Why Am I At IUPUI?

There are many reasons that come to mind when i think about why I am at IUPUI. First off, IUPUI is a very affordable school. I was accepted to other schools besides just here, however, IUPUI offers the biggest bang for my buck if you will. I get i quality education at a very reasonable price. Other universities can get very expensive and have the same educational qualities as IUPUI. Next, reasons why i am taking english w131. Unfortunately, i regret to say that I am taking this course going in with the mind set that I am here ONLY because I have to. Who knows? Maybe that will change as the semester goes on. Maybe i will start to realize that this class will be good for me. Now, I have read some of the other blogs and some people seem to think that because their major isnt in "english", that they dont need to know how to write properly. Thats crazy talk. You need to know how to write no matter what your major or career choice may end up being. Other classes like math and Science classes may only apply to certain fields of study. English however, is obviously needed no matter what.

Blog assignment #1

I will start off introducing my self, my name is Drake Herr. I am taking English w131 because I have to. I have no desire to be writing and reading all the time it is purely forced upon me. I don't think people who are not even going to be writing in their job path should have to take a writing class. I am going for engineering so I see how math and all the other essentials are helpful but writing seems obsolete to me and many others who take engineering. I could see how it could be effective towards writing a resume' or something in that nature but other than that it will not help me much in my career of choice. I am not really sure why the university requires writing class for careers of my choice but it sure seems like its pointless to me and just a waste of my money. This class doesn't hold any value to me what so ever. I could see some benefits to help me write a resume' or something like that to get me a job but other than that I don't see the benefits from this writing class. Will this make me happy? No, not at all.

The Purpose for W131

When I first looked at the courses that were required for my degree of study at IUPUI, I quickly skipped over W131. I was never a big a fan of writing papers and was to excited to get into the classes that had to do with what I was studying. I told myself that I would just take it later in my college career when I had a slot to fill with a class that was required.

As I look back on that decision, I tend to regret it. I am now a third year student at IUPUI and I wish I had taken W131 my very first semester of college. Writing has become a huge factor in almost every class that I take and no matter what the subject matter. I don't believe that I have had a class that hasn't had some sort of written assignment to go along with whatever we are doing in the class. I agree with curriculum requiring a class like this. Even outside of my college career, I have had to write for important things in my life. I am constantly sending emails to clients that I do work for and I need them to sound as intelligent as I can so that I can continue to gain business from them

Overall I believe this class should remain as a required class for all fields and degrees. Writing is and will continue to be a part of our everyday lives from now until we die.

Blog Posting 1

Blog Posting 1:

I’ve been asked, “why are you taking this (certain) course,” in almost all of my classes. Some classes I haven’t been able to give a legitimate reason, but others, such as this course, it’s quite simple to answer. I want to be educated. No body likes to read an illiterate piece of writing that only makes sense to the person who wrote it. Correct me if I am wrong. No body can get enough education on how to write. It’s just the truth.

I need to take this course because I plan on working somewhere that involves writing. The university requires this class because it will benefit almost every single college course I will be taking, as it will help me become a more effective writer. When it comes to taxpayers, I think they are willing to pay for a class like this because writing is critical in the world. An educated society vs. an illiterate society is obvious.

The decision to take this course was made to fulfill my major requirements. I don’t see any cons to the class, except for the fact that I do not like to read, but that’s just a part of college. The value behind this class and my education is priceless. I will be the first college grad in my immediate family. My mother expects me to graduate, and like any other momma’s boy, that means a lot to me. When the semester is over, I will be satisfied. 

Here For A Reason

Why am I at IUPUI? I am here because I am studying Biology and this University provides many opportunities in the several hospitals on campus. Why am I taking this writing class? I signed up for this class because I am required to take it. I decided that after the first two class that I enjoyed writing more than I thought I would. I forgot how much I truly enjoyed writing considering I have not had to do much writing since I started college. I am enjoying this class because it is full of open ended questions instead of just busy work. I like being able to express my opinion. I enjoy Science and Math a lot more than English, but my girl friend is an English major and I am looking forward to better understanding what is like for her always writing papers and reading books. I think this class is going to be a really good experience for me and will help a lot with my other classes in the future. Even though I do not plan on taking many more English classes I think this will help me write better papers for my other classes.

