Self Reflective Essay

When I reflect on my experience and the different ways, I’ve grown; throughout this semester our epigraph, “If we’re not your animals, if these are adult things, accept the risk. There is risk, Gatoi, in dealing with a partner.” –Octavia Butler, “Bloodchild”, makes me think back to the beginning and everything makes sense now. I remember our first class discussion about the epigraph and everyone was very confused to say the least. We had no idea what or who Gatoi was. We partially had an idea that someone in the story would be risking or at risk in some way, but we didn’t know. For me, once I finished the story and being done with the class this epigraph and story has taught me to look at things in different ways. I look at the relationship between educator and student differently. 

In all honesty I thought that this writing class was going to be like any other writing class I had ever taken. I thought I was going take this class and possibly fail but at my best barely pass. I had previously taken an INTD class during the summer and that was the outcome so there was no reason for me to believe any differently, I truly dreaded the idea of taking another INTD class. The class I took in the summer was fine. No more no less. It was a class that was doable but not at all memorable. I remember the professor I had was a good professor; however, a complaint he had was my facial expression, or rather my lack of facial expressions along with my body language. Looking back, I understand what he was saying, I assume he wanted me to look more engaged in the class discussions. However, I believe his teaching style wasn’t aligned with my style of learning. So, because of my past experience I wasn’t hopeful coming into this INTD class. I anticipated having to read whichever book was going to be assigned and truthfully, I didn’t think I would finish the book simply because in the past I had no interest in what I was learning. Throughout this semester I realized that I’ve become more open with my opinions, which is something I had hardly ever done. Growing up I’m never usually the type to express myself nor share my opinion in class. 

What helped me grow as a writer was the different teaching style by you, Beth McCoy. One thing I’ve always had trouble with was elaborating and by you constantly saying “unpack”, “what do you mean”, those phrases have been something that I ask myself every time I think I’m done writing. When It came to class discussions, I grew more confident in speaking, it had a lot to do with the size of the class as well as who was in the class. I felt as though my classmates where supportive and although I didn’t realize how much it had affected my performance; I appreciated the reactions and the feedback. The reactions and the feedback were in my opinion a product of the guidelines set by you. In the past, I feel like when reading a book there was no long-term purpose which is why a lot of the time, I didn’t care to finish the reading assignment. With this story I appreciate the long-term impact I feel the lesson from this story will have. The story along with all the unpacking and the different real world connections such as the integrated learning showed me how connected the real world is to the learning process. One discussion that really impacted the way I viewed situations was the integrative learning. As Steve Prince said in the video “the most important part of this project is not the product, it’s the process.” With that this lesson reminded me that there is a different process for everyone. Everyone’s journey is going to be different and when working with another person it’s important to take into consideration that people might be having a harder time than me, but their experience only means a different point of view. The point of view wont me anymore or any less than another individual but it will be a unique view that all participants can learn and grow from. What I appreciate about the learning process this semester was it taught me that sometimes you have to look at things how you don’t want to look at things. There’s always going to be different views and some of the new ideas might make me uncomfortable to think about but it’s important to be understanding because it will allow me to grow as a learner. 

The conversation with robbie routenberg really reminded me about what the syllabus had touched on. They spoke about the responsibility in the commitment when agreeing to be apart of a partnership. Sasha Eloi-Evans had said it was important to her to put students first and make students feel valued. When students feel that was it is able to make partnerships. I think what Sasha is able to bring to the conversation is a perfect balance between the students, the faculty and the administration. Sasha mentioned a student who was completely in the wrong when it came to their academic work, Sasha made it clear that she was a support system for the student, she wasn’t there to make excuses for the student but there to make them feel like they had someone although they were away from home. To me, what she was saying and what she does is very comforting. It’s nice to know that there is someone like that at the school especially as a first-year student. A part of becoming a successful student is having a great support system. It’s comforting to know that although I’m away from home and if I were to have no friends or feel like I have no one on this campus there is someone whose job is literally to make sure my experience is enjoyable and most doable. 

