Dear Students,
For your second paragraph assignment, you will be interviewing (and be interviewed by) another student in the class.
Please write a paragraph about that student. Make sure that you capture
something -- not everything -- important about your colleague. Don't try
to say everything. Narrow the focus to one critical quality.
That focus will allow you to provide the kind of evidence and detail that makes the paragraph real and engaging.
For example, let's say the student is on the golf team. Surely, the
student experienced one moment that ensured that he or she would be a
golfer forever. Describe the student's interest, but make it real to the reader.
Capture that moment.
Post the paragraph here as a comment to this assignment by T/1/19 at 5 PM. Bring a hard copy to class on W/1/20.
Savon Banks-
ReplyDeleteThe person that I interviewed today was filled with so many heart-filled answers. There was, however one response that stood out to me the most. I asked him has sports helped him in any way,shape or form and he told me: "it has helped me to become a better human being because being part of a team has helped me to learn that in order to have success, you cannot be focused on ones self or personal gains. In fact , you have to be willing to give other people top priority." I loved this comment the most because he could have said the typical response which is it helped me prepare for the real world but, instead he said that he learned to put himself on the back burner.
Though Cameron studies finance, he is also interested in film – a hobby which began from a young age, in watching Star Wars. This interest expanded over the years, as he came to enjoy photography and other media within the field. Cinematic productions stayed at the forefront though, largely because of the various components involved, each art forms in of themselves. As he explained, when dialogue and visuals come together, it’s magical – something that can’t quite be put into words, but explained in his expression – a mixture of admiration and fulfillment. As he grew up, Cameron began making films of his own, maintaining his vision while drawing inspiration from his favorite directors. This added a new dimension to his interest, and though his YouTube channel was shut down years ago (or so he told me), he still enjoys viewing films and exploring the field in his free time.
ReplyDeleteWeiwei has been all over the place. Originally she is from China, but her and her family moved to the United States when she was about 12 or 13 because her father received a new job opportunity. She loves the weather in California and the food even more. Before coming to Ohio Wesleyan, she used to play piano but is not able to continue here at school, instead she spends most of her free time hanging out with her friends and sorority sisters. When asked about why she decided to move from warm, sunny California to cold, cloudy Ohio, she simply said, “I liked the idea of a small liberal arts school in a college town.” Currently Weiwei is a junior majoring in International studies and politics simply because she “loves to learn about the world.” Last semester she spent her time in Geneva, Switzerland, interning at the International Telecommunication Union. While in Geneva she loved to go for hikes to get a better view of the beautiful lakes Switzerland has to offer, she also visited 15 other countries while abroad. After she graduates, Weiwei plans on becoming a diplomat. With her love for the world she would make a great one.
ReplyDeleteHis real name is John but everyone calls him Jack. He has a real passion for Soccer, he plays for OWU. I asked Jack why soccer what makes him want to play and how would this help you in the real world in the future? He responded by saying he loves the game of soccer because of the “chills you get and the excitement.” He also said he loves soccer because it’s worldwide and many different coulters take part in this game. He wants to do business so learning about other cultures is very important. He also said soccer helped improved his leadership skills that will stay with him the rest of his life.
ReplyDeleteThere are many people in this world looking to make a career out of a passion and for Alex that is to be a veterinarian. For a while now, actually since she was a kid, Alex has always wanted to be a veterinarian. She wants to help animals feel better and be healthy. Alex told me, if there was one reason she wanted to do it was because animals don’t have a voice. Animals can’t tell you what hurts or what is wrong, so a veterinarian has to be their voice, and that’s exactly who Alex wants to be. Many current and former veterinarians have been compelled to do the line of work because of something that happened to them personally, and Alex is no different. When Alex was younger, her grandparents owned a cow and it was very sick. In hopes of the cow getting better, their family took the cow to a veterinarian. Alex recounted the experience saying, “Everyone there was so nice and very friendly. They did everything in their power to save our family cow, and they did just that!” Alex described the idea of being a veterinarian as much like solving a puzzle; being unable to communicate with the animal but finding a way to help the animal is something she finds very important to do and a career she is already invested on doing.
