Monday, November 23, 2009
Argument Topic
I've decided to write about the death penalty in the United States. It is not so much an argument on whether the penalty is right or wrong (although will clearly be shown in the paper that I am pro-death penalty), it is about the importance of understanding the morality of the act of murder itself, and how keeping a murderer behind bars "for life" does not necessarily mean they will stay there.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Review Draft
For some high school students, choosing their future college is the most crucial choice of their young lives. More importantly, understanding what these possible colleges have in store for them in relevance to their major can alter their decision in the long run. Choosing to attend University of Central Florida for the Conservatory Theatre Department is one of the smartest decisions a student wishing to pursue theatre can make. UCF’s theatre department includes undergraduate degree programs, as well as graduate degree programs. It has put on fabulous productions for years that have inspired and awed audiences that attend them. The students and professors all agree that the department’s goal is to provide the training necessary for anyone who participates in theatre at UCF, and for them to learn and grow as performers or designers in preparation for the world after college.
There are many opportunities in the conservatory theatre department, which includes the large amount of undergraduate degree programs. The Bachelor of Fine Arts major is an intensive program that requires an audition and interview for anyone interested in it. A student can major in BFA Acting, which according to theatre.ucf.edu is “Designed to prepare students for careers in professional theatre, the BFA Acting Training Program is a 129 hour degree program offering a sequence of courses in acting, movement, voice, and acting for tv/film”. BFA Musical Theatre is “Designed to prepare students for careers in professional musical theatre, the BFA Musical Theatre Performance training program is a 129 hour degree program offering a sequence of courses in acting, movement, voice, dance, music theory, and piano”. A BFA in Stage Management is “Designed to prepare students for a career in professional theatre as a stage manager, the BFA Stage Management Training Program is a 129 hour degree program”. And finally, BFA Design/Technology is “The BFA Technical Theatre/Design program is a 129 hour degree program in theatre technology, design, and visual Arts”. There is always a professional environment created for these students, and intensive classroom work is taken very seriously. An undergraduate can also obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies which is “The Bachelor of Arts Degree Theatre Studies is designed to offer an excellent foundation in theatre while providing greater flexibility and opportunity for interdisciplinary study.” This is known to be an easier path than the BFA program, and is more for students who would like to pursue a career including theatre and another minor. A student can also minor in dance or theatre.
Not only are undergraduate degree programs available at UCF for theatre, but graduate degree programs, as well. Just like the BFA program, the Master of Fine Arts include acting, musical theatre and design, however, it at also includes the major “theatre for young audiences”. This is for those interested in teaching or performing in theatre that is geared towards children. And just like BA’s for undergraduates, there are MA’s for graduate students. The Master of Arts is in theatre studies. The department website states that “The MFA degree program in Theatre at UCF is a highly selective, rigorous, three-year professional training program emphasizing both theatre theory and practice. The MFA at UCF is designed for students who demonstrate the artistic and intellectual capacity and evidence of professional promise to pursue careers in professional and academic theatre.” Clearly, the programs are taken very seriously at UCF, and it is very important that student leaves with a great understanding of professional theatre.
Along with great programs for these college students, there are also great productions that they can be a part of. I happen to know that a great amount of patrons have been coming to watch UCF shows for years and years. They buy season tickets every year, and are what the department depends on for most of their profit. I have gained a different insight than most people on productions here, because I have been able to witness the rehearsal process, as well as watch and observe the shows when they finally open. I have seen the amount of work and dedication required to be in a production, whether it is a main stage show or a black box theatre show. It includes long hours of rehearsal, and one-on-one work with the directors and designers for the show. The productions offer a perfect indication of what theatre is like professionally, and really set the students up for that stage in life. There are always great reviews about the shows at UCF which include musicals, plays, one-acts, and dance concerts. The students in the shows are the best of the best, and the auditions are open to any student, theatre major or not. The audience is always mixed with patrons, UCF students, and families of the students in the shows.
It is important to understand UCF’s theatre department from a different aspect: the students in the programs. I, myself, am a Bachelor of Arts major, and could not be happier making the decision to be a part of the program. Not only am I learning more than I have ever learned before this, but am having the time of my life working with great professors and other students. “I’ve learned the importance of working hard and dedication to growth and improvement, as well as the cooperating with others and using the resources provided to aid in that growth. Good work ethic and attitude will take you much further than talent alone,” says freshman BFA Musical Theatre major, Damian Barra. About the department as a whole, sophomore BFA Acting student, Casey Golin, says that “I think the theatre is a wonderful facility to help you to further your growth as an actor in a family environment”. It is obvious that these students feel comfortable in exploring their talent here at UCF, and feel that growing and learning is what is not only important, but what they are receiving out of participating in this program.
Anyone that may be interested in playing a part in UCF’s Conservatory Theatre Department should now know what it has to offer. From undergraduate to graduate degree programs, to dependably wonderful productions, to satisfied students within the facility, the department is nothing but a solid rock for those to build upon until ready to go out to real world. When choosing to come to UCF for theatre back in high school, I wasn’t sure if I made the right decision for my future. Experiencing the great outcome of that decision has left with me absolutely no regret, and in the little time that I’ve been here I couldn’t be happier with what I have gained so far. I urge anyone in that position to do the same.
There are many opportunities in the conservatory theatre department, which includes the large amount of undergraduate degree programs. The Bachelor of Fine Arts major is an intensive program that requires an audition and interview for anyone interested in it. A student can major in BFA Acting, which according to theatre.ucf.edu is “Designed to prepare students for careers in professional theatre, the BFA Acting Training Program is a 129 hour degree program offering a sequence of courses in acting, movement, voice, and acting for tv/film”. BFA Musical Theatre is “Designed to prepare students for careers in professional musical theatre, the BFA Musical Theatre Performance training program is a 129 hour degree program offering a sequence of courses in acting, movement, voice, dance, music theory, and piano”. A BFA in Stage Management is “Designed to prepare students for a career in professional theatre as a stage manager, the BFA Stage Management Training Program is a 129 hour degree program”. And finally, BFA Design/Technology is “The BFA Technical Theatre/Design program is a 129 hour degree program in theatre technology, design, and visual Arts”. There is always a professional environment created for these students, and intensive classroom work is taken very seriously. An undergraduate can also obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies which is “The Bachelor of Arts Degree Theatre Studies is designed to offer an excellent foundation in theatre while providing greater flexibility and opportunity for interdisciplinary study.” This is known to be an easier path than the BFA program, and is more for students who would like to pursue a career including theatre and another minor. A student can also minor in dance or theatre.
Not only are undergraduate degree programs available at UCF for theatre, but graduate degree programs, as well. Just like the BFA program, the Master of Fine Arts include acting, musical theatre and design, however, it at also includes the major “theatre for young audiences”. This is for those interested in teaching or performing in theatre that is geared towards children. And just like BA’s for undergraduates, there are MA’s for graduate students. The Master of Arts is in theatre studies. The department website states that “The MFA degree program in Theatre at UCF is a highly selective, rigorous, three-year professional training program emphasizing both theatre theory and practice. The MFA at UCF is designed for students who demonstrate the artistic and intellectual capacity and evidence of professional promise to pursue careers in professional and academic theatre.” Clearly, the programs are taken very seriously at UCF, and it is very important that student leaves with a great understanding of professional theatre.
Along with great programs for these college students, there are also great productions that they can be a part of. I happen to know that a great amount of patrons have been coming to watch UCF shows for years and years. They buy season tickets every year, and are what the department depends on for most of their profit. I have gained a different insight than most people on productions here, because I have been able to witness the rehearsal process, as well as watch and observe the shows when they finally open. I have seen the amount of work and dedication required to be in a production, whether it is a main stage show or a black box theatre show. It includes long hours of rehearsal, and one-on-one work with the directors and designers for the show. The productions offer a perfect indication of what theatre is like professionally, and really set the students up for that stage in life. There are always great reviews about the shows at UCF which include musicals, plays, one-acts, and dance concerts. The students in the shows are the best of the best, and the auditions are open to any student, theatre major or not. The audience is always mixed with patrons, UCF students, and families of the students in the shows.
