Ever notice how parents only look at how bad you're doing and they don't mention the good? Or is that just mine? I'm getting a 106% at tech campus (I know pro) which counts as 3 of my grades. But then there Is sweet ol' American Studies. Do you know you can't drop that class? Trust me I've tried. And I'll try again. It isn't that I don't like the teachers. Don't get me wrong they are great. It is just that English has never been my subject. So when I signed up for the class I was hoping my mad History skills would even out my not so fantastic English skills. Anyways I'm getting a D in the class... Maybe an F I'm not even sure what my grade is.
"Wait Joe why is your grade so low?!?!" -Mr. Guy
"Well Mr. Guy I had to write an English essay that related to my summer reading book 'The Help'. I didn't follow the guide lines, and maybe I went a little to far but I believe my essay was flawless. Well except the fact that it wasn't on the subject, but it was on MY subject. What matters to me, and that is all I'm concerned about." -Joe
"Well Joe did you at least get some credit for writing that flawless essay of yours?" -Mr. Guy
"Well as disappointed as I am to say, my beautiful essay did not receive a grade. It was marked with an outstanding 0/40" -Joe
Anyways my parents know that I'm not doing well in it. So one more question. When you do something wrong do your parents come up with a ridiculous reason of why you might have done it? Mine do. Today I had the pleasure of sitting down with my parents while they tried to find out if I was dyslexic. I had a ton of fun.
This is what's up. I have trouble writing on a told subject, that is why I kinda like the blogs because I can write about whatever I want to. I know I'm whining but I'm 100% sure other people can relate. That is the point of these right? To write something that me and other people can relate to? That is easy for me. Relating things to a book on the other hand? Jump on my back and drown me in a pool... of course metaphorically speaking. My brain goes dead when I have to do something I don't particularly want to do, it is a natural instinct. Not a good one. It happens though.
If you're reading this and none of this relates to you what so ever.
Then Welcome To My Life.
Words of a true genius ..I HATE being told what to write, Especially if Im not into it. But tell me to freedom write and you will get a MASTERPICE I'm talking Mona Lisa here.. but yeah I TOTALLY get you Joe.
ReplyDeleteJoe, Thanks for the thoughtful post - you've hit the nail on the head, that is exactly what these blogs should be about: issues that people can relate to in order to encourage a dialogue among your peers. My challenge to you is this, however: any time you construct an argument you need to take into account any opposing views. Rather than talking about how much you dislike writing when you're told to connect something to a text, you need to take into account the perspective of the school -- why do teachers ask you to do those things? By acknowledging other points of view you boost your credibility as a writer and an arguer. Similarly, rather than just complaining about your parents having that conversation with you - consider their point of view. Parents only want to see their children be successful and they see it as their job to help steer their children in the right direction. As much as a parent wants to let their child live independently, they also realize that at times they need to step in and provide guidance. I assure you that the adults in your life aren't out to get you - quite the opposite, in fact. Teachers put a tremendous amount of time and thought into assignments to ensure that the assignment is, in fact, purposeful. Parents have those conversations because they want to see you capitalize on your potential. None of them are in the business of wasting your time and making your life miserable.
ReplyDeleteKeep finding issues such as these that you know your audience can relate to - I love that you've done that. However, address those issues in a constructive way that allows you to make a well developed, credible argument.