ReplyDeleteHailey’s various hobbies and activities are a true reflection on her innate preference to have the responsibility in whatever the situation may be. Her distinct quality is her desire to take it upon herself to control the outcome. Various examples demonstrate this behavior in her everyday life. Firstly, she is the oldest of three siblings and has had a large role in raising her siblings. She also has worked as a camp counselor for seven years. This phenomenon of working with kids is because she likes taking the responsibility of teaching them and guiding them through life. Secondly, this behavior translates into her activities as well. For example, she thoroughly enjoys to play golf. This is because there are no real external factors that directly impact her performance. Her passion for golf is large because only she can truly control the outcome of her game. Lastly, her field of studies is shaped by her preference to have the responsibility of her outcome. She decided to become an accounting major. This is largely because it is a rather rigid, rule-based subject, and she can rely on her own work to succeed in this field of studies, rather than worrying about external factors that could potentially damage her work. In conclusion, Hailey has this natural desire to take the responsibility upon herself to control the outcome, and this is demonstrated through her role in her family, activities, and field of studies.
ReplyDeleteAs Phub expressed many defining characteristics the one that that stood out the most is his interest in poetry. Phub liked the idea that poetry can transform ordinary things into nature’s most beautiful form. Reading poetry helps him remember all the beautiful experiences he has cherished; it also helps him to remember things he would’ve forgotten. The reason why Phub became fascinated with poetry is because he felt that the poet made him a better person, a deeper thinker. The first poem that sparked his interest was “the Mountain and the Squirrel” by Ralph Emerson. Phub said, “a good poem makes you sit up straight because you need to be that way to understand it.”
ReplyDeleteTraveling eleven hours away from home to study abroad may very well be one of the hardest, yet easiest decisions Philippos Alevizopoulos has made. His desire to seek new experiences made the decision easier; however, this choice meant leaving behind his family. His most prominent characteristic is his ability to recognize the importance of his family because of the sacrifices they make for him. He appreciates the lack of pressure and the trust that his family bestows upon him. Philippos describes defying the cultural phenomenon of Greece, which includes children staying close to home. Instead of conforming to society, Philippos’s family permits him to study abroad, and they seem to encourage his aspirations to explore the world. He wishes to travel in order to explore other cultures and seek better opportunities because he lived in the inner city. He states that the most important thing to his family is his happiness. When he communicates with his family, “they never ask about academics” rather want to ensure that he feels happy and comfortable. Philippos remains humbled by the opportunities and love his family provides for him.
ReplyDeleteDuring Monday’s class I had the luck to interview Mollie Marshall. When asking her what she considers as her great passion, she replied with no hesitation. For Mollie dancing is her biggest inspiration. Mollie started dancing at an age too young to probably remember, so dancing has been a part of her whole life. After trying many different styles, she separated ballet as the one she loves the most. While I was totally ignorant of this dancing style, while I never knew someone with such an interest, I had the opportunity to learn many new things about it. Using her own words, “Dance can impact everyone. It is artistic, therapeutic and can build character.”
ReplyDeleteIn today’s society so many people are glued to their electronics, but not Matt. Ever since he was little, he always wanted to be active and outside enjoying the fresh air. Any opportunity that arose to play a sport or just to go on adventures, Matt took advantage of. He would even prefer to play a sport he is not good at, rather than sit inside and do nothing. When he was younger his parents would have the summers off from work. Everyday his parents would take him outside and on a new adventure. It comes as no surprise to me that Matt “grew accustomed to being active and playing outside, rather than sitting inside watching T.V. on a beautiful day.”
ReplyDeleteSteven is an avid golfer. He uses golf to relax himself, give himself a break, and for enjoyment. Golf gives him certain characteristics, such as patience. The game makes him appreciate the course and the amount of work people put into working on a course. He also appreciates the natural aspects of the course. He respects the manner in which water and land complement one another. Golf is also different from most sports, and does not have as much pressure. The game gives him a chance to compete in a sport and not be as wound up as one is playing other sports.
