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Friday, June 8, 2007
The Contents of Eloquence
Thursday, June 7, 2007
To Whosoever May Come Upon This...
Dear Reader,
I have always had a love for writing although I would not say it is the one thing I am best at. Coming to college after not being in a structured school for two years, I will admit was a challenge. I have to keep my eye on the challenging goal I have of becoming a Registered Nurse. This last quarter has truly helped me to grow as a student. It has shown me that the more I try at something the better I will succeed at it. Before English 98 I enjoyed keeping a journal for fun and would occasionally write letters to friends but never developed my true style as a writer. This was the first real English class I have taken since my sophomore year of high school so I was very pleased that I was able to have fun with the major writing assignments that were assigned in this class and not just dread over them. I believe I have become a more developed writer throughout this quarter and have learned to write in a clearer voice. For example when people read my papers they have a clear idea of my thesis and supporting ideas contained within the paper. A big challenge that I feel I have some what overcome in the past couple months is my ability to write a clear thesis statement with good following topic sentences. This quarter was an overall good learning experience for me not only as a writer, but as a person. This being only my second quarter at Everett Community College I have a long learning journey ahead of me to becoming a Registered Nurse. The most important thing that I believe is, "if something really matters to a person then it's possible to achieve it." Thanks for taking the time to read my English 98 portfolio, Hailie
I have always had a love for writing although I would not say it is the one thing I am best at. Coming to college after not being in a structured school for two years, I will admit was a challenge. I have to keep my eye on the challenging goal I have of becoming a Registered Nurse. This last quarter has truly helped me to grow as a student. It has shown me that the more I try at something the better I will succeed at it. Before English 98 I enjoyed keeping a journal for fun and would occasionally write letters to friends but never developed my true style as a writer. This was the first real English class I have taken since my sophomore year of high school so I was very pleased that I was able to have fun with the major writing assignments that were assigned in this class and not just dread over them. I believe I have become a more developed writer throughout this quarter and have learned to write in a clearer voice. For example when people read my papers they have a clear idea of my thesis and supporting ideas contained within the paper. A big challenge that I feel I have some what overcome in the past couple months is my ability to write a clear thesis statement with good following topic sentences. This quarter was an overall good learning experience for me not only as a writer, but as a person. This being only my second quarter at Everett Community College I have a long learning journey ahead of me to becoming a Registered Nurse. The most important thing that I believe is, "if something really matters to a person then it's possible to achieve it." Thanks for taking the time to read my English 98 portfolio, Hailie
Introduction to "Joys of Different Shores"
I have learned that writing is a lot easier when you are passionate about what you are writing about. That is why I decided to share with you "Joys of Different Shores" the first major writing assignment I wrote in English 98. It is a comparison contrast essay on the differences and similarities of Lake Roosevelt and the beach by my house on Camano Island. I believe it is one of my best essays I wrote in English 98 because I chose a very effective format that expressed how the two places are special in their own ways. Using this format which is called block, I gave the reader time to think about and feel both places without making it too confusing. Another aspect of this paper that I thought made it really strong was the great descriptions I used for both the salt water beach and Lake Roosevelt. I believe they helped tie the paper together very nicely. One example that expresses my descriptive style in this paper would be "When I think about the lake now, I can still see everything in my mind: the curvy road we had to drive in order to get there, the railroad tracks that align the edge of the campsite, the arid brown hills that surround it, and the many Ponderosa pine trees that follow the path through the campsite and down to the water's edge."
"Joys of Different Shores"
Two of the most relaxing and beautiful places in Washington state are the captivating Lake Roosevelt located in the northeast corner, and the very soothing Rocky Point Beach on Camano Island which is a part of the beautiful Puget Sound. I have been, lucky enough to live near both. These two places are exceedingly special and have many similarities. Whether it is the way I can feel the breezy air or the sandy shores every time I step by the small waves with my bare feet or maybe the children I’am able to faintly hear in the background as I’am sitting in deep thought. These two places are similar in ways, but for me the memories and reasons for spending time at Lake Roosevelt or the beach at Rocky Point are very different and seem to be beneficial and calming in their own ways.