My start for W131

To introduce myself, my name is Dan. Like you, reader, I too am in the W131 writing class, and probably for the same reason that you are; it's required.

There are a few things that I hope to learn while taking this class. My biggest goal that I hope to gain from this is how to blog successfully! As it may not be new to some of you, I myself have not made a blog, or for that matter, looked at a blog someone else has written. I hope that I can learn how to keep your attention.

For the second, I hope to learn that what I write is deemed worthy. I have taken some composition classes in high school and in college, but that was over 10 years ago and I have never had any input back upon what I have written. I have also written a few instruction manuals with my former job, of which I know most of you would like to read to help you get to sleep at night, myself included! With the introduction of this blog, I hope that you reader, can help guide me in to helping me get my thoughts across in ways that I may not think of.

Last, what I hope to achieve out of this class, is to gain some friends along the way. This is something that usually one does not seek as they travel through their college career. In my experience, people grow and discover themselves as they get out of their normal habits. I am no exception. I hope that we as friends can share our experiences and help each other with the knowledge that we have gained to grow to be better people and more accepting and respectable of others, even if they may not be quite the same on every aspect.

So my goals to you, reader, have been laid out. One goal that I think that I should try to keep to you is to make sure that I stay focused and on task; to not wonder in thought; in the hopes that I can keep your attention long enough in hopes of gaining the one thing you hold most dear: Your opinion and respect.

W131

I understand why the university demands that all students take a college writing class. I remember writing being a main focus in elementary and high school English classes. Writing is an important skill to have as a student and as a career person. Being able to effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings in writing is a tool every adult should have. Along with being able to write effectively adults need to be able to convey their ideas through speech. If we do not write or speak clearly then the message we are attempting to send our audience is lost in translation and neither party will understand the other. I took a speech class last semester and learned a great deal more than I first anticipated. One of the other students in the class was from South Korea, he had to work a great deal harder on his speeches' then the rest of the other students in the class. I can understand his frustrations when it comes to writing. It takes a bit of time for me to put everything I wish to say down on paper. I have three or more drafts before the first draft is complete. Taking a class that will build on the writing foundation I posses now will strengthen this form of communication farther. In the business world it is crucial for me to use the skills and the knowledge I have to do the job I will be hired for.

Why am I here??

As I sit back and think about why I am taking a university writing class, one main reason pops into my head. I feel I should take a writing class because it's important for communication. We, as people, need to be able to read what ourselves and others are writing. The basic writing skills are what shape the sentences we use to speak to one another each and every day. If we cannot write then we most likely cannot speak either. Writing is something that is often overlooked and taken for granted when it's really something that is very powerful. I'm sure majority of us would like to have a job. A job needs communication, in fact, there aren't too many things you can do that don't include communication. I believe this is why taxpayers are willing to pay for me to take this class. The taxpayers are those who work and anyone who has worked will know that any type of work you're involved in will include some type of communication. My decision to take the college level course was probably the easiest. I know that taking this course will help me in more ways than one and that motivates me. This class and my education have a very high value of priority in my life because I know my education is important to make something of myself and it will bring me happiness because I'll be able to provide for myself and my family and do things that many would love to do but few can do because sad but true, our world revolves around money.

W131

I can see why the university makes everyone take a college level english class, most students including myself just wish we did not have to. I would say the biggest reason why universities makes their students take this class is because if we got a diploma, went to work, and couldn't write anything formal without looking like a text message then the employer would be curious what they did at school. I would definately not say that this class will make me happy because I'm sure that like many other students, I'm not sure sure if college is for me. I'm a Marine Reservist going to school, and now that I have a semester of college in my pocket I really hate it. But if I do continue on and complete my degree this class will make me a better writer for the future.

Blog Post #1

When I first chose to attend IUPUI I didn’t really give much thought into the classes I wanted to take.  I graduated high school almost 8 years ago and I always knew I wanted to attend college. I started to attend Ivy Tech in Lafayette and after the start of my first semester I chose to drop out. At that time I was living on my own and was unable to pay bills and attend college at the same time. After working a few jobs that I knew I didn’t want as a career I knew I had put college off long enough. So this is my first semester back to college and now I am making school my main priority. Like I mentioned earlier, I never thought too much into my classes and chose them based on prerequisites. After this first week of class I realized how thankful I was to have an elementary writing class.  I want to be a teacher and I feel like it is very important for myself to be a good writer, with the purpose in mind that I need to lead by example for my class. I need to be able to work through a class that I don’t necessarily enjoy, and hopefully learn to enjoy it by becoming good at it. 

