I’m going to start out saying that this is definitely not going to be the hardest class of your life, but you do need to stay on top of things. There are a lot of little assignments that may seem insignificant, but in the end they add up to make up a good portion of your grade.
My second piece of advice would be to find a good group of people to work with for the semester. As with any group project, you want people who are responsible and capable of getting their work done in a timely manner. It’s especially important in this class because the project runs throughout the whole semester.
Lastly, I would just say have fun. Go into the class with a good attitude. Angie is a great teacher and when she gives you creative freedom, take it. Not many teachers are going to allow that. Regular classes can get boring, but she always tries to mix it up and I think that’s why so many people like her class.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Ethical Lapses
There is a lot of corruption in the world today, and this article goes to show how common ethical lapses are in the workplace. Sadly, I’m not too surprised by the frequency of the occurrences. Even though this article is rather short, it does a good job of putting into perspective the amount of time that is consumed by worrying and dealing with ethical issues instead of spent working. I was surprised to read how badly a problem can affect colleagues who are not even directly involved in the issue.
I also agree that companies who do not attempt to pay attention to the small issues shows that the company is willing to tolerate a level of questionable behavior. By not addressing the minor issues, the company is showing that they do not hold their employees to a high level of performance. It is most likely that if more companies addressed ethical problems, even minor ones, they could increase the performance and productivity of their company.
I also agree that companies who do not attempt to pay attention to the small issues shows that the company is willing to tolerate a level of questionable behavior. By not addressing the minor issues, the company is showing that they do not hold their employees to a high level of performance. It is most likely that if more companies addressed ethical problems, even minor ones, they could increase the performance and productivity of their company.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Paper v. Web
I think the two ways of writing (writing on the Web compared to writing on paper) are much more similar than they are different. They are similar because they both involve using the same thought process. However, I personally think and therefore write less formally when on the Web than I do when I am hand-writing something. I think it is because I associate the Web and writing online with emails and instant messenger, both of which I am usually very informal. When writing papers by hand, I associate it with essay tests and formal documents. Thus, I think I am unconsciously more formal when I hand-write things.
The biggest difference between the two ways of writing is the format. When I am writing on paper, I almost always use paragraph format and indent the first line of every paragraph. On the Web however, the format I use varies with the program I am using. When typing on the Web I am also conscious of the audience. For instance, formats and colors show up differently on different computers (e.g. Mac versus PC).
The biggest difference between the two ways of writing is the format. When I am writing on paper, I almost always use paragraph format and indent the first line of every paragraph. On the Web however, the format I use varies with the program I am using. When typing on the Web I am also conscious of the audience. For instance, formats and colors show up differently on different computers (e.g. Mac versus PC).
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Politics
In past years, I have been one of those people that are very apathetic toward politics. Even though the system is responsible for running our country, I cannot stand the scandals, cheating and corruption that has infused our government. It wasn’t until this year that I became involved and even eager to talk about politics.
After the past 8 years of having Bush as our President, and the mess we have gotten ourselves into, I think it has motivated a lot of young adults to get active in politics. I know I personally researched all the candidates, and even went to see a few of them speak. I was thrilled to get the chance to vote and pick a president for the next four years. However, the state of Ohio, once again, screwed up their primary absentee ballots and for the second time, I didn’t get to vote (still bitter if you can’t tell). This same thing happened four years ago in the general election when Ohio sent out 30,000 absentee ballots too late. I am still upset about it because voting is a huge privilege, and to not be able to have your say in the election is disheartening. Let’s just hope Ohio has their stuff together by the general election.
