Week 15 Review

This week, being the last, has been fairly easy. Just had to wrap up everything and do a ton of extra credit to get an A. But I am just happy I was able to squeeze by with that A. This is actually the last post I have to do to get 410 points. This class as a whole, I have really enjoyed. Everyone has been so nice, including Laura. This week I really liked the link she shared to Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir. The entire video and the way all their voices fit together perfectly, was truly amazing. I really enjoyed the graphics in the video! 

(Fly to Paradise)

My Famous Last Words, Really

Well, we have come to that time in the semester. Yes, you guessed it, the end. (Hallelujah) I mean, darn! But really, I have so enjoyed this class. Typically learning isn't an enjoyable thing to me. I have a hard time staying focused in my classes because I typically lack interest for the topic. And while reading has never been a huge interest to me, I liked being able to read then transform these stories into somethIng I could call my own. I am really into writing poetry and have been since I was about ten. This was a bit different than poetry, of course, but it strengthened me as a writer and I appreciate that. There were so many talented people in this class. I truly enjoyed reading all their stories each week. Unfortunately, I never got to all of them, but the ones that I read I really liked. 

This semester as a whole was a bit rough. After being in school for sixteen years total now, I am a bit burnt out. I finally declared a major this semester- communication, so that's a tiny step in the right direction. Truthfully I just picked it because at this point I had to pick something. It's a bit sad, but my passions don't lie in classes with textbooks and exams. My passions are for people, animals and writing. It's something you have to god out in the world and do. You can't be taught these things. So I just need the degree that says I am dedicated enough to stay in school. For the sake of a steady job in the future, I have to push through. This class has been a light through it all though. While it is quite a bit of work, it is easy and interesting. It allowed me to tap into my creative side and that's when I'm truly the happiest.

I chose this painting because I wanted to pick something that I felt portrayed passion. I love the colors and how abstract the faces are. Also there is just a lot of emotion here. 

(Passion)

 

My Wikipedia Trail

This is the first time I've tried the Wikipedia Trails assignment but I think it was a really clever idea. I started out with Sita and ended up at the drink called "Soma".

For the most part everything I read about Sita I already knew. I think the way she was found is so interesting, inside of a furrow. But it also said that some associate her as the wife of Indra, which I wasn't aware of. That's how I came to Indra's page.

For one, I actually really like the name Indra. I thought it was really cool that he is the god of lightning, thunder, storms, rains and river flows. He possesses a lot of earthly power. To be able to control the earth in that way seems like he has control over the earth's emotions. It's very poetic if you ask me. 

Then I got to Vritra who is the adversary of Indra. It also says he is in the form of a dragon or serpent. And is also the personification of drought. I have never heard of Vritra before but Wikipedia said that he was slain by Indra. I thought it was pretty interesting how he is the drought and Indra is basically a huge storm.

Somehow, I ended up at Soma which is a Vedic ritual drink. It is also said that drinking Soma produces immortality. But it is attested that humans consume this drink.

Here is my trail...

1. Sita

2. Indra

3. Vritra

4. Soma

(Indra vs Vritra)

Growth Mindset: Janet Echleman

I watched Janet Echelman's Ted Talk about imagination. I enjoy art but I don't often seek it out. I rarely go to art museums but I do appreciate it. My artist side favors writing such as poetry or music. But her pieces were so out-of-the-box and innovative that I was captivated by them. She actually came up with a way to create a moving sculpture. I would love to have the chance to lie underneath one and just watch it. I feel like it would be so soothing. I really admire the fact that she dreamt up something and actually found a way to bring it to life. It wasn't easy and she had to incorporate many different groups of people with different talents but in the end she did it! I truly don't think I've ever seen something so creative. And to think, she was actually turned down by seven art universities! Her story is a testament to never give up on something you're passionate about. I told my manager the other day that it's difficult to be a creative person. Someone really just has to take a chance on you for you to be able to succeed. But you just have to know that you may not make much money by choosing to do art for a living. Some get lucky and some do not. But I think no matter what you should never let your passions slip away. 