W131

I am taking English 131 because it is required through the university. I also am taking it because I think it would benefit me if I learned how to write properly and effectively. When I get a job I am sure I will have to write documents, whether it be emails, reports, etc., for my job. The W131 course can improve my writing skills and that also will improve my work performance and help me make advances with my career. I think the reason taxpayers would pay for this class is because writing is a basic skill that everyone should know how to do properly. And the reason the university requires it is because it is a course that will prepare you for the real world and the work force. Most people don’t enjoy writing but it is a necessary task for one to do to communicate effectively. I feel like I would benefit most from this class if I can just hone in on my writing skills and improve them in a way that would benefit me most. Writing is an everyday task and is vital to the world as a whole.

Why take W131?

This semester I decided to take the Elementary Composition not only because it is a requirement from the University, but also because it teaches a life skill that will continue to serve me well both professionally and personally. Through my years of service in the Navy, I have on many occasions found myself in the position of writing official correspondence, peer evaluations, instructions as well as reading those same types of writing. I have come to realize that writing, both for employment as well as personal satisfaction, is not something that “comes naturally” for most people including myself. By taking this course I hope to not master the art of writing, but to enhance the skills I have learned over the years.

I feel that the requirement by the University to take this course if fair for many reasons. During my college career I know that I will have many writing requirements in classes other than this one, and by taking this class it will provide me the skills needed to successfully complete those assignments. By not taking this class, required or not, would be an injustice to myself and to the taxpayers as well. The reason I say this is because if I do not take a college writing class I will not be able to do my best throughout my college career or professional career after college. This would not be fair to ask the taxpayers to pay for my education and then not do everything in my power to succeed.

Writing Class

I am taking the W131 writing class for a couple reasons. First, it is required by the University for me to obtain my degree. Although I am still undecided about my degree, I know that it is going to be something in the criminal justice field. This brings me to the second reason I need a writing course. I will have to write on the job. I will need to be a better writer than I currently am so I can communicate with peers more effectively. Being able to write is necessary in the world toady. We have to do it every day and I would like to become better at it. I would like to learn more styles of writing as well. Most of the writing I have done in the past has been boring. I want to learn how to make my writing more enjoyable to the reader.

Blog Assignment # 1

The reason I am here at IUPUI is to pursue a teaching certificate in social studies. My ultimate goal is to become a teacher and a coach. I am taking this class for the obvious reason, that it is a requirement for admission into the Teacher Education program. I also understand and appreciate the university’s perspective that a college level writing course is important to acquiring a well-rounded education for the student. It has been my experience that most professors emphasis the importance of writing in college level courses. As students move forward in their college careers, they will be expected to write various term paper, research papers, and essays. This class is intended to develop the fundamental skills necessary for students to do well in the future. As for taxpayers willing to pay for students to take this course, I think it has been determined that a college level writing course would be beneficial to society as a whole. There a several careers and occupation such as teachers, doctors, lawyers, and law enforcement for example that requires the ability to write effectively.

The Class of Writing Class

In today’s world, one of the most important skills a man can have is the skill to create a coherent, flowing sentence. The ability to write with skill and a graceful stroke of the pen proves useful in almost every possible scenario we can find ourselves in. The University requires this course because it understands just how valuable writing skills are in the work environment. Professional writing can make even the most unsophisticated individual more professional in the eyes of an employer. In attending this class, my hopes are to further improve my writing style and perhaps pick up on some mechanics that I can utilize for my benefit.

One philosophical question to consider would be the old “would this give me happiness” cliche. My answer to this is no, not at the present, but if I can hone my skills as a writer, then perhaps I will gain happiness from it in the future. Happiness is subjective to each individual, so one man’s happiness may not equate another’s. However, I define happiness as having security and positive acceptance in one’s life, and with the ability to write, I feel that it would indeed help me find happiness.

