August 2020

My name is Ian. I come from Minnesota, and I’m here to major in entrepreneurship. I’m good at articulating my thoughts through writing, but I hope to get better yet specifically by adding more words to my vocabulary.

I’d like for my peer group to point out inconsistencies, weaknesses in statements or points, and organizational issues. Of course, I’d also appreciate grammar correction but usually, I’ll be the first to catch myself making mistakes of that variety.

I’m not sure which Hogwarts house I’d be placed in. I’ve never really been interested in Harry Potter, though I have seen a few of the movies.

I prefer to be emailed at imberger@go.olemiss.edu

YES, I am choosing option 2 of the A-grade.

Reading Journal

 

Title of Article + Proper MLA Citation for Works Cited page	Brandt, Deborah. The Sponsors of Literacy. National Research Center on English Learning & Achievement, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1997.
Summarize the article — include your reaction, thoughts, anything to help you remember its claims. 100 to 150 words	The Sponsors of Literacy by Deborah Brandt names, defines, and examines the various factors that affect literacy levels of adults in America. “Literary Sponsors” are what Brandt defines as the means by which a person is taught to read and write. Through interviews that provide detailed recollections of different individuals’ literary learning experiences in America, Brandt breaks down the differences between the literary potentials of people raised with different privileges. What’s confirmed through Brandt’s work is that, in many cases, race and affluence both have strong influences on one’s access to literary sponsorships, and in the long run cause vast differences in career potential.
Define new terms and concepts by quoting or paraphrasing the original author.	Literary Sponsorship (noun) – The means by which a person is taught to read and write Vicissitude (noun) – A change in circumstances or fortune, typically a change for the worse Latent (adj) – Existing but not yet developed or revealed Subvert (verb) – To undermine the authority and power of a system or institution
How does this reading connect to other articles from class and/or your own research?	I found that Brandt’s text relates to that of Elbow. In what we read of Elbow’s work, he briefly touched on how differences in race, socioeconomic status, residential area, and educational system result in different levels of literacy. Brandt’s essay takes this further into detail, examining individuals and their unique stories and factors.
Based on the reading, craft one question to act as a springboard for class discussion.	What literary sponsorships have you, or haven’t you been granted in learning literacy?

 

One piece of advice in which I found value was to not be intimidated. I strongly believe that confidence is essential to success. I also believe that relaxation and stresslessness are key to confidence. It’s not easy to be confident while intimidated, because typical side effects of intimidation include stress and unease. Therefore a surefire way to increase your chance of success must be to exempt yourself from intimidation and remain relaxed as you take on this new challenge that is college.

The second piece of advice that hit home for me was to try new things. Putting yourself “out there” and maintaining an open mind are both important prerequisites to making connections. College is all about connections, whether they be social, educational, occupational, or anything else. I think that without hunger for new experiences, you’ll starve yourself of a majority of the fun that a university has to offer.

I am most excited about all of the new people that I’ll meet at Ole Miss. College is a network of skillsets to be taken advantage of. I’m excited to make life-long connections, meeting people who I can learn with, work with, and build with.

Given the opportunity to mentor a freshman in high school, one thing that I would heavily stress is to separate constructive criticism from trash talk. Many people have heard the phrase “hater’s gonna hate” but not many actually apply it to their perspective of life. I believe that it’s very important to learn when to write people off because this skill can save you a lot of stress especially through high school. In this world, there are people who want to help you, and people who want to tear you down. Be aware of yourself and of others. Take advantage of those who want to help you, and keep your distance from those who don’t.

 

Title of Article + Proper MLA Citation for Works Cited page	Elbow, Peter. “Inviting the Mother Tongue: Beyond ‘Mistakes,” ‘Bad English,” and ‘Wrong Language.’” JAC Online Journal, www.jaconlinejournal.com/archives/vol19.3/elbow-inviting.pdf.
Summarize the article — include your reaction, thoughts, anything to help you remember its claims. 100 to 150 words	In “Inviting the Mother Tongue: Beyond ‘Mistakes,” ‘Bad English,” and ‘Wrong Language’” Peter Elbow describes the ideal environment for his college writing class. He writes about his desire to create a space in which students feel comfortable and powerful using their natural dialect, learning standard written English not as the ‘correct’ way to write, but as a necessary alternative. Initially, this concept drew me deep into the essay. Previously I had been taught (as Elbow describes) to believe that any form of English other than SWE is inferior, and generally not to be used or accepted. I agree with Elbow’s idea that just because a work is written in a nonmainstream dialect does not mean it has any less potential or power. Historically, there have been revered writers who wrote in their mother tongue, many of whom being a treat to read given that they provide the world of literature with something unique.
Define new terms and concepts by quoting or paraphrasing the original author.	Pragmatic (adj) – Dealing with things in a sensible way, based on practicality, not theory Perverse (adj) – Showing desire to ‘go against the grain’ despite consequences Acquiescence (noun) – The reluctant acceptance of something, without protest Colloquialism (noun) – Slang/ a word or phrase that is not accepted as formally literary
How does this reading connect to other articles from class and/or your own research?	n/a
Based on the reading, craft one question to act as a springboard for class discussion.	Have you ever experienced the described lingual oppression; or in other words, have you been told that your English is wrong when in fact it has the potential to be just as effective?