This is all the written work for my Senior course in Expository Composition with David Preston from Ernest Righetti High school. A lot of this work does count for school assignments however a lot of it also is my own personal research on different subject matters that I find interesting to write about.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Loren Birdsall
Dr. Preston
Expository Composition Essay
June 2, 2014
Looking back on this whole year, I have had a lot of practice when it comes to Expository Composition
and Open Source Learning. From what I have experienced, I feel that with Open Source Learning I have
been able to experience the luxury of not just one but many fields of study. Some of which I tend to gravitate
towards more so than others. I have also been able to meet many new people in which some are still
included in my network group primarily for the soul purpose of my Journalism study. Overall I feel that I
have changed in the sense that I am more disciplined and thorough in my own research. I feel like I am a
student that can benefit more from teaching myself rather than having a mindless teacher just give me a book
because their expected to and they want me to learn from that. I don't want to do that and or live by that
traditional schooling lifestyle anymore!
One thing about Open Source Learning is that it does require a great amount of trust in the students.
When being in Preston's class, I honestly feel that I was given a certain amount of trust and because I didn't
do anything to ruin that trust I was able to actually earn more trust later on in the year. It's easy to give
someone trust at the beginning of the year however many other students lost a lot of that trust because not
many were holding themselves accountable for their actions and or "pulling their own weight" like they were
asked to do specifically for this course. Because I knew I had a great amount of trust with my teacher, I did
all that i could to honor this by bringing in those assignments on time and actually taking power into my own
hands. By going above and beyond, I was able to acquire a whole new level of learning. With this said, the
beauty of it was that it was all material that I was teaching myself!
It's easy to see that I want to become a writer now because writing is something that comes easy to me.
However, at the beginning of the year when everyone was required to choose a specific field of study to
research on, I didn't know what to pick because at first I felt that I had lost all my hobbies and talent just
because I could never stay persistent. As time went on, I later realized that I love to write and that this is my
primary passion that drives me to continue to write both for myself and "business" related. I will continue my
learning with writing by continuing to write about many things that interest me as well as continuing the
interview process that I have for people when it comes down to looking for people to join my network.
Something that made me genuinely laugh out loud during this course was a time when a student hi jacked
the learning environment and stood on a table singing very loud and obnoxious like. It was funny because
many people did have a response back for this particular student's actions some being pleasant and others
seeming like they were annoyed. For me I felt that it was completely random and out of line therefore that's
why it was funny! It also actually had to do with the presentation that was going on as well so I guess in a
way you can say that this student actually acted as a leader for the rest of us that were witnessing this.
These past 2 weeks we have had a series of presentations going on that were the masterpieces of many
students projects. Out of 5 students it was clear to see that the way students presented, connected to their
audience and were able to provide a mass amount of information about their subject just shows that they
actually were doing the work all along and for that have been rewarded with the acquired knowledge that
will forever stick with them. For example, the way Veronica was able to appeal to the "crowd" by playing a
game such as playing music and if the crowd liked the music they would put their thumbs up is one example
of a communication style that appeals to a crowd to help get them involved in the material being taught.
Another of a communication technique that strikes me is the time when Jacob Caldwell presented his
presentation on body building. It was obvious to 0 period that this kid really cared about his body building
because he had so much passion and enthusiasm when he talked about everything that goes into the art of
this field. He did this by stating true facts about body building, being very blunt/raw about everything, and
talking about the whole lifestyle that needs to be acquired by certain individuals in order to guarantee results.
Through my entire journey as an expository composition survivor, I can truly say that this is a class many
common people will go into then thrive later and become the actual, diverse individuals they were looking to
become. Why wait on an opportunity like that? If you have an experienced teacher like Preston whom
knows that their talking about then why wouldn't you want to upgrade into a type of learning environment
that's completely different from the traditional school environment where you actually learn a lot more and
you sometimes don't even know it? It amazes me to know that not a lot of people actually know about open
source learning and how it can actually benefit people in a much more positive way compared to any other
type of class that they are taking. I am a hero in the sense that I have completed this journey I have been on
for 180 days now and I'm going to be a graduate both of high school and my open source learning class. I
was able to find a fun, fanatic, enthusiastic, writer and journalist that acted as a great mentor for me. Just
from this I was able to learn a lot. I conquered a challenge by putting myself outside of my comfort zone and
becoming familiar with the unfamiliar and comfortable with the uncomfortable when it came down to talking
to people and really getting to know others students, not just sitting next to them a whole year and not
learning anything about them or what they do.
