Group Work

I have enjoyed working in a group thus far. I think that it is important that everyone learn how to communicate and cooperate with others, as well as to appreciate the different perspectives that people can have on the same subject. Colin and I do that very well. We bounce ideas off of each other and collaborate to make the project even better. No one is in charge of one specific area of the proposal, we are both responsible for all of it.

Colin and I work very well together; we are excellent collaborators, attentive, and open-minded to other ideas. The only problem that we have encountered has been splitting the workload evenly; we both like being in charge, so we both volunteer to do more. However, this means that we are both dedicated to the task; we will complete the proposal on time and to the best of our abilities.


In Phase 2, Colin and I need to be a more organized and set deadlines for ourselves. We have been continuously working on the project throughout the semester, but if we had given ourselves deadlines, it would have made the final creation of the proposal much easier. Phase 2 will go smoothly for our group though because we have good dynamics and good work ethics.

Cats or Dogs

I know that many people like dogs or cats. There are many differing opinions on this subject. I have been trying to decide which pet I prefer, which pet compliments my personality the best. Here is my comparison:

Dogs are:

• Loyal
• Playful
• Protective
  
• Dependent
• Loud (barking)
• Large (cost money)
• Must be cleaned frequently
• Require lots of attention
• Love you because you feed them
• Trainable (do it yourself or pay someone)
  

Cats are:

• Cuddly
• Small (cost less money)
• Playful
• Lazy
• Independent (can be inside or outside pets and can take care of themselves)
• Require attention sometimes
• Must work for their affection
• Trainable (spray them, love them)
  

I believe that I am more of a cat person based on my comparisons. I feel that cats are more in tune with my personality. Their personalities are more obvious than dog's personalities. If cats are mad at you, then you know it. Dogs will love you no matter what. I feel like more is to be said if you have the loyalty of a cat, because it is harder to attain their affection.

However, I also love playing with dogs. So I have decided that when I have settled into a good job after college, I am going to buy a puppy and a kitten so that they can grow up together. I think that both will contribute to my happiness.

Interview Experience

After participating in the mock interview for English 304, I have discovered some of my strengths and weaknesses during the interview process.

I excel in interviews due to my personable nature, so my strengths are thinking on my feet and spinning questions to my advantage in order to provide the interviewer with information that I feel is important. I embellish on simple questions to set myself apart from other interviewers. I am looking into HR positions which is an advantage because I have a clear goal and I can ask questions of the interviewer easily, since they are likely in the HR department.

Some of my weaknesses for this particular interview included the fact that I did not know as much about the company as I would have liked. I also had not gone over routine questions and prepared answers. Before interviews, it seems to be a good idea to look over the commonly asked questions so that you have answers in mind. Also, it is good to plan what you would like the interviewer to know about yourself. I believe that if I had put a bit more time into my preparation, the interview would have been excellent.

This being my first mock interview, I was relaxed and confident. I believe that those two factors are key. I also try to represent myself honestly when interviewing. I want to be the best fit for a job without having to play up certain aspects of my personality that I believe the company would find desirable.

Presentation Critique

I really enjoyed the presentation that Megan Craig did on The Psychology of Color. I found her presentation interesting and it made me think about the colors of my room and how they fit with my personality. I thought that the slide show was wonderful. She had a neat layout with pictures at the bottom and gave lots of examples. The slide show was not one uniform color, but complimented her subject material well. I liked that it was easy to relate to. I have a bright green room, so when she told the class that green represents freshness, I understood why my room relaxes me.

I also enjoyed Lauren Sindall's presentation on the Equipment used in Competitive Swimming. I did not realize what all went into competitive swimming and all of the equipment used. I enjoyed the fact that she had props as well as a nice layout for her PowerPoint. She knew what she was talking about and was comfortable and confident in her presentation.

What makes me happy...

I have been extremely stressed this semester (and more specifically this week), so I believe it will be beneficial for me to list a few things that make me happy and events that I am looking forward to in order to put a positive spin on the stress.

• This week is almost over (it is hump day after all) which means that I will be done with half of my tests and projects before Fall break

• My best friend from home is coming to visit. She is the one person that I truly believes understands me and I cannot wait to have fun with her and show her around Clemson.

• My brother just informed me that he is coming to Clemson to visit two times this fall! I have not been close with my brother previously, but we are becoming closer and that makes me happy. Also, we're traveling to New York City together this Thanksgiving because our youngest brother is in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I am extremely excited about that trip!

• I am going climbing on Friday, so I will finally get to work out and feel better about myself. Working out - getting those endorphins and my competitive edge pumping- makes me feel more confident in myself.
  

• I love fall. The air is crisp and the leaves start to change colors. I can sit outside and watch the gorgeous sunsets, smell the burning leaves, enjoy the morning mist, walking barefoot, fall sports (soccer, Frisbee, and football) and find an inner peace while doing work outside.
  

• Laughing is my favorite and I have made some wonderful friends this semester that bring out the best in me.

• I enjoy traveling. Even though I am not traveling at the moment, I am planning a study abroad trip to France for next fall and have been reminiscing on the wonderful adventures I had on my last trip to Europe while making my PowerPoint presentation for English 304.

• Singing makes me happy. I love singing at the top of my lungs in the car, in the shower, and pretty much anywhere else. I especially enjoy singing in the morning because it brings a positive outlook to my day.

• I love the morning. I am a morning person and the best aspects of the morning are: waking up to the sunshine and birds chirping, the smell of coffee, the warm shower, and the start of a new day.
  

• I enjoy getting lost in good books and reflecting on life. I have a quote book that I started in 7th grade and keep adding to; there are quotes about life, love, perseverance, poems, and truths. Some of my favorite truths are that you are stronger than you know, there is some good in everyone, the simple things in life are the most valuable, and you choose how experiences shape you (you always have a choice).