The exciting days I have spent at Lake Roosevelt all through my childhood have made many lovely memories. Living about 10 miles from the lake, my family and I spent time there often. When I think about the lake now, I can still see everything in my mind: the curvy road we had to drive in order to get there, the railroad tracks that align the edge of the campsite, the arid brown hills that surround it, and the many Ponderosa pine trees that follow the path through the campsite and down to the water’s edge. This lake is not just any lake. To me this is a place, I have birthday memories, the same place my dad taught me to swim. It was always there that we would go as a family and spend time together, sometimes a day to have a picnic and swim, or a week of hearty camping. My younger brother and I would ride our bikes up to the railroad tracks in hopes that a train would come so we could watch it go by. The sandy campsite grounds were always cluttered with fallen pine cones and pine needles. When I walked to the calm water, I could see the dark wooden dock that seemed to beckon me it was so far away I was afraid to swim to it.
My favorite thing to observe at the lake, was the busy wildlife some of which were the birds that would land on the overgrown grass and look for food. The squirrels that would jump down from trees to look for bits of food left by picnickers were funny. Little tadpoles in the water squirmed away when I tried catching them in my little plastic pail. At the lake there was always something to observe with total fascination.
I loved the smells of the lake. I always knew when we had arrived at the lake because the way it smelled of fishy lake water and the sweet smelling Ponderosa pines. When sitting by the fire pit roasting marshmallows, the smoky air would blow across my face.
Every so often a train would pass on the nearby tracks, and we would hear the whistle. Sitting on the sand I would listen intently for the small lapping waves on the shore, but most days when the wind was not blowing, it would make the waves too small to hear. What I could always hear were the birds chirping and other children playing until the sun went down. That’s when the crickets would start their songs. My favorite thing to listen to was the whistling winds through the pines. All these sounds together made a memorable chorus in my ears.
When I walked up past the shore over and through the overgrown grass, I loved the feeling of the warm pavement on my bare feet. The only feeling that was better was the warm soft squishy sand that crept between my toes. I especially liked when the wind was in my hair, but the wind only chose to come out on special days at the lake.
After my family moved to Camano Island in the early spring of 2003, I found myself often at the seashore instead of at the lake shore. The beach has become a calming place for me to get away from the everyday buzz of life on this side of the mountains where life moves at a faster pace. When I first walk up to the beach I see the rocky beach and the rippling waves crashing on the sand. It also has a lovely view of Whidbey Island that is just off to the west in the far distance. I love to sit down on one of the many pieces of driftwood to watch the seagulls sweep down and feast on the fish in the bay. When the tide is low, it is fun to observe the jelly fish floating around in the salt water, the starfish on the wet sand, and seaweed of all different colors. Spending much time on this loved shore is already making new memories I will be able to cherish forever.
The smell of the island beach to me is the smell of home. It smells of salt water and I can taste it on my lips as I breath in the sweet salty air. It also smells of seafood and breezy damp air. When it is a low tide I am able to smell these things from a very long distance.
The sounds I hear at the seashore are the best things to listen to on Earth. I can hear the ocean breeze rustles the nearby trees as it also blows a soft wind across my face. The sounds that the ocean seagulls make when they beg for a bite to eat tell me I am home. Bald eagles calling to their mates and young ones. Every so often a boat motor makes me think it would be fun to get a ride. All these sounds break the rhythm of the lapping waves.
As I stand in the wind, I can feel it brace up against my body. When I feel up to waking on barnacles, it is fun to look for treasures in the sand. Sometimes, I am lucky to find sea glass of all colors that have smooth velvety polished sides. The best feeling the bay gives is when walking barefoot in the sand and hopping through the cool crisp waves.
These two places seem much alike, but are yet very different. They have been more meaningful to me then any other place I have visited. I will always love the way I felt at Lake Roosevelt spending time with my family throughout my childhood, and someday I hope to return and relive the many good memories I have. The beach by my island home now is very special and will always be a part of my life. I never plan to stray far from it. To experience such joy from the different Earth’s shores is truly a blessing.
The exciting days I have spent at Lake Roosevelt all through my childhood have made many lovely memories. Living about 10 miles from the lake, my family and I spent time there often. When I think about the lake now, I can still see everything in my mind: the curvy road we had to drive in order to get there, the railroad tracks that align the edge of the campsite, the arid brown hills that surround it, and the many Ponderosa pine trees that follow the path through the campsite and down to the water’s edge. This lake is not just any lake. To me this is a place, I have birthday memories, the same place my dad taught me to swim. It was always there that we would go as a family and spend time together, sometimes a day to have a picnic and swim, or a week of hearty camping. My younger brother and I would ride our bikes up to the railroad tracks in hopes that a train would come so we could watch it go by. The sandy campsite grounds were always cluttered with fallen pine cones and pine needles. When I walked to the calm water, I could see the dark wooden dock that seemed to beckon me it was so far away I was afraid to swim to it.