A writing class? Really?!?

Why I am here in W131 poses a much bigger question then I realized before writing this blog. Of course the reason I initially signed up is because it is in fact required for my major, as well as most other majors. But, more importantly, I am here to improve my skills as a writer. While I feel I already know how to write in a way that my point is able to be known; it never hurts to learn new skills and develop ones I already have further. Writing, and more so, writing well is a very important trait to posses. It is the tool that allows us as a civilization the ability to communicate with each other without being in hearing distance. With that being said it is extremely important to be able to write in a way that reflects ones self. If one writes terribly it frankly does not matter how smart they are in person, the person who initially read their work looks down upon them. I am truly hoping that this blog post has not caused that with me!

I completely agree with Emily_Thurston. Writing is a way to open doors for yourself in the future. While it certainly may not put a permanent wedge in the door. It will propped it open for a short time in order for you to prove yourself.

Blog 1- Section #22237

I am taking English W131 for many reasons. One reason I am taking this class is because is because class is because as a student at IUPUI I am required to take it. I am also taking this class because I want to learn how to write in a more professional and stylish manner. I really agree with the fact that W131 should be a required class. There are too many cases where writing is considered “important” for us not to take the class and become better at writing. It would be very upsetting if you were qualified for a job and because you could not express yourself on paper in a professional and coherent manner you did not get a job. This in my opinion is the main reason I want to take this class because when I present my work to a professional I do not want them to think I am an idiot. Writing is a way to open doors for you and if everyone is required to take the class it puts everyone on a fairer of a playing field when it comes to what is going to be expected of us. I think taxpayers are willing to help pay for this class because they want the people that go to school to come out as educated as possible. They want their future employees or even future employers to be able to express themselves through writing in a clear professional manor. I value education a lot and I am very blessed to live in a country that encourages me to seek higher education. Even though I complain about school and claim not to always enjoy it I know that in the long scheme of things that being an educated person who can contribute to bettering society will make me happy.

Blog post #1

As of last semester, I have realized just how important it is to communicate information and ideas through writing in a professional manner. At first it was hard to grasp what concepts I needed in order to be a competent writer. But, as the weeks progressed, I soon found myself successfully communicating my viewpoints. Now that a new semester has rolled around, I am taking the chance to further sharpen my writing skills with this writing class. I know that in the future I will need to clearly present facts, issues, or ideas to my audience.

That being said, I can see why this class is mandatory for all IUPUI students. If I were a chemist and only knew how to formulate experiments, but didn’t know how to properly publish my findings, then how can others repeat my work? This would be absolute chaos for my colleagues. By having writing classes offered to all students, this scenario would not come to pass. But, in all honesty, I am glad that there is only one writing class that is required.

Why I'm Here

I decided to go back to school to better my future for myself. I figure what am I without an education?, how will I provide for myself and family? I am nothing. I am taking this class not only is it a pre requsite and I have to take it in order to recieve my degree in elementary education, but to also further my knowledge in writing and what it means as well as what it takes to be a successful writer. For me to do well in this class means that when I become a teacher I can share my knowledge to my students to help them understand how important writing is to ones self. I can give them the tools to acheieve with a very valuable tool. The University may require this class to help society become more knowledgable in writing and to give students the skills to be successful in the work enviornment when the time comes. I didn't really come to a decision when I signed up to take this class. I thought well I have to have it, and I will take it. I am understanding now that it's more than just writing its comprehending the tools given to me to be successful. Taking this class will help build my confidence in writing and really knowing what I am writing about. I am hoping that it will give me some kind of joy to write as well as to be proud of what I put on paper, this will also help my future career with what I am about to learn this semester. Being one step closer to become a successful teacher and have an education to fall back on will bring happiness to myself. Happiness to me is to always be willing to grow and learn, to look at the glass half full and not half empty. Being happy with myself and putting the most of myself into this course and doing well will most surely bring some happiness.

Why? Why? Why?

