"No man ever reached excellence in any one art or profession without having passed through the slow and painful process of study and preparation". This is a quote from an ancient Roman poet named Horace. It tells you that excellence isn't just something that happens, but something that is acheived over time with hard work and effort. Because of the amount of work required to acheive excellence, some find it too difficult to obtain.
A real life experience I had related to acheiving excellence was my first 4.0 gpa. This happened in 7th grade, and it was the only 4.0 i've ever received up to date. The time I spent in 7th grade was mostly studying for my classes and reading books in my free time. Instead of being with friends every day like some people did, I was reading a textbook. This is a form of excellence because I put so much effort into getting an A in every class.
An article titled "Reading between the lies: a young reporter who stole and made up stories forces the New York Times to take stock" is an example of excellence written by Nancy Gibbs. An African American had been stealing other's stories and revising them to make them seem more interesting. His main goal was to acheive excellence through lies and deceit. Of course, this only worked until he was caught and his life was ruined. The lesson to be learned from this is not to cheat your way to acheive excellence.
Another example is from the story, Lord of the Rings. A halfling named Frodo Baggins was set off on a journey to destroy an evil ring of power. Before the temptation of this power totally consumed him, he was able to accomplish this task. Even though this job was brought up upon him by the work of others, he still acheived excellence and superiority over others. My point in this story is simply excellence can be obtained even when it is not necessarily wanted.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
what is education? works cited
Dead Poets Society. Dir. Peter Weir. Perf. Robin Williams. DVD. Touchstone Pictures, 1989.
Malcolm X, and Alex Haley. How I Discovered Words: a Homemade Education.
Twain, Mark. Two Ways of Seeing the River.
Malcolm X, and Alex Haley. How I Discovered Words: a Homemade Education.
Twain, Mark. Two Ways of Seeing the River.
What is education?
What Is Education?
According to dictionary.com, “education is the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life”. In my perspective, education is learning anything on your own time, or in a school. The education I’ve received includes basic skills right after being born, and learning in schools once I turned 6. Malcolm X is a good example of a self-taught education, since he spent many years studying on his own in prison. An example of a forced education is from the movie, Dead Poets Society. Also, Mark Twain’s “Two ways of seeing a river” describes his point of view on learning. It is through these examples that we learn that education is really the knowledge gained by any means necessary.
In the short story, “How I Discovered Words: A Homemade Education” by Malcolm X, we learn a great deal about his lack of education in the English language. Every time he picked up a book to read, he had such a hard time understanding them that they “might as well have been in Chinese”. He began telling of a time when he was in the Norfolk Prison Colony. He spent day after day writing every single word from the dictionary onto tablets. Eventually after writing and reviewing, he finished writing his last word. Not only did he learn words, he also learned about important names in history. This is why Malcolm X describes the dictionary as being “like a miniature encyclopedia”. It was after he finished the words in the dictionary that he was able to pick up a book and actually understand what he was reading. To Malcolm X, the ability to read awoke “some long dormant craving to be mentally alive” inside of him. The things he learned on his own is a great example of how education could be.
In the movie, The Dead Poets Society, a story is told about a private school where everyone is restricted to the studies the school sets for them. The main character, Neil Perry, does really well in this school, but his interests lie in acting. It is his English teacher, Mr. Keating, who opens his mind and tells him to do things he wants to do. Neil’s father is completely against his wishes of becoming an actor and tries to force him to become a doctor. This causes many issues with Neil and he eventually takes his own life away. This is a prime example of how forcing someone to achieve a goal they don’t want may lead to health issues such as this.
Mark Twain describes how to learn more information by reading a book more than once in “Two ways of seeing a river”. In order to learn more information by reading the same book more than once, you must be able to see it from a different point of view. While reading a book, he was able to notice things that he didn’t realize before because of this strategy. Although this method of self-education does work, eventually he wouldn’t be able to learn anything new because there are only so many ways to read it.
Since education is the process of learning, it is by far the most important thing needed for growing up. Whether it is self-taught like Malcolm X or Mark Twain, or strict like The Dead Poets Society, all of us must follow through with it in order to function in society.