My favorite thing to observe at the lake, was the busy wildlife some of which were the birds that would land on the overgrown grass and look for food. The squirrels that would jump down from trees to look for bits of food left by picnickers were funny. Little tadpoles in the water squirmed away when I tried catching them in my little plastic pail. At the lake there was always something to observe with total fascination.
I loved the smells of the lake. I always knew when we had arrived at the lake because the way it smelled of fishy lake water and the sweet smelling Ponderosa pines. When sitting by the fire pit roasting marshmallows, the smoky air would blow across my face.
Every so often a train would pass on the nearby tracks, and we would hear the whistle. Sitting on the sand I would listen intently for the small lapping waves on the shore, but most days when the wind was not blowing, it would make the waves too small to hear. What I could always hear were the birds chirping and other children playing until the sun went down. That’s when the crickets would start their songs. My favorite thing to listen to was the whistling winds through the pines. All these sounds together made a memorable chorus in my ears.
When I walked up past the shore over and through the overgrown grass, I loved the feeling of the warm pavement on my bare feet. The only feeling that was better was the warm soft squishy sand that crept between my toes. I especially liked when the wind was in my hair, but the wind only chose to come out on special days at the lake.
After my family moved to Camano Island in the early spring of 2003, I found myself often at the seashore instead of at the lake shore. The beach has become a calming place for me to get away from the everyday buzz of life on this side of the mountains where life moves at a faster pace. When I first walk up to the beach I see the rocky beach and the rippling waves crashing on the sand. It also has a lovely view of Whidbey Island that is just off to the west in the far distance. I love to sit down on one of the many pieces of driftwood to watch the seagulls sweep down and feast on the fish in the bay. When the tide is low, it is fun to observe the jelly fish floating around in the salt water, the starfish on the wet sand, and seaweed of all different colors. Spending much time on this loved shore is already making new memories I will be able to cherish forever.
The smell of the island beach to me is the smell of home. It smells of salt water and I can taste it on my lips as I breath in the sweet salty air. It also smells of seafood and breezy damp air. When it is a low tide I am able to smell these things from a very long distance.
The sounds I hear at the seashore are the best things to listen to on Earth. I can hear the ocean breeze rustles the nearby trees as it also blows a soft wind across my face. The sounds that the ocean seagulls make when they beg for a bite to eat tell me I am home. Bald eagles calling to their mates and young ones. Every so often a boat motor makes me think it would be fun to get a ride. All these sounds break the rhythm of the lapping waves.
As I stand in the wind, I can feel it brace up against my body. When I feel up to waking on barnacles, it is fun to look for treasures in the sand. Sometimes, I am lucky to find sea glass of all colors that have smooth velvety polished sides. The best feeling the bay gives is when walking barefoot in the sand and hopping through the cool crisp waves.
These two places seem much alike, but are yet very different. They have been more meaningful to me then any other place I have visited. I will always love the way I felt at Lake Roosevelt spending time with my family throughout my childhood, and someday I hope to return and relive the many good memories I have. The beach by my island home now is very special and will always be a part of my life. I never plan to stray far from it. To experience such joy from the different Earth’s shores is truly a blessing.
Introduction to "The Heroes Among Us"
Before this quarter it was a great challenge for me to write an effective summary of an essay or other writings. That is why I decided to include this piece in my portfolio. The assignment was to write a summary in a hundred words or less on the essay "The Heroes Among Us" by Stephen M. Wolf. I believe my summary of this essay is a strong piece of writing because it shows that I can write an effective summary that is very concise and to the point without giving too many unneeded details.
For example: "Stephen M. Wolf writes about the comparison of celebrities being defined as heroes in this day and age, and the true heroes who are the men and woman in our community...
For example: "Stephen M. Wolf writes about the comparison of celebrities being defined as heroes in this day and age, and the true heroes who are the men and woman in our community...
"The Heroes Among Us"
In the essay “The Heroes Among Us” first published in Hemispheres magazine in 1993 by Stephen M. Wolf he writes about the comparison of celebrities being defined as heroes in this day and age, and the true heroes who are the men and woman in our communities that make a difference, show courage, grace and kindness. The main point Wolf makes in this essay about true heroes is that the most important lesson taught by those men and woman who are the true heroes in our community is that they show us how to be real people of courage despite the odds.
