Self-Assessment

1. I feel that the skill I best demonstrated was analysis. I explained to my group the gist of my large research paper. I had to identify the problem, or in this case the topic of the essay. Then, I had to gather information to be analyzed thoroughly for the essay. I explained how the information was organized thematically and what the purpose of it was. I felt this entire paper revolved around analysis since it was a research paper.

2. In college, I would like to improve my citizenship skills. I know that in college it is very beneficial to become involved within student lead organizations. These can help me discover other opportunities to become more involved in the community. Improving my citizenship skills will allow me expand my own network and become a better people person.

3. I believe I did my introduction very well. I introduced myself and my topic. Then I felt just a little more confident to just dive right into my presentation. Also, I know that introductions are very important so the audience knows who and what they are listening to.

4. If I were to do this again, I would explain my process more in detail. In addition, I would explain my entire thought process. I would include all of the modifications I made to create the final essay. Then the audience would understand what it really takes to write a 4,000 word essay.

5. For future problems, I plan to analyze the problem thoroughly to begin with. Some problems can be fixed more efficiently when they are broken down. This is better because diving right into a solution can be problematic since not much research has been done.

Career Day

• Never doubt yourself or your abilities. You have made it this far and there is nothing that can stop you now unless you let it. 
• Surround yourself with people who will motivate you to perform at your very best. 
• Do not ever feel intimidated if you are the only woman or person of color in your class/field.
• It is very okay to not know what you want right now. If this is the case, always ask for help also.
•  Take advantage of the resources your university has to offer (office hours, study groups, computer labs, etc.)

FAKE NEWS

Betsy

http://www.westernjournalism.com/how-bad-is-public-education-in-america/

Involved with voting fraud and presidential fraud http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/category/vote-fraud#axzz4XfiDdARJ

TBR (to be read)

R L Stine's recent Fear Street

Everything Everything 

Harry Potter 4-7 

Great Gatsby

Olly's Fast Five Favorites

Color: turquoise
Movie: Heathers
Food: Mozzarella Sticks 
Class: History
Book: Fear Street

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Singer

Flatland Prediction

In the novel Flatland, the men are depicted as common shapes (triangles or squares) and the women are depicted as straight lines. The shapes represent the higher power that men seem to often hold over women. However if these women were to take shape and challenge these common ideas, then the men would be outraged because they know no societal structure. The women would become even stronger to the point that they would even become leaders for the men. The men would feel intimidated of this. However, the women should not let that stop them. If the men are allowed to have power, then why shouldn't the women be entitled to this same power?

College Essay Intro

Essay Idea: Engineering Summer Program

Whenever you are asked to tell about yourself, often your mind goes blank. You may immediately think of the last activity you did or what your hobbies are. However, we don't always think about the people who have shaped us. We tend to overlook the people that have gone in and out of our lives. Or, we forget how influential the people close to us really are. In other words, if we truly want to talk about ourselves we must acknowledge those who have helped to create us.

3 Best Essay Ideas

• My second family: The Swim Team 
• My other second family: Engineering Summer Program 
• Growing up poor :( and striving to overcome this with the help of college 

Everything Everything

Literary questions can be about language, such as imagery and symbols.

4. "... the white haze over my vision begins to clear". Based upon her use of the color white, how could this sentence be symbolic?

Throughout the novel, Madeline constantly explains she owns as being white. Now, she has been exposed to colors so she is well aware of the many shades each color has to offer. However, she chooses to emphasize all of the items in her house that are the color white. I feel that the color white symbolizes Madeline as an individual. The color white is open to all colors, it's like the concept of a blank canvas. Madeline has never had any real experiences outside of her home. Like the blank canvas, it is waiting for someone to paint a beautiful picture upon its surface in the same way that Madeline longs to be out exploring the world. The moment that she says the white haze begins to clear, is the moment that she believes she will finally have her own adventure.

My Spreadsheet

My Colleges

College Essay #2

2. Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, share with us the academic, extracurricular, or research opportunities you would take advantage of as a student. If applicable, provide details of any circumstance that could have had an impact on your academic performance and/or extracurricular involvement.

When I was compiling my list of colleges to apply to, UW-Madison was not on it at first. I had not even thought about it as being one of my choices. In fact, I didn’t know anything about this University. However, it only took me about a week to realize that this was the perfect University for me.

A few months before the end of junior year, I had been informed about a certain outreach program at UW-Madison. I had met all of the requirements and it was the exact thing I needed to confirm my career choice. It was absolutely perfect for me, and I felt that the program was too good to be true. Immediately, I applied and weeks later I was accepted into the College of Engineering’s highly regarded Engineering Summer Program. This program solidified my decision to apply to UW-Madison’s College of Engineering.

