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Blog Post #10

Last blog post of the semester?? Crazy how time flies! EN 211 has been an overall excellent course! I have learned so many different things from rhetorical analysis to the “ICE method.” Throughout the semester I feel that I have stayed very focused and on the ball in this class. I have learned to think a lot deeper about important topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, doing so allowed me to understand the world around me a lot better. I am the most proud about my growth as a writer, I feel that at the beginning of the semester I addressed my bad procrastinating habits and I made a 360 degree turn for the best. Not procrastinating, and taking my writing seriously has led to much better results for myself and my grades. I am also very proud of how I have learned to cite all of my sources correctly using MLA format. In EN 111 and in high school I struggled with citing sources and getting them perfect, in this class I was taught the proper way and now they look better then ever! What I could’ve improved on was presenting. I get so nervous presenting, and the first time didn’t go too well. I am excited to hopefully redeem myself this Tuesday and overcome my fear of speaking in front of my peers. The material and techniques I have learned in this course I will take with me for the rest of my educational career. The next steps for my future would have to be simply brushing up on my reading, and working on using the many writing skills I have developed in my papers in future classes. As I stated before, this class has helped me in so many ways and I believe it will help me succeed in my future. I am very grateful to have taken this course. EN 211 will be missed!! 

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Blog Post #9

After reading George Orwell’s “Why I Write” it really made me think about the real reason why I write. He pointed out many different perspectives on why a person may write. After reading this, I am somewhat unsure of why I personally write. I write for school because I am required to but when I am writing in my free time it is a lot different. I write about my dreams, and passions a lot. I think I write because I’m somewhat of a control freak. I like to plan everything out, and see it all on paper in front of me. When I write about my desires and plans for the future it excites me and allows me to see that my short and long term goals are in reach. I would say that my writing is considered private because whenever I feel the need to get my thoughts on paper I do not want anyone else to see it besides me. The writing I do is personal and meaningful to what is going on in my life, and for no one else to see. When Orwell says, “All writers are vain, selfish, and lazy, and at the very bottom of their motives there lies a mystery” I think he means that every writer wants to fulfill a self duty. They are selfish and do not want anyone to take their work, everything they write is on them. Writers are lazy because sometimes things do not go as planned and writing can be miserable at times which may cause them to give up or become lazy. Orwell says, “One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand” I believe this quote answers your last question, at the very bottom of their motives there lies a mystery. One may never know what is motivating a writer to write about sadness, grief or sheer happiness. That is what is unique about every piece of work, you never know the true reason(s) why writers say the things they say, or include the things they do in their writing. 

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Blog Post #8

After going back and reading over the parts in Palestine that outline their anger towards journalists I completely understand them. At the top of page 162 a man says, “At first we made them feel welcome, we showed them everything.” The men and women explain that journalists and reporters have been writing about their condition, and state of living for years. They are all fed up with it, and want to be treated with some dignity. They believe that journalists such as Sacco are being disrespectful by doing anything they can to get the information for their personal work. Palestinians feel inferior to Americans as it is but when they are constantly being asked questions, and interviewed it makes everything a lot worse. One quote really jumped out at me the middle of page 242, “She wants to know how talking to you is going to help her. We don’t want money, she says, we want our land, our humanity.” This quote tugged on my heart strings. I can’t imagine living the way the Palestinians do everyday, feeling robbed of everything they own. All they want is to be left with dignity, and their humanity to be restored. If I were in their shoes I would be angry that hundreds of Americans continue to visit what used to be their land just to report and write about it. If they used all of that energy to help, just imagine all of the people that could be saved. I think Joe Sacco included these two scenes in his book to open the eyes of the readers. He did this to inform others of the experience he went through reporting, and some of the things victims said to him. Sacco is defending the Palestinians, in a way he restores them of their dignity by including their thoughts and emotions about this topic in these specific scenes. Overall, throughout reading Sacco’s book I feel a mixture of emotions. I feel a lot more informed about the conditions they are living in. Reading this book has really opened my eyes about the large conflict I didn’t know much about before reading Palestine. 