After the past 8 years of having Bush as our President, and the mess we have gotten ourselves into, I think it has motivated a lot of young adults to get active in politics. I know I personally researched all the candidates, and even went to see a few of them speak. I was thrilled to get the chance to vote and pick a president for the next four years. However, the state of Ohio, once again, screwed up their primary absentee ballots and for the second time, I didn’t get to vote (still bitter if you can’t tell). This same thing happened four years ago in the general election when Ohio sent out 30,000 absentee ballots too late. I am still upset about it because voting is a huge privilege, and to not be able to have your say in the election is disheartening. Let’s just hope Ohio has their stuff together by the general election.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Lying on Your Resume
I thought this article was actually slightly depressing. Knowing that so many people will cheat just to get ahead, especially in the business world, just goes to show how dishonest our society has become. Mary’s story is a perfect example of the detrimental effects that can happen if you lie on your resume. I understand why a person could be compelled to lie: better benefits, more money, more opportunities, etc. However, I don’t understand how a person can live with themselves knowing that they lied to the company they are working for. I guess maybe some people’s consciouses don’t get to them like mine would. Or maybe they do, and they just choose to ignore it. Either way, it does hurt the 50 percent that are being honest, and leaves them at an unfair disadvantage.
I also completely agree with Levitt’s theory that "the higher up in the organization a person rises, the more likely it is that he or she will cheat." Examples of this can be seen all over the media every day, especially within the past five years. The incident at ENRON is a perfect example of this. In my personal opinion, money and greed are driving factors behind a lot of these lies. It definitely was the case in the ENRON scandal.
I also completely agree with Levitt’s theory that "the higher up in the organization a person rises, the more likely it is that he or she will cheat." Examples of this can be seen all over the media every day, especially within the past five years. The incident at ENRON is a perfect example of this. In my personal opinion, money and greed are driving factors behind a lot of these lies. It definitely was the case in the ENRON scandal.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
5-Minute Presentations
I really enjoyed the 5-minute presentations we did in class last week. I thought it was a nice change from the classroom routine and a chance to learn a little more about each others personalities and interests. If I had to pick one that I enjoyed the most, it would probably be Casey’s presentation on Africa. I have wanted to travel to Africa for awhile now, and Casey’s pictures just made me want to go there even more. Even though Africa is an extremely poor country, it is rich in many other ways, and Casey did a great job of showing this. She spoke highly of the people, culture, traditions and way of life that can be found in the country.
While Casey’s was one of my favorites, I also really enjoyed Lindsey’s presentation on Hershey, Pennsylvania. I visited there with my family when I was very little and even though I don’t remember much of the trip; it still holds a special place in my heart because it was with my family. Lindsey did a great job of promoting the park for a more mature crowd (even though it is also meant it entertain the very young). I thought the chocolate tasting lesson was a really cool idea and I had no idea that it could be so similar to wine tasting.
I thought overall the presentations were a great success and I think we all had a good time doing them.
While Casey’s was one of my favorites, I also really enjoyed Lindsey’s presentation on Hershey, Pennsylvania. I visited there with my family when I was very little and even though I don’t remember much of the trip; it still holds a special place in my heart because it was with my family. Lindsey did a great job of promoting the park for a more mature crowd (even though it is also meant it entertain the very young). I thought the chocolate tasting lesson was a really cool idea and I had no idea that it could be so similar to wine tasting.
I thought overall the presentations were a great success and I think we all had a good time doing them.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Mock Interview
The mock interview went a lot better than I thought it would. I was much more relaxed because I knew I was going into a practice interview as opposed to a real one. I also felt much more comfortable with my teacher than I would normally with an interviewer. Overall I thought the interview went well and I answered the questions fairly well; however, there were a couple of bad habits I kept catching myself doing which I would like to improve on. For instance, I kept catching myself looking at my resume that the interviewer was holding instead of making eye contact with her. I also caught myself fidgeting a couple of times with my hands or legs. One of the most important things I learned through doing this was that even though you may know everything about the position you are applying for, it is important to ask questions to let the interviewer know you are interested.
With each interview, practice or otherwise, I find myself answering questions better than the last time, but I still have some improvements to make. I think it would be helpful to go online and read articles and professional opinions on how to answer interview questions correctly.