I am attending classes at IUPUI to help further my career. I have been passed over for promotions for not having an accredited degree, so here I am. The writing classes are definitely something I have dreaded. I have put them off for as long as I can but classes are requiring more formal lab reports. This class can help improve the quality of those reports and in turn improve my grades. I do not enjoying writing, and as a result I am not a very strong writer. Fortunately the book for this class seems to be interesting which will make the writing a little bit easier and more fun. I know that the writing classes are a must and that writing is a skill that employers look at as a must have. I have came into this class with an open mind. I know that writing is a weakness for me and this is an oppurtunity to improve upon that. I am honestly surprised that there are not more writing classes that are required for graduation.

why am I here at IUPUI

I am here at IUPUI because I transferred this past fall semester from Purdue University.  The main reason that I transferred was the cost of tuition; but I also transferred due to the difference in curriculum as well.  I am taking a writing class at IUPUI because it is a prerequisite for my course of study. I had thought about taking a writing class anyways this semester, so it worked out perfectly that I had to take this class.  I think that the university requires this course because they believe that their students need a healthy knowledge of writing behind them in order to succeed in their college career and future career.  I don't know whether or not this class will make me happy.  I do love to write and it is an enjoyable task for me but I cannot define happiness.  I think at times it will make me happy and at others it will make me sad.  It might even make me a little upset throughout the semester.  Also, whether or not I like to admit it, this class will upset me if I do not get a good grade in it.  It IS the work that counts, not the grade; nevertheless, many of us will not end the semester happy if our grade suffers. I think I will enjoy this class and the many parts of it and I believe that I will probably take another English composition class although I am not required to.

Why I'm here

My reason for taking this English class WAS only because it's a required class for the program I am planning on completing. I am now realizing that after being out of school for so many years, that my prior answer may not be the only relevance. There are writing formats that I am completely unaware of, blogs,(what is a blog), and questions to be answered that I never knew to ask.
My intentions are to become better educated, to become a better writer, and more professional in my writing. It seems the addage proves true yet again. I am capable of learning something every day. I can't say that I honestly believe that if you aren't a great writer you aren't an intelligent reader. It could quite possibly be that it just isn't one of your strong-points. But because some will perceive it as such, and to most, perception is reality, then to become a better writer is advised.
In conclusion, I am anxious to see how my writing improves from now through the finality of this course and undoubtedly have a better understanding of the priciples/ideas for producing better work.

In society today writing surrounds us and we use writng in the most important aspects of our lives. As the future starts to near and more people are starting to go to college being able to write is important. Even though unviersties make people take a writing class they know that it will better your future success. Knowing how to write well will help a person with their jobs, and sometimes it helps people clear their minds by putting their thoughts down on a paper. Their are people in this world that believe young people are the future and even though they pay taxes the people belive that their money is going to a good cause in bettering the futre of our scoiety. Although there will be those young people who abuse the opportunities presented to them and that is what makes the taxpayers second guess that their money is going to a good cause. Knowing that wiritng is an important skill to know and have makes most people work hard and put forth and effort to develope into a good writer. Doing so will make the taxpayers feel better about where their money is going and it will benefit someone a great deal in the long run of life.

Whay am I here?

Why am I here? Man has been asking that question for nearly as long as cognitive thinking has been an available resource. Be it in the grandiose sense where we contemplate the purpose of our existence and our place within an infinite soup of chemical reactions, or myriad simpler and more secular ways, we ask ourselves this often. Disclaimer: If you have reached this blog post searching for the former, please note that the latter ONLY will be discussed here. It is recommended that you re-word your google search and move on.

  As I mentioned above, this is a more mundane rendition of the question “why am I here.” Ironically, the answer is in the assignment; the secular reason I am here right now is to answer that question. I am here to learn how to write properly in English; therefore I have been given an assignment. That assignment is to answer the question “why am I here”. All attempts of reality to unravel and restructure itself around that paradox (and my bad slapstick humor) aside, there are several reasons that I am here.

  The simple-minded reason is because IUPUI says I must take this course in order to pursue my academic goals. The University feels that each student should be provided tools for success in their other classes by giving them a crack at learning proper collegiate writing techniques. This is a simple way to document the fact that they have provided those tools, and you get credits to boot! Not a bad way to go at all. This is why I am here.

  However, there are other reasons I am here, and would have elected to take the class even if not required. First among these (if you haven’t discerned by my enthusiastic…or eccentric display of grammatical application) is that I enjoy writing. I like to write for pleasure, as well as topic discussions and debates. Writing about a range of things from facts to fantasy is something I do anyway, and now I’ll be trained to do those things better. This is also why I am here.