According to dictionary.com, “education is the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life”. In my perspective, education is learning anything on your own time, or in a school. The education I’ve received includes basic skills right after being born, and learning in schools once I turned 6. Malcolm X is a good example of a self-taught education, since he spent many years studying on his own in prison. An example of a forced education is from the movie, Dead Poets Society. Also, Mark Twain’s “Two ways of seeing a river” describes his point of view on learning. It is through these examples that we learn that education is really the knowledge gained by any means necessary.
In the short story, “How I Discovered Words: A Homemade Education” by Malcolm X, we learn a great deal about his lack of education in the English language. Every time he picked up a book to read, he had such a hard time understanding them that they “might as well have been in Chinese”. He began telling of a time when he was in the Norfolk Prison Colony. He spent day after day writing every single word from the dictionary onto tablets. Eventually after writing and reviewing, he finished writing his last word. Not only did he learn words, he also learned about important names in history. This is why Malcolm X describes the dictionary as being “like a miniature encyclopedia”. It was after he finished the words in the dictionary that he was able to pick up a book and actually understand what he was reading. To Malcolm X, the ability to read awoke “some long dormant craving to be mentally alive” inside of him. The things he learned on his own is a great example of how education could be.
In the movie, The Dead Poets Society, a story is told about a private school where everyone is restricted to the studies the school sets for them. The main character, Neil Perry, does really well in this school, but his interests lie in acting. It is his English teacher, Mr. Keating, who opens his mind and tells him to do things he wants to do. Neil’s father is completely against his wishes of becoming an actor and tries to force him to become a doctor. This causes many issues with Neil and he eventually takes his own life away. This is a prime example of how forcing someone to achieve a goal they don’t want may lead to health issues such as this.
Mark Twain describes how to learn more information by reading a book more than once in “Two ways of seeing a river”. In order to learn more information by reading the same book more than once, you must be able to see it from a different point of view. While reading a book, he was able to notice things that he didn’t realize before because of this strategy. Although this method of self-education does work, eventually he wouldn’t be able to learn anything new because there are only so many ways to read it.
Since education is the process of learning, it is by far the most important thing needed for growing up. Whether it is self-taught like Malcolm X or Mark Twain, or strict like The Dead Poets Society, all of us must follow through with it in order to function in society.
Monday, April 7, 2008
practice personal statement
Ever since the beginning of my senior year in 2007, I've been hearing about a place called arctic glacier. My friends would talk about working many hours there during the summer. This is when my interests turned to packing ice for a summer opportunity. Some may wonder why I chose this over a simpler job that doesn't require such a workout. The answer is that I simply enjoy lifting and I have no problem doing so even though many do.
I used to have a job that can relate to the one I am applying for this summer. When I worked at Hy-vee, I would always have to lift things and move them around. Also, I spent much of my time cleaning in the freezer. Because of this, I know what cold feels like in the work environment. I think this job has allowed me to develop many skills that would help me out with this new job. Some of them include dealing with continuous physical work, cooperating with co-workers, and being able to get things done in a timely manner.
I believe I have overcome difficulties in the past such as customer complaints. The best thing I could do was let them know that I was sorry for the inconvenience and that I would do everything I could to make things work for them. If I ever come across a situation at Arctic Glacier, I would do the same thing. I am aware of the importance of this job and I plan on taking it as seriously as though it were a matter of pass or fail. I hope I get the chance to be a part of the working environment and will do much to make it work out.
I used to have a job that can relate to the one I am applying for this summer. When I worked at Hy-vee, I would always have to lift things and move them around. Also, I spent much of my time cleaning in the freezer. Because of this, I know what cold feels like in the work environment. I think this job has allowed me to develop many skills that would help me out with this new job. Some of them include dealing with continuous physical work, cooperating with co-workers, and being able to get things done in a timely manner.
