Self Evaluation

1.

Coming into this semester, let’s say I was less than thrilled to be taking an English course.  Next to math, English is my least favorite subject.  Now as we near completion of the semester, I am actually happy that I took the course.  After discovering that there is a lot more writing involved with the course then reading, I began to enjoy it more.  Writing is one of my favorite things to do.  I have been through a lot of things in my short life:  Quite possibly more than anyone in college.  All of this is great for that of a writer.  I always have something to talk about which translates into the fact that I always have something to write about.

Creative writing has emerged as a hobby of mine.  The memoir assignment in class actually fueled this.  After numerous deployments in the Army, I have seen a lot.  The assignment in class only covered the introduction of the plot.  So I have been adding more to the memoir and I will turn it into something that paints the picture of what military members go through on a daily basis.  The things that have made me who I am today.  It will also show that no matter what you throw at me.. College is not stressful compared to what I have been through.  So give it your best shot.  You won’t faze me.

Growing up in PA, I was always interested in Penn State.  I always wanted to come here to obtain the prestigious degree.  I have also always wanted to come here and play football.  In my family, sports were always important (as they should be).  Even though getting an education is and should be the most important thing, sports also prepare you for the bigger picture in life.  Teamwork and management skills are sharpened through sports, as well as being a healthier human being.  I have several family members that have graduated from Penn State, so it has become a family tradition.  I plan to pass it on to my future children as well.

I learned a lot about myself over the course of this semester.  I learned that college can be easily obtainable through some hard work and dedication.   While I was in the Army, I had a lot of old friends graduate with a degree and I asked myself, “how did they get a degree, they are damn near an idiot?”  This truly opened my eyes to the world that I need a degree as well.  I am a very competitive person, so I don’t like to lose at anything.  Especially in the game of life.  So I made up my mind that as soon as I am out of the Army, I am going to college.  Before this semester, people told me that I was crazy for “attempting” to take 18 credits.  I like a challenge.  Needless to say I am taking 21 credits in the spring.  I didn’t come to college for the party life, like some kids have.  I am here to get in and get out.  I will enjoy this “break from life” while I can.  But by all means I am ready to get back out there ASAP and be successful.

The Arts: I feel that art is all around us.  I feel that if you are going to take the time to do something in life, you must be successful.  In order to be successful, it takes the “art” of doing it.  For example:  The art of creative writing, the art of playing football, the art of being a professional painter, etc.  Life is art.  I have learned that this is my relationship to art.  It is everywhere!

2. Blog Response Round-up

http://jspellman94.blogspot.com/2012/12/self-evaluation.html#comment-form

http://rfatherly.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-art-of-track-and-field.html#comment-form

http://itsblogtimeeverybody.blogspot.com/2012/11/in-red-and-brown-water.html?showComment=1355528586751#c1760682476548436308

http://quirkyconfessional.blogspot.com/2012/12/greek-sing_4.html?showComment=1355528895248#c3630634154352279598

http://theartofanargument.blogspot.com/2012/09/blog-post-1.html#comment-form

http://imporvedartsmarts.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-blast-at-botanical-gardens.html?showComment=1355529249714#c7819357696508850387

http://colorfulspots.blogspot.com/2012/09/about-me.html?showComment=1355529536700#c9164528612835872905

http://aglydesweetconcoctions.blogspot.com/2012/11/in-red-and-brown-water.html?showComment=1355530023855#c881688857272602147

http://jenniferlongdancingart.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-arboretum-at-penn-state.html?showComment=1355530244333#c3218999810189411836

http://jrose412.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-graduate-timeless-college-tale.html#comment-form

http://morgannsays.blogspot.com/2012/12/big-hits-little-shorts.html?showComment=1355531019789#c2273230458375531140

3.  Hi, Ms. S--I completed my SRTEs!