things that stopped me in my tracks

Moments:

1) Went with my aunt to pick out her wedding dress.

2) Received an emotional e-mail from someone of the past.

3) Attended my first sorority meeting since my term as Vice President ended.

Connections:

I think the common themes that were brought up in all of the situations that stopped me in my tracks were change, and the end of something whether it had a good or bad connotation. In the first instance, I went with my aunt, who happens to only be seven years older than I am, and grew up in my house, to select her wedding gown. While it was a very happy event, I think the idea of a family change, and the end of her seeming just as young as I am, and only being part of our family arose feelings of discomfort for me. When I received the e-mail from a person of the past, prior to even reading it, I was stopped in my tracks. I was worried how my feelings, actions, and ideas would change based on reading it, and how my connections with this person might be altered as well. I was anxious that life as I know it, in regards to this social aspect, could end based on what this person would have to say. In the last situation, I was reentered into my sorority as a general member, and offered only a seat in the crowd, rather than the spot I've held for the past year at the front of the room. This was a great step forward for the sorority as a whole, but personally, the change and the end of that term caused some emotional turmoil.

The connection of change and endings is not a surprise to me. I am openly able to admit that these concepts are two things that frazzle me, and many others. As a senior that is approaching graduation, I constantly witness my peers struggle with these concepts in the idea of what will happen after college. In knowing that these two concepts bother me, I can go forward prepared to deal with them because they are ultimately out of my control. They are a crucial part of life, inevitable aspects of our every being.

State of the Union

While President Obama spoke on a plethora of topics the other evening, one specific section stood out to me. For two different reasons, it was the section on education. First, I was drawn to how he spoke of improving our schools, the importance of a good teacher, and the significance of proper resources because I am currently studying to become a teacher. It was nice to hear that even our president values teachers, and is considered with their success and well-being. As I sit through class each day learning of the trials and tribulations of being a teacher, it was relieving to hear that our government is aware of those hardships, and looking to ease them or the betterment of our schools, the teachers, and most importantly, the students. I loved his thoughts on keeping children in school until they are eighteen, however, as much as I would love to see it come to be, I am not sure it will ever happen. Obama continued on as he spoke to higher education. He spoke to making it "imperative" and not a "luxury". As a college senior, I have seen, and continue to see, many of my peers struggle to pay for college. I wonder what their life would be like if their loans were not approved, or their parents did not get a full paycheck. I think of those students here at SHU, and at all colleges across the country, that drop out because they can't afford it, falling short of becoming the best person they are possible of being. A world where this did not exist is again, ideal, but hardly likely. I would love for these ideas to come to fruition, however, a serious shift in all aspects of our society would need to occur.

Regardless of an individuals opinion on President Obama, it is almost undebatable that he is an effective public speaker. As I listened to this address, I could not help but notice certain things he does that really ropes you in. I think this is relevant to this class because an effective public speaker is really an impressive writer of another kind. He convinces his listeners, and gets you on board with what he is saying almost prior to you even processing the words he is saying. This is a quality we may all wish to have in our writing. His individual stories that include his opening about the troops, and the struggle of his grandparents after World War II make him believable, and real to the audience. We see an insight to his life that make us convinced he is more of a human, and regular person, rather than an untouchable figure. He also strikes emotional chords at optimum times. In both the beginning and the end, he focuses on the troops, people that regardless of your opinion on the war, the majority of our country idolize. He speaks of their coming home, their death, and their success in capturing Osama Bin Ladin. These are issues that regardless of your political party and ideas, produce an emotional response. This tactic makes your heart feel for these people, thus subconsciously making the listener on board to support them. Often, without knowing, we find ourselves on board with everything the speaker stands for, all because of this part in a speech or writing.

Overall, I believe that Obama delivered crucial information, cutting-edge ideas, and emotional anecdotes all in an effective manor. His speech was both enlightening and motivating. In a country under so much distress, even while addressing those problems, he seemed to provide excitement, happiness, and a promise for a better tomorrow.

:)

I think is a beautiful quote partnered with a wonderful image. In a world where so many say "follow your heart" and others say "use your head", this combines the two perfectly. While I wish it was as easy as the image makes it seem, it is still a vital thought that I hold near and dear to my heart. I know it is important to follow your heart, and do what "feels" right, but the importance of bringing sanity, and logic to these situations is crucial as well.

Other Blogs

http://www.perezhilton.com/

This blog focuses on celebrity gossip and rumors with a humorous attitude. While I find it entertaining and comedic at times, it often holds nothing but criticism and opinions. It exploits the lives of many people in the spotlight, and often jumps to conclusions that are not true. Not all posts are harmful as it reports the death of Joe Paterno and the announcement of Beyonce and Jay-Z's baby, but sometimes it goes as far as to post a picture of famous super model, and comment on her weight gain of SO MUCH weight, which probably translates to five pounds. Regardless, millions read this blog every day to remain "up" on the latest news, and it may arguable be the most popular form of guilty pleasure amount young adults. This blog proves that while anything can, and will, be posted on the internet, there is nothing wrong with ready it for entertainment, taking it with a grain of salt, and forming your own opinions.

http://schoolpsychologistfiles.blogspot.com/

This blog addresses many popular trials and tribulations of being a school psychologist. Being that this is the field I wish to go into, I found it insightful, entertaining, and easy to use. It is extremely interactive using poles and surveys, and always makes a place for readers to add their point of view. There is a ton of help from other psychologists who contribute and feed off of each other. I think the best asset of this blog was a section for parents to express their feelings on how school psychologists should and currently do deal with their children. It allows for the professionals to see what is appreciated and what is not. I think this is a great blog because it appeals to many people, while still remaining on one common topic.

http://kidney-garden.blogspot.com/

This blog is that of a kindergarten teacher. It covers everything from great lesson plans, awesome books, troublesome students, and adorable stories. She also often posts things unrelated to teaching that may also grab the attention of teachers as well. Other teachers are able to communicate through this blog by posting their ideas, or by using others. She enhances the blog by using pictures and video to explain projects, and display her classroom set up.

Movie Response

I thought that the movie we watched in class was very interesting and revealed an aspect of the media that I am positive exists, but we rarely ever address it. It was enlightening to see Janine stand up for what she felt was right, and struggle with delivering news that may not have been completely true. Many times we see news casters or writings just regurgitate the information given to them, but I think that heart behind the matter, in either a positive or negative direction, in a crucial missing piece. We are so concerned with being politically correct, and remaining unbiased, that we lack the emotional and moral dignity that should back up our personal actions. This idea is relevant to our class because we are beginning a blog that people will read, and whether it is just the small amount of students in our class, or countless people who access social networking, our ideas are entering the minds of others. We have a responsibility, just like Janine did, to make sure those ideas are not only true, but also a testimony to how we feel, and what we believe. If we conceal what we believe to be true, we could miss out a breakthrough message.