As far as submitting assignments on time, I have not turned in essay one yet because i have not had the time to go to a tutor. However, I have completed it, but I was not too sure how to go about the process. In terms of journal completion, I have completed eight journals so far. I have done most of them, and they are on my computer. The editing skills checklist is going well, especially with the journals and essay one. I have only completed one quiz, and I did not do so well, and I will be retaking it for a higher score. I have finished the “about me” and “my passion” assignments; however, I have not turned them in yet. In terms of my attendance, I have only missed one class. I would like to have a more clearly broken down schedule of the week, possibly a calendar list of assignment due dates. This would help me with time management and organization, instead of just announcing it in class.

Journals (3-5)

3. What does author Chimamanda Adichie mean by a “single story” in her TED Talk? What are the solutions that she proposes to avoid this mindset? List her main points and your reaction to them. 

In the author Chimamanda Adichie’s TED Talk ” A single story,” she refers to the term “single story” as a single vision of how a group, person, or place is perceived. These “single stories” are to depict the negative aspects and characteristics of a particular culture. It shows no vision of possibility. Adichie explains her encounters with a “single story” and how they shaped her to be more open-minded. As a child, Chimamanda Adichie’s family had a poor house boy. Adichie only heard of how less and unfortunate he was due to poverty. Her only perception of the boy was how his family couldn’t afford much. So when she went to visit his village, she was stunned when his family was making beautiful baskets because she believed a stereotype about poverty and giving the house boy “a single story.” She goes to say how impressionable and vunerable we are as children. When Chimamanda Adichie was a child, the only books she was surrounded by were ones that should only white people and drinking ginger beer. She came to believe that this was how Europeans were perceived, and that is what belongs in literature. It was a “single story,” and it affected her views of herself and home feeling almost left out. A “single story” is an incomplete story, showing one version of a group or place over and over again creates a definitive account of that one thing. Power becomes the ultimate player within all of this. When you have control, you can make others see things one way and influence them to perceive certain things in that way. When we reject a single story, we reagin a form of clarity and open-mind to endless versions of a story.

4. Have you joined any clubs?

I was a member of G.L.O.S.S last year, and it was such a great experience. Primarily working with other women and becoming a mentor for teens, the organization helped open some doors for me. I gained a lot of insight into becoming a female boss and entrepreneurship skills, as well as making great connections.

5. What was your first job?

My first job was at a family-owned frozen custard parlor when I was 16. I had first heard about the job from a classmate, and she had asked me to stop by and meet her boss. When I got there, her boss immediately asked if I was looking for a job, and I wasn’t at the time but told them “yes” anyway. My interview process was very short and sweet at a table in the shop, and they hired me on the spot. They asked me questions about dishwashing, cooking, handling money, and cleaning, all of which I could manage. I used my critical thinking skills within my interview by telling them I was a hard worker and was good at communications, which helps with demanding customers.