ReplyDeleteModesty as a virtue is redundant in it’s nature. As a philosophy, it comes under Nietzsche’s law that a philosopher must practice it profusely. By this reason, Sebastien, my classmate and partner for this paragraph, is a practicing philosopher. In our interviews, he delivered his answers with a level of maturity that only comes from having practiced and thought of the subject, for years. He describes his greatest characteristic as his reaction to hard work. The answer itself has been in generic use for so long that it falls just short of being a cliché. But his explanations and his reasons for being that way leaves little to doubt that he is indeed genuine. In middle school, Sebastien was not the best soccer player in his team – he repeated at least three times in our interview that he failed to even make the A-team for his school then. But rather than succumb to defeat, he says, he worked to improve on his passion and by the time high school came around, he was one of the few students to make varsity. As a soccer fan, I have always supported Liverpool FC whose most famous game in recent history includes coming back from being 3-0 down against AC Milan (at the time the best team in the world) to win the Champions League, Europe’s highest honor. So it stuck with me that when I asked Sebastien for a quote he said you must “never give up on a game...” and remember “how badly you want what you want”. Around this time, we started going off on tangents about soccer in the US and at OWU, especially. But Sebastien’s focus on the subject brought us back to the conversation. He resigns saying that he never was the most “naturally talented” kid, but this resignation is not followed by the usual air of submission; instead, it becomes very clear that Sebastien is inspired by it. He warns that talent can sometimes make a person complacent but that hard work, by the nature of its hard labor, always keeps one on his toes. And by that same hard labor, he says, the greatest happiness is when one is rewarded for hard work.
ReplyDeleteKelsey love playing lacrosse she been playing for five years her first year was her freshman year of high school. Kelsey genuinely like the competition she feel it brings out the best out of her and other people around her without lacrosse Kelsey feel woeful from the inside out. Lacrosse avail Kelsey in many ways availed her leadership skills, boosted aplomb,also lacrosse showed Kelsey how to set life goals or goals in general. For a example freshman year for Kelsey she authentically dent do much. Kelsey set a goal to be on the starting team before you knew it Kelsey was captain of the varsity lacrosse team by her junior year.
ReplyDeleteLamarDumas.
Working at a golf course is something Tom Ryan really enjoys to do. “Working at a golf course is a different experience than any job I have ever held before,” Tom Said. He said he had worked at many different jobs and that a golf course is where he can enjoy the outdoor and working on a beautiful piece of land. Making the course look beautiful is something Tom really likes to do because a well maintained golf is one of the coolest sights to look at. Being able to work outside is something that not many people get to do, but Tom has the privilege to do so. Even being able to sit and watch golfers play is entertaining to him, and he sometimes wishes he could be playing instead of sitting back and watching people play on the grass he had just mowed hours before people began to play.
ReplyDeleteFor many football is just a sport for fun, but for Payton, it is not just a game, football is a way of life. Payton sees football as a way to be prepared for the rest of his life, from the dedication it brings on and off the field, to the life lessons it will teach long after football is over. Football is a brotherhood and when Payton steps on the field nothing else matters but that one play and that one moment. When he’s in that zone and feels like the best out there, like “Michael Jordan playing for the Bulls.” But it’s not just over when the season or the career ends, because football has also created long-lasting friendships that will last forever, even when that final whistle blows at the end of the fourth quarter, he knows that he will see his brother and his best friends that will be by his side the rest of his life. The game in itself is not only what Payton is interested in, it is also what the game of football brings to him and what it brings to the rest of his life.
ReplyDeleteAlthough she chose to earn a college education in small-town Delaware, Ohio, Hawa’s heart belongs somewhere 4,000 miles away in France. Growing up with four brothers, Hawa always had a family. But at some points, it did not feel like she had a home. As her parents busied their lives as physicians in Nigeria, they did not have time to spend with their children. Thus, her only caretakers were nannies and the adults in her boarding schools. Although she does not resent her parents for not being at home more often, she still cherishes the time they spend together. Whenever Hawa and her parents have time off, they travel as a family. Of the many countries she has visited, including South Korea, Rome and Greece, she particularly fell in love with France. Although Hawa was put off by her lack of knowledge of the French culture, she was immediately drawn to the small villages and towns of France and ignored the typical tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. “I like the lights of the city,” she says, “but I love the people and culture of the small towns more.” She hopes to one day follow her heart 4,000 miles away to France and call it home.