It is important to understand UCF’s theatre department from a different aspect: the students in the programs. I, myself, am a Bachelor of Arts major, and could not be happier making the decision to be a part of the program. Not only am I learning more than I have ever learned before this, but am having the time of my life working with great professors and other students. “I’ve learned the importance of working hard and dedication to growth and improvement, as well as the cooperating with others and using the resources provided to aid in that growth. Good work ethic and attitude will take you much further than talent alone,” says freshman BFA Musical Theatre major, Damian Barra. About the department as a whole, sophomore BFA Acting student, Casey Golin, says that “I think the theatre is a wonderful facility to help you to further your growth as an actor in a family environment”. It is obvious that these students feel comfortable in exploring their talent here at UCF, and feel that growing and learning is what is not only important, but what they are receiving out of participating in this program.
Anyone that may be interested in playing a part in UCF’s Conservatory Theatre Department should now know what it has to offer. From undergraduate to graduate degree programs, to dependably wonderful productions, to satisfied students within the facility, the department is nothing but a solid rock for those to build upon until ready to go out to real world. When choosing to come to UCF for theatre back in high school, I wasn’t sure if I made the right decision for my future. Experiencing the great outcome of that decision has left with me absolutely no regret, and in the little time that I’ve been here I couldn’t be happier with what I have gained so far. I urge anyone in that position to do the same.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Template C - Outline
1. I will explain what opportunities there are for those involved with the theatre department. The information is credible because it is based on facts that explain each degree program, major or minor.
2. The thesis will include the elements of the paper and the importance of understanding the theatre department's values.
3. The criteria are the undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, productions, and students/professors in the department.
4. Any objection would have to be based on someone's opinion. Maybe someone reading the review knows of another theatre department with greater credibility. Again, this is based on opinion, but I hope for the reader to just get a full understanding of the theatre department and what it has to offer. What they think about it is up to them.
2. The thesis will include the elements of the paper and the importance of understanding the theatre department's values.
3. The criteria are the undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, productions, and students/professors in the department.
4. Any objection would have to be based on someone's opinion. Maybe someone reading the review knows of another theatre department with greater credibility. Again, this is based on opinion, but I hope for the reader to just get a full understanding of the theatre department and what it has to offer. What they think about it is up to them.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Template B: Criteria
The four criteria I will be using to review the Conservatory Theatre Department at UCF are the undergraduate degree programs, the graduate degree programs, productions, and students/professors in the program. First, I will explain the undergraduate degree programs. The program includes, BFA which is a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and in order to obtain this major, the student must pass an audition where a limited amount of people are selected for this 4-year program. It is available for Acting, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre majors. It also includes BA, which is a Bachelor of Arts which major is specified towards Theatre Studies. This requires and interview, not an audtion, and is a more general understanding of theatre and requires commitment to a 4-year program. There are also dance minors and theatre minors available. Next, I will explain the graduate degree programs. This includes a MFA, and Master of Fine arts in Musical Theatre, Acting or Technical Theatre. This requirements are the same as a BFA. There is also an MA, which is a Master of Arts, and the requirements are the same as a BA. Also, I will go into detail about the productions at UCF. The production aspect is all of the shows/concerts put on by UCF, and what is required to be in one. I will explain the level of professionalism required to be in a production, and what is expected from each production. Finally, the students/professors will be evaluated in the program. I will obtain what their views are on the department, their opinion on the department, what they have gotten from the program, any advice for someone who desires to be in the program, what it is like to be in a show, etc.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Template A: Audience Analysis
The audience for my review would be young teens or collge students interested in the theatre program at UCF. It can also be geared towards parents that are looking into colleges with a good theatre program for their child. Lastly, someone reading this review could just be interested in theatre as a whole.
Values
-The audience would value the art of theatre. It should be important to them to evaluate the how seriously theatre is taken at UCF. They would also value a good education in theatre, and the future that comes along with it. It would be beneficial to this person if they valued theatre before social needs and a social life.
Social Needs
-Their friends could be interested in the program, as well. For example, if someone has been in the drama program all through high school, this person most likely has made friends in the program. These friends would probably be looking to find a college program, as well. It would hurt them not knowing how tough it is to stay in the program. It has a very demanding schedule and requires focus and commitment all four years of college. The audience should understand that it would be hard to maintain a social life outside of theatre and that time management would be crucial to someone dedicated to the program. They would need to keep up with any changes within the program, any upcoming auditions, and any important dates that a person in the program would need to attend. It is also important to look into the rules and regulations of UCF's theatre program. Someone not in the program and reading the review just to evaluate UCF's theatre would need to keep up any sort of pertinent information regarding the major they intend to receive if in the program.
Cognitive Needs
-Benefits from the program would be a greater knowledge of the theatre world, and the audience would develop a solid base to understand how theatre is in college. A person would grow exceptionally in learning how to perform in theatre, or work backstage in theatre. A person reading this review would have to be someone interested in any sort of theatre career, or someone interested in theatre in general. For example, if a freshman in college has decided to switch from a business major to a theatre major, they might read this review to find out what the theatre department at UCF is like, and what sort of opportunities are available to someone who desires to major in theatre. If this person decides to enter the program at UCF, he/she needs to be sure that this path is what they've chosen as their life goal, and they are willing to endure any obstacles that will occur while in the program. They need to be sure they understand the review, and it is something that excites them as a reader.
Values
-The audience would value the art of theatre. It should be important to them to evaluate the how seriously theatre is taken at UCF. They would also value a good education in theatre, and the future that comes along with it. It would be beneficial to this person if they valued theatre before social needs and a social life.
Social Needs
-Their friends could be interested in the program, as well. For example, if someone has been in the drama program all through high school, this person most likely has made friends in the program. These friends would probably be looking to find a college program, as well. It would hurt them not knowing how tough it is to stay in the program. It has a very demanding schedule and requires focus and commitment all four years of college. The audience should understand that it would be hard to maintain a social life outside of theatre and that time management would be crucial to someone dedicated to the program. They would need to keep up with any changes within the program, any upcoming auditions, and any important dates that a person in the program would need to attend. It is also important to look into the rules and regulations of UCF's theatre program. Someone not in the program and reading the review just to evaluate UCF's theatre would need to keep up any sort of pertinent information regarding the major they intend to receive if in the program.
Cognitive Needs
-Benefits from the program would be a greater knowledge of the theatre world, and the audience would develop a solid base to understand how theatre is in college. A person would grow exceptionally in learning how to perform in theatre, or work backstage in theatre. A person reading this review would have to be someone interested in any sort of theatre career, or someone interested in theatre in general. For example, if a freshman in college has decided to switch from a business major to a theatre major, they might read this review to find out what the theatre department at UCF is like, and what sort of opportunities are available to someone who desires to major in theatre. If this person decides to enter the program at UCF, he/she needs to be sure that this path is what they've chosen as their life goal, and they are willing to endure any obstacles that will occur while in the program. They need to be sure they understand the review, and it is something that excites them as a reader.
Plagiarism Workshop
1. 3 - it could potentially turn into plagiarism because they could have the same information
2. 0 - if you wrote it it isn't plagiarism
3. 2 - the person could take another person's idea from the discussion board
4. 5 - even though you change the answers, you still used someone else's work
- Samantha Salerno, Julia Rice, Ryan Atkins
2. 0 - if you wrote it it isn't plagiarism
3. 2 - the person could take another person's idea from the discussion board
4. 5 - even though you change the answers, you still used someone else's work
- Samantha Salerno, Julia Rice, Ryan Atkins
Monday, November 2, 2009
Review Topic
The topic I chose is UCF's Conservatory Theatre Department. The rating system is by the comedy and tragedy masks (the drama faces). Comedy mask = good/Tragedy Mask = bad
Monday, October 19, 2009
Commentary Draft
For years now, smoking on campuses has been a growing trend throughout colleges everywhere. Walking between classes, hanging out on a bench outside, or standing outside the doorway of a classroom building, smokers will whip out a cigarette while most of them disregard the fact that there are non-smokers close enough to them who get a nice whiff of the tar-infested smoke. University of Central Florida demonstrates inheritance of this trend, occupying a large amount of on-campus smokers. "I feel like a victim because I don't smoke and I have to breathe it in," says UCF student Chris Villani. This establishes that not only is smoking on campus a trend, but it is now a problem. Even though some people believe that this developed problem is not a problem at all, there are a majority of people that believe smoking on campus should be banned or strongly regulated, and UCF has been doing what it can to follow through with these people's wishes.
