Nicki- I did not see a blog
Alex- I really enjoyed reading your reflective essay. I really enjoyed reading Poe's writings as well. I was awesome to learn more about someone that is so important to Virginia's history.
Rachel- I agree with you on learning more from our classmates. I really do enjoy this class and i feel like one of the reasons is because you can learn more from your classmates with reading their blogs.
Almira-I have realized that I need to prioritize as well. I actually wrote about that in my blog this week.
Kelsey- I also really like that this class makes us write things about ourselves. These things I feel like we do not think about everyday, so it is awesome that we get to think about these certain things in this class.
Kim- I also was inspired when I was writing about what being an American is to me. I really enjoyed reading your blog and I am sorry that you have things going on that have made you fall behind.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
My Virtues
Have Faith- Always have faith in God and know that he wants the best for me and loves me always.
Be honest- Always be honest with people and with myself.
Be thoughtful and considerate- Be thoughtful and considerate to everyone even if it is your enemy. Always think about other people around you.
Love everyone- Always love everyone, do not be mean and hurtful.
Work hard- work as hard as you possible can, always put 100% towards everything that comes your way.
Be humble- Do not be rude and take others opinions for granted. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts.
Think before speaking- Always think about how people will be effected with what you are about to say, do not offend people by speaking before you think.
Respect everyone-Always respect other people and do not judge.
Have an open mind and heart- do not be close minded and rude. Whatever you are presented with please think about it do not just automatically turn it down.
Be more frugal- Do not spend money that you do not have.
The Virtue that I would like to work on and feel that is the most important is being more humble. At times I find that I am probably more judgmental than I should be. I do not like that about myself. I know that I am a good person and try hard to appreciate everyone and everything that is around me but at times I find myself to not be very humble.
Be honest- Always be honest with people and with myself.
Be thoughtful and considerate- Be thoughtful and considerate to everyone even if it is your enemy. Always think about other people around you.
Love everyone- Always love everyone, do not be mean and hurtful.
Work hard- work as hard as you possible can, always put 100% towards everything that comes your way.
Be humble- Do not be rude and take others opinions for granted. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts.
Think before speaking- Always think about how people will be effected with what you are about to say, do not offend people by speaking before you think.
Respect everyone-Always respect other people and do not judge.
Have an open mind and heart- do not be close minded and rude. Whatever you are presented with please think about it do not just automatically turn it down.
Be more frugal- Do not spend money that you do not have.
The Virtue that I would like to work on and feel that is the most important is being more humble. At times I find that I am probably more judgmental than I should be. I do not like that about myself. I know that I am a good person and try hard to appreciate everyone and everything that is around me but at times I find myself to not be very humble.
Addition for self reflection essay-week 10
Reflecting on ones self is very difficult. I have enjoyed this course so far because it has helped me improve tremendously on my writing while also incorporating history. I have always enjoyed learning types of history. Everyone in my group has played a role in helping me understand the time period, authors and literature because they have explained them differently, each piece being put together.
I am proud of every piece I have written, however, I wish it was easier for me to express things and the way I feel on Paper. As I said, this class has helped tremendously, but I still do not see myself as being where I would like to be in writing
Since taking this class I have realized that the most important part of this class to me is improving on my writing. I have really enjoyed the essays that we have written because I feel that they have been very reflective all together. I really enjoyed writing the letter to the immigrant, because it really made me understand more what it was to be an American and reflect on what I feel it takes to be an American. I feel that John De Crevcoeur’s essay “ What is an American” really helped me understand more what it really means to be an American.
The writings we did on weeks 6, 7 and 8 I feel were the most challenging for me. I have never really enjoyed watching or reading the news therefore writing about a social practice I feel was very difficult. I feel I was not completely ready to write about something as complex as that. Although, I feel that way I was still very excited about writing about the issue that I chose because it really gave me a chance to learn about something new.