  Lastly, however, the most important reason I feel that I’m here is to learn. The field I plan to go into will require a great deal of writing; research, analysis, intake assessments (note: I just replaced the “s” key after that word), and treatment plans will all require detailed, concise writing. To do that, as I said above, the answer is in the assignment. If I haven’t totally lost you in the longwinded diatribe that was supposed to be a simple assignment, you may have noted a few things. In addition to hammering out many unnecessary replicas of the 26 “prime communication pieces”, my use of punctuation is both liberal in use and lacking accuracy. Some of my paragraphs lose focus a bit or dawdle on getting to the point, and some are marginally paragraphs at all…having barely met their “legal requirement” to stand as such. In quick summary, I am; 1-here because I have to be, 2-here because I want to be, but most importantly 3-here because I need to be.

Reflection

I'm sure a lot of people think that class is pointless when they first start it. Although, I think the truth is the opposite. I think it will help us all. I'm hoping that this class and the choice I made to take it does make me happy. Cause like I said, I am the one who consciously made the decision to take this class.I expect W-131 to to improve my writing and perhaps even create passion for it; to make me want to do it, even when I don't have to. As and education major, it will be expected out of me to be ,at least, a decent writer. Perhaps the taxpayers don't mind providing for us to take this class because our generation is the future. We are the next leaders and we have to be professional and capable of writing responsibly and professionally. No matter what career we choose, we can affect others lives and their children's in the future.

Blog 1

                I am currently a pre dental hygiene major and part of my prerequisites requires me to take W131. I think my major requires me to take a college level writing course because they want to be sure that we understand writing and how to articulate our thoughts. It’s important to be able to put your ideas down in writing so that the professors in our remaining classes can be sure that we have a full understanding of the material we need to learn for our future professions. I have changed my major 4 or 5 times now and I know that W131 is required for many majors at the university. I think they require for most majors because they want majority of their students to be at the same writing level and have a universal knowledge of how to compose essays and papers. So, it wasn’t really a choice for me of whether or not to take this course. It was required so that is the reason I am taking it. I think this course will benefit me and I hope to learn more about writing.

blog assignment #1

There is many reasons why I chose to take a writing class. The main benefit of taking this class will be able to analyze points of view of readings i will do later in my college career. I believe if u have a good writing background, u will be able to read and analyze data better even if the information is difficult to comprehend u can use tools from writing to build on the concept your trying to learn about. the university makes this class a requirement due to the vital knowledge u will obtain from it. If you are able to write well and able to describe concepts and arguments on paper you will construct strategies on how to read and see the assumptions of writers and will be able to contribute to the support or arguments he or she is stating. I do not see any cons to this class. You can only benefit from taking this class unless you do not do any of the required work and slack during discussions in class. This class will make me happy on many levels. I want to be able to write down my ideas clearly and constructively so i can share it with my peers and my professors. This class is a great class to attend in your early years of college. It will help u develop your writing skills and strategies and help u analyze info in different ways. You will be able to look at assumptions from a different view and will be able to construct views writers may not have noticed or spoke of in their work.

Why Writing

Let me just start off by saying writing isn't the easiest thing for me. I don't necessarily like to write when it comes to assignments like this; only because I'm not as confident in my writing as I would like to be. The reason for me taking this course would be for the soul purpose of my future career in nursing. My academic advisor here at IUPUI had informed me on an essay I would need to submit to get into nursing school. I figured taking this required class would not only make me more confident but also help me on that future essay.

On the other hand I'm willing to suck it up more or less and just try. Hopefully in doing this I will stay as open minded as I can, to learn as much I can, for the sake of my future. My goal at the end of this class is to be more enthusiastic about writing and most importantly to be as dauntless as I possibly can be.