There is a large amount of UCF students that strongly insist regulations for smoking on campus. "I think it's gross. I think that there should be stricter rules or designated areas for it. Too many kids just blow smoke in your face all around campus," says student and non-smoker Deanna Quintero. "If people weren't smoking I could take the route I want to class, and not have to dodge people," says Chris Villani. It is unfortunate that these poor students feel this way when they should be enjoying their college experience whole-heartedly without the nuisance created by these smokers around campus. They should not feel the need to "dodge" people or feel like a victim when a student is simply trying to walk to class. Inhaling smoke unintentionally can be very damaging to a person's health, so not only is it a detestation, but it is threatening to their physical wellness through second-hand smoke. Someone who hangs around a smoker on campus regularly can be inadvertently inhaling that smoke and it eventually has to potential to cause serious harm to a student's body. According to lungusa.org, "Secondhand smoke contains hundreds of chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic, including formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic ammonia and hydrogen cyanide." A non-smoker would involuntarily be exposed to these toxins and if exposed enough, it could start to have negative side effects to this person's health. Clearly, students at UCF that attest to the regulation of smoking on campus can all agree that it would create a pleasant environment, as well as a safer environment.
As important as it is to recognize the opposition to smoking on UCF campus, it is interesting to note what the smokers think about the issue. "I don't mind either smokers or smoking. But I do agree with the notion that smokers should be considerate and non-smokes should not be afraid to ask smokers to not blow smoke in their face. I don't see how there could be a problem if people are communicative, tolerant, and amenable," says student and smoker Simon Valencia. Based off of this quote, it seems that there are some smokers out there that tolerate the problem and believe that people that are offended by the smoke should just speak up. Although doing so could be effective, it would only be short-term. In order to make a significant change in the campus atmosphere, a long-term adjustment is necessary, including rules and regulations. It is simple to politely ask a smoker to relocate, but there are those who find it unnecessary to do so because they should not have to go out of there way just so they can breathe better. "I feel like I shouldn't have to ask to feel comfortable and sometimes they look unapproachable," says student Dan Suarez.
According to the 2005 Core Survey on Tobaccofreeu.org, "28.2% of college students indicated using tobacco (cigarettes, chew, or snuff) in the past 30 days. The good news is an even bigger percentage (71.8%) DON'T! And half of the current college smokers would like to quit." If this pertains to UCF's smokers, then any regulation would only affect that small portion of smokers, in comparison to the large amount of non-smokers who would greatly appreciate any change.
As far as what UCF is trying to do to regulate on-campus smokers, there have been events related to a tobacco-free change. Tobaccofreefloridaevents.com states that UCF held an event for the UCF Market Day, which promoted becoming tobacco-free as a student. Also, recently the University of Florida declared its change to becoming a Tobacco-Free university. Tobaccofree.health.ufl.edu states that "starting Nov. 1, 2009, all University of Florida Health Science Center and Shands HealthCare facilities will be tobacco-free. Patients, visitors, students, and employees will no longer be able to smoke or use tobacco products on our campuses, in HSC, Shands and UF Physicians buildings or parking lots, or even in their cars while they are visiting. UF plans to implement the policy on its main campus in July 2010." Knowing UCF, the university will probably implement a plan like this eventually, as it usually does when there are changes at different Florida universities. Hopefully, any change such as this will be sooner rather than later.
When problems arise on college campuses, there are always complaints and unhappy people that suffer from these problems. Some can be fixed, some can't. I strongly believe something can be done about smoking on campus. There are those that agree, mostly the non-smokers, and those that disagree, mostly the smokers. If it is recognized enough throughout UCF that the non-smokers who suffer on a day to day basis walking to class, inhaling the second-hand smoke want a change, it can be done. There are the quotes to prove it that these victims find it necessary for a change, whether it is regulation or banishment of smoking in general. Through events and organizations around campus, their voice has been reaching others who feel the same, and hopefully that voice will be powerful enough to make a change. Expectantly, UCF will follow in other universities footsteps by becoming tobacco-free one day, and our campus will be a healthier, more breathable space.
Works Cited
Villani, Chris. "Personal Interview on 6 October 2009".
Quintero, Deanna. "Personal Interview on 18 October 2009".
Valencia, Simon. "Personal Interview on 19 October 2009".
Suarez, Dan. "Personal Interview on 19 October 2009".
"College Students and Tobacco Use". tobaccofreeu.org. The Bacchus Network, 2002. Web. 18 October 2009. http://www.tobaccofreeu.org/facts_figures/college_students.asp
Health Science Center and Shands Healthcare. University of Central Florida, 03 August 2009. Web. 18 October 2009. http://tobaccofree.health.ufl.edu/
"Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheet". lungusa.org. American Health Association, 2009. Web. 18 October 2009. http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.35422/
"Street Team Events". tobaccofreefloridaevents.com. Tobacco Free Florida, 2009. Web. 18 October 2009. http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/street-team
There is a large amount of UCF students that strongly insist regulations for smoking on campus. "I think it's gross. I think that there should be stricter rules or designated areas for it. Too many kids just blow smoke in your face all around campus," says student and non-smoker Deanna Quintero. "If people weren't smoking I could take the route I want to class, and not have to dodge people," says Chris Villani. It is unfortunate that these poor students feel this way when they should be enjoying their college experience whole-heartedly without the nuisance created by these smokers around campus. They should not feel the need to "dodge" people or feel like a victim when a student is simply trying to walk to class. Inhaling smoke unintentionally can be very damaging to a person's health, so not only is it a detestation, but it is threatening to their physical wellness through second-hand smoke. Someone who hangs around a smoker on campus regularly can be inadvertently inhaling that smoke and it eventually has to potential to cause serious harm to a student's body. According to lungusa.org, "Secondhand smoke contains hundreds of chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic, including formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic ammonia and hydrogen cyanide." A non-smoker would involuntarily be exposed to these toxins and if exposed enough, it could start to have negative side effects to this person's health. Clearly, students at UCF that attest to the regulation of smoking on campus can all agree that it would create a pleasant environment, as well as a safer environment.
As important as it is to recognize the opposition to smoking on UCF campus, it is interesting to note what the smokers think about the issue. "I don't mind either smokers or smoking. But I do agree with the notion that smokers should be considerate and non-smokes should not be afraid to ask smokers to not blow smoke in their face. I don't see how there could be a problem if people are communicative, tolerant, and amenable," says student and smoker Simon Valencia. Based off of this quote, it seems that there are some smokers out there that tolerate the problem and believe that people that are offended by the smoke should just speak up. Although doing so could be effective, it would only be short-term. In order to make a significant change in the campus atmosphere, a long-term adjustment is necessary, including rules and regulations. It is simple to politely ask a smoker to relocate, but there are those who find it unnecessary to do so because they should not have to go out of there way just so they can breathe better. "I feel like I shouldn't have to ask to feel comfortable and sometimes they look unapproachable," says student Dan Suarez.
According to the 2005 Core Survey on Tobaccofreeu.org, "28.2% of college students indicated using tobacco (cigarettes, chew, or snuff) in the past 30 days. The good news is an even bigger percentage (71.8%) DON'T! And half of the current college smokers would like to quit." If this pertains to UCF's smokers, then any regulation would only affect that small portion of smokers, in comparison to the large amount of non-smokers who would greatly appreciate any change.
As far as what UCF is trying to do to regulate on-campus smokers, there have been events related to a tobacco-free change. Tobaccofreefloridaevents.com states that UCF held an event for the UCF Market Day, which promoted becoming tobacco-free as a student. Also, recently the University of Florida declared its change to becoming a Tobacco-Free university. Tobaccofree.health.ufl.edu states that "starting Nov. 1, 2009, all University of Florida Health Science Center and Shands HealthCare facilities will be tobacco-free. Patients, visitors, students, and employees will no longer be able to smoke or use tobacco products on our campuses, in HSC, Shands and UF Physicians buildings or parking lots, or even in their cars while they are visiting. UF plans to implement the policy on its main campus in July 2010." Knowing UCF, the university will probably implement a plan like this eventually, as it usually does when there are changes at different Florida universities. Hopefully, any change such as this will be sooner rather than later.
When problems arise on college campuses, there are always complaints and unhappy people that suffer from these problems. Some can be fixed, some can't. I strongly believe something can be done about smoking on campus. There are those that agree, mostly the non-smokers, and those that disagree, mostly the smokers. If it is recognized enough throughout UCF that the non-smokers who suffer on a day to day basis walking to class, inhaling the second-hand smoke want a change, it can be done. There are the quotes to prove it that these victims find it necessary for a change, whether it is regulation or banishment of smoking in general. Through events and organizations around campus, their voice has been reaching others who feel the same, and hopefully that voice will be powerful enough to make a change. Expectantly, UCF will follow in other universities footsteps by becoming tobacco-free one day, and our campus will be a healthier, more breathable space.