ReplyDeleteBesides being a way for rowdy bar goers to have a reason to party, it appears that in some people's lives, sports plays a bigger purpose. After carefully listening to a story that will warm your heart and crush it at the same time, I discovered that the rough and bruising sport of football has helped one young man be a bigger and stronger person. having a rough family life, he finds his football team mates as a second family. “You're only as strong as your weakest link, but if you can strengthen that link than it brings you closer as a family.” He continued to explain to me how college football brings people from all over the world to come together and play as one team and as one family. He talked about how he views himself as a leader, but unlike other leaders he prefers to lead through action. I asked him, “Do you believe that you were the captain of your team?” he replied with a quote I will never forget. “You don't need to be the captain, to lead.”
ReplyDeleteNot many people get the opportunity to get to see the sites of the world, but for Soraya Dehkordi she is fortunate enough to experience the different variety of cultures. She has traveled to countries like Italy, France, Germany, Iran, Turkey, England, Norway, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Saudi Arabia. Soraya has traveled to more countries, than she has in the U.S. Traveling has always been second nature to her, because of her Dad who has inspired her love for traveling. Her love for traveling is due to observing all the different environments, and cultures she gets to attain by visiting a variety of countries. “Every place she goes she feels when she leaves she takes a piece with her” Two countries that stood out to her the most were Germany, and Iran. She was mesmerized by Germany for their architecture, culture, and language. Which she ended up getting certified for their language, by the German embassy. She fell in love with Iran because she was born there, and is apart of who she is.
ReplyDeleteWhen I asked Ross what he was passionate about, without hesitation he responded “football”. To Ross football isn’t just a game, its something that has taught him so much. The game of football has taught him so many like skills that he uses in everyday life. Because of the ever changing dynamics on the football field, it has taught Ross how to be adaptable. Along with the skill of adaptability, football has taught him leadership qualities. He has been playing since he was six years old so football is just a way of life for him. He says that without the sport of football he would be lost and could not even begin to think about how his life would be if he had never played.
ReplyDeleteAlthough deemed as slightly timid and little bit shy by me as his first impression, Rafer is a very interesting character, and he’s really interested in animals. Rafer’s favorite past time is to go to museums of natural science. Because Rafer is a Chicago native, so I asked him about things to do in Chicago during our small interview in class. Without hesitation, Rafer strongly recommended Fields Museum of Natural Science. His eyes brighten as he was speaking about the archeology collection that they have, especially the Tyrannosaurus rex fossil. According to Rafer, that dinosaur fossil is one of the largest collections in the world. Due to his interest in animals, Rafer is an aspiring zoology major here at OWU. His favorite animal is penguin, but have no apparently reason for liking it. You would think that he likes cold weather because of the fact that penguins live in extreme colds, but he later reveals that he does not enjoy cold weathers at all. With that in mind, Rafer’s dream place to be is Australia. Australia is best known for its wide range of wild lives, and warm weathers, thus it is not hard to understand why it is Rafer’s dream country. Though not knowing what to do in the future yet, but with his firm passion in animals, I believe that Rafer can become a successful zoologist in the future.
ReplyDeleteFor some, helping others is an aspiration, but for Margaret Rae it is what she does on a regular basis. In her day to day life, she has been responsible for co-raising her three younger siblings, especially her youngest brother Hugh. Growing up, she helped her family by babysitting her younger brothers, changing their diapers, and putting them down for naps. This was not always an ideal responsibility for her. At times she felt discouraged, especially when they would cry before they fell asleep for their naps. She says, “I came to the realization that helping others and working with children was my calling when I took my youngest brother to a play at his school over winter break. Throughout the duration of the play he would accidentally call me mom”. She continued by saying,” He kind of looks up to me as a second mom”. She feels a special bond with Hugh because they both share the same humor and because he looks up to her as mother figure. She reciprocates this emotion by feeling responsible for him as if he were her own child. Margaret lives to help others and is drawn to the idea of being someone’s role model. That is why she feels a responsibility to help others and be a guiding and supportive force in their lives. Not to mention, she finds it to be an extremely satisfying and fulfilling lifestyle. Margaret strives to one day become a social worker and through that occupation pursue her passion of helping others specifically younger children.
