I am totally and insanely excited for November 19th. I'm not sure if you are a fan, but that happens to be the date the next Harry Potter movie comes out. Hopefully I will be able to get tickets for a midnight showing as well, because I can hardly wait and there's still 19 more days to go!
Harry Potter has been a part of my life since I was in elementary school. I still remember my excitement when I first learned they were going to make a movie. I remember telling my mom that I was going to see it no matter what, even if it was rated PG-13 (which they were considering because of the witchcraft). When I was a kid my mom used to read the books to me and my siblings and we all thoroughly enjoyed them, even though my mom and I were the only two to finish the whole series.
quote one of my favorite movies, You've Got Mail, "When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does." I believe this is true, at least for me and Harry Potter. I have learned a lot from the series. I have learned the about the value of friendship, the power of love, and the value of loyalty, courage, and integrity. It has really become a part of who I am. It really got me into reading. Although I have always loved reading, it was one of the first series I actually really liked. Also, it got me into more kinds of books in the fantasy genre, a genre I still enjoy today.
People sometimes refer to Harry Potter as a series which "defines a generation." I believe this has a lot of truth in it, and am completely ecstatic about the new movie coming out soon.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Home
I am finally home! I have been looking forward to fall break for the past two weeks, and it's really nice that it's here. However, it is very strange too. When I woke up this morning it was really weird waking up in a bed that wasn't a few feet from the ceiling. Also, the weirdest part is not seeing my roommate. We have become very close friends, and since we share a room we seen and talk to each other often. Talking to her is even more distracting than facebook! So being here without her is weird for sure. I miss not having my friends all around me. This is what surprises me the most. I have always been a homebody and never really did stuff with friends during high school. I had friends and many people who I enjoyed being around, but I just preferred to read a book or watch a movie by myself. Throughout high school, many nights were spent just talking to my parents or watching a movie with them. I was worried when I went to college that I would be frustrated by the constant company of others, and no space that was just mine. However, I now realize that it hasn't bothered me a bit. I suppose I am just very lucky to have been assigned a roommate like Amanda. She is someone I have become friends with and don't mind sharing my room with in the least. I am already looking forward to going back to see her and everyone else!
The only thing I don't want to go back to is the practice rooms at school. I dislike practicing in such a drab, confined, boring space that's a walk across campus from my room. It is so much nicer being able to practice at home with my family around to hear it and enjoy. Also, I like being able to practice and here them talking in the other room. It helps keep me relaxed, because when I'm by myself in those practice rooms it's very easy to become stressed about the next thing on my list. Hearing people here at home while practicing gives just enough distraction so I don't stress as much, but still allows me to concentrate on my playing.
So, things have turned out in quite the opposite way that I imagined. I thought I would have trouble being around people all the time, but really, it's what I miss most right now when I'm at home by myself while my family is at work or school. However, the only time I was alone at college (in the practice room) is what I don't miss at all. Rather, I enjoy having others around while I'm playing. It's funny how things turned out, but I think that for the most part I'm happy about how they ended up. I'm very thankful that I am fine with sharing a room all the time and can connect with other people without getting to irritated and itching for some time alone. College has showed me that I am able to be around people more often than I thought. I'm happy I got to learn something about myself there that isn't related to Mozart, four-part voice writing, or perfect intervals.
The only thing I don't want to go back to is the practice rooms at school. I dislike practicing in such a drab, confined, boring space that's a walk across campus from my room. It is so much nicer being able to practice at home with my family around to hear it and enjoy. Also, I like being able to practice and here them talking in the other room. It helps keep me relaxed, because when I'm by myself in those practice rooms it's very easy to become stressed about the next thing on my list. Hearing people here at home while practicing gives just enough distraction so I don't stress as much, but still allows me to concentrate on my playing.