Works Cited
Villani, Chris. "Personal Interview on 6 October 2009".
Quintero, Deanna. "Personal Interview on 18 October 2009".
Valencia, Simon. "Personal Interview on 19 October 2009".
Suarez, Dan. "Personal Interview on 19 October 2009".
"College Students and Tobacco Use". tobaccofreeu.org. The Bacchus Network, 2002. Web. 18 October 2009. http://www.tobaccofreeu.org/facts_figures/college_students.asp
Health Science Center and Shands Healthcare. University of Central Florida, 03 August 2009. Web. 18 October 2009. http://tobaccofree.health.ufl.edu/
"Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheet". lungusa.org. American Health Association, 2009. Web. 18 October 2009. http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.35422/
"Street Team Events". tobaccofreefloridaevents.com. Tobacco Free Florida, 2009. Web. 18 October 2009. http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/street-team
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thesis Paragraph Draft
For years now, smoking on campuses has been a growing trend throughout colleges everywhere. Walking between classes, hanging out on a bench outside, or standing outside the doorway of a classroom building, smokers will whip out a cigarette while most of them disregard the fact that there are non-smokers close enough to them who get a nice whiff of the tar-infested smoke. University of Central Florida can attest to this trend, occupying a large amount of on-campus smokers. "I feel like a victim because I don't smoke and I have to breath it in," says UCF student Chris Villani. This establishes that not only is smoking on campus a trend, but it is now a problem. Even though some people believe that this developed problem is not a problem at all, there are a majority of people that believe smoking on campus should be banned or strongly regulated, and UCF has been doing what it can to follow through with these people's wishes.
Commentary Outline
Topic: Smoking on campus
I. Introduction
-Introduce the trend
-Discuss the problem
-Quote from student
-Thesis statement
II. Body
a] Talk about the issue from non-smokers perspective
What do they think about smoking on campus?
What do they think should be done?
- Include interviews from students around UCF
b] Talk about the issue from a smokers perspective
What do they think about the issue?
How have they started smoking?
- Include interviews from students around UCF
c] Research and solutions to issue
How has the percentage of smokers raised throughout the years?
What is UCF doing to ban or regulate smoking on campus?
- Online research and ask UCF officials
III. Conclusion
- Talk about issue again
- Talk about both perspectives
- Talk about solutions to issue
- Thesis Statement
I. Introduction
-Introduce the trend
-Discuss the problem
-Quote from student
-Thesis statement
II. Body
a] Talk about the issue from non-smokers perspective
What do they think about smoking on campus?
What do they think should be done?
- Include interviews from students around UCF
b] Talk about the issue from a smokers perspective
What do they think about the issue?
How have they started smoking?
- Include interviews from students around UCF
c] Research and solutions to issue
How has the percentage of smokers raised throughout the years?
What is UCF doing to ban or regulate smoking on campus?
- Online research and ask UCF officials
III. Conclusion
- Talk about issue again
- Talk about both perspectives
- Talk about solutions to issue
- Thesis Statement
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Letter
Dear Brittany,
I am writing you this letter to get your opinion and feedback on an issue here at UCF. I've noticed that about 2/3 of the students here are smokers. This includes them smoking on campus, and the negativity about it from non-smokers has been buzzing throughout the school. People complain about inhaling the smoke when they are on their way to class because someone on their same route is smoking next to them. There are people that smoke on benches where students are trying to relax and sit down, but are bugged by 2nd hand smoke. There are also the students that are getting addicted and experimenting because of the amount of smoking here, and they feel that they need to "fit in". This has become a serious issue here on campus.
My question to you is, based on what I just told you, what is your opinion of smoking on campus? What do you think should be done about it? I've gathered some information on campus and have found that the majority of non-smokers think that smoking around students is very inconsiderate. They think that it should either be banned or regulated. Now, it is rumored that UCF is trying to become tobacco-free, and may ban smoking as of next year. Whether or not this is going to pull through is beyond my knowledge, but I can do the research and ask the questions to find out more. I just don't understand how so many young people are smoking now-a-days. I would like to conduct more research on how smoking got started for these people, and why they are doing it. Also, I want to find out how smoking on campus has grown throughout the years percentage wise. And, I would like to know why they feel the need to smoke on campus, and if they even think about annoying others as a consequence to them doing it.
Anyway, I want you know how significant this is to me. Not only does this matter bother me, but it seems to bother so many others at UCF. It also makes me sad for the smokers because they have their whole lives ahead of them, and they are destroying it by smoking so much. They are literally killing themselves little by little every time they light up. It can be a health issue to others as well, and can cause outbreaks of future fights over needed regulations. Maybe even just by regulating things around here, it would decrease the amount of college smokers in general. Who knows? Just based on the few opinions I have, I can tell how much of a nuisance smoking on campus is. I would really value your opinion because I would like to know what someone else thinks about it, especially because you don't witness it every day. Let me know what you think. Thanks a lot!
-Sam Salerno
I am writing you this letter to get your opinion and feedback on an issue here at UCF. I've noticed that about 2/3 of the students here are smokers. This includes them smoking on campus, and the negativity about it from non-smokers has been buzzing throughout the school. People complain about inhaling the smoke when they are on their way to class because someone on their same route is smoking next to them. There are people that smoke on benches where students are trying to relax and sit down, but are bugged by 2nd hand smoke. There are also the students that are getting addicted and experimenting because of the amount of smoking here, and they feel that they need to "fit in". This has become a serious issue here on campus.
My question to you is, based on what I just told you, what is your opinion of smoking on campus? What do you think should be done about it? I've gathered some information on campus and have found that the majority of non-smokers think that smoking around students is very inconsiderate. They think that it should either be banned or regulated. Now, it is rumored that UCF is trying to become tobacco-free, and may ban smoking as of next year. Whether or not this is going to pull through is beyond my knowledge, but I can do the research and ask the questions to find out more. I just don't understand how so many young people are smoking now-a-days. I would like to conduct more research on how smoking got started for these people, and why they are doing it. Also, I want to find out how smoking on campus has grown throughout the years percentage wise. And, I would like to know why they feel the need to smoke on campus, and if they even think about annoying others as a consequence to them doing it.
Anyway, I want you know how significant this is to me. Not only does this matter bother me, but it seems to bother so many others at UCF. It also makes me sad for the smokers because they have their whole lives ahead of them, and they are destroying it by smoking so much. They are literally killing themselves little by little every time they light up. It can be a health issue to others as well, and can cause outbreaks of future fights over needed regulations. Maybe even just by regulating things around here, it would decrease the amount of college smokers in general. Who knows? Just based on the few opinions I have, I can tell how much of a nuisance smoking on campus is. I would really value your opinion because I would like to know what someone else thinks about it, especially because you don't witness it every day. Let me know what you think. Thanks a lot!
-Sam Salerno
Questions/Interview
5 Questions
1. What do non-smokers at UCF think of all of the smokers on campus?
2. What do non-smokers think should be done about smoking on campus?
3. How have the smokers began smoking? A habit before college or started in school?
4. What is UCF doing to ban smoking or regulate smoking on campus?
5. What was the percentage of smokers on campus in the past and how has it grown?
Interview
a) How do you know what you know?
- A lot of people smoke on campus and it bothers me when I walk to class.
b) Who are you to the subject?
- A victim because I don't smoke and I have to breath it in.
c) How is this event connected to other events?
- Another way to get mad at people, like the skateboarding and bike riding on campus.
d) What if things were different?
- If people weren't smoking I could take the route I want and not have to dodge people.
e) Why is this important?
- It will make me enjoy my walk to campus, so I could breathe easier.
(My Questions)
1. I think that smokers are inconsiderate.
2. I think it should be banned or only allowed in certain areas.
3. Some friends started in school to fit in and because they are away from their parents.
4. *Can't answer because he doesn't know*
5. *Can't answer because he doesn't know*
1. What do non-smokers at UCF think of all of the smokers on campus?
2. What do non-smokers think should be done about smoking on campus?
3. How have the smokers began smoking? A habit before college or started in school?
4. What is UCF doing to ban smoking or regulate smoking on campus?
5. What was the percentage of smokers on campus in the past and how has it grown?
Interview
a) How do you know what you know?
- A lot of people smoke on campus and it bothers me when I walk to class.
b) Who are you to the subject?
- A victim because I don't smoke and I have to breath it in.
c) How is this event connected to other events?