ReplyDeleteAustin Strauss
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to sports, Austin Strauss is a jack of all traits. His ability to be proficient in multiple sports requires incredible mental strength, athleticism, as well as a longing for competition. No sport however, has brought him as much enjoyment as javelin throwing. Upon further questioning, Austin said “to me, javelin throwing is the most challenging sport I have ever played. It destroys your body, and in order to keep going you need to have the right mindset.” To those people who are not familiar with the sport, javelin throwing is one of the ancient traditions performed in the very first Olympics. The athletes are required to run a certain distance, and then throw the javelin across a field as far a they possibly can. Austin sums it up in one very short yet concise sentence: “It’s a complicated version of throwing a pointy stick.” For Austin, however, it wasn’t just about the sport. It was the kind of people that gravitated toward it, all of witch portrayed the traits of not only exemplary athletes, but people in general. He had joined the team his freshmen year of high school, and immediately found himself amongst friends, one of which was the head coach himself. These people became roll models for Austin in multiple aspects of his life, and he will always cherish the moments he spent with them. However, he will always remember the day he achieved his most impressive athletic feat. On the day of one of his last javelin events, Austin’s grandmother came to watch him throw for the first time. His grandfather who had recently passed away, never got the chance to see him perform. Austin recalls feeling more nervous then usual, and was surprised by his grandmother who came to reassure him that everything would be just fine. She walked up too him, and told him he just needed to breath, calm down, and relax. Austin threw his javelin 165’8 feet that day, a persona best. When he told me about this moment, I could see it in his expressions, how important this experience truly was to him. And although many athletes can relate to that one specific moment, I doubt anyone but a javelin thrower could truly understand.
Thomas Oggier is a unique young man. I had the honor of interviewing him to learn about his interests and talents. In particular, I learned of his love of music. Thomas took matters into his own hands at the young age of 5 and a half. He had heard one of his dear friends playing the piano. At this moment, he saw an opportunity to learn how to play the instrument himself. Thomas had and continues to have a hard time illustrating emotions and he feels as if "you can express your emotions without writing it down". This is one of his favorite reasons why he started to learn how to play. Not only could he read music and play it, but he composed some pieces of his own. A memory that changed his perspective on his ability was when he performed his own piece to his aunt who was a professional musician. The music was so moving and beautiful that she began to cry. Thomas is a very talented musician and may choose to perform once again in his later years.
ReplyDeleteMilany Duarte is not your average Zoology major here at Ohio Wesleyan University. She was born and raised on a small farm in Cape Veree, a town off the West coast of Africa, for ten years before her family settled in Connecticut, due to financial and educational reasons. While she explains her story to me she told me that, “I am never really happy where I am…I am always wanting to be somewhere else.” Although Milany misses her home dearly, she knows that the move was for her to be raised in an environment in which her family does not have to struggle to send Milany to school. Currently, she is a proud member of the Young Life Club, a group that reaches out to adolescents in Delaware County to discuss the matters of faith in a non-threatening environment. Growing up surrounded by animals on her family’s self-sufficient farm inspired her to become a Zoologist in hopes that her love of animals will someday lead her back to Africa, more specifically Cape Town, South Africa, to help with the balance of societal and practical aspects.
