Final Post

            For the last few weeks of class, we were told to read readings of our choice to blog about. Even though the freedom to choose was a nice change from every other class, I did not complete the assignment as well as I would have liked to. Reading something of my choice and personal interested would have been much more interesting and much easier to write about. Although I was excited to find something to read, I had no time for reading on the side, apart from all of the other reading I had to do for my classes this semester. For the blogging, I wrote about readings we completed in two of my classes, because I did find them very interesting, but they were not something separate I chose for personal interest. This idea seems fun and enjoyable, but I felt I would not have the time to in order to achieve the success I wanted this semester. This assignment did increase my motivation to read, but not during the assignment. As I did not feel I had the time, I am motivated to read something of my choice as soon as I am done with my first year, which is something I never do. I hope reading for my personal interest will stick, and continue to help me achieve academic success.

"Support Online Piracy"

In Micah White’s article, “Support Online Piracy,” he discusses the pros of the controversial topic of piracy. Many view this act as stealing, but White approaches the crime from another aspect. He argues that piracy can be a good thing for the public, contrary to what most think. Online piracy is a great way for many underground artists and filmmakers to get their names out. It’s a great way for viewers to see more than just what large companies pay to produce. The most popular forms of online piracy are the distribution of music and movies. Personally, I have used sites and viewed and downloaded both videos and music, and I support the ideas. Regardless of free distribution, companies will still make money, and more people will be able to participate in the entertainment industry. 

"Coding in Pictures: The Social Network"

In my English class, we are discussing social networking and recently viewed the movie “The Social Network.” I have seen the movie before, and it is definitely one of my favorite movies. Before seeing the film, I had little interest and thought a movie about Facebook must be very boring. However, the movie describes the making of the social networking website with an exciting story line. “Coding in Pictures: The Social Network” by Jim Emerson is an article that discusses the many ways the director of the social network captivates the audience, and I find this subject very interesting. Emerson reveals the techniques the movie uses to keep the audience interested and to describe the history of the topic in a dramatic way. The characters of the story are portrayed in certain ways, and reveal likeliness to each other in ways not noticed by viewers. Throughout the film, the main character and creator of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, is portrayed as an arrogant know-it-all, although he was not described that way in real life. The director wanted the audience to connect more to Mark in the movie, and give a more dramatic account. Another technique the director of “The Social Network” used is called “tilt-shift photography.” With this way of filming, the director shows off a scene by recording from farther distances and speeding up the clips. The effect of this way of filming leads to more dramatic scenes and a bigger picture of the object. I find all of this use in the movie very fascinating.

Keeping Focused

            As the end of my second semester in my first year at the University of Virginia, it is getting very hard to remain focused in classes and studying. I have an increasing amount of distractions and just cannot wait to be done for the year. It’s really hard to believe that my first year in college is almost complete; it went by way too fast. I hope my future years in schooling will be as beneficial and fun as this past year has been. I have learned a lot, and need to do my best to finish the year out better than I finished my first semester. To ensure my success, I will try to study more and go to all of my classes for the remainder of the year. I want to get the best grades that I can, and to do this I need to study harder and for more amounts of time. I really enjoy going to UVa, so I need to make sure I finish off the semester and get out of academic probation. With summer break less than a month away, I need to just do my best while I am still here. I will continue to do this and get good grades, ending my first year the best that I can.

"The Monochrome Society"

After reading an excerpt from “The Monochrome Society” by Amitai Etzioni, I thought about society in ways that I never have before. The author argues that the society is not a “rainbow society” with many colors and races differing in ideas and aspirations. In fact, Etzioni challenges the thoughts of most observers when saying that today’s society is much more monochromatic than most believe, in that most of Americans, regardless of what ethnicity, have similar American values and aspirations. As time continues, society will become less and less discriminative and separate, the author believes.

I can relate to this reading by Etzioni because I witness this multicultural society every day. Although the author writes that society is much less multicultural than many believe, I have a hard time believing Etzioni. I agree that society is becoming more accepting and equal, but race and ethnicity will always be an aspect of citizens. Behind many races, there is a history that cannot just be forgotten, and feelings will always remains as history is remembered. Working towards equality is beneficial and inevitable for America’s future, but our multicultural society will always be multicolored. 

Three Important Steps in Achieving Academic Success

If I could tell someone three things I would recommend to be most important in achieving academic success, I would say keeping up with work and readings, staying motivated, and attending and engaging in all classes. Keeping up with work and readings is very important to learning in college. With large amounts of work and time necessary to devote to reading and doing homework, not falling behind is essential to success. Staying motivated is another important aspect to achieving academic success in college. With motivation, completing work and prioritizing is much easier. Time management and motivation go hand-in-hand, and both are great ways to make learning easier. The third recommendation I would give is to attend and actively participate in all classes. It is much easier for one to learn while participating than to passively attend classes and discussions. By following these three recommendations, I feel one would be able to achieve academic success. 

"How Schools Really Matter"

For my Sociology class I am taking this semester, I have a lot of reading that I find relative to many aspects of my life. I read many very interesting things of all different topics, but currently I am reading about the education and schools. I last read “How Schools Really Matter” by Douglas B. Downey and Benjamin G. Gibbs. The article discusses the importance of education and schooling in, not only the lives of younger children, but also all children. It is becoming increasingly more important to receive a higher degree of education to succeed to today’s society. About ten years ago, it was necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree in college; however, as society has grown and evolved, it is now crucial to earn higher than a bachelor’s degree, such as a master’s. I can relate to this change in society because I am currently a college student, and in order to compete in the work world with my generation, I must receive a higher degree.