- Another way to get mad at people, like the skateboarding and bike riding on campus.
d) What if things were different?
- If people weren't smoking I could take the route I want and not have to dodge people.
e) Why is this important?
- It will make me enjoy my walk to campus, so I could breathe easier.
(My Questions)
1. I think that smokers are inconsiderate.
2. I think it should be banned or only allowed in certain areas.
3. Some friends started in school to fit in and because they are away from their parents.
4. *Can't answer because he doesn't know*
5. *Can't answer because he doesn't know*
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Prompt #2
Since I’ve been attending UCF, I have noticed that about 1 in 3 people smoke cigarettes. Walking around campus, I have seen so many people, kids and teachers, smoking while walking, in between classes, or just simply sitting on a bench outside. For some people, it is just a casual thing that they like to do at parties or while out with friends, but that’s how it starts. It looks like a lot of people enjoy smoking and it’s a habit that is normal for these people. It makes me feel sad for those people because in the future, it will destroy their lungs and other parts of their body, and eventually they could die. It reminds me of when I was little and used to hang out at my best friend’s house whose parents smoked. They were always smoking when I was over there and it bothered me a lot. Some people agree with me that it is a bad habit with bad consequences, while some people don’t even think of the consequences and smoke anyway. It is significant to me because I don’t want to see people practically killing themselves by smoking, especially the young kids here at UCF. To others it may not be as significant, so the typical college kids will experiment and smoke on campus and off. Smoking in college is just the beginning, and if they stick with it, it will be a life long addiction.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Brainstorming for Commentary
1. When walking through campus, I've noticed that about 1 every 3 people are smoking.
2. Discussing drinking habits is a lot less taboo than drinking in high school.
3. At certain times of the day, you have to fight to find a parking spot.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Memoir (Final Draft)
May 17, 2001: We had been sitting in the car for nearly 3 hours, watched 2 movies, eaten just about every snack we brought and my butt was slowly getting numb. Wanting to jump out of the car and stretch was the only thing on my mind, but knowing that our destination was only minutes away made the wait well worth it because this was no ordinary family vacation. We were going to Disney's Vero Beach Resort to celebrate the birthdays of my siblings and I. This is a place we had never gone to and the anticipation was building as we got closer and closer to the resort. There was my dad and my mom; hard workers who were so ready for a vacation and to spend time with their kids. There was my sister, Lauren; a 13-year old typical teenager who I always looked up to in all of her perfectionism and organizational skills. There was my brother, Greg; he was only 7 years old at the time. We always stuck together and were best buds through everything. And there was me; I was 10 years old, shy and quiet, but nonetheless extremely excited for this vacation. I remember spending months planning the vacation with my dad, looking up information on the resort like the Disney themed rooms and the giant waterslide that was by the pool. Being guests there was going to satisfy the Disney addicts within us. The sign passed with an arrow pointing in the right direction; "Disney's Vero Beach Resort". We made it! We pulled up to the front of the hotel. I remember observing everything about it. It was enormous (for a little 10-year old girl), it looked like a giant cabin straight out of the wilderness, and everything about the hotel was related to Disney. I couldn't have been happier taking my first steps out of that car to walk into this magical place. My family was just as excited as I was. As if it couldn't get any better, the inside was just as immaculate. The ceiling was as high as the sky with creative carvings that reached up to the top of it. The giant, beautiful chandeliers and the couches that seemed like they could seat a million that were inside the lobby made it look like a palace made for royalty. I peeked outside to see the famous waterslide, but was pulled over to the front desk by parents. It was time to check in and get settled. My mom had suggested going to the restroom, so my brother and I tagged along while my sister stayed with my dad to check in. I was even amazed by the bathrooms. This place couldn't get any better. My mom, Greg and I had just finished using the restroom and I could spot my sister walking over to meet us, but she was not with my dad. She was holding her arm with sad eyes, and was clearly upset. Something was wrong. My heart started pounding in my chest. I don't remember why I got so scared, but I had a gut feeling that there was bad news. Her walk over to us seemed like a lifetime of waiting. She reached us, looked up at my mom and simply said "Uncle Tony just died."
Uncle Tony was my father’s older brother. My dad had a sister that passed away when he was a young adult, another sister that passed away a few years ago, and has a younger brother whom we keep in touch with from time to time. Their parents divorced at about the time my dad got married, and my dad’s mother most recently passed away. Considering these circumstances among other things, they both had gone through a difficult childhood, but I like to think that my dad and Uncle Tony turned out to be the most successful adults out of the family. The two were definitely the closest of the siblings and maintained a strong, brotherly relationship for their entire lives. Uncle Tony was an accomplished businessman, who had retired early in life and had bought a huge, beautiful house on Sanibel Island. He had everything in the world going for him, and it seemed like his life was just beginning. Of all the relatives of my extended family, he had the most active role in my life. Because he was a close family member, my family and I would go to his house and spend the weekend regularly on Sanibel Island. We also had a close relationship with his wife, Aunt Joanna and his daughter, Maria Rose. My uncle had also adopted two sons, Jesse and Elijah and raised them as his own. I always had a good sense of family when we were all together. He had such a good heart and was someone that I enjoyed being around. We would often go on his fishing boat with the family. This was always a fun event for everyone, and I had even experienced my first boat ride and bruised butt from hitting a wave and bouncing onto the deck, all with my Uncle Tony. These are the things that I’ll always remember about him. Even though we had such good times, that same boat happened to be the very thing that caused the death of my Uncle Tony.
It was a beautiful, sunny day out on the ocean. My Uncle Tony and cousins, Jesse and Elijah, were out on the boat, fishing and spending time together. They were on their way in back to the dock when my uncle decided to let my cousin Jesse run the boat. By accident, Jesse hit a phantom wake of a ship and lost control. This caused Uncle Tony to get ejected from the boat at high speed and he was killed by the propellers.
My dad found this out while he was checking in to the resort. Hearing those words from my sister was nothing more than a complete shock for my mom, brother, and I who had just walked away to go the bathroom. My mind suddenly launched itself into a dreamlike state, and nothing seemed real. It wasn't happening. My mom burst into tears along with my brother and sister. We found my dad. He looked shocked as well. I had never seen my dad like this. I was so confused. I wanted to cry, but I didn't know why. It hadn't hit me. The reality was that it was happening. “Don’t worry about it, I will take care of it sir,” said the lady at the front desk who seemed to be just as shocked. We were suddenly back at the front of the hotel, speaking to valet parking to get our car back. I had felt so selfish. “Why are we leaving,” was all I could think. It was the vacation we had all been waiting for! We got in the car, I looked at my mom and dad, and they were standing outside the doors, hugging and crying. It hit me. My parents were sobbing, so I started to sob. I wanted them to stop crying. I wanted to stay and be on vacation. I wanted all of it to just stop.
We pulled over to the side of the hotel and sat in the car for a while. We were all just sitting there, crying. I remember my mom asking how we were feeling. “I feel like this is a dream,” I said, and I really meant it. How could a situation go from being so perfect, to so horrible and tragic in such a short time? Again, I felt so confused, and it didn’t make sense to me. I don’t think that I actually comprehended the fact that my uncle just died. I was young and nothing like this had ever happened within the family that I actually witnessed. It was the first time I truly experienced a sudden death in our family. I hated it.
It was time to leave the resort. We got on the road again, and drove for a good amount of time. The drive was a blur to me. I remember stopping at Cracker Barrel for food. The dinner was silent and uncomfortable, still feeling like a dream. My dad didn’t want any food. I could tell the waitress was confused. I could only imagine what my dad was feeling at that time. Uncle Tony’s death happened at a time where he was just settling into life. It was very ironic. There was my dad, going through another death of a close sibling whom he looked up to and had always had a special relationship with. My dad is my hero, for this reason and more. Throughout every devastating and tragic event in his life that could easily tear a person down, my dad has overcome with great stability and thankfully has developed a solid rock to fall back on; his wife and children. I could never be more proud to call him my father.
Looking back on this event, I can now say that I understand what occurred. I was so bewildered at that time because I was just a kid who was ready to be on vacation with her family, and suddenly a close family member was out of our lives. It all happened so fast and I never had time in the day to really reflect. Now I see that I was confused because I didn’t recognize the importance and the gift I was given by having Uncle Tony in my life. I took for granted the fact that he was alive, as I did my whole family. At that age, it is normal for a little girl to act that way. The saying “You don’t know what you have till it is gone” holds true. Although I didn’t know what I had even when he passed, I know now. I know I had one hell of an uncle that was taken from my family way too soon. He was sincere, caring, dependable and admirable. I’m glad to have had in my life even if it was for a short time. His memory will be with me for the rest of my life.
