Reflection of Course

This semester has been really tough for me to stay focused and keep up with the assignments for this course. With work becoming more and more demanding, I have found that my grades have started to drop. I also have moved twice this semester. Therefore, I have had my internet cut off for more than a week two times this semester. Thus making it hard to complete an online course. 
However, that being said, I feel that my writing skills have improved slightly. I have started to try to look deeper into the meaning of the text, or the point that the author is trying to make when reading material. I still have problems just mainly summarizing for most of my essays, but that is something I hope to correct in time. 
I was very split on the readings for this semester. I feel that I related to some, while others I had no interest in at all. I really disliked the writing style of "Up in the Air". I could not relate to it at all and found myself confused most of the time. However, I really enjoyed "Winter's Bone". I connected with Ree's character and what she was having to go through. She was put through so much and still made it through to the end. 
I do not know how I have met the learning outcomes. I know in some areas I definitely have come short. I could use work on number 10. interpret and analyze texts. Like previously mentioned, I feel that even when I try to analyze a text that I still end up just summarizing what happened.
I feel that since my biggest challenge has been being able to focus and stay on time with my assignments, maybe I could look into getting a different job. It has been a difficult decision on my part. I feel that being so young and having a good job within the State Government that maybe I should try to keep this position. However, I feel that if I want to become a nurse a quickly as possible and get my career going that I will need to make school my main focus. I am just not sure how to make that transition. Any suggestions?

Tentative Thesis

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Tentative Thesis

        After reading Up in the Air by Walter Kirn, and then watching the movie that was later directed by Jason Reitman I saw many difference between the two. The book seemed to portray Ryan Bingham, the main character, as a lonely, dull and isolated individual. He spent his time in hotels and airports. In the movie, Ryan is surrounded by people, mainly women. He is portrayed as someone you could relate or even feel sorry for. I feel that this change could be related to the fact that the movie was made later, after the reputation of a businessman changed after the economy went down. 

Response to "Up in the Air"

http://www.entertainmentwallpaper.com/download/10018836/

After reading up to this point in Up in the Air by Walter Kirn, I feel I would of not chosen it for myself to read. I find the author's writing style to be confusing and all over the place. Especially in the beginning, I felt it hard to focus and understand who he was speaking to or what he was trying to say. The main character Ryan Bingham was a 35-year old Career Transition Counselor. He travels constantly and lives in airports and hotels. He calls it Airworld. The story goes into Ryan's life of flights, relationships, or lack there of, and what his hopes and dreams are. Ryan Bingham wants to work with Mythtech, therefore, he is trying to reach a million frequent flyer miles before he changes companies. I really hope I can get into the rest of the book. So far I have learnt that there are many types of writing styles and not everyone will enjoy each one. 

Up in the Air was turned into a major motion picture. To learn more click here!

Mid-Term Check In

April 1, 2012

Dear Mrs. Cline,


Over the first half of the semester, I have had many challenges. Working a full-time job that requires a lot of training and knowledge, and is primarily spent looking at a computer screen, is hard for someone who is also taking most of their classes online as well. I feel like my biggest challenge has been completing my assignments in a timely manner. By the end of my day, my brain is completely fried. I try to relax and let my eyes rest during the week. With that being said, it leaves the weekend to complete all the homework. This can become overwhelming when trying to complete normal weekly errands such as groceries. 


When thinking over how hard it has been to stay focused this semester, it has made me start to reevaluate my priorities. I am considering finding a job that would allow me to take more classes on campus. I have my first class this semester on campus and I find it is much easier for me to stay focused and become more involved in my classwork. I think that my studies need to come first and that this will be a very important step!


Some of my biggest successes have been getting involved and connected with this semesters books so far. I really enjoyed Winter's Bone. I really connected with Ree's story and all the pressure she was under to take care of everyone. She always has to be the responsible one and never gets to relax and be her age. I am also really starting to enjoy Up In The Air as well. I can't wait watch the movie to compare them. 


Literary Analysis have been definitely a different type of writing for me. I am used to doing more of a summary of different texts. Analysis is more of the meaning behind the story. It is about going a little deeper than just scratching the surface. 


My goal for the next semester is to be able to focus more and to improve my grade for the semester. I definitely intend to completed an extra credit assignment. I also feel that if I can improved my focus that I will improve my overall score in everything I do. I also hope to improve my writing of literary analysis. :]


Thank you for all of your help! I look forward to the rest of the semester!


Sincerely,


Kristen Grimmett