





Gabrielle Lutz
A 2- January 19, 2009
Ember Smith
English 103
As a little kid my parents were always putting the emphasis on eating healthy and exercising. Because of their mentality being a Doctor and a Nurse, I was always involved in outdoor activities. Whether it be soccer, horseback riding, skiing, or snowboarding I never was really interested in video games or computers. In elementary and middle school we had the basic computer courses teaching you how to type, such as the amazingly interesting programs like Mavis Beacon. However, I personally only have the most basic skills on the computer. These skills consist of being able to navigate my way through Word, Excel, and the Internet.
In school I was never a huge enthusiast about English classes, primarily because the literature was forced upon us. We were told what the book should mean to us instead of being able to have an opinion of how it relates to us personally. However, this changed my junior and senior years in high school. I think this was primarily because of my teachers. They seemed to have a fresh intake on the literature while being able to educate us at the same time. We were able to have discussions where we could be open about our opinions of the book without being judged. They both taught in such a style to make each student analyze the text more completely and fully, and because of this I think I became a more active reader.
Some people are gifted at writing eloquently and everything seems to flow gracefully paragraph into paragraph, yet I was not blessed with this ability. If I have a paper whether it be one page or ten pages, I write the paper in advance by at least a few days and then proceed to do a series of rereads, corrections, and revisions. Because of this I have not been able to procrastinate with papers, which I feel in the long run has benefited me significantly. Normally, to help me get my ideas started I jot down ideas on a blank piece of paper and try to formulate groups, possible paragraphs, of information. I also like to turn to my friends to bounce ideas off of, and normally it is truly advantageous for me.
In summary my experiences with English classes have been positive over all. However, I would much rather be watching movies with friends, going to the gym, or playing soccer than doing an English assignment. Although, I am hoping to improve my writing skills and public speaking ability in this class.
Gabrielle Lutz
A1- January 19, 2009
Ember Smith
English 103
When we were asked to talk to someone who had a close relation to us and had personal influence in our learning development, for this assignment, I choose to speak to my mom. My mom always played a prominent role in my education and schoolwork. From the time my sister and I were little up until high school my mom would drive us to and from school and club soccer practice at night. She always encouraged us to finish our homework before or on the way to soccer during the hour drive, and to do our homework on Friday afternoons so we could have our weekends free. This practice soon became habit and I learned to not procrastinate, thus making my life a lot less stressful.
When I questioned my mom about my reading habits when I was younger she replied saying that I read every night before I went to bed. She reminded me that for my sisters 5th birthday, when I was 3, I memorized a book for her. I recall that it was about a boy who had lost his stuffed animal bear in the woods, and a real bear had found it and claimed it as his own. She said that I was interested in science stories, but mainly moral stories, ones that taught me lessons I could relate to my life. Now however, I read sporadically mainly love stories, mystery novels, and twilight books.
Unlike my sister, my mother said, that I tended to turn things in early or on time. I was always motivated to learn and therefore asked a lot of questions or would stay after class. My mom also evoked the memory of me turning myself in the 3rd grade for cheating on a spelling test. I have a really strong conscience and if I make a bad decision I feel guilty about it until the air is cleared. This seems ridiculous to some but I have grown up with strong morals going to a Catholic school and living in a religious environment at home.
As far as learning styles are concerned my mom or teachers would normally read the material to me or demonstrate what I had to do. I am definitely a hand on learner and would prefer to do activities and projects than papers. Normally, my mom says, that I grasped the concepts easier this way. As far as studying habits go, I hate when it is too quiet and normally do homework with the television or music on. I aim to study in multiple small periods so I don’t get bored with the material. I feel that reviewing the concepts multiple times at different periods, I am able to memorize more productively.
I was always involved in extracurricular activities when I was younger. I enjoyed doing things with my sister such as water skiing, waster tubing, biking, basketball in the cul da sac, and swimming since the age of 1 month. I began playing soccer when I was 4 years old up until this year, but I have gotten involved in intramural sports. Dress up however, was something I don’t recall playing much, but my mom said that I used to play with my older cousin Maggie when she came down to visit. Being active and naturally a bit clumsy I have gotten into many accidents playing sports. I have broken my hip, broken most of my toes, sprained my ankle twice, busted open my chin and my head, and separated my shoulder. These multiple medical emergencies have sparked an interest within me to pursue a medical career. I aim to become a PA and work with critical care patients in the ER.
My mother articulated that she thought I was a nurturing person and she felt I would do well in the medical field. She also said I would be a good mother, but maybe she is just bias.