We had finally gotten home, and it was way past dark. I headed to my room to unwind and get ready for bed, when I heard what sounded like weeping. I walked out into the kitchen to find my mother crying with the phone to her ear. My dad was by her side curious as well as to why she was upset. “It was Uncle Tony,” she muttered. “He left a message saying Happy Mother’s Day”. My mom had listened to his voice over the phone through that message for one last time. Some may think of this as very strange and ironic, which is what I felt at the time, but now I like to think that it happened for a reason. The whole day was going one way, and ended up going the complete opposite way because of this unexpected tragedy. Everyone’s heads were in different places, and it had been a prolonged 24 hours of excitement and anticipation to devastation and shock. It was a wonder as to how and when this day was going to end. Knowing that we had a message this whole time waiting for us to get home gives me the feeling that it was supposed to be a sense of closure for the family. This long, frenzied day needed an ending. A conclusion. And I believe that voicemail was it. It was Uncle Tony’s goodbye.
Uncle Tony was my father’s older brother. My dad had a sister that passed away when he was a young adult, another sister that passed away a few years ago, and has a younger brother whom we keep in touch with from time to time. Their parents divorced at about the time my dad got married, and my dad’s mother most recently passed away. Considering these circumstances among other things, they both had gone through a difficult childhood, but I like to think that my dad and Uncle Tony turned out to be the most successful adults out of the family. The two were definitely the closest of the siblings and maintained a strong, brotherly relationship for their entire lives. Uncle Tony was an accomplished businessman, who had retired early in life and had bought a huge, beautiful house on Sanibel Island. He had everything in the world going for him, and it seemed like his life was just beginning. Of all the relatives of my extended family, he had the most active role in my life. Because he was a close family member, my family and I would go to his house and spend the weekend regularly on Sanibel Island. We also had a close relationship with his wife, Aunt Joanna and his daughter, Maria Rose. My uncle had also adopted two sons, Jesse and Elijah and raised them as his own. I always had a good sense of family when we were all together. He had such a good heart and was someone that I enjoyed being around. We would often go on his fishing boat with the family. This was always a fun event for everyone, and I had even experienced my first boat ride and bruised butt from hitting a wave and bouncing onto the deck, all with my Uncle Tony. These are the things that I’ll always remember about him. Even though we had such good times, that same boat happened to be the very thing that caused the death of my Uncle Tony.
It was a beautiful, sunny day out on the ocean. My Uncle Tony and cousins, Jesse and Elijah, were out on the boat, fishing and spending time together. They were on their way in back to the dock when my uncle decided to let my cousin Jesse run the boat. By accident, Jesse hit a phantom wake of a ship and lost control. This caused Uncle Tony to get ejected from the boat at high speed and he was killed by the propellers.
My dad found this out while he was checking in to the resort. Hearing those words from my sister was nothing more than a complete shock for my mom, brother, and I who had just walked away to go the bathroom. My mind suddenly launched itself into a dreamlike state, and nothing seemed real. It wasn't happening. My mom burst into tears along with my brother and sister. We found my dad. He looked shocked as well. I had never seen my dad like this. I was so confused. I wanted to cry, but I didn't know why. It hadn't hit me. The reality was that it was happening. “Don’t worry about it, I will take care of it sir,” said the lady at the front desk who seemed to be just as shocked. We were suddenly back at the front of the hotel, speaking to valet parking to get our car back. I had felt so selfish. “Why are we leaving,” was all I could think. It was the vacation we had all been waiting for! We got in the car, I looked at my mom and dad, and they were standing outside the doors, hugging and crying. It hit me. My parents were sobbing, so I started to sob. I wanted them to stop crying. I wanted to stay and be on vacation. I wanted all of it to just stop.
We pulled over to the side of the hotel and sat in the car for a while. We were all just sitting there, crying. I remember my mom asking how we were feeling. “I feel like this is a dream,” I said, and I really meant it. How could a situation go from being so perfect, to so horrible and tragic in such a short time? Again, I felt so confused, and it didn’t make sense to me. I don’t think that I actually comprehended the fact that my uncle just died. I was young and nothing like this had ever happened within the family that I actually witnessed. It was the first time I truly experienced a sudden death in our family. I hated it.
It was time to leave the resort. We got on the road again, and drove for a good amount of time. The drive was a blur to me. I remember stopping at Cracker Barrel for food. The dinner was silent and uncomfortable, still feeling like a dream. My dad didn’t want any food. I could tell the waitress was confused. I could only imagine what my dad was feeling at that time. Uncle Tony’s death happened at a time where he was just settling into life. It was very ironic. There was my dad, going through another death of a close sibling whom he looked up to and had always had a special relationship with. My dad is my hero, for this reason and more. Throughout every devastating and tragic event in his life that could easily tear a person down, my dad has overcome with great stability and thankfully has developed a solid rock to fall back on; his wife and children. I could never be more proud to call him my father.
Looking back on this event, I can now say that I understand what occurred. I was so bewildered at that time because I was just a kid who was ready to be on vacation with her family, and suddenly a close family member was out of our lives. It all happened so fast and I never had time in the day to really reflect. Now I see that I was confused because I didn’t recognize the importance and the gift I was given by having Uncle Tony in my life. I took for granted the fact that he was alive, as I did my whole family. At that age, it is normal for a little girl to act that way. The saying “You don’t know what you have till it is gone” holds true. Although I didn’t know what I had even when he passed, I know now. I know I had one hell of an uncle that was taken from my family way too soon. He was sincere, caring, dependable and admirable. I’m glad to have had in my life even if it was for a short time. His memory will be with me for the rest of my life.
We had finally gotten home, and it was way past dark. I headed to my room to unwind and get ready for bed, when I heard what sounded like weeping. I walked out into the kitchen to find my mother crying with the phone to her ear. My dad was by her side curious as well as to why she was upset. “It was Uncle Tony,” she muttered. “He left a message saying Happy Mother’s Day”. My mom had listened to his voice over the phone through that message for one last time. Some may think of this as very strange and ironic, which is what I felt at the time, but now I like to think that it happened for a reason. The whole day was going one way, and ended up going the complete opposite way because of this unexpected tragedy. Everyone’s heads were in different places, and it had been a prolonged 24 hours of excitement and anticipation to devastation and shock. It was a wonder as to how and when this day was going to end. Knowing that we had a message this whole time waiting for us to get home gives me the feeling that it was supposed to be a sense of closure for the family. This long, frenzied day needed an ending. A conclusion. And I believe that voicemail was it. It was Uncle Tony’s goodbye.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Memoir Draft
May 17, 2001: We had been sitting in the car for nearly 3 hours, watched 2 movies, eaten just about every snack we brought and my butt was slowly getting numb. Wanting to jump out of the car and stretch was the only thing on my mind, but knowing that our destination was only minutes away made the wait well worth it because this was no ordinary family vacation. We were going to Disney's Vero Beach Resort to celebrate the birthdays of my siblings and I. This is a place we had never gone to and the anticipation was building as we got closer and closer to the resort. There was my dad and my mom; hard workers who were so ready for a vacation and to spend time with their kids. There was my sister, Lauren; a 13-year old typical teenager who I always looked up to in all of her perfectionism and organizational skills. There was my brother, Greg; he was only 7 years old at the time. We always stuck together and were best buds through everything. And there was me; I was 10 years old, shy and quiet, but nonetheless extremely excited for this vacation. I remember spending months planning the vacation with my dad, looking up information on the resort like the Disney themed rooms and the giant waterslide that was by the pool. Being guests there was going to satisfy the Disney addicts within us. The sign passed with an arrow pointing in the right direction; "Disney's Vero Beach Resort". We made it! We pulled up to the front of the hotel. I remember observing everything about it. It was enormous (for a little 10-year old girl), it looked like a giant cabin, and everything about the hotel was related to Disney. I couldn't have been happier taking my first steps out of that car to walk into this magical place. My family was just as excited as I was. As if it couldn't get any better, the inside was just as immaculate. The ceiling was so high with cool carvings along side the walls that reached up to it. The beautiful chandeliers and the big, comfy couches inside the lobby made it look like a palace. I peeked outside to see the famous waterslide, but was pulled over to the front desk by parents. It was time to check in and get settled. My mom had suggested going to the restroom, so my brother and I tagged along while my sister stayed with my dad to check in. I was even amazed by the bathrooms. This place couldn't get any better. My mom, Greg and I had just finished using the restroom and I could spot my sister walking over to meet us, but she was not with my dad. She was holding her arm with sad eyes, and was clearly upset. Something was wrong. My heart started pounding in my chest. I don't remember why I got so scared, but I had a gut feeling that there was bad news. Her walk over to us seemed like a lifetime of waiting. She reached us, looked up at my mom and simply said "Uncle Tony just died."
