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Core Skills
"Life is like an ocean. It can be calm or still, and rough or rigid, but in the end, it is always beautiful."
Written Communication:
The learner will exchange ideas and information with others using written text in a manner effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
The chosen artifact for Written Communications was completed in English 112 Writing/Research in Disciplines (ENG-112) course during the spring of 2019. After the completion of English 111, I had great confidence that I could succeed and benefit greatly from learning how to write a report and challenge my research abilities in English 112. I can remember now the thrill I had walking into Mrs. Kirby’s class on the first day! Her bright smile was so welcoming and my heart was already warmed and ready to dive right in. English has always been a comfort zone for me, especially when I am in the mood to express my thoughts and ideas. For this specific course, most of our papers surrounded the major and profession we were dreaming of going into. I found it exciting that at the end of this course, every paper written and linked in the same topic for this course, would be turned in as the final for ENG-112!
After a long debate on which paper to use from ENG-112, I finally decided I would use my report paper titled: Radiology Field: Exposure to Radiation. With the basis of majoring in Chemistry and the desire of becoming a Radiologist, I decided to develop my paper on the Radiology field and its current danger with radiation exposure. My goal when writing this paper was to explain to the reader not only my desired career field, but the problems with working in the Radiology field.
To prepare for my report, I took many visits to the Academic Support Center and Polkton Library. Both were helpful in elaborating on how to title, format, and do research on my chosen topic. I wanted to find my own evidence as to why there would be so much exposure and could it be prevented? My expectation of being able to demonstrate problem solving by using my resources available and proving my topic was found challenging and difficult to achieve...
My first smart goal was achieved with the help of my resources, time management, and dedication. My first smart goal was to demonstrate problem solving by using research, while writing a report, by graduation. I focused my research around radiation effects on health, safety protocols, and studies conducted. I was able to stay on the central point of radiation effects, while also demonstrating the use of credible sources and research. My formatting was off to a rough start because I was not completely sure how to organize my ideas, however, by using my resources and reading my textbook, I was able to effectively use sub topics and finish my report paper. For example, in my report, I have Short Term Effects as a subtopic for health problems. There were setbacks in trying to prove my problem, due to the limited knowledge I had in medical terms, but I found sources that were helpful in determining the effects successfully without the need for knowing medical terms and diagnostic findings.
The second smart goal that I chose was to achieve academic success in not only grammar, but choosing strong sources, and building defending evidence for my ideas, by graduation. My aim was to prove the problems by using credible sources and proven facts for evidence to radiation exposure. In the beginning of finding evidence for health and safety protocols, I found credible sources on NC Live and most all were scholarly journals! I was able to discuss the Short Term Effects and Long Term Effects of radiation exposure, along with the Stages of Symptoms. Furthermore, I discussed the practice setting, allowed dosages, and safety protocols that were to be followed… However, many hospitals were not following these rules, causing not only problems, but violations. This brought me into the topic of proper Training, which was easily found in research. Then, towards the end of trying to find studies being conducted, I ran into the same problem of not knowing medical terms, the correct sites to use, and how to cite a few medical journals. For example, medical terms like “inhomogeneities.” After analyzing and reading my textbook, I went to the library for help and they helped to guide me in the right direction of defending my evidence and how to cite strong sources correctly. Finally, I was able to find research and studies. I used a study on quantification and another study on ionizing radiation and dosages. I succeeded in my second smart goal, due to the will I had to keep looking for research and evidence.
Throughout this research paper, I had the desire to learn more about what I would be facing in the future by choosing this career path. I also wanted a broader understanding of organizing and writing evidence of support. I grew in citing my sources correctly and time management. I was able to manage enough time to brainstorm, research, write, analyze, and reflect upon my paper before submitting. Mrs. Kirby loved my determination to succeed and the need I had to meet all of her expectations, almost as much as I loved her enthusiasm to teach students like me who are eager to learn! I feel as if not only my expectations were met, but Mrs. Kirby’s expectations set for me!
I took this success and ran with it! With such excitement, many ideas and questions flooded through my mind... What would I discuss next? Who could I talk to? Maybe I could interview a hospital, make a few phone calls? This sparked my journey of wanting to dig deeper and learn more about the Radiology field and what could be done to prevent these current problems. By working critically and objectively, I learned a valuable part in learning how to write in my discipline... I wanted to make writing a daily action, whether in the mornings or evenings, I wanted to write and research any idea that came to my head. I also learned that there is so much more to life beyond what the eye can see. Meaning, there are so many beautiful things in this world, and ideas to seek, just depends on if you are curious, determined, and knowledgeable enough to ask questions and find answers. Hopefully from this, you can see the standards I set for myself in and outside of school. Whether it be demonstrating growth and seeking knowledge in math, literacy, history, or science, or choreographing the phenomenon that we call dancing. I am a goal seeker, with a big heart and eyes for all life has to teach and offer me… I want to be extraordinary!