With each interview, practice or otherwise, I find myself answering questions better than the last time, but I still have some improvements to make. I think it would be helpful to go online and read articles and professional opinions on how to answer interview questions correctly.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Free Write
I have no idea what to write about so I think I'm just going to talk about what has been going on in my life in the past couple months. I finally finished all of my grad school/internship applications and now all I have to do is wait until April 21st to hear back. I'm pretty excited to figure out where I'm going to live next, find a new apartment, and everything else that goes along with moving to a new city. The only thing I'm really nervous about is finding a good roommate. I'm sure I'll end up getting an apartment with another one of the interns; I just hope it works out well.
Aside from that part of my life, senior year seems to be going well. It's a lot busier than expected, but I guess I can't really avoid that when almost all of my classes are science-based and have required 3-hour labs. I'm excited to be done with school, and sometimes question why I'm going back for two more years, but I know it’s what I have to do in order to get to where I eventually want to be.
For the longest time I didn't think I would miss Clemson, but this year has made me realize how much I really love it down here and how much I'm going to miss my awesome friends, crazy traditions, football games and of course, the beautiful campus. I'm going to be sad to leave in May, but I know I'll be back to visit as often as I can.
Aside from that part of my life, senior year seems to be going well. It's a lot busier than expected, but I guess I can't really avoid that when almost all of my classes are science-based and have required 3-hour labs. I'm excited to be done with school, and sometimes question why I'm going back for two more years, but I know it’s what I have to do in order to get to where I eventually want to be.
For the longest time I didn't think I would miss Clemson, but this year has made me realize how much I really love it down here and how much I'm going to miss my awesome friends, crazy traditions, football games and of course, the beautiful campus. I'm going to be sad to leave in May, but I know I'll be back to visit as often as I can.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
CollegeGrad.com
I agree with the majority of the advice given on the CollegeGrad.com website. From personal experience, I know the author is correct when he/she talks about writing a cover letter that addresses what the applicant can do for the company, not the other way around. I also agree that it is necessary to research the company you are applying for before you do so. This, along with following up after you send your cover letter and resume, shows the applicant’s interest in the company or organization.
On the other hand, there was some advice given that I don’t necessarily agree with. For example, the author discusses the use of a testimonial as a “highly effective way to get your message across.” I agree with this statement, but I don’t know how effective it would be to attach a copy of a testimonial along with a resume. I feel that if most employers don’t even take the time to read a cover letter, they are not going to want to read a testimonial.
The other problem I had with the advice given was the suggestion to write a postscript on a cover letter. Although it probably could create emphasis, I feel that a postscript is very informal and should not be included in document as formal as a cover letter. Even though the prospective employer may read it first, I still think everything you want to say should be included within the body of the letter.
I thought the most useful part of the article was when the author explained that most employers just look at the applicant’s resume and then go on to read the cover letter if they are interested. This just goes to show me how outstanding my resume has to be in order for it to stick out amongst all of the other applicants.
On the other hand, there was some advice given that I don’t necessarily agree with. For example, the author discusses the use of a testimonial as a “highly effective way to get your message across.” I agree with this statement, but I don’t know how effective it would be to attach a copy of a testimonial along with a resume. I feel that if most employers don’t even take the time to read a cover letter, they are not going to want to read a testimonial.
The other problem I had with the advice given was the suggestion to write a postscript on a cover letter. Although it probably could create emphasis, I feel that a postscript is very informal and should not be included in document as formal as a cover letter. Even though the prospective employer may read it first, I still think everything you want to say should be included within the body of the letter.
I thought the most useful part of the article was when the author explained that most employers just look at the applicant’s resume and then go on to read the cover letter if they are interested. This just goes to show me how outstanding my resume has to be in order for it to stick out amongst all of the other applicants.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tips for the real world....which is coming way too fast.