Introduction to "The Final Choice"
This next piece of writing was an assignment for one of the books we read titled Touching the Void. The assignment was to write a seminar paper that included a list of words from a chapter in the book along with quotes and passages that we thought were the most interesting. Then we had to analyze the passages and quotes. The piece I'm sharing with you is a part of the seminar paper I wrote for a day in class that we shared our thoughts on the book we read. What I believe makes it such a good piece of writing is my ability to read the quotes from the book and analyze them. A good example of this would be:
“Simon knew all the time that he could descend alone quite safely if he chose. I began to thank him for what he was doing, and then quickly stopped myself. It would only emphasize my dependence on him.” (Simpson 89).
My thoughts on the text:
"This passage is great because Joe knew that he really was depending on Simon and because of what Simon was doing for him, he was going to live. Simon's chances of getting off the mountain were a lot greater by himself, and they were both greatly aware."
I feel that over this last quarter my ability to analyze something is one skill that I was able to develop that I did not possess before.
“Simon knew all the time that he could descend alone quite safely if he chose. I began to thank him for what he was doing, and then quickly stopped myself. It would only emphasize my dependence on him.” (Simpson 89).
My thoughts on the text:
"This passage is great because Joe knew that he really was depending on Simon and because of what Simon was doing for him, he was going to live. Simon's chances of getting off the mountain were a lot greater by himself, and they were both greatly aware."
I feel that over this last quarter my ability to analyze something is one skill that I was able to develop that I did not possess before.
"The Final Choice"
Touching the Void Seminar Paper~Five Important passages in chapter 6 “ The Final Choice”
1.) “He was still grinning, and his confidence was infectious. Who said one man can’t rescue another, I thought. We had changed from climbing to rescue, and the partnership had worked just as effectively. We hadn’t dwelt on the accident. Thee had been an element of uncertainly at first, but as soon as we had started to act positively everything had come together.” (Simpson 87).
This passage is important because it shows the partnership Joe and Simon have, and their willingness to work together no matter how much it takes. Not dwelling on the terrible accident that had happened they were able to think about the positive side of things, and that in itself is significant.
2.) “Simon knew all the time that he could descend alone quite safely if he chose. I began to thank him for what he was doing, and then quickly topped myself. It would only emphasize my dependence on him.” (Simpson 89).
This passage is great because Joe knew that he really was depending on Simon and because of what Simon was doing he was going to live. Simons chances of getting off the mountain were a lot greater by himself, and they both knew.
3.) “It was a measure of how cold I had become to see how long it took before I thought of hammering an ice screw into the slope. The wind and constant avalanches had fogged my mind after numbing my body.” (Simpson 90).
When I read this passage I just thought wow, it really shows the significance of how drained they really are. Its amazing how drained they are, yet are still able to think somewhat and concentrate on what they need to achieve to survive. 4.) “I waited for the pain to subside in my knee. Several times I felt it twist sideways when my boot snagged, and each time the movement was unnatural. There would be a flare of agony as the knee kinked back, and parts within the joint seemed to shear past each other with a sickening gristly crunch.” (Simpson 86).
This passage shows how much pain Simpson is in with every movement. It tells of the insurmountable feat he must achieve to save his own life.
5.) “As he spoke he reached out and caught hold of my waist, tugging me gently towards him. He was careful, almost tender, in the way he spun me around so that I was facing out from the slope when I came to a stop beside him. He clipped me into a second ice screw that he had placed beside the one on which he was hanging, and directed my uninjured leg to a foot hole that he had hacked from the ice. I realized then that he had been fully aware of the pain he had been putting me through, and this concern was a quiet way of saying, it’s alright. I wasn’t being a bastard. It just had to be done.” (Simpson 92).
This passage is actually my favorite one, I think it shows how great of a friendship Joe and Simon truly have. It was also the first part in the book that Simon actually show some sort of great sympathy for his friend, and what he was going through. I think he always did feel sympathy in his heart for his friend, but to show it makes it seem a bit more real. In a way you could say that it was just as hard for Simon as it was for Joe, not because he was going through pain, but because I think its emotionally painful to see your friend go though that, and have to help him the whole way.