(Janet Echelman)

Learning Challenge: Attention

I viewed the video about attention and was shocked. I seriously didn't notice the gorilla walking through the video. What?! I knew my attention span was bad but I didn't know it was that bad! Apparently that video gets everyone though. So that's comforting.  She said in the video that it's been noted that an attention span can be as short as 8 seconds. No wonder I can't read a text book or study to save my life! Okay, not an excuse, but still. I love watching brain videos like this. The creative side of me likes learning things about the brain or taking personality tests. I have always thought all of it was so cool. 

I also watched the video on procrastination. I was weary of the Pomodoro Technique because I usually don't like using a timer. But it was actually a great idea. I think I'll try it next time I study. Maybe while I study for my big psych final that's coming up this Wednesday! 

(Timer)

Tech Tip: Canvas App

I heard that there was an app for Canvas but I hadn't checked it out until now. It's been frustrating that D2L doesn't have an app so I really appreciate the convenience of the Canvas app. 

I like how easily it is to personalize your Canvas account. Everything is so well organized on the app and easy to access. Sometimes viewing the full Canvas site on your iPhone can be a bit overwhelming. 

Another thing I've really liked on Canvas is the ability to enter potential grades to calculate what you grade may add up to. On D2L you have to calculate everything yourself and with me being bad at math, I hate that. 

Since Canvas is going to be used by all classes next semester, I am glad I got the app now. I can already tell that it will be extremely helpful!

(Canvas App)

Improvement Suggestions

From the beginning I have been extremely impressed with the way you have set up your online class. Everything is so complex but so well organized that it's easy to understand. 

All of your new ideas look great to me. But I am particularly interested in the last three. Considering I am absolutely terrible at time management, I'm sure the first one would really help me out, though. 

Audio Recordings

I would love this! I didn't even realize audio recordings had been an option for us. That would help me tremendously because reading isn't something I naturally enjoy. I also feel that I am able to focus more and comprehend better when I am read to.

Writing Tutorial Videos

This would be awesome. I am a hands-on/visual learner. I like to watch tutorial videos over class material because I feel like it's more efficient for me than reading instructions. I know it will probably be a lot of work for you to create the videos but the good thing is that you can reuse them for each semester!

Thematic Reading Units

Yes! This would make it even easier to find readings that I'm interested in. Since I'm inclined to stories about love or stories about animals, this would be an efficient way to find stories that intrigue me. 

I love that you're constantly striving to change your class for the better. I truly appreciate the way you try to tailor the class to each of your students needs. School for me isn't easy, due to me being a hands-on/visual learner. Textbooks don't do much for me but I don't have an alternate option. I have enjoyed your class immensely and want to thank you for sharing your passion for and knowledge of the epics with all of us!

Story: Wreck Me (Sita & Rama)

Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep...

Sita struggled to open her eyes. As she blinked away the blur, she saw a figure standing in the doorway. "Rama?" She croaked. 

"Hi honey, you're finally awake. We were so worried. How do you feel?"

She stared blankly at the older man, now hovering over her. "Where am I?" She looked around the clean white room and down at the wires and IV in her right arm. 

"You've been in a car accident, darling. You're in the hospital until you've made a full recovery." The man explained.

Sita began to panic. "Where is Rama? Was he in the accident too? Is he okay?"

"Rama?" The man looked at her, concerned.

"Yes. My husband, Rama. Where is he?" She asked frantically.

"Sweetheart, you and Rama haven't been together in a year."

She shook her head. "No. That can't be- I was just... tell me where he is! Who are you?!"

The man brushed her hair from her face. "Honey, I am your father. Do you not remember me?"

*Two days earlier*

Sita was running late for school as usual. She had spilled her coffee all over herself right before walking out the door. It was the first day of her senior year, so she had to look exceptional for this day. Plus, this would be the first time she's seen Rama in months. She didn't want to make him miss her. I mean they had agreed it was best to go their separate ways for senior year... but it hadn't been easy to just let go. 