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Plane crash mystery: Michigan student vanishes without a trace

Last week, a mysterious plane crash occurred involving a University of Michigan graduate. According to local reports, there was no trace of life at the scene-no footprints or bodies. The plane was found in Ontario, Canada about 400 miles from its original destination (Harbor Springs, MI). The police inform readers that the Cessna 172 was rented in Ann Arbor, MI and registered with the University of Michigan Flyers Inc. Police were very confused due no footprints in the snow, and the pilot was not discovered. The investigation will remain ongoing with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, and the University of Michigan police.

This article is very upsetting, I chose this article because it really hit close to home. We keep hearing about things that are happening elsewhere in the world, and some seem to be losing focus about what is going on right where we live. The student that is reported a missing person at this time is from our home state. I’m not sure if I agree entirely with what is being said. I just think the whole thing is very fishy because a plane recently crashed in Australia. I wonder if there are any ties to the two? This story leaves me with a very uneasy feeling, and a lot of questions. Hearing this upsetting news really makes you appreciate your life, and inspires you to live each day like it’s your last. I will definitely be checking back on this story to see how the investigation goes, and if the student is ever found. 

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/03/21/plane-crash-mystery-michigan-student-vanishes-without-trace.html

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Where the middle of nowhere, is somewhere

Summer in the UP is my favorite time of year. I absolutely love everything that comes along with it, from fishing off the dock, to waterskiing Lake Superior. I am so blessed to have grown up here, and been able to experience all that this beautiful place has to offer. Some of my favorite things to do in the summertime are, roasting marshmallows over the campfire, tenting in the woods, ham mocking near the lake, stargazing in the back of a pickup truck, night swimming in Lake Superior, sunbathing on the dock, beach glass hunting, river fishing, paddle boarding/kayaking, hiking, berry picking, four wheeling, boating on Huron Bay and most importantly, coming up with the craziest, most fun adventures with my best friends and family. I truly believe that everyone needs to experience a UP summer at least once in their life. Nothing will compare to the amount of fun and memories you create while being in the Upper Peninsula. I am greatly appreciative of where I live, and love every bit of it. One of the best things about growing up in a small town is, almost everyone in the UP is very friendly, and willing to help if you need it. The people that surround you are genuine, and a lot of fun. Plus wouldn’t you rather experience the UP’s beauty when there isn’t 10 feet of snow on the ground?

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula~ Where the middle of nowhere, is somewhere.

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Vacation of a Lifetime~ Hawaii 2016

My family and I were fortunate enough to travel to Maui, and Oahu Hawaii this past June. On this spectacular trip, we celebrated my mom & dad’s 25th wedding anniversary, my twin sister Erin and I’s 18th birthday, and our high school graduation. We spent seven days in Maui, and seven days in Oahu. The picture above captures our very first adventure in Maui, and one of my favorites. We took our rental mini-van on the famous Road to Hana. The majority of time on the Road to Hana or Hana Highway it is very narrow, there are many twists, and sometimes you find yourself on a one lane road. To be exact, there are 600 turns, and 54 no-shoulder bridges as you climb the beautiful mountain. To avoid getting too car sick, we stopped at the many lookouts and various attractions Maui has to offer. I captured the photograph above at Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach on just off Hana Highway. While in Maui we also drove up the dormant Haleakalā volcano at 4 am, to the Haleakalā National Park to witness a sunrise above the clouds. Erin and I parasailed 1500 ft above Kaanapali Beach, and simply enjoyed all the fun and relaxation Hawaii has to offer. I highly recommend everyone takes a trip to Hawaii, and lets your adventurous side run wild. I promise you will not regret it. Hawaii’s beautiful scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and the adventures were endless. I am very grateful for getting to experience some of the most incredible views in the world. This was truly a vacation of a lifetime, and I hope to return very soon.

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Blog Post #5

Rachel Corrie teaches us that if you’re passionate and determined enough about something then you can go forth with anything you can dream of. When Rachel Corrie travels to Israel-Palestine she teaches us about activism. She has a set agenda of what she is going to accomplish each day, and feels the need to help others who aren’t able to help themselves. Rachel is is deeply involved with this subject, and has dedicated a good portion of her life to this mission. What she teaches us is that if you are going to attempt to bring about a change you have to get out there and do something, you can’t expect anything to change if you don’t give it 110%.

