A5 (Module 4 Archive)

I chose this for my last artifact because the activity allowed me to see basic aspects of the United States without bias. It is important to recognize the values and influences that drive this country, whether they are positive or negative. This item to archive gave me a new, more academic perspective to the values the United States embraces, and allowed me to compare them to other countries. As a result, I saw that America is much more extreme and different than European countries than I thought.

A4 (Module 3 Archive)

I chose this as one of my artifacts because I think it well represents where I was academically at the beginning of the semester. My item to archive description is relatively short, in contrast to more recent ones. This may show that I improved on my broad thinking and allowed myself to open up in the class. I also like this item to archive because I was able to show a positive side to American culture, which is so often ridiculed. I also was able to tie in an aspect of my personality with the discussion of representing America.

A3 (Module 7 Archive)

I liked this item to archive because it forced me to think about how socially engaged I am in situations where I might not realize it. I thought that I better enjoyed being socially disengaged and keeping to myself, however this item to archive made me realize most of the happy situations I have been in involve people who make me laugh. This inspires me to be more open when deciding on engaging in social events, which I hope will help me balance my overall happiness in life.

A2 (Module 5 Archive)

Although this item to archive did not interest me much, it taught me a lot about my values and how my parents influence them. I thought that I was very similar to my parents in a conservative viewpoint, and although I am alike to them, I am more different than I realized. I feel that today’s society forces people to get out of their comfort zones, and the classes I have taken in college have opened my mind to be more considerate of others. Discussing it allowed me to acknowledge that I can be accepting of those different from me, and my values do not have to please my parents.

A1 (Module 13 Archive)

This artifact is my favorite because I feel it has the most meaning to me. Often times I automatically choose to look at the negatives in life, making me think that I am not happy. However, writing this artifact allowed me to list all of the blessings I have that do make me happy, and I did not even have room to write them all. I learned from this item to archive that taking care of myself physically and mentally influences my happiness, and although the things that make me happy can change, I will always have something to smile about.