UNDERSTANDING GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES

Do we really see the world differently than older or younger generations do? On Wednesday November 18, 2009 at 7pm in Student Center, we discussed this question. The Excellence in Leadership Program, The Career Center, and Freshman Connections put together a session on Understanding Generational Differences to explore these very issues. The objectives of the evening were to be introduced to the four generations and to compare and contrast each generation. As an icebreaker we were all given an Intergenerational Dialogue, this was a sheet of paper that had 18 different small pictures on them. These pictures consisted of various famous people and objects throughout time. It was our job to look at them and decipher who and what they are. Some of these pictures were quit difficult because they were from a different generation then what we were familiar with. Some of these pictures included; Pong, World of War crafts, I love Lucy, South Park, and Twilight. After this exercise Mitch explained to us about the four generations which include; The Veterans (1922-1945), The Baby Boomers 91946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), and The Millennials (1981-2000). We then discussed and debated how each is different and how they change throughout the years. With there being a large amount of Boomers and Millennals in the room is was fun, and interesting to watch the debate of how the two different generations view life. One topic debated was how Boomers would prefer to call, and Millennas feel more comfortable texting.
I was very pleased I was able to attend this event. I now better understand the shared and diverging views and values, of each generations.

Critical Reading

During our previous class, we looked at a student example found in BallPoint. This type of work we looked at is considered "critical thinking," which is a skills we are learning and developing in class. When we participate in reading we are actively engaging ourselves with what we are reading. As a critical reader, I enjoyed this paper written by Pamela Gardner. It has great meaning behind her mission trip to Brazil. The paper goes into great detail about what she learns, and how this experience has changed her life. She tells us how she found who she is by traveling outside the United States, and truly making a difference in this world. After reading such a moving paper it makes you want to go and participate, and give back to the world. Besides having good content the paper itself was very good. According to the NWP Holistic Scoring Rubric that we discussed and learned in class, I would have to grade this paper with a six. We have worked with this rubric in class and have peer graded our own classmates using the scoring. This paper from start to finish consistently focuses on the purpose. Grammatically the paper is well written having very minor flaws. The sentences are sophisticated in rhythm and flow.

Sean Lovelace

On November 11 at 7:30pm Sean Lovelace was reading from his new chapbook, How Some People Like Their Eggs.. When I heard about this I thought it would be intreasting to attend because I did not get to attend when Ishmael Beah came to Ball State. But the first question I asked myself is, "who is Sean Lovelace?". After doing a little research I fought out, Sean Lovelace is an English professor at Ball State University. His publications include Tartts: Incisive Fiction from Emerging Writers, Grass: A Fiction Chapbook, and stories and essays in various literary journals, including New Orleans Review, Crazyhorse, Black Warrior Review, and Sycamore Review. His latest book is How Some People Like Their Eggs, and was the winner of the Third Annual Rose Metal Press Short Short Chapbook Contest. Not only is Sean a talented writer but also a great runner, and always seems to be pushing himself to go that extra mile.
Right before entering room 125 on Wednesday evening there was a table of refreshments, which included punch, Starbucks coffee, and cookies. As I walked in I noticed it was a full house but lucky I was able to find a seat near the back. Jill Christman is the director of creative writing, and told us about the upcoming reading/writing competition. Next she tells us how she first met Sean Lovelace, and gives a warm welcome as Sean walks up to the podium. I stopped to look around the room, there was a camera man, and two photographer. As Sean reads from his book he had everyone at the edge of our seat, we all felt as if we were a part of the story. All of his story's were every funny and had us all laughing. He is a very talented person, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to him read parts of his masterpiece.

No Class

Well of course it's important to go to class, pay attention, and learn. Sometimes though it may be even more beneficial to have the non regular classroom setting. During a normal class you don't have that one-on-one interaction with your teacher. Plus with all the other students in the class you are more easily distracted. This week we only met one day instead of our regular three times a week. This was helpful, for it took a lot of stress off me and allowed me to focus and devote more time to other classes that need the extra help. Also meeting with your teacher is a perfect way to make sure you are on the right track in class. Everyone want to succeed and here is when you find out what you need to do to improve, or what you can do to keep your grade. This time also gives you the perfect opportunity to talk to the teacher, about any problems you may be having or to ask any questions you may not feeling comfortable asking in class. Although this method would be quiet hard to do for a larger classroom size, I found it very helpful and it should be done in more classes.