For six weeks over the summer, which filled my entire summer vacation, I stayed on campus and participated in engineering courses. The program was designed to mimic the first year for a student majoring in any field of engineering at the University. These rigorous courses helped me develop the skills necessary to become an engineer. We were given homework and essays to complete on a weekly basis, so of course our time was very limited. I always completed all assignments with a group of students and we always used each other as extra resources. I learned how to balance my time and collaborate with other students effectively and efficiently.

The courses offered at UW-Madison are some of the most interesting and intriguing courses I have ever experienced. In the Intro to Engineering class, we were given the task to build a robotic hand from nothing. The hand was designed, fabricated, and programmed in under six weeks for the showcase. We presented the hand to various faculty, staff, and students of UW-Madison, and then the following day to our family and friends who came to bring us home. I absolutely loved the project. Not only did I become closer to my peers, but I also understood how essential engineers are to this world. This summer program also convinced me that UW-Madison was the place that would help me to be a successful engineer. I immediately went from being completely undecided, in where I wanted to attend college, to completely sure that there was no place else I would rather consider. As a bonus, it isn’t too far away from home and I already feel that I have a family of friends waiting here for me.

If I were to be admitted into the College of Engineering at UW Madison, I’d participate in a variety of activities. Of course, I would apply to be an Engineering Summer Program counselor. Since I would be an ESP alumni, I’d like to share my own experiences with other young students across the nation and guide them in the same way the counselors there did for me.

I’d also like to become a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I value diversity and I believe programs like this are a great way to give minorities a real voice and shake all of the stereotypes. Being open to all backgrounds allows us to teach and learn from each other. This shared knowledge allows us to view the world through many cultures with different perspectives and beliefs. Only then, can we truly understand each other.

I am also very interested in the Wisconsin Robotics program. I love hands-on projects. This organization will allow me to show my competitive side and reveal my creative skills. Since I plan to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, I feel that this organization will help drive me in the right direction.

College Essay Draft #1

1. Consider something in your life you think goes unnoticed and write about why it's important to you.

I remember attending freshman orientation, wondering how I was going to tackle everything ahead. I knew these upcoming years would be filled with plenty of long, exhausting days. I just had to find that one thing that would help me stay sane through it all. There were many seniors attempting to recruit the innocent freshman for their sports teams. The only sport that I felt confident about joining was the swim team.

Truthfully, I only joined swim because I pitied them. When the captains approached me I could tell that they were desperate for members, and of course I could not very well say no at the time. The swim team as a whole was underrepresented, and as a result, the team was fairly small. It looked as if the only people who joined had either years of experience or absolutely none. As the weeks went by, I began to understand how the girls swim team was viewed. You see, it just was not. Barely anybody knew it even existed. It was almost like some secret cult. The people who had heard of it usually assumed it was an easy sport to get into and that anyone could do it. Being girls sure didn’t make it any easier. It seemed that no one took swim seriously. All of this just made me sick to my stomach, but, I never let it stop me from doing what I loved.

Swimming became a true passion of mine. It was the one thing I was always sure of. Being a part of this team helped me get through my entire high school career. I learned how to adjust to the expectations of high school thanks to my coach. He would always push me to do my best in the pool, the same way I always push myself to do my best in school. Even on my worst days, the team always supported me. Every moment that I stepped into the pool was the moment that all of my problems disappeared, if even just for a little while. The days that I was the most stressed out just happened to be the days that I performed the very best.

It was one week before grades closed. The day before everything was due, we had a swim meet. Of course, I was excited to be there, but all I could think about was my homework. I’m sure my ridiculously high stress levels caused my adrenaline to rise. I swam my favorite event and I could hear my team cheering for me. I pushed myself harder. I felt myself weakening but the shouting made me stronger. When I finished, my coach congratulated me and said I had beaten my personal record. I was ecstatic! It was in that moment that I realized I was thankful for my team for so many reasons.

The team taught me that the only way to surpass your goals was to stay committed. The swim team helped me see things about myself I never thought were possible. Being oxygen deprived while maintaining focus revealed that I am definitely fit for everything else to come. I realized that even at my weakest, I can prove to be my strongest. I am not afraid to take risks. I will keep performing to the best of my ability, in all that I am tasked with. I have emerged as my own leader. I will receive the recognition that I deserve soon enough but, I must focus on what’s in front of me.

I joined the swim team for the same reason most join, no experience necessary. In truth, being on this unseen team helped me realize that I didn’t need anyone’s approval to be successful. I believe that people must look beyond their personal opinions and misconceptions to find their true passion. They may find what truly drives them.