There are many causes I am willing to fight for. If I get enough information about a cause, and deep down feel the need to support it I will strongly consider it. When I support something I am for it completely, and I am rarely on the fence about a topic I know a lot about. Yes, I feel we have a responsibility to fight for people who can’t especially if it was us who caused the situation. If certain people are not able to fight for themselves or ask for what they deserve, such as hungry children, disabled individuals, etc. I feel a certain duty to fight and help them, it just feels like the right thing to do.

Five people I wish I’d met who are dead: Walt Disney, Abraham Lincoln, Steve Jobs, Robin Williams, and Coco Chanel.

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My doggie Quincy

Wishing you all a great week and a very happy Monday!!

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I think a good presentation consists of a well thought out powerpoint presentation and the presenter is knows what they’re talking about. An audience enjoys a presentation that is appealing to the eyes and interesting. Such as if there are pictures, videos, funny memes, or informational charts. Anything to keep your audience interested in what your talking about makes a good presentation. Too many words/paragraphs on your slides makes it hard to understand what you’re main points are, and the main topics you’re striving to cover. A presentation is complete when the presenter speaks clearly, and makes eye contact with the audience, and does not simply read off their slides. One of the most important things for the presenter is that they are able to answer questions about their presentation afterwards. 

I usually prepare for public speaking by researching my subject and creating my powerpoint around the same time. I make sure to leave enough time to create my presentation too avoid cramming. A couple nights before I am scheduled to do my public speaking I practice in front of my friends or in the mirror as like a practice run through of all the points I want to cover and to see if I meet the time requirement. This really helps me feel prepared walking in on speaking day. When I even hear the words public speaking my hands immediately get clammy and I feel nervous. Presenting in front of a group of people has always been difficult for me. My heart races and my voice shakes when I have all eyes on me, to be honest I hate it. I am really trying to get better at presenting because I know that is a part of life, and I need to overcome it at some point.

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Join NMU HOSA!

At the beginning of this year my friend Alexzandra Richards and I started the first Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club at NMU! She is the president chairperson, and I am the vice-president chairperson. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students. HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people. So if you want to build on your leadership/interpersonal skills and if you're interested in a health-related career this is the perfect club for you! You can choose from hundreds of events to compete in, and have a chance to make it to the International Leadership Conference like we did this past summer. HOSA looks great if you're planning on attending a professional school after your undergrad, and is a fun way to meet others with the same interests as you. This is such an awesome organization, and I can't wait to get others involved. Spread the word!

First meeting: Wednesday, February 15th @ 8:00 pm Third Floor in Jamrich

Contact us with any questions or if you’d like to be added to the email list!

hosa.nmu@gmail.com 

*Picture above taken at the 2016 International Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN*

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Twin Sister

         June 16th, 1998 I was given my best friend and twin sister Erin. (I know we look nothing alike!) People always think we’re joking when we say we’re twins, they are convinced that we’re simply best friends or at most, cousins. The hardest thing about being a twin growing up would have to be sharing everything! From friends, the same classes, sports we played, to every birthday, we shared it all. When you have a twin sister everything is a competition, and you never grow out of it. Having a twin sister has a lot more advantages than disadvantages. You have an indescribable bond that you could never have with anyone else. You finish each other’s sentences, and at times know what each other are thinking with just one look. We have more inside jokes then I can count, and I have made some of my most favorite memories with her. Erin and I have drastically different personalities. She is an introvert and I am an extrovert. In high school I would always get yelled at for talking too much, and she would get punished for not saying enough. However we do share a lot of the same interests. We enjoy waterskiing, downhill skiing, tubing, going to the beach, shopping, exploring the UP, and spending time together. But our all time favorite thing to do is travel. Right now, we are actually planning our very first trip with just us! 

          Erin studies mechanical engineering at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI. We grew up in L’Anse, MI (in between Northern & Michigan Tech) Erin decided to go in one direction, and I decided to go in the other. It is very nice that we both stayed in the UP. I think this time apart is actually making us closer as sisters. We have been through thick and thin together and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side through it all. I love having a twin sister that doubles as my best friend. 

P.S. I’m older! (5 minutes) ;)

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My Writing Process

        After reading Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts”, I would view myself as a little bit of everything. I am a planner because I plan out what I am going to write almost immediately when the prompt is given to me. Ideas will constantly flow through my head until I actually pick up my pencil or type on my laptop. I would say that I put the “pro” in procrastinator. My thoughts about my writing and the process I will go through to get there is always be in the back of my mind but I seem to put it off until the last minute. When I write my first rough draft/proposal I have multiple errors right off the bat. I almost always hate my first draft, so I do many revisions. I am somewhat of a perfectionist so I am constantly reading my drafts over and over again searching for how I can make my writing better. 

