville screaming at us through the words of Whitman. Whitman talks an aweful lot about the importance of the past and how the past shapes the future of the present and the future. I was really excited to find this in "Democratic Vistas" because just before I started reading it I made a brief outline of what I want my paper to look like. I found some really great evidence in Whitman that I can and will definitely be using in the final product.
I'm really glad I reread this article because I can see not only de Tocqueville's ideas gushing out, but also the ideas of Bellah and Putnam as well. I have so many ideas and ways to structure my argument in my paper. I think this was a really great way for me to get this project started and I'm looking forward to getting to a few more of the other items on that To do list. I like the results I have so far and I'm eager for more.
Another idea I got really excited about in this second reading was the importance Whitman placed on the art and literature of the young America. He claimed it was vital for the young nation to create it's own school of thought, art and science. In the beginning of the semester I wouldn't have understood this, given it a second thought or remembered it at all. But after spending the last 17 weeks in my history class (Courtly Love in the Middle Ages) I totally get what he was saying. Literature and art is a wonderful way to examine what the ideas, practices, attitudes and beliefs of a certain period. I think what Whitman was saying was that if America wanted to be understood in the future, the nation needed to leave something behind for future generations to look back on and interpret. We did a lot of interpreting of art both this semester and last. At the time a lot of us said "why are we reading poetry?" or "why did we spend the day looking at art?" But now I get it. Art and literature is a lens for us to use to look into the past and to try to make sense of it.
Thank goodness this article is makes much more sense and is much more rewarding to read after we've spent a whole semester discussing the ideas Whitman presents in his article. I could see the ideas of de Tocqueville screaming at us through the words of Whitman. Whitman talks an aweful lot about the importance of the past and how the past shapes the future of the present and the future. I was really excited to find this in "Democratic Vistas" because just before I started reading it I made a brief outline of what I want my paper to look like. I found some really great evidence in Whitman that I can and will definitely be using in the final product.
I'm really glad I reread this article because I can see not only de Tocqueville's ideas gushing out, but also the ideas of Bellah and Putnam as well. I have so many ideas and ways to structure my argument in my paper. I think this was a really great way for me to get this project started and I'm looking forward to getting to a few more of the other items on that To do list. I like the results I have so far and I'm eager for more.
Another idea I got really excited about in this second reading was the importance Whitman placed on the art and literature of the young America. He claimed it was vital for the young nation to create it's own school of thought, art and science. In the beginning of the semester I wouldn't have understood this, given it a second thought or remembered it at all. But after spending the last 17 weeks in my history class (Courtly Love in the Middle Ages) I totally get what he was saying. Literature and art is a wonderful way to examine what the ideas, practices, attitudes and beliefs of a certain period. I think what Whitman was saying was that if America wanted to be understood in the future, the nation needed to leave something behind for future generations to look back on and interpret. We did a lot of interpreting of art both this semester and last. At the time a lot of us said "why are we reading poetry?" or "why did we spend the day looking at art?" But now I get it. Art and literature is a lens for us to use to look into the past and to try to make sense of it.
Monday, May 9, 2011
and so it begins....
The school year is wrapping up quickly and it still feels like it's so far away. There is so much to get through in the next 12 days it makes me head spin.
Even though it's just over half way through the day there are several things I'm thankful for as this crazy, crazy week begins.
1. The thunderstorm this morning. Yes, it woke me up earlier than I really wanted to be and all I wanted to do was throw the blankets back over my head and sleep the rest of the day. At the same time it makes it a wonderful day to sit and write essays and do homework all day. There is not warm, enticing sunshine to distract me from this final sprint.
2. Entertaining presentations in Amcon today. It was good to laugh on this gloomy, busy day. Both had wonderful presentations today and I really enjoyed listening to them.
3. Our "hot chocolate break" in class today. It's just what today needed.
4. This blog! This has been a good break away from the French language :)
I know I'm not the only one who is starting the sprint to the finish. So to all my friends, classmates and professors: We're almost there. Go get some hot chocolate and get to it! We can do it!
Even though it's just over half way through the day there are several things I'm thankful for as this crazy, crazy week begins.
1. The thunderstorm this morning. Yes, it woke me up earlier than I really wanted to be and all I wanted to do was throw the blankets back over my head and sleep the rest of the day. At the same time it makes it a wonderful day to sit and write essays and do homework all day. There is not warm, enticing sunshine to distract me from this final sprint.