I believe I have overcome difficulties in the past such as customer complaints. The best thing I could do was let them know that I was sorry for the inconvenience and that I would do everything I could to make things work for them. If I ever come across a situation at Arctic Glacier, I would do the same thing. I am aware of the importance of this job and I plan on taking it as seriously as though it were a matter of pass or fail. I hope I get the chance to be a part of the working environment and will do much to make it work out.
practice cover letter
153 Industrial ave.
Marshall, MN 56258
April 7, 2008
Mr. Rick Johnson
Employer
Arctic Glacier
Marshall, MN 56258
Dear Mr. Johnson:
I wrote this on behalf of the resume I sent along with this letter. I found this job from an article in the newspaper on April 2nd. I believe I do have the skills needed to haul ice to different places throughout the day. I lift weights every day and even my former job required much physical labor. Also, my former job has prepared me for cooperating with co-workers and perhaps customers I may face during this job. Since I think this job will be a great opportunity for what is to come in the future, I hope I would be honored to meet you for an interview some day.
Sincerely,
Spencer Thomas
Marshall, MN 56258
April 7, 2008
Mr. Rick Johnson
Employer
Arctic Glacier
Marshall, MN 56258
Dear Mr. Johnson:
I wrote this on behalf of the resume I sent along with this letter. I found this job from an article in the newspaper on April 2nd. I believe I do have the skills needed to haul ice to different places throughout the day. I lift weights every day and even my former job required much physical labor. Also, my former job has prepared me for cooperating with co-workers and perhaps customers I may face during this job. Since I think this job will be a great opportunity for what is to come in the future, I hope I would be honored to meet you for an interview some day.
Sincerely,
Spencer Thomas
Thursday, April 3, 2008
practice resume
Spencer R. Thomas
101 Lone Tree Ave., Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 530-2579
Objective: Summer job that helps prepare for college
Education: Senior at Marshall High School, Marshall, MN
GPA - 3.3
Activities
and Skills: Member of track and field freshman through junior year
-placed 10th in polevault at state meet
-placed 3rd in polevault at meet in Mankato
Work
Experience: Hy-vee kitchen, Marshall, MN. July 2006 - Sept
2007.
-washed dishes, the walls, the floor, and the ceiling.
-served food to customers
-fried foods
101 Lone Tree Ave., Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 530-2579
Objective: Summer job that helps prepare for college
Education: Senior at Marshall High School, Marshall, MN
GPA - 3.3
Activities
and Skills: Member of track and field freshman through junior year
-placed 10th in polevault at state meet
-placed 3rd in polevault at meet in Mankato
Work
Experience: Hy-vee kitchen, Marshall, MN. July 2006 - Sept
2007.
-washed dishes, the walls, the floor, and the ceiling.
-served food to customers
-fried foods
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
exercise 46: gather details for your resume
I go to the marshall high school in Marshall, MN
I expect to graduate in 2 months
What is unusual about my high school experience is that I had a bad start my freshman year, but by the time my senior year came, I am more than caught up. My special course of study would have to be Chemistry. It is what I intend to major in once i go to college.
I have not had any courses or training outside of high school. I would rather save it for the activities and skills section anyway.
I was involved in track "& field, and just about every band activity possible.
I have had one minimum wage job at Hy-vee food store in Marshall, MN. I worked in the kitchen.
I expect to graduate in 2 months
What is unusual about my high school experience is that I had a bad start my freshman year, but by the time my senior year came, I am more than caught up. My special course of study would have to be Chemistry. It is what I intend to major in once i go to college.
I have not had any courses or training outside of high school. I would rather save it for the activities and skills section anyway.
I was involved in track "& field, and just about every band activity possible.
I have had one minimum wage job at Hy-vee food store in Marshall, MN. I worked in the kitchen.
exercise 45: state an objective; choose a job
For this job, I have had much experience in customer service, and I've had much interest in this type of work. Because of this, the job I am applying for will be my career for the rest of my life.
The job i have decided is a garbage truck driver.
Skills required: driving skills, resistance to strong odors, ability to lift approximately 50 pounds.
Skills/experiences i have: semi-resistance to strong odors, ablility to lift 50 lbs, lifting garbage bags every once in awhile in previous job.
The job i have decided is a garbage truck driver.
Skills required: driving skills, resistance to strong odors, ability to lift approximately 50 pounds.
Skills/experiences i have: semi-resistance to strong odors, ablility to lift 50 lbs, lifting garbage bags every once in awhile in previous job.
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