Ignite Talk

1-This presentation denotes my previous understanding and expectations of English classes and how those thoughts have been completely redefined throughout this semester. 2-My previous English classes can be summed up in a few words: Essays, Grammar, Required Readings, and SAT prep. For the past four years it seems that I have been preparing for some of the most challenging English classes that exist. What I expected was the exact opposite of what I got. 3- My High school English teachers assured me that I could expect to write endless essays, analyze poetry, and read old English novels on a regular basis. I felt like I was preparing for my failure rather than figuring out how to avoid it. 4-It was very confusing for me at first to understand the way we were being taught English my first semester here. Everything I had anticipated suddenly changed and instead of applying what I had been taught the past four years, I was instead encouraged to think, and have my own opinion and perspective. 5-I found that given the option to voice my opinions and be creative in class, I was contributing and more invested in the quality of my work. I quickly became more engaged in class, although I wasn’t always vocal with my thoughts, the ways in which I was learning had a huge impact that influenced me in all subjects. denotes 6-It was very interesting applying what I was learning to new technology, as well as social media. I enjoyed keeping a daily journal, but I found the learning through social media sites to be thought-provoking. I now understand that I am able to learn anywhere as long as a keep an open-minded perspective. 7-I’ve kept a Journal before in my English classes and I assumed that this would be similar. They both embody notes from class, but the most previous journal is more personal and I feel like I can talk freely about the topics we are discussing knowing that I will not be graded for my individual perspective. 8-We do so much group work and sharing our works in class, I really love that we get to have the privacy of our journal. It’s great that the curriculum of this class satisfies the many different learning styles of each student. 9-I’ve worked in groups before, but I really appreciated the emphasis of peer-based learning throughout the semester. It’s difficult for me to share some of my works, but in a peer setting I am more comfortable and feel a sense of community and acceptance. 10-Playing string games, having creative freedom, and playing improve at first seemed pointless. But towards the end of the lesson I soon realized just how important abstract thought was to the way I learn. I now understand new ideas quicker since I have worked on developing my abstract thought processes. 11-Blogging is such a great way to combine creativity, peer-based learning, instruction, discovery, and individuality. I thought that using a blog throughout the semester was a great way to learn and I feel that I have benefited from this most throughout the class. 12-There were times when I thought that the required blog posts became very tedious. However, looking back I truly appreciate the freedom I was given. In comparison to the strict assignments given in high school, creating a blog post posed to be much easier. 13-I really enjoy looking back through my blog and watching my progress. Although there are several obvious areas where my writing lacked depth I feel that I have been able to apply the things I have learned in class to my writing more. In comparison to my old works I am more personal, independent, and creative. 14-As redundant as revision and drafting may be, it has made a huge impact in my education. Though the process is somewhat tiresome, I have found that the final product is always worth the extra effort. 15-The revision processes I have learned will apply not only to English classes, but all projects and classes in my future. It’s important to review and revise any work that I do, in order to ensure I am capable and willing to create my best work. 16-I think it’s important to not only understand the material taught in each class but have the ability to apply it to other areas in life. That’s why rediscovering a new way of thinking and approaching English will essentially enable me to apply myself more to topics of interest. 17-I know that everyone in this room was required to take some form of standardized test in order to be accepted to college. Like many other students I followed up the staircase of success completing each task. Before realizing that I had many options for my future I was already enrolled at UNC-Charlotte. 18-After analyzing preparatory steps to attend college in class, I have a new perspective on college readiness. Students should be taught to mold their mind and learn in new ways, instead of anticipating failure. This class has completely redefined my perspective of English courses. 19-Overall I feel that college isn’t easier or more difficult than I expected it to be. My whole perspective and way of learning has completely changed and I feel that I am now a better student because of it. I’m more open-minded, I understand the importance of revision, and I have been taught to look at every angle of a lesson before concluding.