The thing that I believe is absolutely necessary for me to continue becoming a better writer is unpacking. I may be wrong, but I feel like it’s better to over explain than to under explain. For the future papers I’ll have to write it’s important to explain my point along with give examples for what I mean. If I were to write a paper on a specific subject, it’s important that whether or not the reader agrees with my point they will be able to understand my point. With that being said as a learner I have to make sure I am always open the points that others are making. Like I previously said everyone is unique and everyone bring something different to the table. My job is to at least be open minded towards the points of others being made. It’s important to be that I am not ignorant, because if I were to explain my point about any topic to someone, I wouldn’t want them to have a closed mind. Coming into this INTD class I had said I had negative expectations based on my previous INTD experience. Although I don’t think my expectations affected my work ethic coming into this semester, it is very possible that another negative experience can affect my work ethic in the future. So, moving forward I need to keep an open mind and not base my future on my past experiences.  

Life’s Integrative Lessons : SUNY Geneseo Edition

According to the video of the SUNY Geneseo’s Facilities Services Department, they provide “quality maintenance services that assure safe, reliable, aesthetically pleasing building and grounds.” To me that means their services are essential towards the functioning of the school. Brandon Schmitt, a cleaner who works at SUNY Geneseo, mentioned how he has a future in the cleaning position which he wasn’t expecting when he first got involved. I feel like the image that is given by the Facilities Services is they give people a chance to have an opportunity at a life of a secured position. They create the impression of an organization that is willing to give help when needed and teach to anyone who wants to learn. Teaching students will give them the opportunity to focus on something productive as well as having a successful career in that field, if they choose. 

The employees contribute to academic partnership by first being great human beings and with that they help students find them self by allowing them room to grow as individuals. According to the Heating Plant page “The Heating Plant unit is charged with the responsibility of providing service utilities in an economic, efficient, safe and timely manner.” The workers of the heating plant dedicate twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week to monitor the heating plant making sure that us students are able to have a safe and comfortable living space. I had noticed the heating plant building before, but I hadn’t paid much attention to it simply because I thought it did not concern me because I had no classes there. Now learning about it, I feel it was an ignorant thought, but ignorant due to the fact that I didn’t take the time to learn about my surroundings. But since learning I can say I am incredibly grateful for the time put in from all the employees and commodities involved.  

When I think about the connection with the partnership with facilities planning at Geneseo it makes me see “Bloodchild” in a different light. I realize that the Facilities Services at Geneseo are willing to give any student, willing, a chance to learn and become something more. It made me realize that’s what T’Gatoi lacked. She lacked certain aspects of being a good leader. “I chose you. I believed you had grown to choose me.” The conversation to me shows the great aspects of a leader that T’Gatoi showed which was choosing someone to teach. Just like the Facility Services choosing young adults to work alongside them and eventually branch out on their own. But unlike the Facilities Services T’Gatoi didn’t allow Gan to lead for himself.  If I were to join the Facilities Services community, after going through training I would feel more confident in myself and more welcomed if I were able to do the job I learned on my own. At first T’Gatoi didn’t allow the person she chose to lead, if T’Gatoi had continued with her controlling and defensive tendencies it might have eventually crippled Gans growth and ability to learn. However, Gan stands up for himself by expressing, “There is risk, Gatoi, in dealing with a partner.” (Butler, 26) After he expressed that, T’Gatoi took a step back. As Gan noticed the reasoning behind the irrational decisions as well as the lack of dependence on him, was because of the fear T’Gatoi had developed because of her own experience with the world. As an educator, teacher, or anyone in an authoritative position, it is important to let the student/observer to grow and learn on their own. 

To integrate means to unite, bring together as well as incorporate. As a human race we would not be where we are today if it weren’t for integrating all aspects of life, whether it’s music, dance, films or anything else; the question of does integrative learning have anything to do with the process regarding this heating plant essay, yes. As Steve Prince said in the video “the most important part of this project is not the product, it’s the process.” It’s important to keep in mind everyone does everything for a reason, we are all different for a reason and because we are all unique individuals, we bring something different to the table. Though we may not see eye to eye and may even disagree with what another person has to say, we must at least be conscious of the way we react.

