Let's Talk Time Strategies

While I have always prided myself on being an organized person, this class and its many commitments will either be a testament to my prudency or prove that I am a fraud after all. The schedule I set up at the start of the course shows that I intend to spread out the recommended six hours across the week with one hour set aside each day. I still think this tentative schedule will be best for me though I had some unexpected snags in my first week back this semester what with switching classes, working with financial aid services, and another private matter that threw me of track and sucked up all my free time. When things settle down, I’ll be able to tell more clearly which times will be most convenient during the day (or evening/night) that I can sit down and be productive.

Some of the strategies on the assignment overview page I have either already put into practice or plan to. I have bookmarked the class calendar, the syllabus, and the page with the outline of the assignment options and their explanations so that I can easily refer to them when I need to be reminded. As far as working ahead, I think that the advice I followed about keeping tabs on the class tools and documents along with starting the week completing some extra credit will be something I will test to see if it suits my schedule.

This semester I want to avoid feeling like I’m having to constantly play catch-up. As someone who stresses about due dates, I was drawn to the title “The Psychology of Checklists” article by Lauren Marchese. Completing tasks on a checklist does give a sense of satisfaction, but I also tend to see it as a list of chores and am therefore more apt to abandon them. Making a checklist that I am more likely to stick to inspired by Marchese’s “SMART” (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals as a guide is something I need to try while tackling my classwork this semester. The science behind the temporary high after checking off boxes on our small and big scale to-do lists is interesting. Instead of chasing deadlines I’m going to chase dopamine, per scientist’s (and Marchese’s) orders.

 When the relief of emotional gratification isn’t enough to motivate me when I meet that lull in the middle of a large assignment or while half-way through a to-do list, I’ll refer to life-hacker Peter Banerjea’s advice in his article “Four Questions to Help You Overcome Procrastination.” First off, “what is one thing I can do to get started?” His suggestion to begin with breaking up a large project into smaller “sub-tasks” really relates to Marchese’s article above. Something doubly recommended is worth doing. Secondly, “what are my three biggest priorities today?” This is a good question to put into perspective that in our situation as students, certain classes and projects might take precedence. If it seems more important, it probably is. Thirdly, “how can I make this easier?” Or in other words, as the saying goes: “work smarter, not harder.” A tried and true motto of many an innovative slacker. Lastly, “what will go wrong if I don’t do this now?” Nothing like the dread of negative outcomes on account of laziness to get the gears going. I love Banerja’s point that even the uber-successful have their days, and he can speak on such matters as he even signed off with a statement that he has mentored entrepreneurs and leaders from Fortune 500 companies. I think I’ll listen to this life coach.

I’ll try to be my own cheerleader this semester and keep these article’s suggestions in my back pocket when I’m being none too compelling. I am not opposed to the cliché calligraphy text posts with inspirational messages, the ones you can find on your Instagram feed or Pinterest Quote boards. Some find these images cheesy, but something about them makes me feel like the urge to relate is a form of accountability even if subconsciously. Why put things off until tomorrow which you can convince yourself into doing (one way or another) today?

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Taking Advantage of Technology

In the past, I have hated that I couldn’t go back and access things I or my teachers had posted on Canvas so the fact that the course websites are public is a plus. Other than the benefit of being able to refer to this course in the future, this web-based class helps build experience with technological tools and sites that would be pertinent in any workplace since often companies connect with their client base through the internet. Having an online presence is something professionals expect from their applicants in this age. Even self-employed people should be internet proficient. Consider the inflation of home-grown “influencers” on popular sites like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and even blogging sites like this one. Everyone has social media these days but what separates the micro-celebrities from the casual users is an incentive to utilize technological tools to target the desired audience, make connections, and create a network. The workforce is changing whether you are part of a company or working solo. In the ever-changing virtual landscape of the internet, it is important to embrace the tide of technological advancements and learn how to use a variety of technological tools to your advantage.

