Mid-term check in

This class started off extremely rough for me. At first I really thought about maybe taking it another time. WHY? Well, I thought that if I didn’t do it now that I would be better later. Obviously, I realized that was a ridiculous decision. I felt that there would be no way that I could understand the Wars and that because it wasn’t something that interests me I wouldn’t be able to write about it. However, that now isn’t the case. Since I am not a big reader and I had no interest in the War I had to convince myself that it would be something I would take interest in. After the first couple reading assignments I became so interested in the topic Mrs. Cline had for me. (The class) The first couple essays were pretty tough for me to write. I was lost for words and couldn’t express anything. I felt an abundance of emotion and for me that was hard to focus on the analysis of the writing’s.  I thought to myself, Ok this is not about me and how I feel—rather it’s merely an assignment. The analysis part is far more different then the other types of writing I have done in the past. Usually you are required to just compare/contrast or relate to the story is some way. So this was different for me. I really felt at first that I would not be able to do—however I think I got the gist of it. During the second half of the semester I would like to improve how I analyze writing without putting a lot of “how I feel” in my writing. It’s difficult for me to set aside how the writing has affected me as a person. I really enjoy these types of books/stories and I plan to continue reading more. 

Sean Huze

In Sean Huze, “The Sand Storm” there was some extremely graphic material. At first, it seemed like it was going to be difficult to read and understand—but once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I have never read a play before so that was new to me. It was a little difficult at first to keep track of who was talking. The language is easy to interpret and flowed smoothly. It made my heart hurt for the families of these soldier’s. They weren’t getting mail, and really they were left in the dark as to what was going on. Most of the story disgusted me—it was scary to think that these men are simply just killing everyone and everything in sight. It was like they cared, but knew that they would have to kill. The play all together was very moving. There were certain parts that brought tears to my eyes. They talk about playing with the kids in the streets and talking to the surviving man after they just killed his whole family. He was grateful for the soldier and was pissed at his own leadership in his country. I was astonished when I read that. Who would have thought? I guess I had already made an assumption of what the war was like over there. I would love to see this play sometime.                

This picture was taken from:                                            http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2005/2-in-IRAQ/index.html

Here is a link for more information on the war