I began thinking about what I would write in my journal for this week on Monday or Labor Day while riding my bike.

I thought what is it about reading material connected to school that I dislike so much. I’ve always considered myself to be someone who enjoys reading or even an avid reader and I really don’t understand why I dislike reading school assignments. When I read a book for pleasure I can tell you all sorts of details about the story but when I read for school I have to force myself. Forcing myself usually results in my retaining very little of the info. So I thought and thought and considered maybe it was because someone told me I had to do it. I ruled that out because for most of my life someone, somewhere has always been telling me what to do. Maybe growing up I got the idea that reading for school was bad. I don’t know. Then in 426 class on Thursday Ms. McComas mentioned that academic books were written in passive voice and novels were written in active voice. And maybe this could explain why academic books usually ended up being boring. A light came on when she said this and I thought maybe voice is the reason why I don’t like reading assignments for school. Oh well….I really don’t know for sure what my problem is but I wish I would find out.

Onto my aims and objectives for this week. After reading Kelly’s journal I decided to be a copycat and get myself a schedule book. I too am disorganized. I mean everyday I’m pulling out every class syllabus making sure I haven’t overlooked anything that’s due for the next day. By doing this I’m beginning to feel disorganized and overwhelmed. So I’m going to Wal-Mart ASAP and pull myself together. One other piece of advice that
Ms. McComas mentioned is taking one thing at a time. Think about what is due next and not thinking about the whole semester. Boy did I need to hear this. That’s Excellent with a capital E, advice for me.

As I work towards completing the assignments for week two I realize that I have done some deep thinking actually more than I’ve done in a long long time. For me to open up and share my innermost feelings about myself with everyone is difficult and sometimes embarrassing. But there’s just something about Ms. McComas because she continually challenges me, pushes me, and makes me want to do my best that I’ve really dug deep for these assignments. I’m still working on Essential Questions but I plan on finishing that tomorrow.

Last I just want to add that I thought when we got to be seniors there would be a lot of work and there is but there’s something else going on. Maybe it’s because we are doing more application than ever and we want some written rules given to us. I think a lot of us are also thinking about the GRE and grad school as we always seem to be looking ahead instead of focusing on the here and now. Well my main goal is: take one day at a time and make the best of it.

Geneva