Sources Cited:
Veronica Cavazos http://vcavazosrhs.blogspot.com/
Jacob Caldwell http://jacobscaldwell.blogspot.com/
Preston's site for majority of my information http://drprestonrhs14exposcomp.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 9, 2014
Hip Hop Poet SUPERSTEAD 5/8/14
Lately I have been really into a lot of the local and or underground music that I have been coming across. This is just a little interview from one of the artists I have grown to like. His name is Steadman (also known as his performance name SuperStead) and he originates from London, England. This is a personal interview from the wonderful Steadman himself. Please excuse the content for some of questions were asked at random and out of order :)
SUPERSTEAD BLOG
HIS SOUNDCLOUD
(His facebook) SUPERSTEAD POWER
Enjoy...
1. If you can put a genre on your writing, what would it be? (Free verse, poetry,etc.)
I write poetry, however it's free form poetry, which is almost a stream of consciousness that spirals from a start point that can be a certain topic, issue, feeling, experience, moment or thought. Many of my pieces do not rhyme, and its never really a conscious decision whether or not to make a certain piece rhyme - it just happens naturally as I start to write.
I am 31 years old & Im from London England.
2. How old r u and where r u from?
3. how long have you been writing for?
4. Where does your inspiration come from?
Everything. Wherever my mind wanders, my pen follows.5. What do you prefer writing about?
Yes. I have been writing songs, rapping and making hiphop since i was about 13/14yrs old. At the moment Im in a live HipHop/Reggae/Ska band. I write songs, rap & sing. The band is called 83classic - its a brand new band - we are releasing our debuet EP this summer. Theres a couple of acoustic clips on youtube you can watch - search for 83clasaic6. Are you involved with any kind of music of your own?
My name is Steadman so it was my nick name Super Stead Man7. What does super stead mean and how did you come up with this ?
Also i love comics & superheros!
1) always keep writing - whatever thoughts or ideas you have just try to capture them on paper while u have them in mind - dont think too much just write.
2) Be your own biggest critic. Just because you write lots it doesn't mean you have to share all of it. There are many pieces I have written that I have never posted online or read to anyone. When you do choose to share something with the world don't rush - take your time - re-read & re-write or edit your pieces if necessary. Always be thinking about how others will understand, perceive & relate to your work. Be aware that your words can & will be received and understood in different ways & make conscious decisions about what you want to be clear for people to get from your writing & what you want to leave for them to ponder on and make their own mind up about.
I started my blog a few years ago at the beginning of 2011. I write what I want to write rather than writing what I think people want to read, and then I look at some pieces and decide which one's I think Would be good to share with the world. I'd like to think that my pieces provoke thought & inspire people to live their lives in positive ways and treat their fellow humans in positive ways. My ultimate message is always PEACE LOVE & PEOPLE POWER! Together we as human beings are a formidable force and can achieve amazing things and sustain life for all on the planet - however divided we destroy each other and our planet. I hope that people of all backgrounds can feel a connection to one another and we can begin to bridge the gap that has widened between humans as a result of war, politics, religion, racism, prejudice & money.
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Thursday, May 8, 2014
Creative Writing (Beginnings 2) post 5/8/14
When it comes down to creativity and just writing in general, writing gets me thinking because my mind thinks as a whole. It's not just 1 subject that I hyper focus on but instead many emotions come up depending on the context of the prompt. Creativity plays a huge role in my masterpiece because 20 minutes from now I will be interviewing the Santa Maria Sun staff writer Camilla because she happens to be a professional journalist. This was all facilitated for me and my training purpose of becoming a professional writer with credidation to Dr. David Preston of course because he was the one that introduced me to Camilla in the first place. He provided the resource and this is me taking full advantage of it for my own overall purpose within this class. Creavitiy stems from within so three really is no 1 answer to the question: how can creativity help with a students masterpiece?
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Masterpiece Interviews 5/6/14
So far, some of my research has been very broad in the sense that each research project addresses different topics such as underground music, directors of newspaper publishing companies and so on. In specifics Camilla Lanham a staff writer at Santa Maria Sun is one expert that I have recently come in contact with whom I will be interviewing shortly for my final project. Aside from the "big interview" a side project that's in the process is my interview with Cory Grant aka Wepz. So far I feel content with how things are going right now both with school and my home life as well.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Underground Hip Hop Artist - Cory Grant 5/5/14
Cory Grant//18//Orcutt//CA This image displayed is a personal drawing of Grant's and a representation of his crew Adolescents Featuring Greg Pickleweed (Beats producer). |
Cory Grant is a local rap artist from Orcutt, CA that I have recently come across. Known as CWEPZ to the underground, Grant has been rapping since 6th grade and continues to make music up until this day. This young musician claims "I don't have a favorite artist I listen to right now because I've just been listening to a lot of my own stuff for tune ups and perfection." Grant primarily works with his good friends JP, Gruga and Jsilva; all of which are also heavily involved in the underground hip hop community. As I was talking to Grant, I asked him "What does self expression mean to you?" Grant replied with: "Self expression is a key thing in life. Music has really helped me find myself and my purpose."
