What I Learned in English 111 - Final paper

What I Learned in English 111

An Evaluation of My Learning and Performance

Although I was always good at reading, grammar and punctuation, this is probably the hardest part for me as I have never been good as self-evaluation, much less writing about it.  It’s not that I mind writing; I just have a hard time putting things into words or explaining things.  I don’t know that this portfolio based on its content would earn me an “A” in English 111; however, I do feel that if all aspects of the class are considered, such as I was in attendance for all classes except when I was sick and my daughter had surgery, I stayed and helped Darrell and Sara with setting up their Blogs, answering questions and repeating what was discussed in class to “the girls in the back”, I did participate in class discussions, as well as offering my SDV portfolio to the class as reference material for their work.  Oh, and I also have proof of voting which was offered as extra credit and I will load a picture of that as well.  Ok, here goes nothing and my attempt to give you what you are asking for….

General Course Goals:

I learned to adapt my writing to different genres, such as my Rhetorical Analysis, Restaurant Review and Life Files.  I did demonstrate academic integrity and the appropriate use of others’ ideas and feed back in producing effective communication as evidenced by my draft and final copy of my Ethics paper that you reviewed for me.  Also, I demonstrated college-level written and oral communication skills as noted on my SDV Final Portfolio Assessment.

Rhetorical Knowledge:

One of the first things we started learning in English 111 was about Rhetoric; or how to be a better communicator, which includes what you can and cannot write about, who your audience is and how they will receive my message.  One of the things that were learned about Rhetoric was how to write a Rhetorical Analysis which is basically when you write about something and have to break down the means of understanding by giving the argument, followed by the major claims and evidence to support the claims.  I did this in my Rhetorical Analysis which is posted in my blog on my Op-Ed article, “Keep politics out of examining room” published in the Richmond Times Dispatch on September 15, 2012. Here is also an example of the Rhetorical Triangle we used.

Message:

What is said or written-book, papers, articles, etc.

Whether in print, online or spoken

  

                                         Author:                                               Audience:

                              Creates the message                          Receives the message

Process:

We learned about the six steps to the writing process which includes:

1. Pre-writing:

·         Figuring out what you want to say

·         Brainstorm and free write ideas

·         Find out who your audience is and your genre

·         Determine what you can and should say

2.  Drafting:

·         Writing ideas about what you want to say on paper

·         Manipulate your ideas

·         Draft ideas in stages

3.  Revision:

·         Reorganize and work with the draft in sections

·         Adding and cutting

·         Focusing on revision while producing a “Deep Level” draft or a draft that is somewhat complete with terms and ideas

4.  Proof Reading and Editing:

·         Setting up your format

·         Checking spelling, grammar and punctuation

·         Rereading at the sentence level making sure all is fine

·         Work on elements of presentation

·         Editing is done by someone else

·         Proofreading is done by the author

5.  Publishing or Delivery:

·         Getting your information in front of your audience

·         Making sure you can publish

·         Audience accepts the delivery

·         Let go of work and turn in what is written

6.  Review:

·         Did I accomplish my purpose?

·         Opportunity to make process better the next time

·         Rhetorical Memory – Tweak and learn about your process and how to improve it; learn what rhetorical moves worked and what didn’t

Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing:

Critical thinking begins with Rhetorical Charity which is that the author is worth spending time to understand.  With critical thinking, we also have to determine if an argument is good or a claim is true when presented to us as well as be able to format our own good arguments.  When writing, we should always take our audience into consideration and make sure that we are able to get our message across to them.

Oral Communication Skills:

This brings to mind when we were learning about proper posture, standing in groups having little discussions, learning how to draw people into the conversations so they don’t feel alienated.  We also learned about engaging our audience with an exercise when Jose stood in front of the room and had to make eye contact with the class.

Digital Technology:

I was not very familiar with Google Docs or Blogger, but after setting up a new account for English 111, and learning how to navigate around Google, I am finding it fairly easy to use even though I am still in the learning stages.  I have merged multiple Google accounts, used Google Docs for saving my work in the cloud, as well as merged my calendars.

I think I have definitely learned many new skills and techniques from English 111 and will be challenging myself to try and incorporate them into future classes when it comes time for writing papers and doing the research, as well as using better oral skills as I progress in my career.