Out of the types of technological tools listed, I am familiar with all except Twine until recently. I have experience with blogging, website publishing, bookmarking, image editing, and graphics creation. For about a decade I have had a personal blog on Tumblr, but I have also built a website for commercial use. While I was working with a local holistic company in Oklahoma City, I helped the owner open a small shop on Wix, where I organized her sales and scheduled appointments. At that time I also designed her official logo, because having this sort of visual is valuable for attracting the attention of potential customers. As for other images and graphics, in some of my past posts, you can find examples of a couple graphics I have created for nothing more than personal entertainment that I figured I could feature here.

Internet fluency whether that be with websites, graphic design or blog platforms is imperative whether you intend to work on or offline. The University of Oklahoma has taken a step in that direction by switching from Destire2Learn to Canvas a couple years ago. However, going beyond and becoming familiar with various websites and technological tools, forming a personalized online presence, and connecting with others online will pay off in our increasingly digitized world, and by extension in just about any workplace. I’m excited that in this class I can explore these sites and try new things all while earning credit toward my degree. I was apprehensive initially about starting a blog on a platform I’m unaccustomed to, but I’m finding that I enjoy its many features for customization, organization, and communication. Learning how to use the internet in the public sphere (rather than private, like with Canvas, or personal, like with social media sites) is good practice for the future.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Thoughts About Assignments

I have had a handful of online courses in college both at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University but none as unique as this one so far. Several of these were as vigorous as this seems to be, but this one has a little more variety. Rather than the typical two or three types of assignments on rotation, the mix-and-match capability of this course is appealing as I can customize my workload according to my interests. I like that in a class as hands-off as this I can have total control of what I work on, when I work on it, and ultimately what grade I walk away with. It’s the create-your-own sundae of classes and the cherry on top is the final storybook/portfolio project that you have total creative freedom over. This sort of structure is perfect for a senior like me who intends to spend this last semester preparing my post-graduation plans as much as possible.

As far as the assignments go, I imagine I will feel a little out of my comfort zone for a while until I gain more confidence in my writing. I’ll need to train my “Type A” brain to turn itself down a notch, it’s a bit neurotic and constructive criticism while well-meaning sometimes sets it off. I’ll try to take whatever comments in stride however uncomfortable I may feel as I know this will be a chance for me to develop my skills. I’m also pretty passive and have trouble correcting people in person even, so starting soon I’ll overcome this so I can give proper feedback on others’ projects. From what I read of previous students’ reviews, my concerns appear to be common and I assume it is just a matter of time before this passes.

For the most part, my excitement outweighs my worries. Particularly, I’m eager to start on the extra credit opportunities. Out of the options listed, I think “Growth Mindset,” “HEART,” “Famous Last Words,” and “Back-Up and Review” seem perfect for recapping the week and will most likely be my go-to. Though, “Tech Tips” and “Wikipedia Trails” sound like a good supplement for a web-based class such as this and might be an excellent way to exercise my internet savvy. I’ll likely do extra commenting or reading during busier weeks when I’m feeling burnt out. I think my sister has checked out an Indian comic book that is on reserve at the Bizzell library before, and from what I can remember it came highly recommended so I must see what the fuss is about. I’ll have to see where to best fit these assignments.

All in all, the semester ahead seems promising. Between the core assignments and the extra credit, I think there is a lot of room to challenge myself and make the most out of a class like this. 

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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"Growth Mindset" Where It Matters

I have similar reservations about Carol Dweck’s “mindset matters most” propaganda as her critics. Alfie Kohn, particularly, summarized the pros and cons quite perfectly. While I am all about a “can-do” attitude, when certain circumstances like institutional barriers or substandard curriculum are involved her approach simply doesn’t apply. It isn’t so much the spirit of encouraging students to be better engaged that I find a problem with so much as the assuming it’s the magic ingredient that can and will correct poor academic performance. I understand the phrase the “proof is in the pudding,” but I can’t help but suspect something is amiss with the statistics she shows in her Ted-Talk. “Correlation does not equal causation” comes to mind in this instance; so many unforeseeable influences between the “positivity” survey and the improved results she reports must be at play. At face value, her easy-to-take elixir of educational triumph seems like the medicine all students of the modern age need; however, even in the event that a “fixed” mindset student changed their tune does change that deciding to try and fail rather than fail from the start doesn’t negate the fact that k-12 schooling in America has its own issues. As long as American curriculum relies on regurgitating facts and figures, the fish that can’t or doesn’t find climbing the tree pertinent will be perpetually seen as inferior and fulfilling a “self-fulfilling prophecy for failure.” Students of a “growth” mindset aren’t more likely to be enriched by the material they study necessarily. “Fixed” mindset students might be equally if not more enlightened than their peers, only it’s the students who are aware of how the school system operates and willing to humor this institution that has arbitrary marks of superiority to show for it.