His favorite quote includes: " A smart man looks like a mad man to a dumb man." As we continued to talk I was able to really understand Cory not just as an up and coming musician but as a person as well. Immediately you can just sense the determination and passion that this young man has for his cause which is to create music essentially. Within 5 years Grant plans to be living the life that he says "I was meant to since I was kid." Although his high school career is coming to an end, Grant plans to attend college where he will eventually be able to acquire the skills in business and investment. Basically gaining a better understanding for the art of smart financial spreading.
GLAD TO BE OUTTA ORCUTT! - CWEPZ
SELF EXPRESSION IS A KEY THING IN LIFE. MUSIC HAS REALLY HELPED ME FIND MYSELF AND MY PURPOSE - CWEPZ
Friday, May 2, 2014
Beginnings 5/2/14
In regards to my masterpiece, I feel that it has completely opened up a new chapter for me in my life because now that I am becoming a more so familiar writer with all the interviews I have been doing and what not, I feel very serious about journalism. From the beginning of the year compared to now, I feel that I have completely applied myself because I'm getting to study something I happen to be very interested in; it's not just another school subject to me for this whole entrepreneurship style of raw journalism always sparks great ideas for me. I can say that due to all the self teaching I have been doing for myself, I have learned to connect better with people thus expanding my network of people that can act as an aid in my long term goal of becoming a journalist. I think it will be easier for me to step foot in an actual professional writing environment such as a newspaper press, magazine publishers, music based writings,etc. now that I have had some practice with how this type of work environment is going to be. This will be my future "chapter"/goal because everything I'm learning in this expository composition class is 90% self learned and 10% traditional teacher to student relationship which does involve teaching. Nothing that I have learned in this class will be going to waste in the future because all of this knowledge I hold onto now such as networking out, self promoting, entrepreneurship and so on are all skills I will be needing for this competitive world. My belief is that if there is a challenge proposed regardless of what it is, I'm more willing to accept this task,challenge, whatever you want to call it for I have acquired a better understanding of how to go about certain issues that will ultimately benefit me as a person and definitely have a better impact on my actual visual work.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Connections 4/30/14
1-3 moments within my day that have reminded me of my masterpiece would have to be: #1 Robby was talking about his street art which reminded me of this rapper I want to interview with named Reverie. #2 would have to be a moment in class where some kid didn't know what exactly to do in class for his project because at the exact same time he said this I was emailing Superstead, a writer I'm going to be interviewing here real soon. The last reminder while leaving class today would probably have to be when I put my headphones in and was listening to some music. This in general just reminded me of writing in all general because it just reminded me that what I'm doing is something I really love which is writing, free styling , anything that has to do with words really.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Design 4/29/14
One major way a traditional learning enviorment can be hacked is ultimately by the students. When I say this it might sound to broad so let me break it down into more of a detailed matter... students are the future that's a known fact. With this said, if a student is able to acquire a particular amount of knowledge, teach it to their peers, then it apply it as a whole studnet body then this is just one out of the many exampels of hacking a learning enviorment.
Monday, April 28, 2014
5 steps
Five steps that I can take over break in order to help prep me for the "final" we will be having at the end of this year would be #1 ALWAYS stay up to date with my work because it can be very easy to fall behind in this course. #2 gather ideas from places that I wouldn't expect. What I mean by this and literally talk to everyone I see during this break because you never know who ultimately can be a helping hand. #3 write down any inspiration/information that is acquired. #4 be creative to the best of my ability when it comes down to arranging what exactly I want to say in my speech and how I'm going to say it.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Jared Perry's Article 4/14/14
Jared Perry//18//Santa Maria,CA//2014 |
Perry quotes: "I'm in pursuit of change and time in this world because I believe time is more valuable than any amount of money." When talking to Perry it's clear that within his character he is very passionate about his purpose and what he intends to do within the next years of his life outside of high school. "I plan on going to Community college and deciding whether or not if I'm going to attend a 4 year considering the cost and risk." To come across people like Jared is extremely exciting because it's young people like this out of this current generation that ideally will have these great ideas and know how to work with them. With that said, I myself find the anticipation of waiting for this acquaintance to just explode and run the future market of technology/communication very exhilarating!