2. Entertaining presentations in Amcon today. It was good to laugh on this gloomy, busy day. Both had wonderful presentations today and I really enjoyed listening to them.
3. Our "hot chocolate break" in class today. It's just what today needed.
4. This blog! This has been a good break away from the French language :)
I know I'm not the only one who is starting the sprint to the finish. So to all my friends, classmates and professors: We're almost there. Go get some hot chocolate and get to it! We can do it!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Group
Good group work always brings me a sense of satisfaction. Knowing that your ability to cooperate to work well with others helped to piece together an interesting project is really rewarding. I've had my share of bad groups and I've been fortunate enough to be part of a lot of really great groups and I'm happy to say that Liza, Jessica, Zoey and Sarah are one of those really great groups. All four of them are hard working, committed, insightful and open to suggestions. Our work was smooth sailing and well organized.
Thinking back, all groups I've been in here at St. Olaf have been wonderful. I think it really speaks to the kind of character that makes an Ole. It's such a change from what I had in high school. I used to really hate group project (and they're still not my favorite) but now I think I might be changing my mind. I'm really excited to see how the dynamics of group work change we continue our education and start focusing in on our majors. Once we start getting more focused and away from the GEs we're going to be part of more and more projects that we are really passionate about with other people who are also really passionate about the subject matter as well.
I think our presentation will go well. I'm slightly terrified to sing in front of everyone and will probably make a fool of myself for doing so, but other than that I'm ready for it :)
Thinking back, all groups I've been in here at St. Olaf have been wonderful. I think it really speaks to the kind of character that makes an Ole. It's such a change from what I had in high school. I used to really hate group project (and they're still not my favorite) but now I think I might be changing my mind. I'm really excited to see how the dynamics of group work change we continue our education and start focusing in on our majors. Once we start getting more focused and away from the GEs we're going to be part of more and more projects that we are really passionate about with other people who are also really passionate about the subject matter as well.
I think our presentation will go well. I'm slightly terrified to sing in front of everyone and will probably make a fool of myself for doing so, but other than that I'm ready for it :)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
What's next?
News of Bin Laden's death has rocked this country. The news cast I was watching, as I'm sure many other have, focused on the reactions of people all over the country. The newscast focused a lot on the families who lost loved ones during the 9/11 attacks and how they felt about the death. Specifically, they focused on the children born after the attacks who lost their fathers in 2001.
Like many other Americans, the past few days I've been thinking about that fateful day in 2001. I was 10 years old and in 4th grade at Neubert Elementary School. I remember knowing SOMETHING had happened but students were kept in the dark as to the actual events of the day. The school left that (like they rightfully should) up to parents to talk to their kids about. Sure enough, I went home and my mom sat me down and in brief words explained to me that someone had crashed planes into the World Trade Center in New York City and that thousands of people had died.
We all know that September 11th, 2001 changed the world forever. You hear about it all the time: "before 9/11...". What I've come to realize is that I don't remember this world "before 9/11". Of course I can remember things about my own life but I don't remember the world. I was too young to understand what the world was like before and I was still too young in the immediate aftermath to understand how it had changed. What I wonder now is how will the world change again as we digest Bin Laden's death and prepare for what consequences it will bring. Some people speculate this will have serious consequences and terrorist groups will react strongly to the death of a symbolic leader while others believe his death will have a positive impact in taking down the power of terrorist groups.
We're in a funny transition period right now and it's hard to say what will happen next. I'm interested in seeing how the world changes this time around now that I'm old enough to be able to understand what is happening in the world around us.
Like many other Americans, the past few days I've been thinking about that fateful day in 2001. I was 10 years old and in 4th grade at Neubert Elementary School. I remember knowing SOMETHING had happened but students were kept in the dark as to the actual events of the day. The school left that (like they rightfully should) up to parents to talk to their kids about. Sure enough, I went home and my mom sat me down and in brief words explained to me that someone had crashed planes into the World Trade Center in New York City and that thousands of people had died.
We all know that September 11th, 2001 changed the world forever. You hear about it all the time: "before 9/11...". What I've come to realize is that I don't remember this world "before 9/11". Of course I can remember things about my own life but I don't remember the world. I was too young to understand what the world was like before and I was still too young in the immediate aftermath to understand how it had changed. What I wonder now is how will the world change again as we digest Bin Laden's death and prepare for what consequences it will bring. Some people speculate this will have serious consequences and terrorist groups will react strongly to the death of a symbolic leader while others believe his death will have a positive impact in taking down the power of terrorist groups.