One issue I have found is that I need to not procrastinate as much as I do. I usually wait until about Wednesday before I start which means that I am always in a rush to do all the readings assigned and finish all the assignments. If I started earlier I feel like I would have more time to focus and think about what to write about more.
All in all I have really enjoyed this class and the writings and authors that have been introduce to us. I am glad that I have been challenged in a different way. I do not do well at math so this challenge it a good different. This class makes me want to do better with the writing assignments and makes me want to grow.
I am proud of every piece I have written, however, I wish it was easier for me to express things and the way I feel on Paper. As I said, this class has helped tremendously, but I still do not see myself as being where I would like to be in writing
Since taking this class I have realized that the most important part of this class to me is improving on my writing. I have really enjoyed the essays that we have written because I feel that they have been very reflective all together. I really enjoyed writing the letter to the immigrant, because it really made me understand more what it was to be an American and reflect on what I feel it takes to be an American. I feel that John De Crevcoeur’s essay “ What is an American” really helped me understand more what it really means to be an American.
The writings we did on weeks 6, 7 and 8 I feel were the most challenging for me. I have never really enjoyed watching or reading the news therefore writing about a social practice I feel was very difficult. I feel I was not completely ready to write about something as complex as that. Although, I feel that way I was still very excited about writing about the issue that I chose because it really gave me a chance to learn about something new.
One issue I have found is that I need to not procrastinate as much as I do. I usually wait until about Wednesday before I start which means that I am always in a rush to do all the readings assigned and finish all the assignments. If I started earlier I feel like I would have more time to focus and think about what to write about more.
All in all I have really enjoyed this class and the writings and authors that have been introduce to us. I am glad that I have been challenged in a different way. I do not do well at math so this challenge it a good different. This class makes me want to do better with the writing assignments and makes me want to grow.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Reflection #2 week 9
This class for me has been very challenging at times with all the writing we have been participating in, however, I have not considered withdrawing from the class. I feel that this class is a great challenge for me and cannot wait to see what is in store from this point on. I have really enjoyed learning about the different parts of history and literature so far. It has been very interesting reading all the literature and learning about all the authors we have been studying. I feel that I have been working very hard for this class and everything that has been published on my blog shows how hard I have worked. I have really been able to write down my feelings my blogs. I also feel this is a different way to understand people. I have really enjoyed ready each of my groups blogs from week to week, it is very interesting to me to see how people think differently and the same as I do on certain issues. Overall, I have really enjoyed this class.
Week 9 reflection
Reflecting on ones self is very difficult. I have enjoyed this course so far because it has helped me improve tremendously on my writing while also incorporating history. I have always enjoyed learning types of history. Everyone in my group has played a role in helping me understand the time period, authors and literature because they have explained them differently, each piece being put together.
I am proud of every piece I have written, however, I wish it was easier for me to express things and the way I feel on Paper. As I said, this class has helped tremendously, but I still do not see myself as being where I would like to be in writing
Since taking this class I have realized that the most important part of this class to me is improving on my writing. I have really enjoyed the essays that we have written because I feel that they have been very reflective all together. I really enjoyed writing the letter to the immigrant, because it really made me understand more what it was to be an American and reflect on what I feel it takes to be an American. I feel that John De Crevcoeur’s essay “ What is an American” really helped me understand more what it really means to be an American.
The writings we did on weeks 6, 7 and 8 I feel were the most challenging for me. I have never really enjoyed watching or reading the news therefore writing about a social practice I feel was very difficult. I feel I was not completely ready to write about something as complex as that. Although, I feel that way I was still very excited about writing about the issue that I chose because it really gave me a chance to learn about something new.
All in all I have really enjoyed this class and the writings and authors that have been introduce to us. I am glad that I have been challenged in a different way. I do not do well at math so this challenge it a good different. This class makes me want to do better with the writing assignments and makes me want to grow.