So, I'm really trying to think of what to write here. It's strange how much easier it is for me to randomly write things off the top of my head on my facebook in comparison to how hard it is to even start this off write. Then again, I actually know the people on my facebook and I generally know how they will percieve what I'm going to say. I don't know any of you (I dont think, however it is possible) yet and probably wont know most of you unless you are sitting in my general area in class. Which is not to say that I'm not social becasue I am highly. Nor is it the fact that I dont like to meet new people, because once again, I really enjoy being social. Its because most of the people reading this probably don't and will not care to meet me or get to know me. Which is fine. We are in a focus group. Not a internship or a carreer. Most of us wont even remember the name of the person sitting next to us 4 months after our class has finished and our finals have been turned in. However, if any of you do care to get to know me, and you are in my class, it shouldnt be too hard to figure out who this is.

My Pursuit of Writing Happiness

I feel that the original title of the blog was appropriate for me.  My reason for coming to IUPUI is to pursue my own idea of happiness, I have decided that I am not happy in my current profession and am now actively pursuing a profession that will make me happy. 

As to why I am taking this writing class specifically, it is two-fold.  The first reason is, of course, that it is a requirement for my major. However, even were it not required I would still take a writing course.  After being in the workforce for many years it is very apparent to me how important good communication is, especially written communication, and that I need to improve mine.  In a sit down meeting you can see people’s faces and hear the inflections in the voices, but not so in writing. The inability to fully understand the intent of the writer will lead to many misunderstandings, and depending on the field this can cause anything from simple confusion to even loss of life if the written instructions are not clear enough to follow.  So in drafting emails, reports, process documents, standard operating procedures, and etc. it is extremely important that I write effectively, clearly and correctly to alleviate as many potential problems as possible.  Hopefully, by the end of the semester I will achieve this goal.

Blog Assignment # 1 Spring 2011 - Writing class

First of all I am here in Writing class because it's required in order to graduate. The University has made this class, as other prerequisite classes like it, a required course. It's this way to help the student become proficient and efficient in writing. I can't say that it feels like I'm being forced to be in this class. Having been born and raised in Honduras, English is my second language and I do believe that this class will help me improve my writing skills.

It's my belief that IUPUI has made this class a requirement because high school level writing is not up to par with college level writing. It's a well known fact that a high level of high school graduates can't right well and have difficulty expressing their ideas efficiently in a written form. I also think that the school added this course to the curriculum because of people like me who have been away from school for a long period of time and English is their second language. It's been a very long time since I've had to grab pen and paper and write in a formal manner. I think IUPUI expects this course will help with that. I'm pretty sure it will.

Taxpayers are willing to spend money on this course because it's the tax payers that hire students. Having students learn how to write, and read, well enhances the possibilities of improving society as a whole. It goes in hand with education. Being able to express your ideas and communicate efficiently through writing prepares you for your role in society and helps you once it's time to look for a job. Employers want people who can communicate well both verbally and through writing.

As stated above, this class is a requirement. It wasn't my decision to take this class but I don't feel bad about having to go through it. It will help me relearn how to write well and appropriately. This class and education overall holds great value to me. Otherwise I wouldn't spend the time and capital. This class and the increase in knowledge is the reason I'm here. Happiness will come once I improve my writing ability, get done with it, and move on.

In conclusion, this writing class is crucial to the individual and society. It will help gauge how much I know and where I need improvement. It's one more stepping stone towards graduation. Graduation is my one and only mission. Coming from a very poor and uneducated country, I have realized how important it is to have education. It provides access to opportunities for a better life.

Why Am I Here

Most people would tell you they go to college in order to get a degree and a great job.  I am no exception.  Although I am here obtaining my degree and pursuing a career and the ultimate goal of happiness, my definition of happiness may not be the same as the rest of you.  One of my biggest flaws is also one of my greatest characteristics.  I NEED to be needed.  Because of this, at times, I can be clingy or invasive; however, I am also somebody who is always be there for people when they need help.  So, the majority of my happiness will come from my career as a pediatric neurosurgeon.  Don't get me wrong, the financial compensation that comes with this career will be wonderful, but the feeling of accomplishment and self-worth that accompanies the job is greater than any other I can imagine.  Some of you may ask, "What about a family?"  You are absolutely right!  I told you the majority of my happiness will derive from my career, however, the remaining sum will come from my family.  But then again, I can't say that the majority would come from my career because my family will need me more than anyone else. Therefore, I need the job as much as the job needs me.  So indirectly, ALL of my happiness will come from my family.  So, why am I here?  I am here to pursue MY OWN happiness by creating happiness for others in the future.