Draft of what I learned in Eng 111

This is a link to my draft of what I learned in Eng 111 that we started in class last week.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8f-s_Cu66u_b1ROUnFxVkxENWc

Ethics Term Paper Evidence - FINAL COPY

Debra Powell                                                                                                 Final Term Paper

Ethics - PHI 220                                                                                         12/06/2012

Professor Latartara

How Reliable Is Your New “Used Car?”

The purpose of this paper is to educate buyers on the importance of researching the history and mechanical condition of a used car. The reason I chose this topic is because I was working for a used car dealer at the time, and was faced with the ethical dilemma of choosing what was best for me or for my former employer and co-workers. I was in a position to report my employer to the Automobile Dealer Board as well as the Virginia State Police for state inspections, on what was basically an illegal matter, knowing that it could cost me as well as many others their jobs.  I could have used the Principle of Utility, however, after going through the seven values and knowing that a decision based on utility would not maximize pleasure or minimize pain since, I opted to go with the Golden Rule and the concept of reciprocity,

Have you ever gone car shopping because it is time for a new car, or you just

need another family vehicle? Did you end up buying a lemon? It is vital that car buyers take the time to research the history and current mechanical condition of any used car they are considering buying, beginning with asking the dealer for a Car Fax report, and a copy of the service ticket showing what work or repairs, if any, were made by the dealer.

Often, prospective buyers go into a dealership trusting that what they are told is the truth, however, there is the old adage, “Buyer Beware”. I feel this subject is appropriate because car buyers are often taken advantage of by used car dealers. My goal is to answer the question, “Did you end up buying a lemon?” and I will use ethical principle, empirical theory of truth and critical thinking to show why it is best to do your research. Having been in the automotive business for almost 19 years, though not in a sales position, I have seen numerous issues with customers not getting what they thought they purchased. The reason I chose this subject is because I was almost one of those buyers; however, I chose to do some research on the car I was considering buying and have evidence to support that the dealership was attempting to sell me an unfit car. Although the car was on what a dealer calls the “front line”, meaning it was put through the service departments shop, had repairs done, and passed inspection, so it was ready to sell, I can demonstrate that the vehicle I intended to buy should not have been on the front line and it should not have passed inspection, based on the empirical theory of truth.

Earlier this year I had found myself in a situation where I needed a second vehicle, nothing elaborate, beautiful, or expensive, it just had to be mechanically sound and last me at least a year and a half, maybe two years. Of course with working for a used car dealer I felt somewhat obligated to find a car through my employer. After test driving several cars, my sales manager told me he had the “perfect car” for me, and “although the mileage is high, it was front line ready and passed state inspection on January 13, 2012”. He then handed me the keys to a 2002 Ford Taurus. Upon closer look, the car seemed to be in fairly decent condition, with only a few dings and scratches, and the interior was immaculate. Trusting what he told me, I asked if I could take the car for the weekend and see if it’s what I wanted, he agreed without hesitation.

Over the course of the weekend I could smell oil burning, which is not uncommon when an oil change has just been done; but rather than take a chance, a personal friend of mine, who is an ASE certified mechanic for over 30 years, said he would look at the car for me. He told me that there was so much oil covering the engine that it was hard to say definitely or not, but he suspected with great certainty that there were several oil leaks, including the head gasket, which means it would need a new motor. Upon returning to work the following Monday, I expressed my concerns to my sales manager and he said it was probably residual oil, but he would have one of the mechanics in the service department check out the vehicle again due to my concerns.

The service manager told the sales manager that the vehicle checked out            fine, it passed a block test, as evidenced on repair order #928427 (Document #1) and there was no cause for concern. With this in mind, on February 17, 2012, we agreed on my purchasing the car with the stipulation that if there was in fact a head gasket leak, the dealership would buy the car back from me, as evidenced by document labeled “We Owe” (Document #2).  While I was waiting for the paperwork to be prepared for me to sign which I knew would be a few days, I took the car to a local Ford dealer on 02/21/12, because something told me that the car was not mechanically reliable, and I found out more than I expected. Not only were there several oil leaks, a trans-servo leak, which is part of the transmission; but the ball joints were loose also. The Taurus should have never passed inspection because there was moisture in the headlight, and the tie-rod ends, which are part of the suspension, were loose or had play in them, as a mechanic would say, as well (Documents #3, 4 & 5). These items in particular are listed on the Virginia State Inspection checklist (Document #6). Needless to say, I immediately refused to purchase the vehicle and I have to add that I think the Ford dealer exemplifies the kind of establishment that I would recommend dealing with.