Dweck’s philosophy isn’t inherently wrong; in fact, I am very willing to take this pill myself. I think increased self-awareness and detailed observance of dynamics that fuel successful individuals serve an important purpose in of themselves. Fostering a critical thinker with a diagnostic and prescriptive approach toward oneself probably does lead to a more dedicated, disciplined person in any context. Some may use said energy to “pay to play” the school system for their prize of aptitude: a passing grade and recognition for their “process” (most likely a positive attitude and an invitation to a challenge, according to Dweck.) Otherwise, someone may very well be “smart,” “positive,” “aware” and direct these qualities toward defying corrupt establishments with one-size-fits-all standards- what’s wrong with that? Success and intelligence are so subjective- one or two pegs difference between the conventionally “smart” on a sliding scale of intelligence is only noticeable when fixating on select strengths. Adopting Dweck’s advice on an attitude adjustment is indeed good for all, but “not yet” is a perfectly fine benchmark for overcoming obstacles outside of the American classroom. “Have I found my proper place here in this academic setting?” “Not yet.” The students with a “fixed” mentality maybe are in the wrong garden- “when a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower."

I don’t think it’s surprising so many are seen to have a “fixed mindset,” especially those who have unequal access to opportunities and resources that persuade the person that the hoops of traditional education are worth the hassle of jumping through. Dweck thinks childrearing has gone awry and that “challenge [must] become the new comfort zone.” Fair enough, but the current educational system is not set up to give grace to even the “growth mindset/ “not yet” students- until there is room for trial and error the “tyranny of now” as she calls it is working against her well-meaning counsel. So who does or doesn’t align with her “growth” mindset speil is irrelevant.

Being positive, self-aware, and critical where it counts is something I try to be in any context. Would I like good grades? Do I have goals parallel to what society deems important? Do I have goals contrary to what society deems important? To all of these, yes. Dweck and her critics each have persuasive points. What matters isn’t the disparities between their perspectives or that someone is more correct, but their commitment that the debate is worth something. This dispute at all reminds me of a quote from a favorite fictional lady of mine, Leslie Knope of popular sitcom Parks and Rec: “All I hear when being yelled at [about my student experience] is people caring really loudly at me.”

(Growth Mindset Quote; Image Source: BHF.net)

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Introduction to the "Type A" Idealist

Hello, I am Brittany.

My academic career has been somewhat episodic. Straight after I graduated High School, I had one very successful but short-lived semester at Oklahoma State University where I felt my first taste of unbridled freedom after a sheltered upbringing, unhealthily underexposed to the outside world. Due to extenuating circumstances, I had to withdraw the following spring. With my 4.0 GPA, some unpaid tuition, and a mental album of memories I entered the workforce unready but willing to work off my debt and save enough money to return to college of my own accord. Three long years later, after too many menial, minimum wage jobs I was enrolled once again. As much as I harbored regret and shame about how long it took me to get here, I learned a hard lesson about responsibility and have come out the other side with a sense of pride. The hardships were a heavy dose of reality, but the silver lining is that I am now currently a senior here at The University of Oklahoma. After switching my major multiple times, I settled on the College of Classics and Letters. Letters is an interdisciplinary degree of sorts focusing on history, literature (classics, linguistics, English), philosophy (political science, religious studies), and languages (both modern and ancient) as described by the Letters academics webpage:

The program’s original purpose was to instill a deeper appreciation of the major movements of Western civilization. By studying the important and characteristic achievements of the human mind from Greco-Roman antiquity to the modern era, students come to understand and appreciate the ideas and principles that form the basis of their own culture […] The program is based upon the assumption that cultivated intelligence, good judgment, and artistic expression in speech and writing are desirable in and for themselves.

