Week 8 Review

I actually was able to jump ahead and do week 8 already. I have a really busy week and I am going on a cruise so I wanted to get it done! (I thought this image was pretty funny too) 

Daily Announcements

Extra Reading: The Story of Beowulf

This week I chose to read Beowulf. Below are my reading notes:

• I find it interesting that the King of Hygelac does not wage war against the strange inhabitants unless they go into more densely populated areas. I would definitely want to move closer to town.  I could write a story where a farmer is killed and the creature sneaks into town acting as the farmer.
• I always like stories with a main hero. I like how they included the backstory of the great Beowulf. I could write a story where someone pretends to be a great hero but in reality they are a fraud.
• I like how this author introduced the dreaded Grendel in a song. I could incorporate a story where the villain is a nasty creature who is almost impossible to defeat. However, a young woman is actually the hero because she softens the creature up and talks him out of killing everyone.
• I am excited to see Beowulf fight this Grendel. I wonder who will win. I am sure that Beowulf will but I may write a story where it is from the perspective of the creature. It could make for an interesting twist.
• I wonder if Grendel will make an appearance into the hall as they celebrate Beowulf coming. I am sure that it will not be easy if Beowulf does indeed defeat this creature.
• I like how the Unerth questioned Beowulf. I always feel that stories move past the logistics of some random person coming and saying they can do something. This will provide Beowulf with the fire to defeat Grendel.
• It would make for a good story to have my hero tell stories in first person in order to prove that he is qualified. This could really make a story be more interesting to have it written in terms of the main hero.

Beowulf

The Story of Beowulf. Written by Strafford Riggs. 1933.

Wikipedia Trail: From Sir Lancelot to the Holy Grail

I started this week’s Wikipedia Trail on Sir Lancelot from the Twitter page. He is a fictionally character that is one of the best swordsman and jousters during the time period. He is a part of the Knights ofthe Round Table so I ended up clicking on that next. I found out that this is a table that indicates equality among the men associated with King Arthur’s court. It was first developed by Wace all the way back in 1155. I actually ended up going to King Arthur’s page next. His existence is actually up to debate which I find very strange. However, he was actually one of the close companions to Lancelot and they were first put together when Chretien de Troyes introduced the Holy Grail. Therefore, I clicked on the Holy Grail next. The finding of the Holy Grail gives the discoverer eternal happiness and life. The Holy Grail is a commonly written about item because of its uniqueness. 

Wikipedia: Knights of the Round Table

Learning Challenge: Reading

I can definitely relate to this image. I am always finding new books to read but I just simply do not have time to read them. I wish I could just stop time and focus on reading all of the books I want to. This would really help me with relaxation!

H.E.A.R.T. Blog

Growth Mindset

I thought this was a great representation of how I feel this week. I got some "constructive" criticism from my Capstone professor. I had to take it to heart and work on all the negatives that he discussed. Overall, feedback really gives people the motivation to try harder and get better.

Growth Mindset Blog

Tech Tip: Canvas Notifications

I actually have not set up my notificiations for Canvas. I had used them for D2L and I loved it. This was a great way for me to actually take the time and set it up! I usually just set up the notifications for important assignments and any announcement made by my professors.

Notificaitons

Growth Mindset: Self Reflection

One thing I will take from this course is that all feedback does not need to be positive. I have always been nervous to hear negative things about my schooling, athletics, and work, but I now understand that it is extremely beneficial. If all people do is tell you positives, you will never truly get better at things you are average at. For example, I have always been bad at public speaking because I get extremely nervous. This past semester I had a 30 minute technical presentation for my internship. I presented in front of almost 75 engineers and geologists and received some negative feedback (along with positive of course). I really had to take this to heart and realize they were not doing this to make fun of me, but simply to help me in my future career. This is similar to the comments I get on my work in this course. If it is negative, take it and run with it. Change what people are seeing is negative and become better.

Also, I will overcome things that I am not actually good at. I am not the best writer, but this course had really helped me progress into being able to write stories and become more creative. Overall, this course was excellent in allowing for me to come out of my shell.

Speaking in Public

Class Reflections: Week 8

Overall, my favorite readings this semester were definitely both of Homer’s Epics. If I had to choose one though, I would have to go with Homer’s Odyssey. I really enjoyed connecting all of the Gods to the mortals, along with gaining a better understanding of the story. I had actually read this in high school, but I definitely learned more this time around because I looked up everything I did not know.

My favorite writing this semester is actually the first story in my Portfolio. It was one of the first stories I actually liked reading again this semester. Writing has always been my weakest link compared to Sciences and Math so I am glad I am taking this course. It is really making me step out of my comfort zone and I feel I am a better writer for it.

Writing a Story

In terms of project, I am glad that I switched from a Storybook to a Portfolio. I felt that I do not do well writing a couple of stories that go together. Therefore, being able to write a bunch of different stories with different characters and endings really made more sense to me. I am looking forward to adding more stories to my Portfolio.