So, things have turned out in quite the opposite way that I imagined. I thought I would have trouble being around people all the time, but really, it's what I miss most right now when I'm at home by myself while my family is at work or school. However, the only time I was alone at college (in the practice room) is what I don't miss at all. Rather, I enjoy having others around while I'm playing. It's funny how things turned out, but I think that for the most part I'm happy about how they ended up. I'm very thankful that I am fine with sharing a room all the time and can connect with other people without getting to irritated and itching for some time alone. College has showed me that I am able to be around people more often than I thought. I'm happy I got to learn something about myself there that isn't related to Mozart, four-part voice writing, or perfect intervals.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wartburg Wind Ensemble
One of the groups I am involved in on campus is the WCCB. I believe it is one of the best groups I have ever been a part of, and I so thankful that I have the opportunity to be involved with them. I'm sure I am quite biased, but I think music people are one of the best groups of people in the world. Or, more specifically, band people are (choir people are nice, but I believe they can be a bit overdramatic at times. I realize this is a huge stereotype not true for them all, but as a whole I feel more comfortable around band people). I love how they are fun to be around and usually a little nerdy as well. At home I became really close to my band, especially my section, and I can tell that this will definitely happen here with the Wind Ensemble as well.
When I first found out I made Wind Ensemble I was very excited, but also a little nervous. I had never expected to be put in the touring band because I've never really taken trumpet seriously. It has always been something just for fun (piano has always been the serious instrument), and I never practiced in high school. However, now, in Wind Ensemble, I am expected to be much more than I ever thought I would or could be. That being said, my first rehearsal was obviously intimidating. However, the people there are just great. I am so thankful that my section has been friendly and kind ever since I started band. One of the guys I met the night I tried out, and he was immediately friendly. It was really great to know a familiar face when I went to rehearsal and he has been very friendly ever since. Another guy really made an effort to talk to me during band bonding weekend, which I greatly appreciated. The player I sit beside also helps me feel apart of the group because he often asks me how my day went. Everyone is just so kind and friendly, and although it was very intimidating at first, the more I am in rehearsal the more I feel like I belong there.
Outside my section people are also friendly too. If I ever have a concern I know the council members will listen and not judge me if I ask something most upperclassmen already know. Also, there are a number of other people who always says hi to me around campus, even remembering my name.
At first I felt like maybe it was bad that I was put in that group because I just felt intimidated, but I realize now that it was such a great blessing. The people there are some of the nicest people I have met so far at Wartburg, and they have definitely made my transition to college much easier. I just wanted to take a minute to blog about them because they have been one of the best parts of my college experience so far.
Sarah
When I first found out I made Wind Ensemble I was very excited, but also a little nervous. I had never expected to be put in the touring band because I've never really taken trumpet seriously. It has always been something just for fun (piano has always been the serious instrument), and I never practiced in high school. However, now, in Wind Ensemble, I am expected to be much more than I ever thought I would or could be. That being said, my first rehearsal was obviously intimidating. However, the people there are just great. I am so thankful that my section has been friendly and kind ever since I started band. One of the guys I met the night I tried out, and he was immediately friendly. It was really great to know a familiar face when I went to rehearsal and he has been very friendly ever since. Another guy really made an effort to talk to me during band bonding weekend, which I greatly appreciated. The player I sit beside also helps me feel apart of the group because he often asks me how my day went. Everyone is just so kind and friendly, and although it was very intimidating at first, the more I am in rehearsal the more I feel like I belong there.
Outside my section people are also friendly too. If I ever have a concern I know the council members will listen and not judge me if I ask something most upperclassmen already know. Also, there are a number of other people who always says hi to me around campus, even remembering my name.
At first I felt like maybe it was bad that I was put in that group because I just felt intimidated, but I realize now that it was such a great blessing. The people there are some of the nicest people I have met so far at Wartburg, and they have definitely made my transition to college much easier. I just wanted to take a minute to blog about them because they have been one of the best parts of my college experience so far.