This major perfectly suits my interests in people and ideas. A famous statement by the great thinker Socrates’ says that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” or in other words— the human experience is not one that is meant to be subjected to boundaries, whether that be in thought or in practice. Without self-discovery, existential analysis, and the abandonment of presuppositions influenced by personal aspirations and values, one would be engaging in life with blinders on. I feel as though Socrates’ credo fits my personal, academic, and occupational goals of merging logic and reasoning with sensitivity to the essence of human nature. 

I have a hushed demeanor outwardly, but an analytical, open, idealistic inward disposition. I am a true INFJ (according to the Myer’s Brigg’s personality test): a passionate and determined idealist, but a perfectionist to a fault with a need to always be working in harmony with a fixed vision lest I get burnt out. I have an endlessly creative, talented twin sister who is my built-in best friend, cheerleader, monkey-see-monkey-do,  and the second scoop to my double-dip ice-cream cone. We are identical but we march to the beat of very individual drums. Twinhood has had an enormous impact on my identity. There are definitely more pros than cons but as my sister has once said “it puts a new edge on “being number one,"" and has sharpened my competitive edge. However, to sidestep this tangent let me conclude by saying that I do like being ‘me.’

Who am I? Well, I enjoy platforms like Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram and streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu like every other millennial. I also have an interest in interior design and art (crafts, sculpture, sketch, painting). I am a cat person with a calico kitty named Kindred. She is a super quirky cat who chirps more than she meows. I grew up on country music (Shania Twain, Alan Jackson), but have come to love music of all types. I have a guilty pleasure for all things animation (classic Disney movies for sure- Pocahontas and Snow white are my favorites). I prefer nonfiction to fiction reads. I try to be socially conscious and politically involved (I have strong opinions about rising social and economic inequality). I strive on being tidy and I am a total “Monica” (“Friends” fans, anyone? Seriously, my closet is color-coded). I am hugely sentimental and overly observant. And if it hasn’t already been obvious, I am also extremely wordy as this longer than expected introduction exemplifies. This post has reached essay lengths, so this is where I wrap this up. Please enjoy my posts but don’t take my written musings too seriously!

(Image Source: Graphic made by me, SumoPaint Photo Editor)

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Storybook Favorites: A Review

“Creation Stories: The Beginning of the End”

“Creation Stories: The Beginning of the End” is a new take on typical creationism stories that suggests that the universe was brought forth by a being called Purusha by birthing a golden egg. This is a Hindu concept that purports that Purusha “is everything and will be everything that will ever exist.” The story is rightfully cyclical which is symbolic as the related Hindu religion values this theme of life as an endless string with no definitive beginning or end.

This storybook caught my attention as it appealed to the philosopher in me given its relation to the unanswerable existential question of existence. I think this angle of using the Purusha as a window through which to understand this phenomenon sounds like it will create a creative perspective. The stories are supplemented with research and background information which helps an ignorant reader such as myself with some training wheels to understand the story like an insider who may have experience or knowledge on the subject and its references. Overall, a very thorough introduction and visually appealing images in the banners. The home page image of the galaxy particularly is an appropriate choice for a story centered around the topic of the universe.

“No Birth, No Death”

“No Birth, No Death” is a first-person account of Mother Earth through her own voice whose “mission” is to help her “children” understand the balance of birth and death as two sides of the same coin, so to speak.

This storybook is SO intriguing. This is the kind of storybook that harnesses the sort of creativity and thoughtful articulation I can only wish to achieve in my own writing. It maintains the same banner image all throughout the tabs of leaves in a circle depicting their life cycle, which perfectly combines the themes of life and death with the focus of the environment. This author has written in poetry instead of prose, a daring choice that pays off in the way of being unique. I didn’t know this was an option, so it’s something I may come back to for inspiration when project time comes around. She also includes personal art that seems purposefully created for her story. This personal touch is the cherry on top; this author is a true creative and pulled out all the stops. She writes with a very distinct voice, too, which I think is something that all notable writers share.