We're in a funny transition period right now and it's hard to say what will happen next. I'm interested in seeing how the world changes this time around now that I'm old enough to be able to understand what is happening in the world around us.
Monday, May 2, 2011
PANIC!!!
I don't do this often, actually, I don't think I've done it at all, but I'm using my blog as a way to vent.
This week is going to be tough and stressful! AmCon doesn't usually stress me out, but this week I think it's going to be my biggest worry. I really enjoyed the presentations today. Which is a problem. It creates standards. Both groups did a very nice job and presented their information in an impressive way and now I'm panicking that ours won't be up to par. Luckily we're meeting in about an hour and we can talk about what we need to do to finalize the presentation and maybe even go through it once. The essay that's do as part of this is a shabby 3 paragraphs that I'm not very happy with. My goal there: finish a rough draft by Friday and spend the weekend polishing it and making it good.
I have a math test that's due tomorrow (take home tests are wonderful but I end up doing each problem 3 times and still worrying). A history paper I need to start thinking about for next week, the final essay for AmCon should probably be given some thought this week and shifts in the caf have to be worked.
An application for a job in admissions is due on Friday and 2 job interviews are next week. I shouldn't even start thinking about next week....
The end of the year is coming so quickly it's making my head spin. Where did the year go???
This week is going to be tough and stressful! AmCon doesn't usually stress me out, but this week I think it's going to be my biggest worry. I really enjoyed the presentations today. Which is a problem. It creates standards. Both groups did a very nice job and presented their information in an impressive way and now I'm panicking that ours won't be up to par. Luckily we're meeting in about an hour and we can talk about what we need to do to finalize the presentation and maybe even go through it once. The essay that's do as part of this is a shabby 3 paragraphs that I'm not very happy with. My goal there: finish a rough draft by Friday and spend the weekend polishing it and making it good.
I have a math test that's due tomorrow (take home tests are wonderful but I end up doing each problem 3 times and still worrying). A history paper I need to start thinking about for next week, the final essay for AmCon should probably be given some thought this week and shifts in the caf have to be worked.
An application for a job in admissions is due on Friday and 2 job interviews are next week. I shouldn't even start thinking about next week....
The end of the year is coming so quickly it's making my head spin. Where did the year go???
Dan Rather: Bridging the Gap
Sitting down to listen to Dan Rather's lecture I had one regret: I didn't bring anything to write with. What a fantastic opportunity I was going to have to get some great blog ideas and I was about to miss out! I knew there was no way I was going to be able to remember everything he said and be able to take it to make a good blog post about it. I decided to take notes on my phone in the form of a text message, which isn't the greatest medium for note taking to I apologize if my Dan Rather information seems a little holey. Texting notes just isn't very efficient.
What I took away the most from Mr. Rather's lecture was the important role media has as a bridge between what the government is doing and what the citizens want their government to do. The newspapers, he said, are a form of checks and balances and it is our responsibility as citizens to find a reliable newspaper, out of the thousands that are made available to us, that was can use as a gauge for our satisfaction in the government. De Tocqueville also spoke about this important and powerful role newspapers have in our government.
Speaking more like de Tocqueville, Rather emphasized that the future depends on our individual and collective rolls and how we act on these roles. Rather's points on the importance each citizen has in our country filled me with inspiration and motivation to do my part. It brought back a feeling I had in AmCon a few weeks ago. It was a feeling I enjoyed and one we kind of got away from as our focus moved away from citizenship to our projects and final essays for the year. Rather's lecture was a good reminder of what we learned in class and was refreshing to hear from an "outside source"
What I took away the most from Mr. Rather's lecture was the important role media has as a bridge between what the government is doing and what the citizens want their government to do. The newspapers, he said, are a form of checks and balances and it is our responsibility as citizens to find a reliable newspaper, out of the thousands that are made available to us, that was can use as a gauge for our satisfaction in the government. De Tocqueville also spoke about this important and powerful role newspapers have in our government.
Speaking more like de Tocqueville, Rather emphasized that the future depends on our individual and collective rolls and how we act on these roles. Rather's points on the importance each citizen has in our country filled me with inspiration and motivation to do my part. It brought back a feeling I had in AmCon a few weeks ago. It was a feeling I enjoyed and one we kind of got away from as our focus moved away from citizenship to our projects and final essays for the year. Rather's lecture was a good reminder of what we learned in class and was refreshing to hear from an "outside source"
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