Bloodchild Essay

As explained by the author, the story Bloodchild is “a story about paying the rent.” (Butler, 31) However, the story shows a rollercoaster of emotion and growth form main character Gan. At the beginning you see Gan of the story I noticed how Gan was more timid. He’s shown to be very observant, but towards the end of the story Gan showed growth by speaking his mind and making choices he wasn’t able to fathom at the beginning of the story.  The older I get; I take into consideration the responsibilities that come with every decision I make. Although I am still young, I’ve had important life lessons involving the different people I’ve bumped into. Like T’gatoi, there may be people who recognize my loyalty and try to take advantage of a round persons innocence and use it for their own happiness. But as I become more mature like Gan, I’ve learned to weigh risk and do what is best for me while still being the best young adult I can be. 

Everyone has something that defines them, also known as their own identity. Throughout the story “Bloodchild”, we see the main character and narrator Gan, working to find his own identity.  After being chosen by T’gatoi, leader of the preserve, Gan finds himself in a complicated position when T’gatoi controls him. Although Gan seems to be her first choice, T’gatoi seems to excessively exercise the loyalty in which Gan has towards her. We see Gan constantly being pushed past his limits. When Gan sees the experience, he will soon take part in going badly, it makes him question his future choices. He becomes unsure of how he would pursue his upcoming task. “I knew what I had to do, so what to expect. I had been told my life. I felt the familiar sting, narcotic, mildly pleasant.” (Butler, 27) He is able to come to terms with the responsibilities that come with becoming older.  

I believe an important lesson Gan learned was standing up for himself. There will be times where an authoritative figure tells you what to do and going against that will be a hard decision, but it’ll eventually mold you into being a better version of yourself. For me, the process of picking a college was difficult to say the least, and there were a lot of opinions. I’m grateful for all the help that I received but I’m also proud of myself for being able to simply listen and take into consideration what everyone had to say, but ultimately make my own decision. When it all comes down to it, it’s important to know what you want, and if you don’t know what you want it’s important to know what you don’t want. It’s important to stand for something. Gan stepping up and taking responsibility is the moment in which he showed the most growth. 

Goal Setting Essay Rewrite

The book “Blood Child” by Octavia E. Butler states, “If we’re not your animals, these are adult things, accept the risk. There is risk, Gatoi, in dealing with a partner.” There is always risk. No matter what I do there will be consequences, for better or for worse. I look at college institutions as a partnership. I go to an institution with the expectation that they will help me gain and improve on qualities that pertain to accomplishments in adulthood. On a personal level, I would like to see mental and emotional growth as well as educational skill growth. As of now I am undeclared, so there is no specific educational path I’m going down. But on a general scale, I would like to develop my knowledge. I want to know more and experience more. Although it may seem like too broad a goal I feel it’s a good start to become a better developed person. 

In addition to upholding my part of the partnership I feel I have with the institution, they have given certain accommodations that will allow me to stay on track. With the expectations given from professors through a syllabus, the syllabus goes in depth on ways to take care of yourself, as well as taking accountability for the great work or lack thereof if found in compromising position. Topics include Mental Health, Academic Support Services, Library Research Help, Academic Integrity and Plagiarism, Computer and Technology Support, Food Security for SUNY Geneseo Students. It’s important that we realize the older we get we should accept the responsibility of events that go wrong. And although there is no way to stop the unexpected negative experiences there are ways to prevent and deal with all situations. According to the syllabus there are many factors that might trigger an imbalance in a students mental health, “increased anxiety, shifts in mood, strained relationships, difficulties related to substance use, trouble concentrating, and lack of motivation”. In extreme cases an individual finding the strength to get up and take care of their mental health in moments where they feel their weakest, will be a challenge. However with every experience comes a risk. Academic Support Services is a guideline for students in need of support. If I were to find myself in a situation where I don’t quite comprehend the work given to me I can use the services provided to me. The services go as far as breaking down lecture material for any misunderstanding I might bump into. Another resource used is the Library Research Help, having individuals that are more than qualified should make any setbacks on research more achievable. Being in an academic partnership means Academic Integrity and Plagiarism is an extreme offence. The intense academic support given should eliminate the need to plagiarize. With that being said, the risk of not acknowledging the seriousness of plagiarism is massive. In any instance where technology were to fail an individual the Computer and Technology Support would be there to assist in the time of need. If there’s a case in which the staff can not assist there is said to be “7,500 online tutorials for software, digital tools, web development, programming, and design through lynda.com training resources available.”