Critical Thinking:
The learner will identify, interpret, analyze, or synthesize problems before developing and implementing solutions in a manner effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
In the fall of 2018, I took General Biology I (BIO-111), which is where I gathered this artifact from. I have always been a fan of science, even though I have never been the best at it. Biology was not my favorite science class I took, however, it was fun to dissect and use the microscopes whenever we needed them for the lab. The lab report I am sharing is titled “#10 Phylum Mollusca and Chordates.” For this specific lab, the class began with a lot of people repulsed by the idea that we were going to have to dissect a clam,, frog, and a rat. Surprisingly, dissecting does not make me squeamish. I think it is interesting to discover new things that I did not know once before. For example, I did not know that you could view the inside of a frog my making small slits around the face and a few down the neck and back. I also did not know how hard it would be to open a clam… This took a while! After each dissection, we labeled the interior and exterior structures for each animal. Then, we were to answer questions about different body parts and their function.
There were many goals that I set for myself in the midst of dissecting. My first smart goal was to grow in the ability to analyze, interpret, ask questions, research, and display data quicker. Sometimes, I caught myself mesmerized asking questions about the inside and what each part was. However, I did finally adjust when we had to dissect the rat… I was not too fascinated by the rat, if we are being honest. I was able to analyze, interpret, and display the data appropriately, along with the assistance of my lab instructor. Mathematics threw me for a loop a few times while trying to measure the diameter of the tympanic membrane for the frog dissection. Mathematics comes harder for me than most subjects. After I paused for little and worked on each question dealing with measurements, I was able to complete the lab in a timely manner and learned much more about the structures of a frog… Did you know that the color of the nictitating membrane for a frog is gold/brown? I thought it was so cool looking at the different colors on the inside.
The second smart goal that I set for myself was to successfully use problem solving skills applied to mathematics and scientific. Following a strong line of directions on how to go about this lab, I had to use problem solving. Some of the required utensils had already been in use so I had to clean and find new materials to use in replacement. Along with this, I had to adapt to working by myself and not having a lab partner. Most of the time, my professor would help me if I asked, considering I had no one else to bounce ideas off of. It was also challenging to work faster when there was no one to help hold back skin, the mouth, or ruler. However, at the end of the lab, I was proud that I was able to complete this lab with minimum help and overcame the many obstacles I had in the midst of the lab. I recorded my results and made conclusions and even presented supporting evidence…
Reflecting on this lab, there were a few things I could have improved on. For instance my station being neat, asking more questions instead of wondering, and not making some parts as hard as I thought they were. I tend to overthink when it comes to math and science. I think too much into the procedure, math word problem, or reasoning for why the liver would be the largest organ in the rat’s anatomy. The layers that I stripped away by following the procedure had me using my critical thinking process. This lab taught me that I am a strong critical thinker, however, math is not my specialty. It also taught me to not always argue with reasoning when given evidence…
Oral Communication:
The learner will exchange ideas and information with others using the spoken word in a manner effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
The following artifact, entitled “The Evolution of Dance” was created between the years 2017-18, when I enrolled in COM 231 Public Speaking. This artifact demonstrates an informative speech that's purpose is to enlighten the audience on a topic they may not be knowledgeable of. I was fortunate enough to have my first selected topic chosen by Mrs. Gardner when I presented her what matter I wanted to present on.
I chose to investigate the evolution of dance in three different styles: tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Throughout my speech, I explain how the history of dance is constantly altering due to the purposes, opportunities, and ideas of the dancers being changed. Each generation has conformed to the beginning decades. Furthermore, the familiarity I have with dancing is due to the fifteen years of dancing I have taken at Victory Talent Dance and Gymnastics. This allowed me to present my speech and stand my ground with an extra layer of confidence.
My first goal for this is that I would successfully accomplish not stuttering and announcing my words in a clear way, by graduation. I do not have a condition of stuttering or any of that sort, however, when I begin to talk on a familiar topic, I tend to talk fast and then, as I try to slow down, I stutter and can’t articulate my words. Personally, I believe that my volume, pitch, silence, and non-fluencies were strong throughout my entire speech. However, in my speech, my words were conjoined together sometimes… Towards the end of the class, I did learn to slow down and just go at my own pace of talking, preventing some of the stuttering. However, overall I was not able to completely cut out all of the stuttering. When considering how far I came though, I do feel that I met my own expectations of trying to do better in pronouncing words clearly and grown in knowledge of public speaking expectations, by graduation.
The second smart goal that I set for this artifact was that I would learn how to properly format an Informative speech. At the start of COM-231, I had no idea what an outline, speech, and presentation actually was or meant. Mrs. Gardner was so kind and generous in helping answer my many questions! Along with this, I spent several nights trying to watch Ted Talks and try to write mock outlines for subjects just to become familiar with writing a speech. Little did I know, it was a lot harder than I had presumed… I took my writing and went to the library. I explained to Amanda what my issue was and she knew immediately how to help guide me in the right direction for success in COM-231. After going to the library, using my textbook, and talking to Mrs. Gardner, I felt as if I knew how to write a speech for the audience's knowledge, without persuasion. I was also proud of how my speech turned out after working so hard on it.