Sarah
Social Change Wheel
According to the Social Change Wheel, I am demonstrate Socially Responsible Daily Behavior and Direct Service. I try my hardest to be a good citizen by little things, such as not using plastic bags when I go shopping or making an effort to recycle. I have also worked with Direct Service, such as making meals for the homeless through the church. This wheel made me feel like sort of a lazy person to be honest. I don't do hardy any of the things on here. I think a part of it may be that I don't have any kind of cause that I care strongly enough about to fight for. The thing that I would care most about would probably be God. So I make my best effort to be involved at my church and serve others on a day to day basis to show this faith, but don't take part in a bigger project. The church I went to back how didn't do so much service projects as they did Bible studies and youth programs. Therefore, I served within the church (played on worship team, worked in the nursery), but did not do much outside of it. If I did, it was usually with my friend's church which did more service things.
Although these service things are good, they don't fit into the many of things this wheel suggests. They do not make some grand change in the way our community runs. I do wish I did more community service within a church, but don't really have a desire to start a group committed to a cause or a political thing. I think it's because I don't have much knowledge about politics and haven't taken the time to learn about things before. However, I do want to be more informed. I think my goal will be to be more informed about what's going on and develop the ability to make my own decisions. I would say that I am conservative because that's the way I was raised, but would like the opportunity to form my own opinions. Other than that, I don't really have a desire to be involved, at least not right now. Maybe some sort of cause will catch my eye and I'll go for it, but for now I'm content just being a good individual citizen. And I don't think that you can really force someone to advocate for something if they don't feel strongly about it.
The thing I feel strongly about right now is my faith, so I think I'll stick with being involved in a church, developing a better relationship with God, and living life the best I can on a daily basis to show this faith. And, quite honestly, I don't see what's wrong with that, at least for right now. I believe that if a cause will come up that I should join, I'll do it then.
Sarah
Although these service things are good, they don't fit into the many of things this wheel suggests. They do not make some grand change in the way our community runs. I do wish I did more community service within a church, but don't really have a desire to start a group committed to a cause or a political thing. I think it's because I don't have much knowledge about politics and haven't taken the time to learn about things before. However, I do want to be more informed. I think my goal will be to be more informed about what's going on and develop the ability to make my own decisions. I would say that I am conservative because that's the way I was raised, but would like the opportunity to form my own opinions. Other than that, I don't really have a desire to be involved, at least not right now. Maybe some sort of cause will catch my eye and I'll go for it, but for now I'm content just being a good individual citizen. And I don't think that you can really force someone to advocate for something if they don't feel strongly about it.
The thing I feel strongly about right now is my faith, so I think I'll stick with being involved in a church, developing a better relationship with God, and living life the best I can on a daily basis to show this faith. And, quite honestly, I don't see what's wrong with that, at least for right now. I believe that if a cause will come up that I should join, I'll do it then.
Sarah
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Balance
I am not a balanced person. I am having a hard time trying to find time for all the different areas of my life. I remember at the beginning of the year you talked about juggling all the different parts of life. Well, I'm pretty sure that my activities and aspects of my own life are going to fall fairly soon. It isn't so much that the classwork is difficult, but mostly my piano music that is the hardest of all.
I think the biggest problem is that I am unprepared for the level of performance on the piano. I have always been pretty good, but I have never practiced for two or more hours every day during the school year. It has always been more like 45-60 minutes, and not every day. This year has been difficult because, although I now practice 2-3 hours, I don't have any let up on the homework load of my other classes. Although I am used to hard classes and hard homework, I am not used to hard piano. I know how to deal with the difficulty of AP Literature or Calculus, but am unable to deal with the complexity of a Scriabin Prelude. Most of the time I feel like I am behind in all of my work. And, as you can see, it is 9 minutes until midnight on Sunday, and I am just now writing this blog.
It isn't that I don't want to write the blogs. I actually do like them because it gives me a chance to reflect on things, and, as I mentioned in a previous blog, I really do like reflecting on different areas of my life. My biggest issue is that I forget about them. I think I will make a habit of putting sticky notes on my desk to remind me to blog.