I am proud of every piece I have written, however, I wish it was easier for me to express things and the way I feel on Paper. As I said, this class has helped tremendously, but I still do not see myself as being where I would like to be in writing
Since taking this class I have realized that the most important part of this class to me is improving on my writing. I have really enjoyed the essays that we have written because I feel that they have been very reflective all together. I really enjoyed writing the letter to the immigrant, because it really made me understand more what it was to be an American and reflect on what I feel it takes to be an American. I feel that John De Crevcoeur’s essay “ What is an American” really helped me understand more what it really means to be an American.
The writings we did on weeks 6, 7 and 8 I feel were the most challenging for me. I have never really enjoyed watching or reading the news therefore writing about a social practice I feel was very difficult. I feel I was not completely ready to write about something as complex as that. Although, I feel that way I was still very excited about writing about the issue that I chose because it really gave me a chance to learn about something new.
All in all I have really enjoyed this class and the writings and authors that have been introduce to us. I am glad that I have been challenged in a different way. I do not do well at math so this challenge it a good different. This class makes me want to do better with the writing assignments and makes me want to grow.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Week 8 Immigration resolutions
Last week, immigration was my topic of choice when looking at social practices that are not compatible with the basic beliefs of the United States. I feel that it would be very difficult to come up with a solution that would stop illegal immigration completely, as I feel all of us as a country would need to agree on a common solution. After all that is what being united is all about.
While reading the information I gathered last week on immigration I read a certain idea that was suggested by Charles Schumer, a senator from New York, that I thought would be a great policy for helping people that want to be part of our wonderful country. The idea was that the federal government would increase border security and create a new fraud resistant social security card. The illegal immigrants that wished to remain in the United States would have to admit they had committed a crime, pay all taxes and fees that they owed, and pass a criminal background check to be eligible for legal residency after eight years.
I truly feel this is the best alternative to decrease the number of illegal immigrants in the United States. The issue with this, however, is that that no one person has the same opinions as the next person. If these illegal immigrants do not think they will not get caught in the United States, then what will make them admit he or she committed a crime? In the end this particular idea is probably not the best because it is up to that certain someone to admit to what they had done. In today’s society, most people would not admit it.
Another option that, in my opinion, has worked to decrease the number of illegal immigrants is sending federal agents to hunt through company records to identify any illegal immigrant workers. Immigration and Customs Enforcement went to over 2,900 companies and performed audits of all their employee files. This worked because it did not cause a commotion and did not give any of the companies that were audited a chance to cover their tracks and hide any employees that were not authorized by the United States to be working. I feel that this is something that should happen at all companies across the United States.
Additionally I believe that a program which requires all United States based corporations to review the immigration status of both their current employees and potential employment candidates could decrease the number of illegal immigrants. If they find a person that is not a legal citizen of the United States they should deport them. This could be a good program, but it would be difficult to have everyone cooperate, as it is extremely profitable for companies to pay illegal immigrants under the table, and not provide them with benefits. As we all know when it comes to people losing profits it can be very difficult to get those people to go along with the program.
The most important factor in the solution to illegal immigration is the full cooperation and support of the Mexican government. The number of people leaving Mexico certainly is not helping their economy, and is also putting a drain on ours. Therefore the Mexican government should want to keep their people from crossing over into the United States.
I think that all of the options listed are very good ones, but, unfortunately, I do not think that getting all illegal immigrants out of the country or having them become legal citizen is possible. There will always be some people that get through the system without getting caught. I think the best option out of all that is listed is for the government to create the program that checks all current and potential employees’ citizenship. This topic is very difficult to come up with an easy solution, and the process of resolving it will undoubtedly take a very long time and compromise.
This issue is a very hot button issue and our country, and is so for very good reason as it is a very important issue that requires careful consideration. The number of illegal immigrants needs to be decreased so that we as a country can work to rebuild our economy and reduce the number of Americans who do not have jobs. Resolving this issue will be a major leap forward for our nation’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.