Due to the fact that I had been dancing for over fifteen years in front of millions of people and all around the world, I was not scared to present in front of my classmates. It is a valuable skill to know how to interact with the audience within your voice. I will need communication skills when in a social or professional relationship or conference. I sometimes catch myself still stuttering and not articulating my words as they should be, but there is always room for improvement. With the completion of this class, I learned that words can be used in two ways: to harm and praise. I believe that you should always follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way you want to be treated.
Technology:
The learner will select and use technology to access, process, and exchange information in a manner effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
For this artifact, I have chosen to use my Math Test 3 Part 2, taken in the fall of 2019 MAT 72 Precalculus class. The purpose of this class is to place an analysis on trigonometry in multiple representations. We learned triangles, vectors, polar coordinates, conic sections, parametric equations, and more.
The purpose behind choosing Test 3 is because I struggled the most on this test due to the graphing of conic sections, and key points. I understand what each key point meant, but I could never identify the feature on the conic section by labeling the vertex, directrix, focus, center, and more. After the completion of this test, I was able to somewhat identify the following on a graph and find them mathematically.
My first smart goal was to become more comfortable with Pearson and using math formulas. Pearson is a great way to give practice problems, homework, and more, however, I found it challenging because Pearson sometimes did not accept my answer due to my significant figures, or something simple. However, after a while, I was able to adapt to Pearson and give it what it wanted the first time and received full credit. I found it even more challenging a grueling when I could not remember which formula to use for completing the square. Along with the vertex, directrix, and focus. I was however somewhat skillful at solving triangles. As I got farther into the test, it became harder again to graph the polar function. I knew what to do when concerning the formula, but I was scared I was going to make a simple mistake. I tend to make simple mistakes when doing math. Overall, I did focus and remember all of the formulas to use, along with how to properly graph most all functions.
The next smart goal that I had for this assignment was learning to trust my answers and math skills without using a graphing Texas Instruments Calculator. I tend to second guess myself in math. Not because I am bad at it, but because it makes me nervous I am going to mess up a calculation or make a simple mistake that could cost the whole answer for the problem. I set this goal for myself so I would stop relying on the given calculator so much, and rely on myself to provide the answers. This not only benefited my confidence, but my knowledge of multiplication, dividing, graphing, and more… There were times I had to use my calculator for graphing because it was needed, but I did not double check my work more than twice, I simply moved on with reassurance. Personally, I would say that this was a huge accomplishment for me and that gaining confidence is always a great feeling.
The work that I completed for this test took a long time to fill out and figure, and challenged me to break out of my mental box. It was not easy and I had to push myself constantly to stop second guessing and to stay focused so I would remember the formulas I studied. It shows how I am strong enough to stay on task and not let a bump in the road stop me from achieving success.
Cultural Literacy:
The learner will demonstrate a "set of cognitive, effective, and behavioral skills and characteristics that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
The artifact chosen for this Core Skill was done in the Spring of 2018 in American History II (HIS 132). My American History Midterm was titled Spanish American War and The Sherman Anti-Trust Act. I have always enjoyed history, mostly because my mother is a history teacher and always informs me that it is so important to be in the know about the past so you can prepare for the future. For this midterm, we were given many topics to choose from, I chose the following two for my topics because I thought it would be not only interesting to learn about them both, but have a better understanding when researching due to the familiarity I already had with the two.
I chose to find and reflect on the Spanish American War by using mostly NC Live cites, this was I know the citations are correct, the research is credible, and the information is accurate. I mostly caught myself reading so far into the war that I forgot I was to be documenting what I was reading as evidence. I would imagine what it would have been like if I had experienced this first-hand. Money has been a problem since the beginning of time. Humans can not help but have some greed in them and selfishness. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act was put in place to prevent competition and protect the public from such problems. It was to prevent high rising prices and protect the people from being taken advantage of. In my opinion, it is sad that we have to create laws to protect the people from businessmen who are ripped by the thrill of good pay and marketing.
For my first goal, I chose to learn to tolerate people who have different ideas than myself. I have always been taught if you have nothing nice to say, you say nothing at all. I have been able to follow this rule easily, except when people are immodest, patronizing, or conceited. I choose to be someone who loves to give and make others happy, it hurts me when I see people who are proud to be better than their peers. We should be lifting each other up together in praise because we are all God’s children. I have gotten better at trying to see their perspective, but I wish there was no evil, vengeance, and hatred in this world mostly due to money and leading systems.
My second goal was to learn how to write an APA and MLA paper. I was not familiar with the process of writing APA and MLA papers yet for history due to the fact this was my second history class. However, I was able to visit the library and stay in touch with my Professor to properly cite and format my MLA paper for the midterm. I was also able to take this knowledge and apply it to classes after like Music Appreciation.
Being open to all people has become a difficult manner in the 21st century. We try to continue to move away from racism, voicing our own opinion, and making it vital to demand and embrace success. Without following the Golden Rule of treating others the way you want to be treated, the rate of crime and selfishness will continue to rise and one day there will be no light, something I pray never happens to our society.
Dancing at Relay For Life. Pictured in the background: children producing music and doing sign language.
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