ReplyDeleteBlog #2
ReplyDeleteThe name Cindy is often defined as a brilliant affectionate individual who helps everyone they come in contact with and are usually known for their impressive science talents. This urban definition of Cindy is the perfect representation of the individual I interviewed; she embodies the spirit of a magnanimous person. Conventional wisdom has it that we all live to serve and by helping others we fulfill our destiny, this is the motto of Cindy as she aims to help the future leaders of the world by becoming a pediatric doctor. She chose to become a doctor for many reasons that societies and others scholars would applaud, but the one that stood out from the crowds of reasons was that she believes that there can be no stronger exposure of a civilization's humanity than the system in which it treats its children. Cindy’s thirst to accomplish her goals can only be quenched from multiple hours in a lab as she discovers solutions to the scientific problem that was once foreign to her. “I get a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and I feel a sense of purpose, a gush of energy every time I solve a problem because I feel a step closer to going to medical school.” Cindy’s burning passion is kept alive because she believes that changing the life of another person is an incredible feeling, and it is completely within her grasp.
Having done track for 6 years, Tommy Davis loves the part of track that he can do it without the pressure of competition. While explaining how track is the fight against oneself, he mentioned, “Track is the purest form of competition.” The person he runs with, when the only thing that matters is time, is not anybody else but himself. One of the fascinating things about track is, according to him, that it pushes him to limits. Once he breaks his own record that he previously made, he gains the proud of accomplishment. That accomplishment then spurs him to embark on another voyage of effort to a better record. Even on those days when he is sick and needs rest, he tries his best to make the best result possible. By doing track, he seemed to be practicing the virtue to seize the day.
ReplyDeleteIn interviewing my fellow student Sean Yang, I felt as if it were somewhat easier because we both share the same heritage. She was born in South Korea just as I was. She explained to me that her favorite thing to do is listen to a genre of music known as Korean Pop, or K-Pop for short. She went into great detail about her love for K-Pop including artists such as Dope and Exo. Sean explained in great detail that she enjoys singing it, as it gives her joy and pleasure. The emotion she showed in explaining her love for music felt genuine. Furthermore, Sean went into great detail about the emotional connection she shares with music. “It catalyzes bigger emotions.” It is very clear to me that Sean is passionate about music and is not scared to admit it.
ReplyDeleteHaley Antonucci
ReplyDeleteEnglish 105
Paragraph #2
Tradition is Key
Tradition can be defined as, “the transmissions of customs or beliefs from generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.” Many people cling to tradition as it sometimes helps ease tensions by providing an answer to the question, “what’s next?” Ethan, a classmate in English 105 has taken tradition and used it as a guiding principle in his own life. From the time Ethan was younger, he can remember sticking to a specific daily routine, and being bothered by the idea of change. Tradition has helped Ethan through out many aspects of his life, from picking a college both of his parents attended to his morning schedule. It was no surprise that Ethan continued his soccer career here at OWU, as the team values pride and tradition; it was a perfect fit. “I love being able to stick to plan, because it helps me stayed organized and I always feel like I have my life together,” said Ethan. Ethan feels glad to have had the comfort of tradition when making decisions and leading a successful life. I am sure that as his life continues, he will not only be able to make new traditions, but Ethan will find success in the comfort of habits.
Tom Ryan
ReplyDeleteProfessor Burns
English 105
January 21, 2016
Members of country clubs are often portrayed in a certain manner. People see members of country clubs as snobby, lazy, and selfish people. Some see country clubs as places for people to flaunt their wealth, and not care about anything or anyone else. Some members can fit this stereotype, and this can anger people in country clubs, and those who hate country clubs and the members. However, some people in country clubs work extremely hard in order for his or her family to join one. A country club can provide services for people, such as golf, swimming, tennis, and a workout facility. A country club can also help a person with his or her social life. It also gives children a place to make friends outside of school. The truth is, a country club can make a family very happy and is a rewarding feeling for the parents to be able to join.
Jordana is probably one of the most dedicated art majors at Ohio Wesleyan. In addition to three other art-based majors, her favorite medium is printmaking. Printmaking is one of the lesser-known artistic mediums and Jordana seems to really enjoy this. Printmaking is a very finite and careful medium, that being said, it requires a lot of skill. But the difficulty of four majors and the difficulty of the art doesn’t seem to bother Jordana at all, she remains beyond charismatic about her artistic and academics. Jordana is a senior and already has employment offers in her desired field. Jordana is very technically skilled and applies her strong passion for art to her work. Her work will be available to see at the senior showcase towards the end of the semester.
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