While reading the information I gathered last week on immigration I read a certain idea that was suggested by Charles Schumer, a senator from New York, that I thought would be a great policy for helping people that want to be part of our wonderful country. The idea was that the federal government would increase border security and create a new fraud resistant social security card. The illegal immigrants that wished to remain in the United States would have to admit they had committed a crime, pay all taxes and fees that they owed, and pass a criminal background check to be eligible for legal residency after eight years.
I truly feel this is the best alternative to decrease the number of illegal immigrants in the United States. The issue with this, however, is that that no one person has the same opinions as the next person. If these illegal immigrants do not think they will not get caught in the United States, then what will make them admit he or she committed a crime? In the end this particular idea is probably not the best because it is up to that certain someone to admit to what they had done. In today’s society, most people would not admit it.
Another option that, in my opinion, has worked to decrease the number of illegal immigrants is sending federal agents to hunt through company records to identify any illegal immigrant workers. Immigration and Customs Enforcement went to over 2,900 companies and performed audits of all their employee files. This worked because it did not cause a commotion and did not give any of the companies that were audited a chance to cover their tracks and hide any employees that were not authorized by the United States to be working. I feel that this is something that should happen at all companies across the United States.
Additionally I believe that a program which requires all United States based corporations to review the immigration status of both their current employees and potential employment candidates could decrease the number of illegal immigrants. If they find a person that is not a legal citizen of the United States they should deport them. This could be a good program, but it would be difficult to have everyone cooperate, as it is extremely profitable for companies to pay illegal immigrants under the table, and not provide them with benefits. As we all know when it comes to people losing profits it can be very difficult to get those people to go along with the program.
The most important factor in the solution to illegal immigration is the full cooperation and support of the Mexican government. The number of people leaving Mexico certainly is not helping their economy, and is also putting a drain on ours. Therefore the Mexican government should want to keep their people from crossing over into the United States.
I think that all of the options listed are very good ones, but, unfortunately, I do not think that getting all illegal immigrants out of the country or having them become legal citizen is possible. There will always be some people that get through the system without getting caught. I think the best option out of all that is listed is for the government to create the program that checks all current and potential employees’ citizenship. This topic is very difficult to come up with an easy solution, and the process of resolving it will undoubtedly take a very long time and compromise.
This issue is a very hot button issue and our country, and is so for very good reason as it is a very important issue that requires careful consideration. The number of illegal immigrants needs to be decreased so that we as a country can work to rebuild our economy and reduce the number of Americans who do not have jobs. Resolving this issue will be a major leap forward for our nation’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Coments for ideal self
Alex: I truly agree with you. I also feel the jobs that are being done overseas should be moved back to the US. Great topic.
Rachel: I agree that outsourcing needs to be minimized to give Americans jobs. Good topic!
Almira: I really enjoyed reading your paper. It is very true that people get themselves into debt because of credit cards. Lets hope people smarten up and don't depend on credit cards.
Kelsey: I agree with you when you stated in your paper that if a person that murdered a family they should be punished the way they punished the family. Very good topic.
Rachel: I agree that outsourcing needs to be minimized to give Americans jobs. Good topic!
Almira: I really enjoyed reading your paper. It is very true that people get themselves into debt because of credit cards. Lets hope people smarten up and don't depend on credit cards.
Kelsey: I agree with you when you stated in your paper that if a person that murdered a family they should be punished the way they punished the family. Very good topic.
week 8 reflection
During week six and seven I felt most engaged with what I was learning when I was gathering information for the big writing assignment for the week. I really enjoyed getting to write about an issue in the United States. I don’t take the time to watch or read what the news to find out what is happening because it has never really interested me that much. I really enjoyed learning more on the topic I chose, however. I also feel that my writing has progressively gotten better throughout the semester.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Social Practices of Today’s Society
I tend not to read or watch the news very much, so this assignment I feel will be kind of difficult for me. When I think of social practices that I see are incompatible with the basic beliefs of our great Nation, the first one that comes to mind is immigration, and, in particular, the immigration across the Mexican border. While I do not stay abreast of current topics, I do know that this is a hot button issue and am therefore very interested to learn about this topic.