Introduction to My Inventory of Being
My Inventory of Being is a piece of writing I wrote torwards the beginning of the quarter it was one of the first things we posted on blackboard (the main college communication website for many classes) as a class. The assignment was to write a poetic piece that expressed who we are and our dislikes and likes. I decided to put it in my English portfolio because it was one of the pieces I wrote that really expressed who I was as a person, what I believe, and the things I appreciate in life. For example "I love lemonade all year round, and walking on the beach barefoot with the sand in my toes." I also believe it is one of the few pieces that showed my personality and creative writing style.
My Inventory of Being
I am Hailie
I am sixteen years old, but most days
I wish I was older.
I am a student, and I love being one.
When I stand up tall I am five feet two inches.
I have green eyes and strawberry blonde
hair that I love wearing in my face.
I am a fan of almost all people, a student,
and very much in love. I am a young lady
that someday wants to be a woman.
I love lemonade all year round, and walking
on the beach barefoot with the sand in
my toes.
I have two older sisters that I am close to
and three brothers that are fun.
I like poems even though I can’t write ones
that rhyme.
Tennis is one of my hobbies, but I don’t
spend much time doing it.
I like the color purple, and the color black.
I like Jeeps for off road driving,
I like BMW’s for going fast,
and I want to own both before I die.
I like dressing up for special occasions.
I like black cocktail dresses
and lip gloss but have always despised lipstick
and lip liner.
I think the world should do without both.
I like watching chick flicks like The Notebook,
and Mansfield Park (I love Jane Austen).
I love watching scary movies and thrillers,
but not when I’m by myself.
I love chocolate both milk and dark, but
I can’t stand white chocolate
it’s too sweet.
I love traveling and taking long bubble baths.
I have always had a strong love for hands,
and dark black mascara I thank
God for creating them both.
I hope to one day marry my best
friend, and I definitely believe
in love.
I believe in God, and living life to its fullest.
I know that no matter how much I do
know, there will always be
more to learn.
My one role model is my best friend, I adore
everything he is, and everything
he is becoming and I’ll never be done
learning from him.
I try not to hate things but I’m not
sure if I hate, or just strongly dislike
spiders.
I like having money, but I don’t
mind not having enough.
I can’t live without the rain, and the months
of June, and July.
My favorite holiday is the fourth.
I like vanilla ice cream with berries in the
summer and swinging on park,
and backyard swings.
I love both sunrises and sunsets.
I plan to study nursing for the next four
or five years because I love
taking care of people, and helping others.
I am concerned about the world.
My name is Hailie and this is April, 2007
I am sixteen years old, but most days
I wish I was older.
I am a student, and I love being one.
When I stand up tall I am five feet two inches.
I have green eyes and strawberry blonde
hair that I love wearing in my face.
I am a fan of almost all people, a student,
and very much in love. I am a young lady
that someday wants to be a woman.
I love lemonade all year round, and walking
on the beach barefoot with the sand in
my toes.
I have two older sisters that I am close to
and three brothers that are fun.
I like poems even though I can’t write ones
that rhyme.
Tennis is one of my hobbies, but I don’t
spend much time doing it.
I like the color purple, and the color black.
I like Jeeps for off road driving,
I like BMW’s for going fast,
and I want to own both before I die.
I like dressing up for special occasions.
I like black cocktail dresses
and lip gloss but have always despised lipstick
and lip liner.
I think the world should do without both.
I like watching chick flicks like The Notebook,
and Mansfield Park (I love Jane Austen).
I love watching scary movies and thrillers,
but not when I’m by myself.
I love chocolate both milk and dark, but
I can’t stand white chocolate
it’s too sweet.
I love traveling and taking long bubble baths.
I have always had a strong love for hands,
and dark black mascara I thank
God for creating them both.
I hope to one day marry my best
friend, and I definitely believe
in love.
I believe in God, and living life to its fullest.
I know that no matter how much I do
know, there will always be
more to learn.
My one role model is my best friend, I adore
everything he is, and everything
he is becoming and I’ll never be done
learning from him.
I try not to hate things but I’m not
sure if I hate, or just strongly dislike
spiders.
I like having money, but I don’t
mind not having enough.
I can’t live without the rain, and the months
of June, and July.
My favorite holiday is the fourth.
I like vanilla ice cream with berries in the
summer and swinging on park,
and backyard swings.
I love both sunrises and sunsets.
I plan to study nursing for the next four
or five years because I love
taking care of people, and helping others.
I am concerned about the world.
My name is Hailie and this is April, 2007
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