In conclusion, I would recommend all used car buyers ask for a Car Fax, a copy of the service history from the dealer to see what they did to the car, as well as take the vehicle to a mechanic outside of the dealership that you plan to buy from, to have the vehicle looked over. Most auto repair shops or car dealers can do a complete check up on the vehicle for $100.00 or less (Document #7), but keep in mind that whether the vehicle checks out or not, logically, the money spent for a check up could end up saving you thousands down the road.

Ethics Term Paper Evidence - DRAFT

This is the link to my DRAFT copy of the Ethics term paper you helped me with.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8f-s_Cu66u_c2tPUkphbDBtZVk

SDV Final Portfolio Assessment

This is the link to my SDV Final Portfolio Assessment by Professor Morrison

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8f-s_Cu66u_WXR4dWhYQjlUZzQ

Extra Credit - I VOTED

Extra credit....I VOTED!!!

Research Paper - Registered Nursing

Research Paper Registered Nursing

Based on my Wizard research we did in the SDV class, it shows that nursing is one of the first career paths recommended for me based on the answers I gave for the assessments.  Also, there were numerous career options within the medical field that were listed as well; leaving me to feel that nursing is the right choice.  After meeting with an advisor and going over my goals and expectations, she asked me some personal questions about my life and I shared some of my experiences with her.  She said that she felt that I was definitely headed in the right direction and I had a natural gift of compassion that many people do not have when it comes to dealing with people, illness and death.  I understand that the Associate of Applied Science degree is not a transferable degree, however many of the courses I am taking have transferable credits so that if I choose to transfer to VCU, which is my current plan, then many of the classes I take will be applied there.

The next steps I need to pursue in order to obtain my degree and move on to final college and career goals, since I am only finishing my first semester, are going to be to keep my grades up by completing all given assignments, studying, getting tutoring as needed and getting the grades necessary for placement into the JSRCC nursing program.  Toward the end of the first semester, around mid-October, I will be meeting with an advisor about what classes to take in the second semester and registering for them in early November, which will leave me with my final list of classes that I will need for the last semester.  During the second semester I will be talking to someone about my transfer options and what is required for a transfer to VCU to obtain my Bachelors of Science in nursing, as well as start preparing a resume in order to get a job after I have gotten my AAS from JSRCC.  I am planning to work part-time while I continue my education.

Nursing is something I have wanted to pursue for about 25 years but never did until recently.  Upon doing the research for this paper, it has been reaffirmed to me that my choice it the right one not only based on the job availability and the salary range, which is very inviting to say the least, but the fact that there is a wide variety of areas I can work or specialize in, such as:

A.         Pediatric Oncology nurse works with children and teens that have cancer.

B.        Addiction nurses care for patients who need help to overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other substances.

C.        Cardiovascular nurses treat patients with heart disease and people who have had heart surgery.

D.        Critical care nurses work in intensive care units in hospitals, providing care to patients with serious, complex, and acute illnesses and injuries that need very close monitoring and treatment.

E.        Genetics nurses provide screening, counseling, and treatment of patients with genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.

F.         Neonatology nurses take care of newborn babies.

G.        Nephrology nurses treat patients who have kidney-related health issues that are attributable to diabetes, high blood pressure, substance abuse, or other causes.

H.        Rehabilitation nurses care for patients with temporary or permanent disabilities.

Advanced practice registered nurses may provide primary and specialty care, and, in most states, they may prescribe medicines. All states specifically define requirements for registered nurses in these four advanced practice roles:

1.         Clinical nurse specialists provide direct patient care and expert consultations in one of many nursing specialties, such as psychiatric-mental health.

2.         Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and related care before and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. They also provide pain management and emergency services.

3.         Nurse-midwives provide care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, assistance in labor and delivery, and care of newborns.

4.         Nurse practitioners serve as primary and specialty care providers, providing a blend of nursing and primary care services to patients and families.

            The final decision for me to return to school after 26 years was my mother. In June of 2010 she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that metastasized to her bones.  I was the one who stepped up to the plate and took care of her, made sure she ate, got her meds, took her to radiation and chemotherapy weekly, and, as her cancer progressed I got a friend who is an RN to stay with her during the day while I worked and I stayed with her at night.  My children sacrificed for me so that I could take care of their granny.  There were many nights of no sleep, and toward the end when she was home on hospice, I had to give her meds every 2 hours around the clock.  It was at that moment when I knew what my calling was and where I needed to be in my career.  This was a promise I made to myself and to my mother just before she passed in June 2011.