Final

    Mary Wanless states that “Riders very often blame their bodies for problems which really belong in the mind- or at least in the body-mind system. Only in our language can we separate the two; in reality there is no clear distinction, and your mind has tentacles which reach out to and influence every conceivable part of your body.” I have been discussing the connection and complex language between horse and man for my projects. Similar to interpreting body language, communication with a horse is mainly observation of movement, body language, energy, mutual respect, tone, and self-awareness.   As Wanless states, only spoken language can create a clear distinction between mind and body. However, I believe that even though the division may only be made verbally, one is still able to successfully portray such thoughts and emotions through their body. It takes a great deal of body awareness, and an understanding of oneself, to communicate one’s thoughts and ideas to another person let alone an animal. I find that the relationship between the two are complex and unique to each pair and that even though there is no spoken language between the two there is a deep understanding that harbors a higher level of communication no spoken language can depict. This unique comprehension is important to my everyday relationships and has essentially taught me a new way of approaching new contacts within my life. I have learned to listen before I speak, focus on my impressions, and the ambiances of the people and situations I am confronted with. Since I am more self-aware and able to interpret situations from a third person view I can handle issues, and tasks more efficiently and objectively.

Makeup Post- March 17

I absolutely loved Sandra Cisneros's writing style and techniques. I really enjoy when authors  write in a conversational almost story-like style. I always find it more interesting and I am able to connect to the writing more. Her writing is almost philosophical and musical in a way. Her work is inspirational and I really loved trying to write like her in class.

Mini Project III

 

My Riding Years

The reoccurring themes throughout my projects have been largely focused on the connection and unspoken language between horse and mankind. To create a better understanding of the ideas I am presenting, I have created a short slideshow of my personal experiences with horses, a moving photo essay if you will. I have also left a link for a mash up video of me riding throughout my life. As I have mentioned, winning teams are plentiful, but to become THE winning team requires much more than the drive to win. The connection, understanding, and respect for one another as individuals is what creates a successful duo. However, I would like to stress that not all relationships with a horse are simply for competition. Many will say that horses are healing, therapeutic, and excellent companions and to many a best friend. I chose to share some of my personal experiences with horses to give you a better understanding or visual of how certain connections can impact one so greatly. As sappy as it sounds, horses are a huge part of my life and I'm not sure where I would be without them. I've always been a quiet person, and I feel that horses have complemented that aspect of my personality greatly. Throughout my life horses have been my support system, an unfaltering support that I have always been able to rely on. My fondest memories and best experiences have been shared with horses and I know that without them I would not be the person I am today. Each relation I've shared with a horse has taught me something different that has shaped me into a different person and I have gained a better sense of self. I believe that my willingness to understand and compassion for these animals have given me an advantage when taking on new tasks.  Regardless of what path a horse and rider choose to take, it is important to understand one another and create a unique bond to one another. Each relationship will be unique in it's own, however it is imperative to understand the importance and effects of this and how much it will strengthen the bond between the two along any path that is chosen.

Mini Project #2

            I have created a found poem about the connection between horse and rider from the book The Natural Rider by Mary Wanless. Her book is written about a right-brain approach to riding and how creativity, innovation, and a body-mind connection is so important to a successful partnership between horse and rider. I have gathered from this novel, and my own experiences, how important it is to have a good foundation and relationship. Communication is a key aspect to a solid relationship, and is important to establish a good understanding and comprehension at the beginning of each affiliation. Equestrian sports are a team sport, including a horse and rider. However rigorous the sport may seem, the most difficult task is creating a winning bond with the horse. If the rider or trainer fails to do so, they lose valuable traits that could be the defining factor in the competitions. Qualities such as communication, understanding, and respect are important aspects that both the horse and rider must embody equally. When training a horse, one must fully comprehend that there is no spoken language between the two and that forms of communication must be improvised, innovated, and interpreted. Much like understanding another humans body language, the basic principles of understanding a horse are largely observation of movement, and demeanor. Once an individual has mastered these skills they are then able to apply them to their training of the horse. Just like teaching, training is instruction of new materials and reinforcement of things learned. Now that one has a basic understanding of different principles such as observation, interpretation, and instinctual skills, they are on the path to creating a winning learning environment for the horse. Many argue that individuals learn differently and in many cases animals do too. In order to be a successful trainer, one must be able to deal differently if a method of their instruction is not being understood by the horse. This is the crucial point in which a true trainer is defined. If they are unable to solve problems at hand differently, creatively, and quickly then they will surely diminish their chances of creating a winning partnership. As loosely determined in my found poem, failure does not always mean there is no hope. It simply means that the angle that has been approached is not going to be as successful and another angle should be approached until the desire result has been reached. Ensuring that these methods and traits are embodied one can ensure that they will create a lasting bond that will carry them throughout their equine careers and relationships.

