Time Strategies

I read through the articles The Important Habit of Just Starting and 11 Ways Unsuccessful People Manage Their Time. The first article was very relatable. I have always found that getting started is the hardest part. As stated in the article, once you have started a task there seems to be more motivation to finish. The second article also had some useful tips. I have found scheduling and keeping records very helpful for managing my time. It is also helpful for me to set goals and try not to spread myself too thin. My biggest time management challenge is trying to complete a task when I know that my friends/family are doing some other fun activities. This semester, I need to get better about pre-planning my week and keeping record of which activities I will do each day. I also need to plan fun activities and exercise routines to stay healthy and happy. One time management strategy that I have found successful is the use of a personal monthly planner. I write down important due dates of assignments for my classes, as well as other activities. There is a certain satisfaction that goes with crossings items off of my planner as completed.

Person trapped fighting time. Source: Maxpixel 

Technology

So far, I am only familiar with the Google Docs and bookmarking options. Most of my other classes use relatively little new online technology, so this is very different. That being said, I am excited to learn about these new technology tools as I feel they will be helpful for future classes and professional life after college. This semester, I would like to work on both graphics creation and website publishing. I think both of these tools will be very fun to experiment with and learn more about.

Tools connected by internet technology. Source: Pixabay 

Class Assignments

My first impression is that these assignments will be fun and engaging. I am very new to the subject, so I am sure the readings will be informative for me. I am also looking forward to the storytelling assignments. As someone who is not the most creative, this will be a great opportunity to grow my creativity skills. I have had assignments similar to blog comments and project feedback in other classes, and they usually prove to be a valuable resource for refining your work. There are a few extra credit assignments that seem interesting. For example, the tech tips will be useful in sharpening my blogging skills. I am also very interested in the growth mindset exercises. The famous last words and backup and review assignments also sound interesting for reflection.

Image of collaboration and teamwork. Source: Jill Dawson 

Growth Mindset

I found the videos about the growth mindset very interesting. I have not heard of Carol Dweck, but I have heard of the growth vs. fixed mindsets. I serve as a volunteer mentor to a child in a local Norman elementary school. When doing my training, I watched a presentation on the growth mindset and its applications. By employing some growth mindset ideas in weekly meetings, I saw the child's attention, effort, and overall self esteem grow throughout the year. This is when I knew that I had to focus on a growth mindset more in my life. I try to use these ideas in my school. I love being challenged in my courses. I also enjoy the growth mindset in exercise. I know that the only way to improve in a workout is through being challenged and having the mindset that you can achieve greater feats through effort and perseverance. I do think I would be interested in learning more about growth mindset throughout the semester. Growth mindset was a huge asset to me when I took biochemistry. At first, I thought I would never be able to learn the material. By the end of the semester, I was truly amazed at everything I had learned. I look forward to the challenge of Human Physiology this semester, as well as my other classes that will provide ample opportunity for growth.

Image of Growth Mindset. Source: Pixabay 

Introduction to Andy the biology major.

Hello, my name is Andy McDowell and I am a biology major. This is my senior year, and I have been lucky enough to take many interesting classes in my major. I think the coolest thing about being a biology major is the wide variety in classes that you are able to take and the diverse interests of people in your classes. You are able to meet people who will be future doctors and future ecological researchers. My favorite class last semester was genetics. It was challenging, but the problem solving actually became fun and I enjoyed learning the material.

I am a huge sports fan. This has been a great year because my lifelong favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles, finally won their first super bowl championship. I love going to the OU football games. I also make it a point to catch a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game in St. Louis every summer. Sporting events are my favorite way to relax and enjoy time with friends and family.

(Image info: Personal photo of my dad and I at a Phillies game, May 2018)

I have one pet, a golden retriever named Winston. He is unique because he is much lighter in color than most people would imagine when they think of a golden retriever. (In fact, he is almost white). He loves to run around outside and go on walks. I spend most of my time trying to chase him down and prevent him from stealing and chewing on my socks and other things he gets his paws on.

(Image info: Personal Photo of my dog Winston, July 2018)

I also love food. In the summer, I spend a ton of time grilling and smoking meats. I have almost perfected a smoked ribs recipe, and I love to make barbecue pulled pork as well. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, and eating is probably a close second. My third hobby is exercising, which is a must based on how much I love my first two hobbies.

My Storybook Favorites

I have browsed through several storybooks and selected three favorites. While all three are very different, they are appealing for a variety of reasons. Here they are:

1. Creation Stories : I found this appealing for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that it was laid out in a manner that was very easy to understand. The introduction made it quite clear what the topic of the story is. The topic of creation is interesting as well. The second reason is that the layout was visually appealing. I liked the images used. I am not familiar with the topic of the story, but i found it interesting how he made his story cyclic. Cycles are very important to the topic, so the beginning and end of the story flows together. This is a very creative manner in which to present the story.

2. Reimagined Rhymes : I found this storybook appealing because, first of all, it is a topic that most people are familiar with. Almost everyone can relate to classic nursery rhymes. This was also appealing because you could tell how much work the author put into writing this story. He took each simple rhyme and imagined a thorough story to accompany that character. He also delved very deeply into each character to present a  fun and engaging story. I also enjoyed how the layout was easy to follow and understand.

3. Asuras Anonymous : I found this to be an enjoyable storybook. At first, I was a bit lost because I am unfamiliar with the story. I did not let that stop me from enjoying the storybook, however. I really enjoy the layout as it is visually appealing. It is also entertaining how the author uses a format of an "alcoholics anonymous' style intervention meeting to present the stories. This storybook stood out to me because it was very creative.

                                 Image from Reimagined Rhymes. Source: Robbie O'Connel

Philadelphia-My Favorite Place

When I was in eighth grade, I was fortunate enough to go on a historic sight-seeing trip on the east coast. One of our longest stops was in Philadelphia, and I have loved this city ever since. This city is truly a history lover's dream. Some of the great sights include the liberty bell, Independence Hall, and Ben Franklin's print shop. The skyline is also superb. This city is overflowing with culture. Of course, a stop in Philadelphia is not complete without a cheesesteak. If you love sports, as I do, then Philadelphia is almost unbeatable. If there in the spring, you can catch a Phillies baseball game at the beautiful Citizen's Bank Park. If there in the fall, then you can watch the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles football team, or perhaps the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Arena. In conclusion, this city has everything that I love and is easily my favorite place.

       The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia with Independence Hall in the background. Source: Recreation