Anyway, I think what I need to do to become more balanced is to just continue scheduling everything out. This will keep me from getting to stressed because I will see a slot of time for where each activity will go. I am hoping this will keep my life better balanced, and that I will still get to see friends sometimes too, for it is not humanly possible to work all the time (or, even if it is possible, it cannot be healthy). Therefore, it is my goal to keep trying, and not to give up. Although getting frustrated and wanting to stop is my initial response to stress, I will keep plowing ahead even if I feel behind in my coursework and piano pieces. I think that if I learn anything this year, it will be to at least keep going strong even when you know things may not alway be your quality work or may not go as you like.
Sarah
I think the biggest problem is that I am unprepared for the level of performance on the piano. I have always been pretty good, but I have never practiced for two or more hours every day during the school year. It has always been more like 45-60 minutes, and not every day. This year has been difficult because, although I now practice 2-3 hours, I don't have any let up on the homework load of my other classes. Although I am used to hard classes and hard homework, I am not used to hard piano. I know how to deal with the difficulty of AP Literature or Calculus, but am unable to deal with the complexity of a Scriabin Prelude. Most of the time I feel like I am behind in all of my work. And, as you can see, it is 9 minutes until midnight on Sunday, and I am just now writing this blog.
It isn't that I don't want to write the blogs. I actually do like them because it gives me a chance to reflect on things, and, as I mentioned in a previous blog, I really do like reflecting on different areas of my life. My biggest issue is that I forget about them. I think I will make a habit of putting sticky notes on my desk to remind me to blog.
Anyway, I think what I need to do to become more balanced is to just continue scheduling everything out. This will keep me from getting to stressed because I will see a slot of time for where each activity will go. I am hoping this will keep my life better balanced, and that I will still get to see friends sometimes too, for it is not humanly possible to work all the time (or, even if it is possible, it cannot be healthy). Therefore, it is my goal to keep trying, and not to give up. Although getting frustrated and wanting to stop is my initial response to stress, I will keep plowing ahead even if I feel behind in my coursework and piano pieces. I think that if I learn anything this year, it will be to at least keep going strong even when you know things may not alway be your quality work or may not go as you like.
Sarah
Animal Dreams
I have realized that I haven't blogged about Animal Dreams yet. For the most part, I think I liked the book. I liked how, although it wasn't a hard read, it did bring up interesting, thoughtful questions throughout the novel. I appreciated that it was a deeper novel than just the normal formula fiction book and it raised questions hard questions about who you are and where you come from. I especially liked how it talked about balancing one's life as well as the different cultures like Loyd's family. I know that I am more of a close-minded person, but I still could appreciate his culture, which was pretty cool.
Although I am not as environmentalist as Codi, I did like that she had a purpose and something to drive toward in the novel. The fight to save the town's orchard was an interesting thing to read about, and it made the book seem more meaningful. I loved how she was so passionate about the earth. It reminded me about how passionate I am about my music. It also was pretty inspiring, as it challenged me to care more about my planet. This was especially evident when they talked about using the earth and keeping God's garden. I really liked how they compared the earth to God's garden or God's backyard. It made things more personal for me because I take my faith seriously. Therefore, it was a challenge to take the earth seriously as well. I never thought about how maybe we aren't supposed to use up the earth, but are rather to just appreciate it. It is definitely something to think about.
I know I do appreciate nature, especially since it's God's creation, but I always thought He made it for us in a way. This goes to show my selfish side, which is something I need to work on. Animal Dreams was a nice read because it made me think more about how I treat the earth and how open-minded I should be when it comes to others' opinions. I will try to become more open-minded and more appreciative of the world around me.
Although I am not as environmentalist as Codi, I did like that she had a purpose and something to drive toward in the novel. The fight to save the town's orchard was an interesting thing to read about, and it made the book seem more meaningful. I loved how she was so passionate about the earth. It reminded me about how passionate I am about my music. It also was pretty inspiring, as it challenged me to care more about my planet. This was especially evident when they talked about using the earth and keeping God's garden. I really liked how they compared the earth to God's garden or God's backyard. It made things more personal for me because I take my faith seriously. Therefore, it was a challenge to take the earth seriously as well. I never thought about how maybe we aren't supposed to use up the earth, but are rather to just appreciate it. It is definitely something to think about.