Immigration has always been a very integral part of what makes up the United States of America. After all, the United States was founded on the principle of equal opportunity for each and every person. It has helped the growth of our country while constantly being a source of conflict. In recent years, our country has experienced another huge wave of immigration, and, in fact, it is the largest since the 1920’s. These days, unfortunately, illegal immigrants outnumber the legal immigrants. It was estimated that the number of illegal immigrants were 11.9 million in the year 2008.
Legal citizens of our country obviously do not care for this statistic, because it shows that American jobs are being taken by those who do not pay taxes, and are therefore harming the economy. In recent years our government has been working to figure out a way to keep illegal immigrants out of our country so that more Americans are able to have jobs, however, some people feel they are being discriminated with the laws that have been placed into effect.
The controversial law that has been put into effect is in Arizona. It requires that all immigrants carry their papers with them at all times. This law states if a person is pulled over for a traffic violation and the officer suspects they are an immigrant he or she can ask to see their papers. If they are illegal they are deported.
I feel this topic is a bit like slavery. The law that was put into action in Arizona is to cut down on illegal immigrants in that state because that state is one of the most populated states for illegal immigrants. I feel that this law is unjust and I do not agree with it what so ever. I do feel that it is important to decrease the amount of illegal immigrants in the United States, however, it should be done in a different way.
The methods used to decrease the number of illegal immigrants have been a fight for several years now. Since the Arizona law has been passed politicians have been attempting to figure out new ways to discourage immigrants from crossing the border illegally. Senator Charles Schumer of New York outlined changes in the immigrant policies by stating we should enhance border security and create a new fraud resistant social security card. It also stated that illegal immigrants that wish to stay in the United States would have to admit to breaking the laws that they have broken, pay back taxes and fees that are owed, and pass a criminal background check in order to qualify for legal residency after eight years.
The option listed above I feel is definitely the better choice for decreasing illegal immigrants in the United States. This option still gives immigrants a chance to be able to live in our country and have a chance to experience the lives that all Americans are able to experience each and every day. This gives them a chance at having freedom. Freedom is one of the most important things to each and every person in the entire world.
Another way they have tried to decrease the amount of illegal immigrants is by building a 700 mile long fence that cuts the border between Mexico and the United States. This fence was also built to decrease illegal drugs from coming into the United States as well. Since this fence has been built there have been a number of immigrants that have tried to cross the border by traveling through the Sonoran Desert and then crossing the Baboquivari Mountain in Arizona. By doing this, these immigrants must travel through 50 miles of unwelcoming terrain just to get into a country they know they are entering into illegally and could possibly be sent back. This is where immigration draws another parallel to slavery. Each and every slave that had a chance to escape from their master so they were no longer treated poorly would do so. This resulted in the Underground Railroad. Harriet Jacobs wrote in her story that she escaped her master so that she would not have to be treated poorly.
Reading Harriet Jacobs story and the news on immigration has really opened a new door for me. It has shown me that there is still injustice in this country even though slavery in the United States is long gone. The United States has always been thought of as the land of opportunity, but with the way we treat immigrants today, is it really?
Immigration has always been a very integral part of what makes up the United States of America. After all, the United States was founded on the principle of equal opportunity for each and every person. It has helped the growth of our country while constantly being a source of conflict. In recent years, our country has experienced another huge wave of immigration, and, in fact, it is the largest since the 1920’s. These days, unfortunately, illegal immigrants outnumber the legal immigrants. It was estimated that the number of illegal immigrants were 11.9 million in the year 2008.
