Victoria's Blog

This is a blog for UWRT 1101

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Blogging Challenge

Over the course of this semester I have actually enjoyed the blogging assignment. I believe that it was a good way to bring the whole class together in a way that we can all share our personal opinions in a safe environment. I took blogging seriously and felt like it was a good addition to this class. I did everything to the best of my ability to make each blog post meaningful and the best that I could. 

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Civic Literacy

I believe I want to analyze animal cruelty for my civic literacy and what everyday people like us and law enforcement can do to put an end to it!

http://aldf.org/resources/when-your-companion-animal-has-been-harmed/animal-cruelty-and-domestic-violence/ 

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Writing as public power, Gabor

Until reading Catherine's article on civic literacies, I had never really known what this was about. At first before reading, I figured it was just like a civic duty, things you do for the better of your community. Over the summer I try to volunteer at different places such as Manna Food Bank, which could be consider a civic duty. I think she did an excellent job explaining to the reader what civic literacies are and breaking it down within the entire article. College students and highschoolers alike are at the age where they can be apart of the community and find access to activities to promote their civic duties. We are old enough to engage in our community and keep up with things going on around.

[queenvictoriakay]

Swales Discourse Community

This reading for me was particularly challenging, reason being I had to look up the meaning to his words and language to fully understand what he was getting at. I believe that relating his definitions of a discourse community do relate to some of the organizations on campus such as: clubs, fraternities, and sororities. These discourse communities are not as significant as the example he gave us such as the Senate or Parliament. Both of these examples could be defined under any of Swales definitions of discourse communities such as "A discourse community has a broadly agreed set of common public goals" or "a discourse community has a threshold level of members with a suitable degree of relevant content and discoursal expertise". I believe this article was meant to open our eyes to the different levels of discourse communities in our every day lives.

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Writing Across the University

As Glade states, growing up we were taught to abide by the MLA format, not start a sentence with and or because and try our best to stick with a simple five paragraphs. This was the only way I ever wrote before I came to college because its the only format I've ever known and thought to be the most proper way. I also always remember including a bibliography at the end of the paper but I personally never cited my sources within the paper itself as I have had to learn how to do in college. I appreciate the fact that she points out addressing different people in different ways. Such as emailing a coworker or addressing your boss, even just talking amongst friends. I believe this comes natural to humans though, speaking to authority is different than talking to your friends.

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For my Radical Revision I wrote a poem about Special Education and how much it means to me. The picture above is the P.E.P program at T.C Roberson and this is a student that I had last year doing a project in class! (I personally took this picture).

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Finding your passion does not come easy,

You must discover it for yourself.

I love helping people, and plan to make a difference,

With time, this shall come.

 The Progressive Education Program has inspired me to the fullest,

I owe all my thanks to them.

The students especially, not just for being a friend.

Their laughter is contagious, and spirits uplifting,

I would look forward to coming back each and every day.

 Getting to know the students is the best part,

Making it an unbreakable bond,

Teaching them is blessing,

This is my calling, and I plan on making it work.

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"Shitty" First Drafts

In the expert from Lamott's "Shitty First Drafts" I am an advocate for writing first drafts when it comes to writing a paper. I am the type of person who needs a 'trial run' or as Lamott would say 'shitty' first draft to get all of my ideas down into one story. Even famous writers brainstormed and composed their thoughts into a rough draft. This step is a much needed in order to perfect your writing. When I am writing a paper, I construct my first draft then have someone else read it such as a parent or peer. After that, I do as Lamott does and go through it by myself to distinguish what should and shouldn't be changed. She makes the point that you should not feel ashamed if your first draft is not so good, because that is completely normal for writing- you must start somewhere! Giving yourself a staring point eventually works out better in the long run because with the ideas already constructed more will spiral off of them.

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Malcolm X

I think that this reading is one of the most inspiring readings we have had thus far. To take it upon himself to learn to read in prison is a true commitment. I can’t imagine only having an eighth grade education and pursuing such a high level of thinking, writing and speaking all by myself simply by copying the dictionary and reading it aloud. This to me says just how inspired he was to not only teach himself, but better himself as well. Malcolm did not let his surroundings get the better off him, he persevered and made success the only option.

I do believe Malcolm is a self made man who taught himself the basics of the English language ranging from reading,writing,speaking and learning new words. This inspires me because I have been privileged enough to get the opportunity to go to college in order to better my education, so I must take this chance to the furthest of my abilities.

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Sponsors of Literacy

Brandt seems to take on a more serious theme while talking about literacy and its importance. While Scribner rather compared literacy as metaphors, Brandt explains the connection of literacy and human relationships along with the extent people will go to obtain this knowledge.

I agree with the statement that literacy is like land because it is such a valued trait and a key to success in the job industry and conquering small every day tasks.

Learning and literacy is in high demand, people would do anything to obtain a trait and be able to read and write to their full abilities. Literacy is different everywhere and is taught differently in other cultures which I find interesting.

Literacy to me is entirely important and something one must obtain to be able to succeed in the community and be able to socially accepted.

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Blog on "Literacy in Three Metaphors" by Sylvia Scribner

After reading this article by Sylvia Scribner, I completely agree with the statement that states just how technologically dependent we have become. I do believe that this will change the 'game' in school settings and what exactly is taught to students and how. Even young infants and children are exposed to a whole new world of technologies and skills that they will learn. Reading, writing, and being exposed to written material I believe is still important to teach the next generation because of the positive intellectual impact it has on on kids. The "essence" of literacy is discussed and seems to take on many meanings and values to different educators and authors around the world. I agree with the thought that those who are never exposed to written material or a written language are not as socially organized or advanced. I believe that the metaphor of "Literacy as Adaptation" discussed is 100% on point. This to me is an "Ah-Hah" moment. Scribner states that we as individuals are exposed to reading and literacy hundreds of times a day whether it be shopping for groceries or driving to another state. Literacy as power is also a perfect comparison. As I stated before this is the idea of a culturally inclined/advanced society. Literacy as a state of grace I had a harder time connecting with but did agree on a few points of the matter. The fact that literacy is a state of "self-enhancement" in Scribners opinion is so true. I believe that literacy is an overall benefit for individuals and has no negative effects in the least. #uwrt003