I know I do appreciate nature, especially since it's God's creation, but I always thought He made it for us in a way. This goes to show my selfish side, which is something I need to work on. Animal Dreams was a nice read because it made me think more about how I treat the earth and how open-minded I should be when it comes to others' opinions. I will try to become more open-minded and more appreciative of the world around me.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Lack of Reflection
Today, as always, I mapped out what I needed to get done today and the amount of time I thought it would take me to finish all the tasks. When I added up all the things, I realized that I wouldn't be finished until 10:00 tonight. Sad. That was my immediate reaction to that realization. No time to talk to friends? No time to even eat dinner? Or waste just a little bit of time on the computer? Really?
It is ever-difficult to adjust to the amount of work and the small amount of time I have to fit everything in. I am not sure how to get it all done. Also, I have realized that I am the sort of person who likes to reflect on everything. After I learn something, (if it is something I'm interested that in that is) I like to think about how it can be applied to my life. How it can connect to me as a person, how it could connect to my faith, how it can help me in my future career, or how it could can apply to past experiences I have had. Without this time to reflect on everything, it is becoming difficult for me to enjoy a lot of my classes. For instance, my pedagogy class talks about different aspects of being a piano teacher. Although the class is great, and the ideas we come up with are fantastic, it is hard for me to appreciate it. After we talk through things in class and do an assignment over it we immediately move on to something else. When we do these assignments I'd often times like to take the time to reflect during this time, but it is so difficult because I just have too much going on. I find myself becoming more of a performance learner and completing the assignment just to have it done. This realization is somewhat frightening since this class is basically what I'm majoring in and what I would like to go into as a career.
I think what I may have to do is take good notes and go over them all again in a reflective state over winter break or the summer when I have the time. It is just too difficult to think like that right now, when I have hours of practice time to schedule, other assignments to complete, people to talk to and sleep to think about. I wish that there was more time to think about things more critically in my other classes as well. I am disappointed that, although I take my faith very seriously, I don't have the time to connect what we are talking about in religion to build up my faith. And I am also disappointed that I can't find time to play the piano for the love of it. I am always so stressed about getting the allotted goals for my lesson finished that I can't take the time to think about how amazing the music really is. I wish I could work on a development for my love of piano, but I am just not sure when that will be.
Overall, I have enjoyed the college experience. But it is just difficult to enjoy all my classes when I do not have the time to reflect. It makes me feel much better when I can think things through logically and slowly, making sure I understand everything and making connections. But I suppose that will have to wait until a break when I have more time.
Sarah Ann
It is ever-difficult to adjust to the amount of work and the small amount of time I have to fit everything in. I am not sure how to get it all done. Also, I have realized that I am the sort of person who likes to reflect on everything. After I learn something, (if it is something I'm interested that in that is) I like to think about how it can be applied to my life. How it can connect to me as a person, how it could connect to my faith, how it can help me in my future career, or how it could can apply to past experiences I have had. Without this time to reflect on everything, it is becoming difficult for me to enjoy a lot of my classes. For instance, my pedagogy class talks about different aspects of being a piano teacher. Although the class is great, and the ideas we come up with are fantastic, it is hard for me to appreciate it. After we talk through things in class and do an assignment over it we immediately move on to something else. When we do these assignments I'd often times like to take the time to reflect during this time, but it is so difficult because I just have too much going on. I find myself becoming more of a performance learner and completing the assignment just to have it done. This realization is somewhat frightening since this class is basically what I'm majoring in and what I would like to go into as a career.
I think what I may have to do is take good notes and go over them all again in a reflective state over winter break or the summer when I have the time. It is just too difficult to think like that right now, when I have hours of practice time to schedule, other assignments to complete, people to talk to and sleep to think about. I wish that there was more time to think about things more critically in my other classes as well. I am disappointed that, although I take my faith very seriously, I don't have the time to connect what we are talking about in religion to build up my faith. And I am also disappointed that I can't find time to play the piano for the love of it. I am always so stressed about getting the allotted goals for my lesson finished that I can't take the time to think about how amazing the music really is. I wish I could work on a development for my love of piano, but I am just not sure when that will be.