I the first article I choose was “How to Deal with Interview Stress.” I specifically choose this one because I am notorious for stressing out before speaking in front of a class, before giving presentations, and especially before interviews. I thought the suggestions provided were fairly helpful; some ideas would have never even crossed my mind. For instance, I would never think to visualize how I wanted the interview to go. I know from experience that it is common to try to cover up something you said wrong or stumbled over by talking faster or laughing awkwardly. So I really liked the idea of taking 10 seconds to “regain your composure” if you mess up and answer or stumble over your words.
Because I am in the process of applying to graduate school, where phone interviews are not out of the ordinary, the second article I picked was “Phone Interviews: Tips to Get Called Back.” I thought this article was extremely helpful because I have never been given any tips or suggestions for over-the-phone interviewing. One of my favorite suggestions the author gave was to dress professionally. Even if the interviewer can’t see you, it’s true that the way you dress makes you feel a certain way and will reflect in the way you speak. The other idea I really like is to smile when you’re talking. I know I am always able to tell when people are smiling even if I can’t see them, and it always puts me in a better mood. Plus it’s contagious!
I really enjoy little articles like these; they are just long enough to get the main points across, but short enough to keep my attention the entire time I am reading. Sometimes I feel like I learn the most from articles like these.
Because I am in the process of applying to graduate school, where phone interviews are not out of the ordinary, the second article I picked was “Phone Interviews: Tips to Get Called Back.” I thought this article was extremely helpful because I have never been given any tips or suggestions for over-the-phone interviewing. One of my favorite suggestions the author gave was to dress professionally. Even if the interviewer can’t see you, it’s true that the way you dress makes you feel a certain way and will reflect in the way you speak. The other idea I really like is to smile when you’re talking. I know I am always able to tell when people are smiling even if I can’t see them, and it always puts me in a better mood. Plus it’s contagious!
I really enjoy little articles like these; they are just long enough to get the main points across, but short enough to keep my attention the entire time I am reading. Sometimes I feel like I learn the most from articles like these.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
E + L + P = M
Being a nutrition major, I chose an article about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, a topic that is currently on the minds of many Americans. Because the article was written by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the ethos or credibility of the article speaks for itself. The CDC is widely renowned for its articles that are based on cutting-edge research with tons of references and resources to back it up. As for the article’s logos (appeal to logic), the argument made about calories in versus calories out makes perfect sense. In addition, because individuals are unique in size, age and activity level, the idea that each person has a right number of calories to eat each day is a very logical statement. There was not much pathos (appeal to emotion) in this article, which I thought was a good choice since the CDC is known for their factual information. There was, however, a comment about “becoming a healthier you” which was effective, but not over-the-top emotion.
Comparing and contrasting this article to Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail and the speakers we had present in class, it is evident that the art of persuasion can come in many different forms. MLK’s letter is one of the best examples of rhetoric. The way he was able to blend pathos, logos and ethos together makes it almost impossible to find a sentence in the entire document without at least two of the 3 aspects. For example, when MLK writes about Adolf Hitler and the Hungarian freedom fighters, he is appealing to all of the emotion that comes with these two titles. Also, he is increasing his credibility by showing the extent of his knowledge.
As for the guest speaker we had in class, their appeal to ethos came when they introduced themselves and talked about their experiences within the Army. They also used logic in their persuasion when they spoke about how the Army could pay back the massive amount of loans that are common to college students.
Overall, I thought MLK’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail was by far the most effective piece of persuasion out of the three, but as stated before, the art of persuasion can come in many different forms.
And if you didn't get the title before, it stands for Aristotle's Theory: Ethos + Logos + Pathos = Message
CDC "Healthy Weight" article: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition/nutrition_for_everyone/healthy_weight/index.htm
Comparing and contrasting this article to Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail and the speakers we had present in class, it is evident that the art of persuasion can come in many different forms. MLK’s letter is one of the best examples of rhetoric. The way he was able to blend pathos, logos and ethos together makes it almost impossible to find a sentence in the entire document without at least two of the 3 aspects. For example, when MLK writes about Adolf Hitler and the Hungarian freedom fighters, he is appealing to all of the emotion that comes with these two titles. Also, he is increasing his credibility by showing the extent of his knowledge.
