Table Of Contents

Table of Contents Reflection Letter Introduction to My Major Writing Assignment Just Say Yes To Drug Treatment Introduction Of Effective Sentences Piece Why is the River No Longer Majestic Introduction Of Critical Analysis Piece Sunset is Near at Sunrise Summary of Grant and Lee Introduction Of Writer’s Choice Piece My Reflection on Culturally Responsive Thinking

Introduction of Writer's Choice Piece

Having the option to use a piece of work from another class is totally exciting for me. This essay was written on May 19, 2009, for my Critical Thinking course I took this Spring. We had to write an essay on an article we read about "culturally responsive thinking." It's basically an essay on our thoughts and feelings on that topic. When I wrote it, I was pleased that I was able to take something that I learned from our novel, "Three Cups of Tea", and incorporate it into this essay as a way of sending my point home.

Introduction of Critical Analysis Piece

I had a really tough time deciding on one assignment for the Critical Analysis piece so, I chose two. My last blog in which we had to reflect on our service learning experience as of May 19, 2009 is an example of my personal growth through my service learning experience. Having to admit my discomfort around the elderly is almost embarassing, and required me to critically think about how my time at Sunrise impacted me on a personal level. The other piece for my critical analysis is the summarizing of Bruce Catton's,"Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts"(1956). This assignment was written April 15, 2009, and was very difficult for me. I spent what seemed like hours picking this essay apart and analyzing it so, in my summary I effectively described each General accurately and clearly. Although the blog was easier to write than the summary, I feel they both adequately fulfill my ability to think critically and write analytically.

Introduction of Effective Sentences Piece

For this piece, I chose Discussion Board Assignment 8, which I wroteApril 15, 2009. I had to summarize Samuel Clemens',"Two Ways of Viewing the River"(1883). This particular summary was a lot of fun to write. I really tried to stretch my use of descriptions, in order to capture what I imagined as I read this essay. One of my favorite excerpts is, "The smallest most simple features of the river projected beauty in his eyes. He marveled at how the colors of the sunset danced across it, and transformed the river into a picturesque work of art." This essay had a lot of emotion and thoughtful points in it. And I enjoyed every step of the reading, writing , and summarizing the context of the piece in my own words.

Introduction of My Major Writing Assignment

My Major Writing Assignment is, "Just Say Yes, To Drug Treatment," which I wrote May 25, 2009. The assignment was to write an argument using critical thinking, thorough analysis and plenty of research to support the argument. The strength of this paper that stands out to me mostly is, my strong use of statistics. I researched many sites to come up with the most current and accurate information as possible to support my point. Another aspect of my paper that I am pleased with is a clear thesis, which I supported with strong evidence and compelling information. I fully support Drug Treatment Court programs, and hope that after reading my paper, I might convince others that these programs produce excellent results in those with drug addictions.

The Sunset is Near at Sunrise

As the end of my service learning at Sunrise View Retirement Villa draws near, I can't help but be in disbelief that it's gone by so quickly. It seems like last week I was running around like crazy trying to get my papers turned in to Sharyn. As of today, I have spent ten hours at Sunrise the past few weeks. Thursday will be my second to last shift so, I'm not done yet. And it seems a bit premature to be reflecting already but, here it goes.
Volunteering with the elderly and senile has given me a greater appreciation for them. Not that I was ever anti-geriatric but, I've always been uncomfortable around people when they start to lose their faculties. Spending time there has been a good eye-opening experience for me. Mostly I've been interacting with the residents of Sunrise by leading them in various games and such. Every encounter has been wonderful, whether by bringing the room to laughter, or being mean mugged by a disgruntled BINGO player. They're all a pleasure to be around and I'm so glad I decided to tackle my discomfort with the elderly, and give myself an opportunity to change and grow. Some of the changes I have noticed with my opinions of the elderly is the realization that they have the same basic emotional needs that I do. They want to smile, laugh, have fun, and be heard. I feel bad that I ever had any negative feelings to begin with. One thing that struck me is, one day (I hope) I'm going to be an old lady, and I'd hate to know anyone would feel uncomfortable around me just because I'm elderly. I really had to take a look at the big picture.
Volunteering at Sunrise has been an eye opening experience. It has changed me for the better, making me realize we are all human beings with needs, no matter what our age. During my remaining shifts, I'm going to make sure to enjoy every last minute, and keep my eyes and ears open to the possibility of more inner growth.

Summary of Grant and Lee

Bruce Catton's, "Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts (1956) compares two vastly different American Generals, who shared one unyielding quality. Robert E. Lee, was of the old age of chivalry. An aristocrat, stuck in the ideals of the privileged upperclassmen, who had no desire for change. He believed there should be an inequality within America's social structure. Lee, vied for the old aristocratic concept to rule in American culture.

The other General, Ulysses S. Grant, had aspirations for America that were the polar opposite of Lee's. General Grant was a man who came up the hard way in the rugged Western frontier. He was not born into privilege but. instead had to earn his privileges. He fought hard for the country's growth and expansion, and felt it was important to uphold a democratic society. Grant looked toward the future and paid no mind to the past.

Though their virtues greatly differed, Lee and Grant, did share a passion for their causes. They were both strong, powerful leaders, who fought hard for their beliefs. And they had armies who had great respect for their leader. Eventually, when the fighting came to an end in 1856, the aristocrat, and the frontiersman gathered at the Appotomax Court House in Virginia, and came to a peaceful agreement to end the Civil War.