Overall, I have enjoyed the college experience. But it is just difficult to enjoy all my classes when I do not have the time to reflect. It makes me feel much better when I can think things through logically and slowly, making sure I understand everything and making connections. But I suppose that will have to wait until a break when I have more time.
Sarah Ann
Performance and Mastery Learners
The article we read by Barry Schwartz which discussed the performance and mastery learners was very interesting. Like I'm sure many college students, I found that I am mainly a performance learner. I also learned that I could be a mastery learner, but in a setting outside of school. This confirms the idea he had that school puts pressure on students so they don't want to learn anymore.
One of the things I did find that was slightly frustrating though, was how Schwartz never mentioned anything about the time commitment being a mastery learner takes. He mentioned many other factors, but this basic factor he seemed to skim over. To be a mastery learner takes time. It takes a lot of time to really dig into an assignment or class, to think everything through critically, and to develop an interest in a subject. Yes, this is all great to do, but how do students do this in every class? If they took the time to be that kind of learner in every subject, I would like to meet their friends (because I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have any, considering they would spend all their time studying). It is unrealistic that a person could be that kind of learner in all classes. If they were, they wouldn't sleep or have a social life. And that's if they can even complete all of their assignments. I know that if I wanted to be a mastery learner in not just my piano, but also in my trumpet, theory, and religion class, then I would never complete all of my assignments. It's just not possible, because there isn't enough time.
Schwartz may argue that being a mastery learner is worth the time, and if I didn't get the assignments done then that was okay as long as I learned something. Well, I don't think professors take that sort of excuse when you refuse to hand in work, or hand in something that is unfinished. What would happen if, tomorrow, I decided in my Animal Dreams essay that I would only connect it to one pillar of Wartburg? And that I did this because I wanted to really dig into this one pillar, and although I didn't get enough time to connect Animal Dreams to all the pillars, I really learned a lot about this one pillar. Would you accept it? Would you decide it was okay that I only did one fourth of the assignment? Maybe you would and I've assumed wrongly. But the chances are, that it wouldn't be the right thing you were looking for.
I suppose that with this mindset, I am still considering the factor of an overall grade on this essay, or on whatever uncompleted assignments in general. But honestly, when you apply for a job, do bosses really want to hire you if you have a C average in college? It just doesn't seem practical in our competitive world to try to be perfectly mastery in all subjects.
This is why I believe that one should choose to be mastery in some subjects and be a performance learner in others. Perhaps you really dig into courses within your major, and then maybe one other that you find particularly interesting that connects with who you are of with what you are majoring in. Maybe that would work. The thing is, while reading this article, all I could think of was how I am barely getting everything done and staying sane the way I am right now, while I am a performance learner in many areas. I can't think of putting more work into my religion class. No matter how much I would like to (and I would, considering I'm a perfectionist) I just don't see how it is possible with the amount of other things I have to do. So that class ends up being one that is more performance than mastery.
I think for this argument to have to work the college would have to change things to give students more time to think critically in all areas and to apply themselves to everything. Perhaps they would take less classes, take summer classes, or not graduate in four years. These options don't sound desirable at all; however, I don't see how students (at least for me) could be mastery learners in all things without this sort of adjustment.
So, that seems to be my opinion on the article. Schwartz did make some very valid points though, and I agree that being a mastery learner definitely sounds a lot more rewarding and fulfilling than a performance learner. But I just fail to see how to change my habits to accomplish this without giving up important things, like seeing friends and sleeping.
One of the things I did find that was slightly frustrating though, was how Schwartz never mentioned anything about the time commitment being a mastery learner takes. He mentioned many other factors, but this basic factor he seemed to skim over. To be a mastery learner takes time. It takes a lot of time to really dig into an assignment or class, to think everything through critically, and to develop an interest in a subject. Yes, this is all great to do, but how do students do this in every class? If they took the time to be that kind of learner in every subject, I would like to meet their friends (because I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have any, considering they would spend all their time studying). It is unrealistic that a person could be that kind of learner in all classes. If they were, they wouldn't sleep or have a social life. And that's if they can even complete all of their assignments. I know that if I wanted to be a mastery learner in not just my piano, but also in my trumpet, theory, and religion class, then I would never complete all of my assignments. It's just not possible, because there isn't enough time.