Uncle Tony was my father’s older brother. My dad had a sister that passed away when he was a young adult, another sister that passed away a few years ago, and has a younger brother whom we keep in touch with from time to time. Their parents divorced at about the time my dad got married, and my dad’s mother most recently passed away. Considering these circumstances among other things, they both had gone through a difficult childhood, but I like to think that my dad and Uncle Tony turned out to be the most successful adults out of the family. The two were definitely the closest of the siblings and maintained a strong, brotherly relationship for their entire lives. Uncle Tony was an accomplished businessman, who had retired early in life and had bought a huge, beautiful house on Sanibel Island. He had everything in the world going for him, and it seemed like his life was just beginning. Of all the relatives of my extended family, he had the most active role in my life. Because he was a close family member, my family and I would go to his house and spend the weekend regularly on Sanibel Island. We also had a close relationship with his wife and his daughter, Maria Rose. My uncle had also adopted two sons, Jesse and Elijah and raised them as his own. I always had a good sense of family when we were all together. He had such a good heart and was someone that I enjoyed being around. We would often go on his fishing boat with the family. This was always a fun event for everyone, and I had even experienced my first boat ride and bruised butt from hitting a wave and bouncing onto the deck, all with my Uncle Tony. These are the things that I’ll always remember about Uncle Tony. Even though we had such good times, that same boat happened to be the very thing that caused the death of my Uncle Tony.
It was a beautiful, sunny day out on the ocean. My Uncle Tony and cousins, Jesse and Elijah, were out on the boat, fishing and spending time together. They were on their way in back to the dock when my uncle decided to let my cousin Jesse run the boat. By accident, Jesse hit a phantom wake of a ship and lost control. This cause Uncle Tony to get ejected from the boat at high speed and he was killed by the propellers.
My dad found this out while he was checking in to the resort. Hearing those words from my sister was nothing more than a complete shock for my mom, brother, and I who had just walked away to go the bathroom. My mind suddenly launched itself into a dreamlike state, and nothing seemed real. It wasn't happening. My mom burst into tears along with my brother and sister. We found my dad. He looked shocked as well. I had never seen my dad like this. I was so confused. I wanted to cry, but I didn't know why. It hadn't hit me. The reality was that it was happening. “Don’t worry about it, I will take care of it sir,” said the lady at the front desk who seemed to be just as shocked. We were suddenly back at the front of the hotel, speaking to valet parking to get our car back. I had felt so selfish. “Why are we leaving,” was all I could think. It was the vacation we had all been waiting for! We got in the car, I looked at my mom and dad, and they were standing outside the doors, hugging and crying. It hit me. My parents were sobbing, so I started to sob. I wanted to them to stop crying. I wanted to stay and be on vacation. I wanted all of it to just stop.
We pulled over to the side of the hotel and sat in the car for a while. We were all just sitting there, crying. I remember my mom asking how we were feeling. “I feel like this is a dream,” I said, and I really meant it. How could a situation go from being so perfect, to so horrible and tragic in such a short time? Again, I felt so confused, and it didn’t make sense to me. I don’t think that I actually comprehended the fact that my uncle just died. I was young and nothing like this had ever happened within the family that I actually witnessed. It was the first time I truly experienced a sudden death in our family. I hated it.
It was time to leave the resort. We got on the road again, and drove for a good amount of time. The drive was a blur to me. I remember stopping at Cracker Barrel for food. The dinner was silent and uncomfortable, still feeling like a dream. My dad didn’t want any food. I could tell the waitress was confused. I could only imagine what my dad was feeling at that time. Uncle Tony’s death happened at a time where he was just settling into life. It was very ironic. Being older now, and looking back, I now understand how significant his death was for my family and especially for my dad. There he was, going through another death of a close sibling whom he looked up to and had always had a special relationship with. My dad is my hero, for this reason and more. Throughout every devastating and tragic event in his life that could easily tear a person down, my dad has overcome with great stability and thankfully has developed a solid rock to fall back on; his wife and children. I could never be more proud to call him my father.
We had finally gotten home, and it was way past dark. I headed to my room to unwind and get ready for bed, when I heard what sounded like weeping. I walked out into the kitchen to find my mother crying with the phone to her ear. My dad was by her side curious as well as to why she was upset. “It was Uncle Tony,” she muttered. “He left a message saying Happy Mother’s Day”. My mom had listened to his voice over the phone through that message for one last time. Some may think of this as very strange and ironic, but I like to think that it happened for a reason. The whole day was going one way, and ended up going the complete opposite way because of this unexpected tragedy. Everyone’s heads were in different places, and it had been a prolonged 24 hours of excitement and anticipation to devastation and shock. It was a wonder as to how and when this day was going to end. Knowing that we had a message this whole time waiting for us to get home gives me the feeling that it was supposed to be a sense of closure for the family. This long, frenzied day needed an ending. A conclusion. And I believe that voicemail was it. It was Uncle Tony’s goodbye.
Uncle Tony was my father’s older brother. My dad had a sister that passed away when he was a young adult, another sister that passed away a few years ago, and has a younger brother whom we keep in touch with from time to time. Their parents divorced at about the time my dad got married, and my dad’s mother most recently passed away. Considering these circumstances among other things, they both had gone through a difficult childhood, but I like to think that my dad and Uncle Tony turned out to be the most successful adults out of the family. The two were definitely the closest of the siblings and maintained a strong, brotherly relationship for their entire lives. Uncle Tony was an accomplished businessman, who had retired early in life and had bought a huge, beautiful house on Sanibel Island. He had everything in the world going for him, and it seemed like his life was just beginning. Of all the relatives of my extended family, he had the most active role in my life. Because he was a close family member, my family and I would go to his house and spend the weekend regularly on Sanibel Island. We also had a close relationship with his wife and his daughter, Maria Rose. My uncle had also adopted two sons, Jesse and Elijah and raised them as his own. I always had a good sense of family when we were all together. He had such a good heart and was someone that I enjoyed being around. We would often go on his fishing boat with the family. This was always a fun event for everyone, and I had even experienced my first boat ride and bruised butt from hitting a wave and bouncing onto the deck, all with my Uncle Tony. These are the things that I’ll always remember about Uncle Tony. Even though we had such good times, that same boat happened to be the very thing that caused the death of my Uncle Tony.
It was a beautiful, sunny day out on the ocean. My Uncle Tony and cousins, Jesse and Elijah, were out on the boat, fishing and spending time together. They were on their way in back to the dock when my uncle decided to let my cousin Jesse run the boat. By accident, Jesse hit a phantom wake of a ship and lost control. This cause Uncle Tony to get ejected from the boat at high speed and he was killed by the propellers.
My dad found this out while he was checking in to the resort. Hearing those words from my sister was nothing more than a complete shock for my mom, brother, and I who had just walked away to go the bathroom. My mind suddenly launched itself into a dreamlike state, and nothing seemed real. It wasn't happening. My mom burst into tears along with my brother and sister. We found my dad. He looked shocked as well. I had never seen my dad like this. I was so confused. I wanted to cry, but I didn't know why. It hadn't hit me. The reality was that it was happening. “Don’t worry about it, I will take care of it sir,” said the lady at the front desk who seemed to be just as shocked. We were suddenly back at the front of the hotel, speaking to valet parking to get our car back. I had felt so selfish. “Why are we leaving,” was all I could think. It was the vacation we had all been waiting for! We got in the car, I looked at my mom and dad, and they were standing outside the doors, hugging and crying. It hit me. My parents were sobbing, so I started to sob. I wanted to them to stop crying. I wanted to stay and be on vacation. I wanted all of it to just stop.
We pulled over to the side of the hotel and sat in the car for a while. We were all just sitting there, crying. I remember my mom asking how we were feeling. “I feel like this is a dream,” I said, and I really meant it. How could a situation go from being so perfect, to so horrible and tragic in such a short time? Again, I felt so confused, and it didn’t make sense to me. I don’t think that I actually comprehended the fact that my uncle just died. I was young and nothing like this had ever happened within the family that I actually witnessed. It was the first time I truly experienced a sudden death in our family. I hated it.