Request For Response Essay - Parental Involvement 4/14/14
I was shocked to see an article by the name of "parental Involvement Is Overrated" because to me, it's very important to acquire the right amount of guidance as a child for this builds a foundation for how that certain child will act/be overall in the future. Regardless of the ethnicity, it was very interesting to read about how some parents can actually have a negative effect on their child's learning due to helping them with certain things here and there such as homework. When you break it down though, how does this even make sense?
Growing up I have always had a memory in which one of my parents were involved. My mom is a teacher so if I needed help with a math problem and or any school related subject she was the person to go to. If I had a question about history and things of that nature I would then turn to my dad. Now that I'm in my Senior year of high school, I have noticed that I have been needing my mother more so now than ever due to "adult issues" such as filing taxes, dealing with Fafsa related issues and so on. I just can't picture not having any guidance from a parent at all during my years of elementary school to high school for they have played such a detrimental part in my life from the time I was born to now, my young adulthood. While reading the parent article, I found this quote from the readings: " Even the notion that kids do better in school when their parents are involved does not stack up."
To me, something about that saying just doesn't sit right with me because there is so much I can say in order to justify the reasons why it's extremely important to seek the help a child needs especially when it comes down to education/school related issues. Sure, it's fair to say that majority of an education should ultimately stem from a child and a child only. This meaning that child is responsible to carry their own weight and do their homework, show up to class, pay attention, study for tests...all that however the fact that kids will do "better in school when their parents aren't involved" just doesn't make sense! Say this child has a problem and doesn't turn to their parent for guidance, I hope they would then turn to a teacher of some sort however this teacher most likely is a parent themselves so how would you expect a school kid to ever get away from parenthood when it's all around them including their work environments/school?
Regardless of the ethnicity of the child, I think ultimately the power falls into the child's hands because they either can be independent and or to dependent on their parents in which these parents have a habitual routine of rescuing their kid from stress related situations in school or just life in general. The problem with this though is certain life lessons that are healthy for a child to learn aren't being fully and adequately learned because there really isn't an opportunity for this child to learn without their parent always stepping in and rescuing that kid from whatever that comes up. Within a classroom environment it's evident to witness what children will struggle in life and what children will thrive ultimately because their parents have been able to establish a healthy boundary, not an "over protective" boundary that does and will effect the child's learning capabilities.
With this controversial issue, I can see both sides to the situation when it comes down to a parent helping their kid in school and if it's beneficial and or works against the kid. This article happened to be a huge eye opener for me because I had no idea that for some people, parent help (to much of it at least) can actually have a crucial impact to a kid's overall well being and mental capabilities. When I say "mental capabilities" I don't mean medical issues such as retardation and what not... what I mean by this is that certain kid's realize "Oh if I ever am put in a situation where something becomes to "hard" for me it's okay because my mom or dad will always bail me out of the situation and help me." Sure kids' don't just come out and say this however it's totally noticeable because kids are smart...they know what their doing and what they are lacking to do. I guess you can say that when it comes to growing up and placing these kids in society, these will be the kids that will be incredibly lazy because they have grown up with the handicap aid that they never needed in the first place, they themselves just needed to thrive which they probably won't get a chance to do unless they are able to break the cycle which becomes hard to do in the future.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Mercy For Animals 4/11/14
Recently I have made a commitment to stop eating all types of meat because after watching this video, I really felt sick to my stomach. It's very shocking and therefore makes me extremely sad to see how humans can be so cruel to animals like what's shown in this video used as one of my resources. It was crazy to really stop and think about this situation because how can I be so certain that other meat factories and what not actually treat their animals with respect? Besides animals' being neglected/abused, another big factor that stood out to me was this...Many of our meats along with dairy products today happen to have a vast amount of hormones and other unnatural substances that these animals ingest which then becomes our problem for we are consuming all of this poison. I could imagine over time this would carry a very negative effect on our bodies for that's just not natural! So why would I want to continue eating this stuff if these farmers and whomever raises these animals only care to make their livestock grow faster than what's natural and produce more than they normally do? Does this seem healthy? Does this seem fair to the animals? Ultimately I do think it's necessary for most of us to wake up and acquire a better knowledge of what exactly we are consuming and what it's made up of rather than just eating it because it's there and or convenient. Unnatural chemicals and animal cruelty were to two big reasons why I personally wanted to make a difference and stop eating meat for I didn't want to be a contribution to the chaos that goes on within these factories.. Many people tell me "Just because you stopped eating meat doesn't mean these factories are going to stop" however this is a personal choice I have made not just for my health but for the animals as well. You Choose.
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