“Motherhood: Cycles of Sacrifice, Forgiveness, and Unconditional Love”

“Motherhood: Cycles of Sacrifice, Forgiveness, and Unconditional Love” surrounds the stories of several mothers inspired by the Indian Epics. The introduction is a creative brief that suggests that the story will be dramatic and emotional given the evidence that the qualities of sacrifice, forgiveness, and unconditional love will be driving the events.

This storybook has the imagination of the previous with its choice of poetry, but as more of a supplement to the prose. I really love the concept of showing the diversity of womanhood by choosing to center around women with different relationships to each other and in different stages of life: as a wife, daughter, and sister. I can’t speak on how it relates to the assigned reading, but I intend to come back to this one since it draws on themes that I tend toward—relationships and gender. This storybook’s images are also hand-drawn which again is a nice touch, something that I might attempt with my affinity for art though I’m no professional. I tried the link on the “Three Wives” page for the banner image because the style is something so unique and was curious about the artist, but sadly the webpage must have been updated and the image no longer available. Something to consider, too, so that when I choose pictures to represent my story that all of my sources are stable and reliable.

Concluding Thoughts:

What I like about these storybooks that there is a common thread of relationship dynamics that runs through them all. This appealed to the philosopher in me to consider how they work on a fundamental level at the basis of all events and relations. I looked at other storybooks, too, one based off the magical world of Hogwarts in the popular series by J.K. Rowling “Harry Potter,” another that looked as though it came straight from the imaginary universes of the “Rick and Morty” series. How these books can be taken in so many different directions, all with the basis of the Indian Epics as core inspiration is so cool. I look forward to dipping into the Indian Epics myself before long and seeing where my mind’s eye takes me.

(Image included in "Motherhood" Introduction; Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Favorite Place(s)?

I lived in aggressively strict isolation as a child. This physical and mental cage of sorts made me very timid but very inquisitive as I was unhealthily underexposed to the outside world of different ideas, experiences, and cultures. As a result, I became very influenced by others’ stories. I was tremendously engrossed in meeting people who engaged in very different lives than mine, and who possessed qualities and customs contradictory to my own. Seclusion turned me to memoirs and biographies rather than fantasies and fiction, and lead me to sign up for online pen-pal programs that would connect me globally with individuals I would speak to every day for years to satisfy my urge to know what was beyond the walls of my house. My life of seclusion as a child and young adult and the curiosity it compelled me to have about places and people I couldn’t reach and gave me greater appreciation and admiration for the variable and vast world once I was able to engage in it freely. Once I was taken in by another family, I continuously met inspirational, non-judgmental, tolerant people who helped shape my understanding of the world around me in a much more unbiased, unrestrained way. I realized then that in other peoples’ lives there was an unbelievable dynamic I never could have known had I not crossed the threshold of the contrived spatial boundaries that came to be in-grown when I was young. Now that I am living on my own and far removed from the restraints of my childhood, I reflect on the concept of a place being my “favorite” and find this so difficult to define concretely. I still grapple with the consequences of such a sequestered early life, but the impediments are more physical than mental which leads me to conclude that a metaphorical take on “favorite place” is more appropriate for me: my mind. Not that the outside world I have encountered thus far hasn’t lived up to some standard in order to be selected; it’s simply that my mind in its immeasurable capacity has been my most reliable escape ever since I can remember. With the help of others’ whose lives I have routinely wondered about- through their written, verbal, and visual stories- my imagination has transported me to any environment I have ever daydreamed about. While I still have symptoms of wanderlust and wish to see and experience new places, I am quite happy knowing that there are possibilities for mini-vacations even in the midst of mundane activities given the right mindset. Even when I revert to my hermit ways, I still find satisfaction and gratitude that my mind hasn’t lost its inquisitive nature for whatever is left undiscovered by me yet (though my cabin fever isn’t nearly as incessant as it once was). I don’t resist stretches of solitary time despite everything and while I still live a somewhat self-contained life I am quite content having my “favorite places” on file waiting to be awakened by some trigger that stirs my memory. 

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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