She walked into her first class, ten minutes late, and grabbed a seat near the back. 

"Nice of you to join us Miss Sita!" Mrs. Berry said.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Berry, it won't happen again!"

She went through the day, class to class. Seeing friends here and there. She had already run into Lakshamana. He stopped and asked how her summer was and if she was ready to graduate in just one short school year. She had missed him. But mostly Rama. Even though she acted at ease about their decision to go separate ways, she longed for his embrace. Finally the lunch hour crept around, when she was sure she would finally see Rama. She turned the corner to the cafeteria and there he was. His perfect shaggy dark hair had gotten longer since she had seen him last. And he must have been out in the sun plenty this summer judging by the golden brown color of his skin. He was sitting at a table with his brother and their friends, Ravana, his sister Soorpanaka, and the five Pandava brothers: Yudhisthira, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva and Arjuna. Sita was so busy studying him that she hadn't realized she wasn't even walking anywhere. 

"Hey! How was your summer girl?" Draupadi swung her arm over Sita's shoulders.

Sita jumped. "Oh! Hi. Sorry, did you say something to me?"

Drapadia laughed. "Yes. Welcome back, I asked how your summer was? Are you alright?" Draupadi followed Sita's gaze over to Rama. "Oh. You all are still on that break thing?"

"...Yeah, we are. It's just what's best for now." Sita sighed.

"Well, c'mon. It isn't nice to stare." Draupadia grabbed Sita's hand and drug her over to the boys. "Heeeeyyyyy!" She said, in her usual bubbly tone.

Rama looked up and met Sita's gaze. He smiled and stood up, wrapping his arms around her, embracing Draupadi next. "How are you girls? Sit down! Eat with us."

They sat and spent the rest of the lunch hour with the crew but Sita wasn't being her normal self. It felt weird to her to have to act just as Rama's friend and she really wasn't sure what that even looked like. 

That night Draupadi texted Sita, inviting her to her back to school party at her house. Draupadi's parents were out of town, so she was going all out. Sita didn't feel like doing much that night. She promised Draupadi she would come away, though, because she was her best friend and all. Sita was assigned to buy desserts and ice for the drinks. She left an hour before the party started to go and run the errands and help Draupadi finish setting up. 

She was stopped at a red light. And then it turned green, so she went. Someone coming from the right of her decided to run a red light. She saw lights right before everything went sideways and then black. The next thing she saw was an older man standing over her, lying in a hospital bed. And the only person she could remember was Rama. 

*Present Time*

Her face fell. "No. I only remember Rama. Can you please get him for me?" She begged her father.

Just as she said those words, Rama ran around the corner. "Sita! What in the world? I didn't know until today. I would have come earlier. I am so sorry!" He knelt at her side, grabbing her hand. 

Tears began to fill her eyes. "Rama, I am scared. I think I may have lost most of my memory. I awoke and all I could remember was you. And this man-" 

"Your father. You don't remember him?" Rama interjected. 

"No. You are the only one. I was so afraid, he told me we were no longer together. I didn't think you would come." Tears began to soak her face. 

Rama crawled into the hospital bed with her. "I am here now and that's all that matters. Don't worry, we will make it through this."

Sita drifted to sleep, in Rama's arms. She spent the next six month regaining her strength and memory, but Rama never left her side. It was fate that they belonged together and they vowed never again to separate from on another.

A/N

I've always wanted to write a story about someone who lost their memory after a car crash. I know there are already books and movies about this but it's always fascinated me. Especially when love is involved. I sort of tied it to another story of mine, or tried to, Draupadi's Party and Kunti's Hundred Questions. The party found in that story was the party Sita was headed to when she got in a wreck. I would like to revise this a lot and give it some more twists but this is just the rough draft. I kind of thought "the skies the limit" with this one since it was my last story. So I made a few of the main characters from the epics friends in this story. I thought that would be interesting. I hope you enjoyed it!

Bibliography: Narayan's Ramayana