Schwartz may argue that being a mastery learner is worth the time, and if I didn't get the assignments done then that was okay as long as I learned something. Well, I don't think professors take that sort of excuse when you refuse to hand in work, or hand in something that is unfinished. What would happen if, tomorrow, I decided in my Animal Dreams essay that I would only connect it to one pillar of Wartburg? And that I did this because I wanted to really dig into this one pillar, and although I didn't get enough time to connect Animal Dreams to all the pillars, I really learned a lot about this one pillar. Would you accept it? Would you decide it was okay that I only did one fourth of the assignment? Maybe you would and I've assumed wrongly. But the chances are, that it wouldn't be the right thing you were looking for.
I suppose that with this mindset, I am still considering the factor of an overall grade on this essay, or on whatever uncompleted assignments in general. But honestly, when you apply for a job, do bosses really want to hire you if you have a C average in college? It just doesn't seem practical in our competitive world to try to be perfectly mastery in all subjects.
This is why I believe that one should choose to be mastery in some subjects and be a performance learner in others. Perhaps you really dig into courses within your major, and then maybe one other that you find particularly interesting that connects with who you are of with what you are majoring in. Maybe that would work. The thing is, while reading this article, all I could think of was how I am barely getting everything done and staying sane the way I am right now, while I am a performance learner in many areas. I can't think of putting more work into my religion class. No matter how much I would like to (and I would, considering I'm a perfectionist) I just don't see how it is possible with the amount of other things I have to do. So that class ends up being one that is more performance than mastery.
I think for this argument to have to work the college would have to change things to give students more time to think critically in all areas and to apply themselves to everything. Perhaps they would take less classes, take summer classes, or not graduate in four years. These options don't sound desirable at all; however, I don't see how students (at least for me) could be mastery learners in all things without this sort of adjustment.
So, that seems to be my opinion on the article. Schwartz did make some very valid points though, and I agree that being a mastery learner definitely sounds a lot more rewarding and fulfilling than a performance learner. But I just fail to see how to change my habits to accomplish this without giving up important things, like seeing friends and sleeping.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Today is a Journey
Earlier this week I read an amazing blog by a guy named Adam Young. Then, when we talked about liberal learning, I found that it could be connected to what it meant to learn in such a way. Liberal learning was expressed as learning just for the sake of discovery and interest, as well as paying attention to the learning itself and not just the destination. I really liked what the writer (Giamatti I think) said about the "real world." It is a common phrase that I often use in the way he was speaking out against. This is the real world. Right now. And we shouldn't keep waiting for things to start to start appreciate everything.
Yes, we may not have our degrees yet, or be able to get a job, but we are on the path and we are in the middle of the journey. As Young says, "Sometimes life is not about the destination, but about the journey designed to take you there." I think often times we get so caught up in where we are going that we forget to pay attention to what's going on around us. "That's when I realize I'm tired of waiting. I'm so sick of wishing I was there already. I'd rather look around and not have to squint to see the beauty that literally lies everywhere." This statement Young makes hits me because he mentions that beauty is everywhere. I often get so caught up in what I'm doing and all the stress that I hardly ever notice such beauty. I think that when we are in the midst of all our studies and homework and tests and papers we should remember to look around and take it all in. I mean, we only get four years of a college experience, and the path we take towards our goal is, in the sense of liberal learning, just as important as the eventual goal. A piece of paper stating you have a degree doesn't make you the person you are. The choices, experiences, and challenges you encounter up until graduation day are what make you who you are when you accept that degree. After all, we have no idea when we could leave this earth, and should be making each moment count as something other than just waiting for the next great thing.