As for the guest speaker we had in class, their appeal to ethos came when they introduced themselves and talked about their experiences within the Army. They also used logic in their persuasion when they spoke about how the Army could pay back the massive amount of loans that are common to college students.
Overall, I thought MLK’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail was by far the most effective piece of persuasion out of the three, but as stated before, the art of persuasion can come in many different forms.
And if you didn't get the title before, it stands for Aristotle's Theory: Ethos + Logos + Pathos = Message
CDC "Healthy Weight" article: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition/nutrition_for_everyone/healthy_weight/index.htm
Thursday, January 24, 2008
10 years from now...
My life in 10 years….yikes. Well here goes nothing…
Concerning professional goals, I definitely see myself completing my Masters Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. I know I eventually want to get my Ph.D., but I’m not sure what time in my life that is going to occur. It would be nice to get it early, but I feel it might take me some time to figure out what my expertise will be. My goal is to be working for a major non-profit organization (Partners in Health, World Food Organization, etc.) by that time as well. I have been extremely interested in health care provided to third-world countries for years now. It has been my dream to work directly with struggling countries to give them the aid they deserve. As a part of my job, I would get the opportunity to travel every couple of months to the developing countries I am trying to help, such as Haiti, Africa, and Peru. As a result of this traveling, in 10 years I also believe I will be learning how to speak a second language.
As for my personal life, I can see myself being settled down and married by the time I am 32. I want to either have kids, adopt, or both, but whether or not that will happen in the next 10 years, I have no idea. I can see myself living either on the east coast (Massachusetts, Maine, or Vermont) or on the west coast in northern California. No matter where I go though, I still want my brother, sister, and parents to be a major part of my life. Ideally, I would love for my parents and me to live in the same area so that when I have my own kids, they will be able to see them grow up. It may seem weird, but one of my greatest memories growing up as a child was being able to go to my grandparent’s house whenever I wanted, and I want the same for my children.
My life in 10 years is a pretty hard concept for me to grasp. I have so many ideas of what I want to do and will eventually do, but you never know what life is going to throw your way. So I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Concerning professional goals, I definitely see myself completing my Masters Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. I know I eventually want to get my Ph.D., but I’m not sure what time in my life that is going to occur. It would be nice to get it early, but I feel it might take me some time to figure out what my expertise will be. My goal is to be working for a major non-profit organization (Partners in Health, World Food Organization, etc.) by that time as well. I have been extremely interested in health care provided to third-world countries for years now. It has been my dream to work directly with struggling countries to give them the aid they deserve. As a part of my job, I would get the opportunity to travel every couple of months to the developing countries I am trying to help, such as Haiti, Africa, and Peru. As a result of this traveling, in 10 years I also believe I will be learning how to speak a second language.
As for my personal life, I can see myself being settled down and married by the time I am 32. I want to either have kids, adopt, or both, but whether or not that will happen in the next 10 years, I have no idea. I can see myself living either on the east coast (Massachusetts, Maine, or Vermont) or on the west coast in northern California. No matter where I go though, I still want my brother, sister, and parents to be a major part of my life. Ideally, I would love for my parents and me to live in the same area so that when I have my own kids, they will be able to see them grow up. It may seem weird, but one of my greatest memories growing up as a child was being able to go to my grandparent’s house whenever I wanted, and I want the same for my children.
My life in 10 years is a pretty hard concept for me to grasp. I have so many ideas of what I want to do and will eventually do, but you never know what life is going to throw your way. So I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Web 2.0
This week we were asked to watch a YouTube video entitled “The Machine is Us/ing Us.” It was created by Michael Wesch, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Kansas State University. He made it to demonstrate how the Web has become such a key part of our lives. I think the reason Professor Wesch entitled the video as he did was to prove that we, as individuals, are able to make the Web whatever we want it to be; we have complete control over it. At the same time, however, it has taken control over us. As a world, we rely on the Internet more than we ever have before. We can communicate with others, share photographs, watch stocks, find breaking news and grocery shop all at the same time.
