My Classmates Learned...

In his blog Mr. Gutierrez said, "I've seen through the various aspects of different poets and authors around the world, the views they have on religion and other various reasons."

Mr. Dent stated in his blog, "One thing that surprised me when I was learning and reading, was the similarities between the New Testament in the Bible and the Qur'an... Before reading and discussing these topics in class I had no idea how similar these two books are."

During class we read religious texts as pieces of literature, and as it affected my classmates, it also affected me. The discussions held in class opened my eyes to others point of views and I appreciated that. I really enjoyed this class.

The Most important thing

I really enjoyed World Lit and the way Professor Hamon structures his class. One of the mot valuable things I learned this semester was how to use Google Docs and the other google tools. Google make it so easy to collaborate with classmates and I like how it automatically saves your work.

This was the first class I have taken in almost 10 years. When I first walked through the classroom doors I was so nervous I was shaking and felt nauseous. So I think the most important thing I learned this semester is I GOT THIS! I was so anxious about how I would do going back to school but this semester has boosted my confidence and given me hope that I will achieve my goals. Good Luck to all my classmates in pursuing their goals. It was fun!

Our Classes' Struggles

When reviewing my colleague's post about our struggles in completing Doc3, I found a lot of people talked about how prioritizing their life was the hardest challenge.

In her blog Ms. Nelson stated, " It wasn't easy staying on task especially when you have so much on your plate..."

Ms. Owings said, "The other thing that hindered my progress was life! "

Ms. Barron mentioned, " I do have to admit aside from being a procrastinator all of my other classes are pulling out huge assignments or tests out of no where."

I am really lucky this semester. I only have 2 classes and I don't work outside of the home, so I have a lot of time to dedicate to this class. So for me "life" wasn't a huge struggle for me.

What Helped and What Hindered for Doc3

The most beneficial thing for me when working on Doc3 was being able to work on the same subject as the Wikipedia project. For me all the research was already done and my main idea was already expressed. All that was needed was to expand and add my own opinion on the piece. I also appreciated the peer reviews.

What hindered me on completing the essay was not having a hard due date. I appreciate Professor Hamon's flexibility but having a exact due date pushes me to complete my work. I know Professor Hamon sent us a timeline but I think more emphasis on the due dates of the rough draft and final draft would have motivated me more. Another thing that I felt hindered me was having to complete the blogs and the assignments and the discussions on the authors of the week, while also talking about the Doc3. It's not that I feel we should solely focus on the Doc3 but it sometimes felt like we were being pulled in too many directions.

A Post on Others' Posts

In reading Machiavelli and Montaigne, our class discussed ethics and our professor asked us to relate their perspectives on today's presidential candidates. On his blog Mr. Jordan stated, "I think most, if not all, politicians use situational ethics for their decision making..." 

And Mr. Molina stated, "I think probably all candidates, even the ones I mentioned about the firm ethics, have used or alluded to some form of situational ethics."

 I feel the same as my fellow classmates. The presidential campaign is most a "who's more popular" race. Therefore, all the candidates reform their views and opinions based on what will get them the most votes; they change based on the situation. The end justifies the means. 

I think situational ethics is necessary for a world leader and for us regular old civilians, too. There are no absolutes in our world and I think a flexible perspective is necessary.

Bernie Sanders, Ben Carson, Machiavelli, & Montaigne

For this blog I have had to better acquaint myself with the presidential candidates.

The candidate I believe to be most firm in his ethics and principles would be Bernie Sanders. He has consistently supported civil right movements for blacks and homosexuals; and hopes to end racism, sexism and homophobia. He has been actively involved in civil rights organizations since 1964. 


"At the university I became a member of the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE), the Student Peace Union (SPU), and the Young People's Socialist League (YPSL). I participated in civil rights activities related to ending segregation in Chicago's school system and in housing..."
(http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Bernie_Sanders_Civil_Rights.htm)

Though I fundamentally disagree with a lot of Bernie Sanders ideals, I believe he wants what is best for all Americans. He wants equal opportunity to education and healthcare. On page 1662 of our world literature book Montaigne states, "If any man could prescribe and establish definite laws and a definite organization in his head, we should see shining throughout his life an evenness of habits, an order, and an infallible relation between his principles and his practice." I feel I can attribute this sentiment to Bernie Sander's life because he has been so consistent in political career.

I believe Jeb Bush may qualify as having situational ethics. In the '70's, he was a conscientious objector and was troubled by the war in Vietnam. Now in dealing with our current way Jeb Bush says, "we need to take out ISIS with every tool at our disposal." and  he "has endorsed the idea of adding a new U.S. base in Iraq's Anbar province." (http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Jeb_Bush_War_+_Peace.htm)

He has stated that he would never have invaded Iraq but now we need to finish the job. On page 1632 of our world literature book Machiavelli states, 

"For there is such a difference between the way men live and the way they ought to live, that anybody who abandons what is for what ought to be will learn something that will ruin rather than preserve him..." 

This is applicable to Jeb Bush. Though he isn't happy with war in general, he seems to understand the necessity. 

I believe that a president should prescribe by situational ethics. I want a president who wants to protect our people and our country. I believe the best method would be one in which the president is prepared to take necessary and sometimes unappealing steps to do so. I want someone who will be flexible in their actions depending on the event they are reacting to. I wouldn't want a president who is completely and absolutely against war because our world isn't perfect and sometimes war is a necessary evil. The president should be able to make hard decisions depending upon the various circumstances they will encounter.

There is Beauty in My Life

There is Beauty in My Life

 

There is beauty in my life.

It fills my days with messes and noise.

There is beauty in my life.

It fills my heart with love and joy.

 

There is beauty in my life.

It is encompassed within my children.

There is beauty in my life.

I call them Zander, Kylie, and Masen.

 

I see the beauty in my life.

As Zander reads and plays video games.

There is beauty in his imagination

as he describes the world he will change.

 

I see the beauty in my life

as Kylie shows off her drawings and art

There is beauty in her love of animals

and in her joy to burp and fart.

 

I see the beauty in my life

As Masen screams and runs around.

There is beauty in his energy

and in his snuggles when he calms down.

 

There is beauty in my life.

It is encompassed within my children.

There is beauty in my life.

I call them Zander, Kylie, and Masen.