This is what I am going to try to bear in mind as I work my way through the week. I am going to try to make something of the coming days. Rather than just doing enough to get by, I am going to try to focus on the things that are most important to me, whether they are academic, social, or spiritual. I need to stop concentrating on getting my work all finished and fantastic, and think more about the kind of person I want to be and how I will bring about such a change. As I noticed with high school, you only have four years to build that self up, and who you graduate as is most likely who those people will remember you as. Most likely, they won't really see you after graduation day. I've learned those four years goes by crazy fast. And it is my goal to be remembered as someone who cares about other people, not just someone who gets good grades. As Giamatti and Adam Young both state, this journey is just as important as the place I'll be four years from now.
Sarah Ann
Yes, we may not have our degrees yet, or be able to get a job, but we are on the path and we are in the middle of the journey. As Young says, "Sometimes life is not about the destination, but about the journey designed to take you there." I think often times we get so caught up in where we are going that we forget to pay attention to what's going on around us. "That's when I realize I'm tired of waiting. I'm so sick of wishing I was there already. I'd rather look around and not have to squint to see the beauty that literally lies everywhere." This statement Young makes hits me because he mentions that beauty is everywhere. I often get so caught up in what I'm doing and all the stress that I hardly ever notice such beauty. I think that when we are in the midst of all our studies and homework and tests and papers we should remember to look around and take it all in. I mean, we only get four years of a college experience, and the path we take towards our goal is, in the sense of liberal learning, just as important as the eventual goal. A piece of paper stating you have a degree doesn't make you the person you are. The choices, experiences, and challenges you encounter up until graduation day are what make you who you are when you accept that degree. After all, we have no idea when we could leave this earth, and should be making each moment count as something other than just waiting for the next great thing.
This is what I am going to try to bear in mind as I work my way through the week. I am going to try to make something of the coming days. Rather than just doing enough to get by, I am going to try to focus on the things that are most important to me, whether they are academic, social, or spiritual. I need to stop concentrating on getting my work all finished and fantastic, and think more about the kind of person I want to be and how I will bring about such a change. As I noticed with high school, you only have four years to build that self up, and who you graduate as is most likely who those people will remember you as. Most likely, they won't really see you after graduation day. I've learned those four years goes by crazy fast. And it is my goal to be remembered as someone who cares about other people, not just someone who gets good grades. As Giamatti and Adam Young both state, this journey is just as important as the place I'll be four years from now.
Sarah Ann
Opposite Way
Right now I am listening to "Opposite Way" by Leeland. It's a really good song, because it encourages you to do your own thing despite what others are doing or what they think you should do. I think this is applicable to my life right now. I have a tendency to do things because it's what I think I'm supposed to do, or because I know it'll make other people happy. Honestly, it's probably the main reason I'm at Wartburg right now--I'm just supposed to go to college. It's just the way it is, the way I was raised.
In this circumstance this mindset hasn't been a bad thing. I am glad that I am here, happy to be a part of the Wartburg campus, classes, and community. But in other situations it's just plain frustrating to think like that. I think I need to start analyzing what I want to do and why I want to do things without any outside interference. Other people's opinions are good, but I think they have a tendency to put pressure on me to do what they want. It is my new goal this week to start living for what I believe is right, and listen to God and not everyone else. The song "Opposite Way" was just a really nice reminder of Who I should be listening to. The song says it's okay to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. It also says that we are not the only ones who run that different way. And as the songs states, "He ran the opposite way, through the cross He conquered the grave, so you could run the opposite way."
In this circumstance this mindset hasn't been a bad thing. I am glad that I am here, happy to be a part of the Wartburg campus, classes, and community. But in other situations it's just plain frustrating to think like that. I think I need to start analyzing what I want to do and why I want to do things without any outside interference. Other people's opinions are good, but I think they have a tendency to put pressure on me to do what they want. It is my new goal this week to start living for what I believe is right, and listen to God and not everyone else. The song "Opposite Way" was just a really nice reminder of Who I should be listening to. The song says it's okay to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. It also says that we are not the only ones who run that different way. And as the songs states, "He ran the opposite way, through the cross He conquered the grave, so you could run the opposite way."
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