After reviewing everybody’s PowerPoint presentations, I accumulated a list of ways that our writing class could be improved. First, I liked the idea about there being three different classroom set ups (independent, collaborative, and teacher led). Sometimes I feel that listening to a teacher present a PowerPoint and providing a corresponding assignment can be a bit repetitive and monotonous. While I still find value in teacher led lectures, this new idea of incorporating different classroom environments provides a decent and appropriate amount of change. Another idea that caught my attention was the idea of field trips. Classrooms are great in accomplishing a traditional lecture, but some of my favorite classes last semester were those that were taught else where. While I understand it is impossible to have an extravagant trip, I think there is plenty of things would could do in the community or even on campus. For example, say we had a paper that was about different cultures within The United States. I would find more motivation and inspiration by exploring cultures here in Oxford. Whether that be a walk through campus or a ride on the double decker bus, I think field trips would be a fun activity to do during class time to add variety to the curriculum. In addition to adding variety to our writing class, I liked the idea of having people or possibly other professors, with experience or insight on the material we are discussing, coming to our class and speaking to us. This is another way to gain more inspiration and motivation towards our writing. Lastly, one group mentioned the idea of having more group projects. While I tend to dislike group projects, I think that researching or accumulating ideas within a group setting is a good idea. In the past, I have found myself stuck on a particular assignment with no idea about a topic to write about. By having group discussions and research days, I think it would help provide not only fresh ideas, but fresh perspectives. Overall, I gained a lot of ideas from reviewing other classmates’ PowerPoints.
Monthly Archives: January 2016
A Texan’s Bridge Project
Posted on“The American Dream through the eyes of a Texan”
Being a girl that was raised in Texas, home to a distinct and unique culture, I feel that my perception of the American Dream differs from those of other states and cultures. Throughout this list, I hope to relay how the “Texas Things” are influential on the larger picture, The American Dream.
- You drive a truck…or at least your daddy does
Whether you’re at the grocery store, school or shopping mall, you can’t park without witnessing ten to twenty people jumping in/out of a pick-up truck. It has been something that Texas men and women have found to be important to own. In relation to the American Dream, I can’t help but realize how materialistic Americans are. The pick-up truck, with all the bells and whistles, is a Texas version of a luxury. Americans claim to have the freedom to be who they want, but in reality they all try to fit in to a mold that society sets.
- The Bigger the Better
The common statement, “Everything’s bigger in Texas” is beyond true. For us Texas girls, we like our hair to be voluminous and teased. We live by the thought that the higher the hair, the closer to heaven. To me, I feel that this relates directly to how we view the American Dream. We Texans feel the American Dream is big and endless. Being surrounded by this culture, I believe that to be an American you can and must dream big. If you truly take advantage of this opportunity, you can achieve anything your imagination engineers.
- Mexican food (Tex-mex) is only good in Texas
First things first, it’s called Queso, not cheese dip. For any true Texan, hearing something so delicious be called cheese dip is borderline disgraceful. I’m a firm believer that Texas has the best Mexican food. In opposition, many people think their state’s food is better. There is one thing neither of us can deny; most Americans’ appetites have moved to eating for pleasure, not just for sustaining life. Part of the American dream, in my opinion, is finding joy in what this country has to offer. Whether its food or other things, it’s our privilege as Americans to indulge ourselves.
- Road construction is inevitable
When I drive home from school, the second I cross the state line, I see nothing but construction signs and cones. No matter where I am in Texas, you have to add extra time to your travel plans for construction traffic. I feel that Texas road construction compares exactly to the fact that Americans are always expanding and moving in their desire for something new. I believe that Americans are constantly taking what they have, finding new paths to broaden their horizons, while fighting through the obstacles in the way of their final destination or desire.
- Texas = Cowboys
If you were born and raised in Texas, someone in your genealogy is a Cowboy. Much like a cowboy, The American Dream is simple, yet complex. I think many Texans disagree on what it means to be an American. Nothing sums up this argument better than America allowing states to decide if the right to openly carry weapons is legal or not. Representing the “cowboy” way, Texas recently passed laws allowing individuals with the proper license to carry weapons openly. There has been nothing but arguments on this decision. This is a prime example of how something simple becomes complex.
- Family is the most important thing
Family trumps all American rights…even the right to privacy! Texans put family first in all circumstances. To me, Americans should work together for a common good and protect each other, while understanding even family has differences. Instead, in my opinion, America has moved away from considering ourselves one big family. For example, other nations fight us and pose threats, but we fight amongst ourselves which is an even greater threat. I think to call yourself an American, you must demonstrate nothing but love and respect for your fellow Americans.
- Texans have one volume…LOUD
If it were possible, I would write a letter to Thomas Jefferson thanking him for granting us the freedom of speech. In Texas, if we have an opinion, we say it loud so everyone hears! I think it’s safe to say this “Texas Thing” is an “American Thing”. When something is on debate, state or nationwide, you can count on Americans to express their opinions. Respectfully, I think Americans are slowly degrading the American Dream by abusing their freedoms. I don’t think outside nations see that “fresh start” in America anymore, because Americans excuse hateful actions or behaviors by claiming them as freedoms.
- High schools could easily be mistaken for a community college
My high school graduating class was close to 800 kids. At graduation, I was shocked at the amount of people I didn’t know. But on Friday nights in Texas, students around the state are seen hugging each other when their football team scores. This really points out how populated America is becoming and even with its diversity and impossibility to know everyone closely, we are capable of being united when necessary.
- Everyday is the 4th of July
Right when you walk into a Texan’s house, you are met with three colors: red, white and blue. The saying “God Bless Texas” is an understatement for the pride Texans have for America. The state flag boldly uses these three colors and includes one star. I think the most important part of being an American is the pride each citizen shows. Whether it’s by the flags we wave or the decorations in our house, we Americans have a piece of our heart for America. For Texans, its half our heart; because without America, Texas wouldn’t be Texas.