Community Service and its Learning Opprotunities

Many people my age would say that doing community service is boring punishment; only done for a school assignment or for court. But I was never forced to do community service and believe it or not I actually enjoy it. A few months ago, my cousin started working at a animal shelter. She would tell me of how much fun it was even though it was a lot of work and challenging at times. So, naturally, I checked it out to see what all the hype about it was. A few hours spent there and I was sold. I absolutely loved it. I wasn't sure what about it I liked so much; the friendly atmospere and how it was an exciting place to be? Maybe it was my love for animals and the fact I was able to help them in some small way? Regardless I felt completely alive while being there and even at the thought of returning. It completely changed my view of community service. Before this experience I was just like every other teenager dreding the day that I was going to have to participate in it and only doing it becuase I was forced by my teachers. But now I am an firm believer in the partipation in community service. When you find something that you like to do, it means so much more to you in the end. And when you find something you like to do where you are also helping out your community, the time not only flies, but you also enjoy doing it that much more.

Awkward Silences

Awkward silences: everyone has experienced them at some point; But what about the silence makes it awkwad for others around? The first day of sociology class instead of traditionally coming into the class and preaching the instructions, my teacher sat amongst his students silently. Over course since it was a situation none of us were accustomed to, we looked around and looked for the words to fill the silence, but found none. What could have even made this moment be awkward? The fact that due to our society we are used to routines even in different classes that we take in high school. These awkward silences seemt o almost be a direct effect from our society around us. Normally in school it is only silent during certain times like during tests or quizes or during independent work. Otherwise, we are used to a teacher standing up in front of the class lecturing us on our new topic of the day. I think thats whats makes us feel awkward in moments of silence. We are so used to either hearing someone talk or talking ourselves that when it is silent, we tend to have this view that it is awkward.

Who Am I?

Hi my name is Deirdre. I am a senior in high school and am anxiously counting down the days until I graduate and am off at college. I still have not completely decided where I am going to school next year yet, but i have narrowed my decision down to two schools: UCG in Ireland and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I hope to study to eventually become an elementary special education teacher. I have a huge family that I am very close with. They have shaped just about every aspect of my life from what sports and activities I am involved in to the attitudes i have for just about every situation. To give you an idea of just how huge i am talking about, both my parents grew up with 9 other children in their households. Just on my mother's side of the family i have 30 cousins and on my father's side i have 18 and counting! I have a lot of pride in my extremely Irish background and anyone who knows me well knows it shows. So i guess you could say the things that influence my life are my background and my family. I play and am still learning guitar and i can not physically go more than 2 days without a trip to the gym. As for my purpose in life, I can't really give a clear statement. I view myself who is still actively learning about the world around me and i still think i have much left to learn. I can think of a new goal each day, but I can't say they are exactly attainable since i view life as a big unpredictable journey.