Posted by
AJH on Saturday, May 10, 2008 12:05:00 PM
I am busy preparing for summer term while doing homework and preparing my paper. I am hoping to have the first draft largely done by Monday or Tuesday. Life has been rather busy this week, but I am staying on top of everything.
As I will be graduating probably in the fall, I am on the hunt for a four-year school. I will have to check the status of some of my applications. Hopefully it won't take long getting my B.A. Then I will be heading to grad school somewhere. I have a feeling I am going to be in school for a very long time. I really want to get it done. The ultimate goal is a Ph.D.
Today there is a 50th anniversary celebration at my former middle school. I will try to head over before it ends. Who knows, maybe I will find some old friends there. I have no idea if any of my teachers are still there. I never like the building itself, but I sort of “came of age” there, though I much preferred high school.
I enjoy the journaling aspect of this class. I don't know why I don't maintain a diary on my own. Writing a few pages everyday really should be high on my priority list. One major item I want to accomplish is beginning to write some major books. Finding the time to do the research is always a problem.
Reading some of the other entries, I find many contrived. I don't want to be overly critical and negative. I wrote similar comments in another class, and people were so used to false praise that my input was a shock to many. Unfortunately, being positive for no good reason really is a disservice to students and inhibits growth and learning. If I miss or overlook something I want people to be polite, but honest.
I think people are just trying too hard. Personally I enjoy simple writing with common, everyday language and short sentences, generally speaking. Being yourself, using your own voice, is crucial to successful writing. Don't try to be Hemingway or Steinbeck. Instead, be who you are.