It was time to leave the resort. We got on the road again, and drove for a good amount of time. The drive was a blur to me. I remember stopping at Cracker Barrel for food. The dinner was silent and uncomfortable, still feeling like a dream. My dad didn’t want any food. I could tell the waitress was confused. I could only imagine what my dad was feeling at that time. Uncle Tony’s death happened at a time where he was just settling into life. It was very ironic. Being older now, and looking back, I now understand how significant his death was for my family and especially for my dad. There he was, going through another death of a close sibling whom he looked up to and had always had a special relationship with. My dad is my hero, for this reason and more. Throughout every devastating and tragic event in his life that could easily tear a person down, my dad has overcome with great stability and thankfully has developed a solid rock to fall back on; his wife and children. I could never be more proud to call him my father.
We had finally gotten home, and it was way past dark. I headed to my room to unwind and get ready for bed, when I heard what sounded like weeping. I walked out into the kitchen to find my mother crying with the phone to her ear. My dad was by her side curious as well as to why she was upset. “It was Uncle Tony,” she muttered. “He left a message saying Happy Mother’s Day”. My mom had listened to his voice over the phone through that message for one last time. Some may think of this as very strange and ironic, but I like to think that it happened for a reason. The whole day was going one way, and ended up going the complete opposite way because of this unexpected tragedy. Everyone’s heads were in different places, and it had been a prolonged 24 hours of excitement and anticipation to devastation and shock. It was a wonder as to how and when this day was going to end. Knowing that we had a message this whole time waiting for us to get home gives me the feeling that it was supposed to be a sense of closure for the family. This long, frenzied day needed an ending. A conclusion. And I believe that voicemail was it. It was Uncle Tony’s goodbye.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Memo
To: Mrs. Moody
From: Samantha Salerno
Based on the peer review, I'm doing a good job on indicating the main point of my memoir as well as engaging the reader. The detail of the introduction is portrayed to its fullest and the description of my family and the hotel is written effectively. According to my peer, everything that I tried for the reader to gain while reviewing this memoir was gained, which is good. In the review, my peer suggested that I should describe my family's reaction a little more when we find out about my uncle's death. I plan on doing so later in the memoir. The way I want to set up the memoir is to start with the introduction when we get to the hotel and abruptly find out about my uncle's death. Then, I want to jump back in time and explain who my uncle was and what he meant to my family and I. I'm going to finish up the memoir by continueing from where I left off in the introduction by explaining the rest of the story (including my family's reactions which is what my peer wanted me to talk about, how he died, us driving home, us getting home, etc.). I then want to close the memoir by showing how signifigant this event was in my life, and how looking back on it now, the things that didn't make sense to me when it happened do make sense to me now. I'll be able to reflect on how I was feeling and how I feel about it all now. By doing so, it'll make the feel of the memoir come full circle which seems to be the point of writing about these types of events.
From: Samantha Salerno
Based on the peer review, I'm doing a good job on indicating the main point of my memoir as well as engaging the reader. The detail of the introduction is portrayed to its fullest and the description of my family and the hotel is written effectively. According to my peer, everything that I tried for the reader to gain while reviewing this memoir was gained, which is good. In the review, my peer suggested that I should describe my family's reaction a little more when we find out about my uncle's death. I plan on doing so later in the memoir. The way I want to set up the memoir is to start with the introduction when we get to the hotel and abruptly find out about my uncle's death. Then, I want to jump back in time and explain who my uncle was and what he meant to my family and I. I'm going to finish up the memoir by continueing from where I left off in the introduction by explaining the rest of the story (including my family's reactions which is what my peer wanted me to talk about, how he died, us driving home, us getting home, etc.). I then want to close the memoir by showing how signifigant this event was in my life, and how looking back on it now, the things that didn't make sense to me when it happened do make sense to me now. I'll be able to reflect on how I was feeling and how I feel about it all now. By doing so, it'll make the feel of the memoir come full circle which seems to be the point of writing about these types of events.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Introduction to Memoir (draft)
May 17, 2001: We had been sitting in the car for nearly 3 hours, watched 2 movies, eaten just about every snack we brought and my butt was slowly getting numb. Wanting to jump out of the car and stretch was the only thing on my mind, but knowing that our destination was only minutes away made the wait well worth it because this was no ordinary family vacation. We were going to Disney's Vero Beach Resort to celebrate the birthdays of my siblings and I. This is a place we had never gone to and the anticipation was building as we got closer and closer to the resort. There was my dad and my mom; hard workers who were so ready for a vacation and to spend time with their kids. There was my sister, Lauren; a 13-year old typical teenager who I always looked up to in all of her perfectionism and organizational skills. There was my brother, Greg; he was only 7 years old at the time. We always stuck together and were best buds through everything. And there was me; I was 10 years old, shy and quiet, but nonetheless extremely excited for this vacation. I remember spending months planning the vacation with my dad, looking up information on the resort like the Disney themed rooms and the giant waterslide that was by the pool. Being guests there was going to satisfy the Disney addicts within us. The sign passed with an arrow pointing in the right direction; "Disney's Vero Beach Resort". We made it! We pulled up to the front of the hotel. I remember observing everything about it. It was enormous (for a little 10-year old girl), it looked like a giant cabin, and everything about the hotel was related to Disney. I couldn't have been happier taking my first steps out of that car to walk into this magical place. My family was just as excited as I was. As if it couldn't get any better, the inside was just as emaculate. The ceiling was so high with cool carvings along side the walls that reached up to it. The beautiful chandeliers and the big, comfy couches inside the lobby made it look like a palace. I peeked outside to see the famous waterslide, but was pulled over to the front desk by parents. It was time to check in and get settled. My mom had suggested going to the restroom, so my brother and I tagged along while my sister stayed with my dad to check in. I was even amazed by the bathrooms. This place couldn't get any better. My mom, Greg and I had just finished using the restroom and I could spot my sister walking over to meet us, but she was not with my dad. She was holding her arm with sad eyes, and was clearly upset. Something was wrong. My heart started pounding in my chest. I don't remember why I got so scared, but I had a gut feeling that there was bad news. Her walk over to us seemed like a lifetime of waiting. She reached us, looked up at my mom and simply said "Uncle Tony just died."
Brainstorming for Introduction to Memior
*Start by explaining the vacation
1. My family and I on the way to Disney's Vero Beach Hotel (explain each member of the family, who they are, how old, etc.)
2. The excitement and anxiousness we were all feeling about finally getting there
3. Finally arriving at the hotel & in awe about how beautiful the hotel was
4. The family split up: my mom, my brother & I went to the hotel bathroom, while my dad & my sister checked in
5. My sister came to us with the bad news that my Uncle Tony has died. My dad got the call while checking in.
What I am trying to accomplish with this introduction is a sort of happy mood that everyone can relate to which is going on vacation with your family to a new place. I want to show what a dramatic change in mood it was for my family & I when we got the news, going from excitement & happiness to extremely saddened & shocked.
1. My family and I on the way to Disney's Vero Beach Hotel (explain each member of the family, who they are, how old, etc.)
2. The excitement and anxiousness we were all feeling about finally getting there
3. Finally arriving at the hotel & in awe about how beautiful the hotel was
4. The family split up: my mom, my brother & I went to the hotel bathroom, while my dad & my sister checked in
5. My sister came to us with the bad news that my Uncle Tony has died. My dad got the call while checking in.
What I am trying to accomplish with this introduction is a sort of happy mood that everyone can relate to which is going on vacation with your family to a new place. I want to show what a dramatic change in mood it was for my family & I when we got the news, going from excitement & happiness to extremely saddened & shocked.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Invention
Ideas
1. Getting my car: the day I got my care and getting to drive it home
1. Getting my car: the day I got my care and getting to drive it home
- I had waited almost a year for it
- I put in 1,000 dollars of my own money for it
- I did the research on buying it & presented it to my dad
- I was not expecting to actually get it that day
2. September 11: the day America was attacked my terrorists, killing hundreds of people
- how I found out during school
- how scared I was
- how confused I was
- how it affected America
3. My Uncle Tony died: the day that he died & when my family and I found out
- my family and I were on vacation checking in to the hotel when my dad found out
- watching my parents, sister and brother cry
- feeling very confused
- feeling terrible for my dad
- having to drive all the way home after being so excited to be on vacation and just getting there
- looking back on it now, and understanding the situation more
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)