Legal citizens of our country obviously do not care for this statistic, because it shows that American jobs are being taken by those who do not pay taxes, and are therefore harming the economy. In recent years our government has been working to figure out a way to keep illegal immigrants out of our country so that more Americans are able to have jobs, however, some people feel they are being discriminated with the laws that have been placed into effect.
The controversial law that has been put into effect is in Arizona. It requires that all immigrants carry their papers with them at all times. This law states if a person is pulled over for a traffic violation and the officer suspects they are an immigrant he or she can ask to see their papers. If they are illegal they are deported.
I feel this topic is a bit like slavery. The law that was put into action in Arizona is to cut down on illegal immigrants in that state because that state is one of the most populated states for illegal immigrants. I feel that this law is unjust and I do not agree with it what so ever. I do feel that it is important to decrease the amount of illegal immigrants in the United States, however, it should be done in a different way.
The methods used to decrease the number of illegal immigrants have been a fight for several years now. Since the Arizona law has been passed politicians have been attempting to figure out new ways to discourage immigrants from crossing the border illegally. Senator Charles Schumer of New York outlined changes in the immigrant policies by stating we should enhance border security and create a new fraud resistant social security card. It also stated that illegal immigrants that wish to stay in the United States would have to admit to breaking the laws that they have broken, pay back taxes and fees that are owed, and pass a criminal background check in order to qualify for legal residency after eight years.
The option listed above I feel is definitely the better choice for decreasing illegal immigrants in the United States. This option still gives immigrants a chance to be able to live in our country and have a chance to experience the lives that all Americans are able to experience each and every day. This gives them a chance at having freedom. Freedom is one of the most important things to each and every person in the entire world.
Another way they have tried to decrease the amount of illegal immigrants is by building a 700 mile long fence that cuts the border between Mexico and the United States. This fence was also built to decrease illegal drugs from coming into the United States as well. Since this fence has been built there have been a number of immigrants that have tried to cross the border by traveling through the Sonoran Desert and then crossing the Baboquivari Mountain in Arizona. By doing this, these immigrants must travel through 50 miles of unwelcoming terrain just to get into a country they know they are entering into illegally and could possibly be sent back. This is where immigration draws another parallel to slavery. Each and every slave that had a chance to escape from their master so they were no longer treated poorly would do so. This resulted in the Underground Railroad. Harriet Jacobs wrote in her story that she escaped her master so that she would not have to be treated poorly.
Reading Harriet Jacobs story and the news on immigration has really opened a new door for me. It has shown me that there is still injustice in this country even though slavery in the United States is long gone. The United States has always been thought of as the land of opportunity, but with the way we treat immigrants today, is it really?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Learning reflection week 6
I feel I have learned a lot through this class and I feel that my writing has improved tremendously. I have found it kind of hard to comprehend a lot of the readings the first time I read them, however I feel if I really focus and read over the readings more than once I am able to understand them better. I really enjoy writing each week as well.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Comments for "Self Reliance"
Alex: I truly agree when you say that your ideal self is to just be you. People now expect way too much of them selves. Great writing!
Rachel: I do think that working hard is part of being your ideal self. I can't wait to have the experiences and work hard for my kids and my husband. Glad you were able to understand your ideal self better.
Almira: I agree that one of the most important things about your ideal self is believing in yourself. your writing was very en-lighting!
Kelsey:I think it is very difficult to know what makes a person their ideal self. I love reading your blogs because they come directly from the heart. I wish I was like you in where it took me a while to trust people and let people in. I admire you for that because I trust people so easily. Great writing!
Rachel: I do think that working hard is part of being your ideal self. I can't wait to have the experiences and work hard for my kids and my husband. Glad you were able to understand your ideal self better.
Almira: I agree that one of the most important things about your ideal self is believing in yourself. your writing was very en-lighting!
Kelsey:I think it is very difficult to know what makes a person their ideal self. I love reading your blogs because they come directly from the heart. I wish I was like you in where it took me a while to trust people and let people in. I admire you for that because I trust people so easily. Great writing!
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