SPR 4: Things Fall Apart

In Okonkwo's clan honor and becoming known in his land as a leader or warrior was considered on of the most important part of life. His Father was a man who was in-debted to many people, and instead of working hard to pay off the debts he would spend whatever money he received on parties of celebration. In the clan this was absolutely uncalled for and Okonkwo's Father meant very little to the people in his clan because of these actions. At a very young age Okonkwo worked hard to plant and grow the best yams. Okonkwo also was a great warrier and wrestler making his leadership rather high amongst his clan.

Okonkwo married three wives. By marrying more women your title amongst your clansman would become higher. After he was exiled he had planned to marry even more women by building extra huts on his compound. Each of his wives had children who Okonkwo cared for in his own way. His eldest son Nwoye acted like Okonkwo's Father and this made him very upset. Okonkwo loved his son but knew how his Father was a disgrace to his clansmen and did not want a son who would represent the same. His daughter Enzima was very special to him because she knew how to connect with Okonkwo. His daughter was very mature and grounded, and this reminded Okonkwo of himself. Everything the clan did revolved around honor and a form of power to show who could be the greatest of great.

SPR 3: Modern Day Socrates

Socrates is definitely quite the character to amount up to, but many people possess his intellect and his need to change the world around him. One of our modern day Socrates is the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama has great intelect just like Socrates. At the age of 6 the Dalai Lama was taught logic, Tibetan art and culture, medicine and Budhist philosophy.
Just like Socrates, the Dalai Lama was scrutinized by people. In 1954 the Dalai Lama went to Beijing for peace talks with Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Unfortunally, in 1959 the Tibetan national uprising was supressed by Chinese troops. But unlike Socrates the Dalai Lama was forced to escape into exile by people who believed in his cause and wanted to help. Socrates people not only put him to death but the ones who believed in him wouldn't stand on his behalf.

Short Personal Response 2

Culture

My race is Caucasian. I don't look at my race as a defining trait. My nationality is American and I am very proud of that. To be an American means freedom. In our life many people say that we aren't free, for example freedom of speech. Yes we might not be able to say certain things on the radio or t.v., but we are able to have freedom of religion which is very important to me.

My religion is Baptist-Christian. Most people consider their community where they live, but my community is my church. No matter what, I can always rely on my church family to be there for me.I was raised in the church. My morals and values were formed from my religious beliefs. My religion plays a huge part in who I am as a person.

Unit One

In my daily life I have to write in many different ways. At work I have to write professional, condensed emails and phone messages for my co-workers. For school I am expected to write informal papers or papers primarily about my feelings on a certain subject. My social writing consists of simplifying words for quick and easy text messaging. For each time I write there is a different writing style that goes with it.

The purpose of writing to me is to broaden your mind. Before you write a paper, normally you have to read about the subject you are writing about. If you are reading a fiction book your mind is open to a whole new world that is captivating and keeps your imagination active. If you are assigned to read something non-fiction you are open to new cultures, new experiences and new information. Each subject you study you are being educated. Then you can write informed papers, so other people might learn about the subject.

The most interesting writing assignment I had was a midterm portfolio for Sociology 101. I had to write about six different topics all about society. My favorite topic was about the gender differences in chat rooms. I had to go in a chat room as a man and see how it was different from being a woman. It was definitely different as a man because I was basically ignored. As a woman when I go in a chat room practically every man hit on me. It's absolutely ridiculous how a woman can't go in a chat room and talk without being "attacked" by all men.

Orientation Unit Zero

My full name is Jessica Lynn Collins. I was born into a single parent family, which gave my Mom full responsibility of naming me. I really do not like my name because there are many people with this same name. I work at a library, and when I look up my account four other people come up with the exact same name. I just wish my name was not so ordinary.

The reason why my Mom named me Jessica is unique. In 1987 an 18 month old girl named Jessica McClure fell down a well in Midland, Texas. All across the world people watched the 59 hour rescue of "Baby Jessica". My Mom watched this story and fell in love with the name. Four years later my Mom found out she was pregnant with a girl and decided I would be named after "Baby Jessica", the girl who fell down the well.