Artifact 5

Module 6

While I am a terrible artist and this brought up negative childhood emotions, I still chose it as one of my favorite artifacts because it made me reflect on my childhood and how it shaped me into who I am today. I am shy, quiet, and reserved. These traits have followed me from childhood. That was me in the corner reading a new book I had gotten for Christmas while my sister captivates the entire family with anecdotes and jokes. Her behavior has made her well-loved in many circles of family and friends while I was the quiet one in the corner and if I did speak, no one heard me. I am comfortable with being the quiet one in the corner and I have accepted it. However, it is hard to not feel its negative effects when it comes to making friends, going to job interview, or participating in discussions in the classroom.

Artifact 4

Module 3

I grew up in a small town where gender roles have never really caught up with the progression of the outside world. Because of this, I was taught that as a woman, I should be a perfect homemaker. I should cook dinner for my husband every night, keep a clean house, handle all of the household chores, and have hobbies that coincide with the domesticated life. I don’t resent this because I have been able to pursue my own education and career while also holding down my home with pride. I am happy that my mother passed on her wisdom when it comes to homemaking and domesticated happiness.

Artifact 3

Module 13

This module’s artifact was one of my favorites for obvious reasons and for the fact that this assignment reminded me to focus on what makes me happy rather than the things that are going wrong and my lack of control over them. This pictures has me beaming with happiness. Though I am far from my most physically fit, I know that my body is working on something important so I know that it is okay. I do believe that physical health is greatly related to happiness but that it can differ from person to person. I was in the best shape of my life when I fell in love with my husband. Since then, I have put on a few more pounds than I should have but that is because I have been happy and comfortable in my life. However, the worst shape I got in, the more negatively it began to effect my life. So it goes both ways. Happiness and good physical health can go together just like happiness and poor physical health. It depends heavily on the individual and where they are in their lives.

Artifact 2

Module 5

I am proud to call this couple my parents. They are my rock and my inspiration. They exemplify hard work, compassion, and love in ways that I can only hope to be so successful with my child. I know that we differ in the ways they parented me and the way we intend to raise of child but I can only hope to pass on as much love and wisdom as they did for me.

Artifact 1

Module 12

It is hard to find a Ted Talk that isn’t enjoyably informative and this one was no different. Ted Talks are wonderful. This one taught me a lot about the signals I put off in the way I present myself nonverbally to the world. I tend to close myself off. Though I sit very tall in my chair, I cross my legs and arms and I typically cover my torso because of self-consciousness. However, when I am happy, I am confident. I chose a picture to represent this body language. With my arm draped over my husbands arm as we travel the world, I am happy and confident with my chin in the air and a smile on my face. This is the posture I hope to have every day.