Parts of the story “Bloodchild” demonstrates an inference that a now dominating character will become a relient partnership. The way T’Gatoi is reliant on the warmth of the other characters and they all eat the eggs to stay at a certain age. Keeping in mind the lack of understanding and knowledge towards the whole story, it seems as though there will come a point in which T’Gatoi will have to let go of the influence hovering over Gan and his family. Gan states, “T’Gatoi lifted her head perhaps a meter of her body off the couch as though she was sitting up. She looked at my mother, her face lined and old looking, turned away” (Bloodchild,4). There is very little said in that passage but it seems as though there is some unsaid tension in the household as well as power being held by T’Gatoi. It is too soon to tell the time of relationship between the characters but based on the events taken so far there is a dynamic that is bound to change leading T’Gatoi to grow and accept the risk in partnership or neglect partnership and stay in a dominating non respectable position. 

With every decision, it is important to take into account, the outcome being a risk or reward will most likely never be clear. Although it’s easier said than done, there are many opportunities to flourish but there are also many opportunities to fail. It all depends on the work accounted for as well as the response to wrong doings. 

Goal Setting Essay

Blood child states, “If we’re not your animals, these are adult things, accept the risk. There is risk, Gatoi, in dealing with a partner.” There is always risk. No matter what u do there will be consequences, for better or for worse. A risk involving the academic world, more so at a younger age may seem heightened. One may look at college institutions as a partnership. Students go to these institutions with the expectation that they will gain or improve on qualities that pertain to accomplishments in adulthood. Students are given expectations from their professors through a syllabus. The syllabus goes in depth on ways to take care of yourself, as well as taking accountability for the great work or lack thereof if found in compromising position. Topics include Mental Health, Academic Support Services, Library Research Help, Academic Integrity and Plagiarism, Computer and Technology Support, Food Security for SUNY Geneseo Students. It’s important that we realize the older you get you should accept the responsibility of events that go wrong. And although there is no way to stop the unexpected there are ways to prevent and deal with all situations. According to the syllabus there are many factors that might trigger an imbalance in a students mental health, “increased anxiety, shifts in mood, strained relationships, difficulties related to substance use, trouble concentrating, and lack of motivation”. In extreme cases an individual finding the strength to get up and take care of their mental health in moments where they feel their weakest, will be a challenge. However with every experience comes a risk. Academic Support Services is a guideline for students in need of support. A student may often find themselves in a situation where they don’t quite comprehend the work given to them in which they can use the service provided to them. The services go as far as breaking down lecture material for any misunderstanding one might bump into. Another resource used is the Library Research Help, having individuals that are more than qualified should make any setbacks on research more achievable. Being in an academic partnership means Academic Integrity and Plagiarism is an extreme offence. The intense academic support given should eliminate the need to plagiarize. With that being said it the risk of not acknowledging the seriousness of plagiarism are massive. In any instance where technology were to fail an individual the Computer and Technology Support would be there to assist in the time of need. If there’s a case in which the staff can not assist there is said to be “7,500 online tutorials for software, digital tools, web development, programming, and design through lynda.com training resources available.”

It is all a choice of whether or not the outcome will be a risk or reward. Although it’s easier said than done, there are many opportunities to flourish but there are also many opportunities to fail. It all depends on the work accounted for as well as the response to wrong doings. 

Parts of the story Bloodchild demonstrates an inference that a now dominating character will become a relient partnership. The way T’Gatoi is reliant on the warmth of the other characters and they all eat the eggs to stay at a certain age. Keeping in mind the lack of understanding and knowledge towards the whole story, it seems as though there will come a point in which T’Gatoi will have to let go of the influence hovering over Gan and his family. Gan states, “T’Gatoi lifted her head perhaps a meter of her body off the couch as though she was sitting up. She looked at my mother, her face lined and old looking, turned away” (Bloodchild,4). There is very little said in that passage but it seems as though there is some unsaid tension in the household as well as power being held by T’Gatoi. It is too soon to tell the time of relationship between the characters but based on the events taken so far there is a dynamic that is bound to change leading T’Gatoi to grow and accept the risk in partnership or neglect partnership and stay in a dominating non respectable position.