Mini Project

The Spirit

I lost myself,

Yet here I am,

Searching for my spirit,

To answer the questions at hand,

The bitter cold,

The empty pit,

My longing to feel complete,

And you perfectly fit,

The cool breeze gusted,

My hair flew awry,

I heard thundering in the distance,

And my heart let out a sigh,

Time stopped,

As hoof beats echoed within the hills,

Your presence stopped time,

And your grace gave me chills,

The power and agility,

Beyond compare,

I felt the walls around me,

Beginning to tear,

Strength to live,

The heart to be free,

Everything I lacked,

You managed to be,

Noble, yet compassionate,

I saw true integrity in your eyes,

Knowing from that moment,

My soul would no longer cry.

Reflection:

 I began this project writing a short story about a Navajo Indian searching for a way to connect to their heritage and figure out their sense of self. I intended to have the story include the connection and healing felt between a horse and humankind. The Native American culture is not one that I am familiar with, however after brainstorming for my project I found that the major differences in culture was language and that communication with horses in any culture was virtually the same.However, as I began writing I realized that even though I did have a powerful message, condensing my thoughts into a fluid rhythmic piece was more symbolic of a horse than I thought. I found that writing my story in an abstract, yet concrete way, I was able to embody the essense of the relationship between a horse and a human as well as the movement of the horse itself. A horse's movement is powerful, agile, yet manages to be a fluid motion much like a poem that leaves room for interpretation. Researching novels about the way horses process information and their thought processes I was able to conclude that in general horses are willing, adaptable, noble, powerful, graceful, and intuitive creatures. Those qualities are intriguing, however, I am more interested in communication between horse and human and how different qualities of each party mesh in order to create a coherent companionship. I find that the relationship between the two are complex and unique to each pair and that even though there is no spoken language between the two there is a deep understanding and connection that harbors a higher level of communication no spoken language can describe. A deep awareness, respect, and intuition on each end leads to a more dynamic, powerful connection. The communication between a horse and an individual consisits of many factors: body language, energy, mutual respect, tone, and self-awareness. These important qualities are the essentials for a foundation between a horse and rider. In reflection of my own history with horses, I realized that my experiences embodied many characteristics of the HOMAGO Essentials. My passions were supported and horseback riding was definitely an interest-driven activity. The opportunities were provided for conversation between experienced horse trainers, caretakers and I, as well as giving me a sense of ownership for what I did through personal artifacts such as trophies or simply seeing the progression in the training of a horse I worked with. I am continually learning and growing my skills and knowledge in the horse industry, and I have been able to apply them in my horse training techniques. I have focused more on mutual understanding, respect and understanding and the connections I build with the horses I am working with are stronger that I ever thought possible. By gaining a better understanding of the way a horse interprets, behaves, and communicates with other horses, I have a better understanding of how I should communicate with a horse.

SOCIAL

Thinking back to HOMAGO, I find it interesting that there is such an emphasis on social relationships, and that they are "'key".  What about individuals who are independent or so-called "loners", how does this affect them? Maybe we're speaking more here about the relationships in the virtual world, which would make more sense. However, I find it very difficult to believe that individuals who are extremely invested  in virtual relationships feel complete within social relationships in the real world, and the opposite. Is it possible to balance both relationships? I understand that virtual relationships are a way of connecting to individuals that have similar interests and it's a different form of expression. I just wonder if those types of relationships are truly beneficial to the social skills we need to acquire in order to be successful in the "real world". Communication skills, Inter-personal skills, body language recognition, and presentation are very important skills that I feel one can really only learn through personal experience and observation. But can these things be taught via internet? And if they can, which method of learning is most effective?