        It is always tough for me to get all of my thoughts straightened out and on paper to begin writing. Some of the things I do to help myself are to get in a very quiet space with little to no distractions. I do my best work when I am completely alone. I also take frequent breaks to allow my brain to refocus. To be successful in this course I think the first thing I need to do is brainstorm all of my ideas on paper. I seem to be a visual learner and I feel this would help my overall writing process run a lot smoother. I also think that I should avoid striving for absolute perfection in my work, because some of my “best” writing was never consider perfect in my eyes. Most importantly I need to quit my bad habit of procrastinating! 

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         This Nike ad is advertising children’s cleats. This particular ad stuck out to me as very stereotypical. The ad is aimed specifically at parents whose children don’t participate in sports. What they are advertising is that your child isn’t considered a “winner” unless they play a competitive sport. The company bashes kids who choose to play an instrument instead of playing sports. This ad could be very hurtful to certain children’s self esteem especially ones who play an instrument and do not participate in sports. I feel that this ad also promotes parents to pressure their children to be in sports even if that’s not what they want to do.

         This ad upsets me because there is already enough pressure to be just like everyone else around you in 2017. Kids shouldn’t be shamed for what they are truly interested in and what they’re passionate about. The phrase “When your son plays the tuba no one wins” is completely untrue. Nike is basically saying that if your child isn’t in sports they are not a winner. In the lower right corner above the Nike swoosh, the three words “Raise a champion” really stuck out to me. Nike is inferring that you are not a champion unless you wear their cleats/shoes and participate in competition/sports. This ad succeeds in drawing forth anger from viewers towards the company and it may make some parents rethink their parenting style about not forcing their kids to play sports.

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Eben Ice Caves~ 1/22/17

         This past Sunday my boyfriend Mike took me on a surprise adventure to the Eben Ice Caves! We love to explore the outdoors together, and we try to go somewhere new as much as we can. The curiosity killed me for the duration of the forty five minute drive from Marquette. When we pulled into the parking area, a large field, and miles of farmland surrounded us. The trail began on the edge of the field and continued into the tall trees. When we got about a .25 miles into the woods, we read a sign that told us to respect all wildlife, to be cautious of the slippery conditions and to leave only footprints behind. After reading this sign I knew exactly where we were, at the end of the trail we would get to see the famous Eben Ice Caves! These caves are a very popular tourist attraction, and is the main reason why people make the drive to the tiny town of Eben. After the .75 mile hike we finally reached what we have been waiting to see. The way the water froze over Rock River Canyon was incredible. Crawling in and out of the caves, Mike and I admired the dazzling ice formation. We stopped and listened to the dripping of the cool water, as it trickled beside us. This is a Sunday adventure I will never forget. Enjoying Upper Michigan’s breathtaking scenery is one of my favorite things to do, everytime I explore I feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

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All About Me

         Hi, my name is Lauren Elmblad. I am currently a freshman at NMU. I’m in the pre-dental program and majoring in biology with a physiology concentration. I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula in a small town called L’Anse that’s about 70 miles from Marquette. When I’m not at school, I enjoy waterskiing, paddle boarding, hammocking, and taking in the UP’s beautiful scenery. To make the brutal winters semi-bareable, I like to downhill ski, ice fish, and snowshoe. One fun fact about me is I have a twin sister who goes to Michigan Tech!

         When I took my first college English class this past fall I was very nervous going into it and didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately, EN 111 turned out to be one of my favorite classes. My strengths include being very organized, and paying close attention to detail. My biggest weakness is mainly getting started writing and getting all of my ideas on paper. I also struggle with staying focused. I get distracted easily, so I need to be in the right circumstances to do my best work. I love that in English class you can express yourself and ideas freely on paper and let your creativity flow. I really dislike feeling intimidated or inferior to my classmates’ work. My main goal for EN 211 is to strive to become an overall better writer and hopefully come up with some of my best work yet. I am excited to see where this course takes me, and eager to build on and learn many skills this semester.