Because the internet is such a big part of the business world now, people ready to go into the workforce need to be able to understand the basic concepts of communicating and navigating their way through the internet.The Web can be a great way for individuals to find job openings as well as a place to post their resumes for employers to see. Likewise, for people that are already in the workforce, the Internet is a great tool. It enables people from all over the world to be connected (allowing for rapid communication). The Web has allowed those in the workforce to collaborate, buy, sell, exchange, and advertise efficiently, as well as effectively.
Toward the end of the video, Professor Wesch put in a kind of disclaimer about how we might have to “rethink” some things that are put on the Web. I think he was trying to say that although the Web is a great invention, at the same time, some of the greatest ideas have also turned into some of the worst. Sites like Facebook, YouTube and MySpace were created as a means for people to communicate, share, and make each other laugh. But unfortunately, these websites have also turned into means for stalking, bulling, pornography and harassment.
Because the internet is such a big part of the business world now, people ready to go into the workforce need to be able to understand the basic concepts of communicating and navigating their way through the internet.The Web can be a great way for individuals to find job openings as well as a place to post their resumes for employers to see. Likewise, for people that are already in the workforce, the Internet is a great tool. It enables people from all over the world to be connected (allowing for rapid communication). The Web has allowed those in the workforce to collaborate, buy, sell, exchange, and advertise efficiently, as well as effectively.
Toward the end of the video, Professor Wesch put in a kind of disclaimer about how we might have to “rethink” some things that are put on the Web. I think he was trying to say that although the Web is a great invention, at the same time, some of the greatest ideas have also turned into some of the worst. Sites like Facebook, YouTube and MySpace were created as a means for people to communicate, share, and make each other laugh. But unfortunately, these websites have also turned into means for stalking, bulling, pornography and harassment.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Hello hello!
Hey everyone!
My name is Sara and I am a senior this year at Clemson University. (Somehow I managed to put this class off until my last semester...whoops.) Anyway, my major is Food Science with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics which I will be further pursing in graduate school in the fall of 2008.
I was born and raised in Ohio, and gladly, can still call it home. Growing up, I was the youngest of 3, with an older brother who now lives in Memphis, TN with his wife, and an older sister that currently lives in Boston, MA. Unfortunately my family is so spread out that we don't get to see each other as much as we would like, but it definitely makes you appreciate your family that much more.
I am a very active individual and will take any opportunity to try new things. I enjoy all types of sports (especially rowing), but my real passion is the art of glassblowing. I was lucky enough to grow up in "The Glass City," (Toledo, Ohio) where I was able to take glassblowing classes at one of the top 5 museums in the country. Unfortunately, college has not left much time for me to pursue my hobby, so I am looking forward to getting back to it after I graduate.
I am excited for this semester but also a little sad at the same time as I will have to say goodbye to most of my friends in May. But for now, it's time to have fun.
My name is Sara and I am a senior this year at Clemson University. (Somehow I managed to put this class off until my last semester...whoops.) Anyway, my major is Food Science with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics which I will be further pursing in graduate school in the fall of 2008.
I was born and raised in Ohio, and gladly, can still call it home. Growing up, I was the youngest of 3, with an older brother who now lives in Memphis, TN with his wife, and an older sister that currently lives in Boston, MA. Unfortunately my family is so spread out that we don't get to see each other as much as we would like, but it definitely makes you appreciate your family that much more.
I am a very active individual and will take any opportunity to try new things. I enjoy all types of sports (especially rowing), but my real passion is the art of glassblowing. I was lucky enough to grow up in "The Glass City," (Toledo, Ohio) where I was able to take glassblowing classes at one of the top 5 museums in the country. Unfortunately, college has not left much time for me to pursue my hobby, so I am looking forward to getting back to it after I graduate.
I am excited for this semester but also a little sad at the same time as I will have to say goodbye to most of my friends in May. But for now, it's time to have fun.
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