College Essays

I really like how personal my essays are. I believe that my personal connection with the essays is what makes them genuine and even stand out among the rest. In fact when I was writing them, I just couldn't stop. I went past the word count way too many times. I still need to revise them of course. I would really like it if one of the advisors would take a look at them and give me feedback. I would like to know what I need to expand upon and what should be taken out. However, the essays are due on November 1st and this is coming up very soon.

What are your reasons for going college? 

My main reason for wanting to go to college is because I want to make my family proud. I want them to know that they raised a brilliant child who isn't afraid to take on any challenge that comes her way. My parents have supported me for this long and I cannot let them down now. Growing up, we didn't have much and I want to make sure that my children don't have to go through this. I want to be able to give back to my parents and grand-parents because they have shaped me into the wonderful person that I am today. None of my family is very well off and my real goal is to able to help them all get back on their feet. Going to college will allow me to do this. I will become a mechanical engineer that makes way more money than both of my parents. Right now I can't pay them back, but eventually I will be able to.

OMG COLLEGE IS ALMOST HERE

So before I know it, I am going to have to be filling out college applications and applying for scholarships. Honestly, I am extremely nervous for all of this to come. I'm scared to apply for colleges and find out I didn't make the cut. Also, I am scared to death about my entire financial situation. Just like everyone else, I don't wanna take out loans that will tear down my credit score. Of course, I'd like to receive a full paid scholarship but I am afraid that I don't qualify for any. I'm just concerned that I will put forth all my effort into these opportunities and then none of them will pay off.
However, I am excited to learn about all of the perks that will come from these internships and scholarships that I will do plenty of  extended research on. I am also excited attend college and explore every little aspect of it.    

Response to Themes in Play

Throughout the play "Living Out", there were many significant themes that can be identified. Of the numerous themes that were addressed, there are plenty that may strike a chord back at home for some. Now for me, I feel that the theme of "struggling to stay afloat" best relates to me.This may not be a spot on or exact theme but it does mean a lot to me.
 In the play, Ana and Bobby struggle to save money. Ana finally lands a flexible job for her family, while Bobby works his butt off to keep the family afloat. Their goal is gather the legal documents for themselves in order to bring their other son over to complete the family. They put up with the American struggle because they believe living there as a family is the best choice possible. Anyways, this scenario feels very personal to me because my own family knows exactly how they feel. Both of my parents work long hours just to barely pay the bills. We have to put off our own desires just to make ends meet. My parents, who are much like Ana and Bobby, are able to put up with these stressful and unfair working environments. They suffer the terrible consequences of being just barely middle class in order to give my sister and I a better future which they never had. They don't want us to go through the same struggle that they had growing up. 

Timed Writing

For me, I have many different artists that I go to depending on my mood. These artists never come from the same genre. Anyways, I have been swept off my feet by the salsa singer Eddie Santiago. Recently I have gotten back in touch with this genre. I absolutely love his voice because it flows perfectly with the rhythm of the music.His voice is able to hit those high notes that everyone loves to mimic but can't quite reach. His music is the kind that you sing at your concert in your shower.

Since his music falls under the salsa genre, it is in Spanish. Now don't let that language barrier stop you from jamming your heart out. Trust me, I'm not fluent in Spanish but I know a little something. The lyrics to his songs always tell a story. I can't tell you the exact plots but I can tell you that they can be very relevant at times. Anyways, his music is truly moving just by the music itself.

The fast beats and sharp notes will have your feet moving in no time. If you love to dance, then let Eddie Santiago be your partner. His music will turn you into a dancing fanatic. 

Timed Writing: Living Out

Within "Living Out", there are plenty of conflicts that can be discussed. However, one central conflict of interest is the working field. What I mean is that the main characters direct all of their focus on their jobs, instead of their own present lives. The characters have only just realized how their jobs are affecting the people around them.
Unfortunately for Nancy, her job has taken over her life. Her relationship with Richard has become weaker and she spends very little time with her baby. Of course her job is very important because it is the family's main source of income. However, she has almost become a stranger to her family. She missed when her baby crawled for the first time and Richard has felt lonesome without her around. Conflicts like so can lead to disagreements that may spiral out of control.
Similarly, these conflicts have been occurring with Ana and her family. Ana has solely been focused on bringing her son to America. Now, this is not bad at all. Although,her husband seems to think differently. He feels that she cares only about Thomás and not him or their son. In fact, he is biased towards his son. Anyways, Ana's doesn't seem very aware of this conflict. But I mean who could blame her, everyone knows that your children always come first no matter what.

Breakfast or Dinner?

Breakfast

Dinner

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