Time Strategies

 I'm usually pretty good about time management when it comes to schoolwork. I like to start and finish assignments early, and it helps keep my stress level down. In addition, starting early allows time for asking questions and for clarification to ensure I'm doing everything properly. That way, I won't have to redo a whole assignment a day before a deadline. 

The "Important Habit of Just Starting" gave me one huge piece of advice: don't worry about being perfect. I think I get this mindset from my dad, though thankfully I'm not as big of a perfectionist than he is. Fortunately, my mom keeps me grounded in my schoolwork and reminds me that I don't need to be perfect when it comes to assignments. I'm thankful for my dad because his mindset helps me do good work, but I'm also thankful for my mom because she makes sure I don't get too hung up on one small detail and to just keep going. 

I try not to procrastinate, but I think everyone falls victim to it at some point. Caroline Webb's article, "How to Beat Procrastination", gives great advice on how to ensure things don't get put off but get checked off the to-do list. Similar to my thoughts on Growth Mindset, the article mentions to "visualize how great it will be to get it done", which is something my mom says to me all the time. I always seem to feel anxious about future assignments and things that I need to get accomplished while on a deadline, but once I finish, I feel like a huge weight is lifted off my shoulders.

I sometimes am paranoid about whether or not I'm a "successful" person, but after reading the article from Business Insider, maybe I'm more successful than I think! While I will admit I can get distracted from time to time, I do my best not to procrastinate and keep my week scheduled out on what to get accomplished each day. One of the most important things I read was not to forget about the weekend. Just like visualizing getting things done, knowing that good things are coming during the weekend provides that extra push to keep going. The weekend feels so much better knowing everything that should be done, is *actually* done. So schedule when to get things done, keep on pushing, and just remember: time scheduled out is time well spent

"Time GIF" via Giphy

Technology

I was pretty familiar with the tools that was explained in the assignment. However, I just never got around to adding them to my computer. Sometimes I just start going fast and I find it easier to Google a word count tool in a separate tab. Due to my memory, I easily forget web addresses for certain websites, so I almost always bookmark websites for my classes, whether it be online books, Canvas, or a separate website that I will use often in the class. 

I have been very familiar with the online environment for classes. Even in high school, I took online classes for college credit. In addition, it's easier for me to search through my notes via computer than it is to file through thirty pieces of paper. Due to my memory loss, I've recorded lectures for a very long time, and I've also used my computer to take notes instead of writing them manually. I'm a faster typer than I am writer, so it's easier for me to type what the professor is saying rather than trying to write it all down. It's also easier for me to multitask while on the computer instead of trying to juggle a ton of different things that are sprawled out on my desk. 

I'm very excited for this online class! Hopefully this format will help me expand my computer knowledge and skills.

"Spongebob Squarepants Internet" via Giphy

Introduction to Assignments

I'm looking forward to the storytelling assignments. I think putting a twist on various classic stories will be a lot of fun. The reading portion of the class is pretty similar to those in my other classes. I've done a little bit of blogging with other classes, but not as much as we will in this class! 

I'm also excited to write my own Storybook! I write all the time as a public relations major, but most of it is in essay form. I've written a few research papers and essays on more formal topics. I think the storybook can allow me to be more free in my writing and let my imagination fly. The storybook will give me an opportunity to be more creative and write compelling stories. 

The Storybook will give me an opportunity to do more independent work. Throughout my public relations studying, I've done several projects, but almost all of them were done in a group capacity. Writing my own storybook will allow me to write what I want to write and create a story that is interesting to me and others. 

There are a few extra credit opportunities that sound pretty enjoyable. The Wikipedia Trails seem like it would be fun! I've done almost the same thing as a game; players would be given one Wikipedia page as a start, then they have to make their way to an ending Wikipedia page utilizing only hyperlinks found within the various pages. Checking-in and connecting would be very helpful to help decompress from stress. I get stressed out easily, but having a place where I could listen to different music videos could help me stay calm. Hopefully this will be a fun semester as I get closer to graduation!

via Unsplash

Growth Mindset

I had never heard about Carol Dweck or the growth mindset before, but it was very inspiring after listening to her TED Talk. I can see my school work usually coming from a fairly fixed-mindset; I usually just try to get things done, but I don’t take the time to think about how I could make it better. I do, however, have a growth mindset when it comes to music and cooking. I auditioned for honor choirs all throughout middle school and high school, and I always tried to modify my breathing or my dynamics to make my singing as compelling as possible. I love to cook when I get the chance; while I usually look up a recipe, I often will modify the recipe by adding extra ingredients and different seasonings as I go to grow the dish and make it taste better.

I think my biggest challenge when learning new things is my memory. With my short-term memory loss, it can be difficult to get information into my long-term memory. Through that, I’ve come to realize that repetition is very important. I sometimes get frustrated when I can’t remember things, but the idea of not knowing things *yet*, but I will soon, can be very beneficial for me. I’m excited for most of my classes this semester, but my Capstone class is going to be a lot of work. Through the growth mindset strategy, hopefully I can stay on top of the class and pass with flying colors.

“Sustainable Animation”, via Giphy

Introduction to a Future Wish Granter

Hi everyone! I'm Nathan, and I hail from Clinton, OK. I'm a senior public relations major and nonprofit organizational studies minor, and I'm so close to graduation. I have loved my experience at the University of Oklahoma for the past three years, and I'm ready to finish it up! My favorite part of public relations is getting to meet and build relationships and connections with so many different people. My favorite class last semester was Beginning Voice; I've been singing in choir all my life, including doing multiple honor choirs during junior high and high school, and that was my first opportunity to sing since coming to college. Once I graduate, I'm hoping to work with a nonprofit like Make-A-Wish. I was born with dilated cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition that affects its ability to pump blood. I was given a trip through Make-A-Wish when I was younger, and I interned for them in the summer of 2019. 

I'm a big fan of reality television - Big Brother, Survivor, Amazing Race, etc.,- if it's a reality competition show, I've probably seen almost all of it. I also love the murder mystery movie Knives Out starring Daniel Craig, and it's one of my favorite movies of all time (it recently released on Amazon Prime- you should seriously watch it). I love listening to music in my free time, especially Charlie Puth. 

Music Video for one of my favorite songs, "Done For Me"

I have three older brothers, amazing parents, and two of the cutest dogs ever, Copper and Stella. I'm obsessed with Disney: almost every family vacation is Disney-related. I've been to Disneyland, Disney World, and been on Disney Cruises and each visit is better than the last. I'm also hoping to be able to incorporate Disney into my career with Make-A-Wish. My favorite food is pizza, but I will eat just about anything. I also make some amazing mashed potatoes every Thanksgiving. I enjoy watching TV, playing video games, and playing with my dogs. They are the most loving dogs you'll ever meet.

Stella and Copper, two rascals that some call "dogs"

That's all from me for now, but I should be back soon and all throughout the semester!

"See You Soon" via Giphy

Storybook Favorites

Reading past storybooks was incredibly fun! Some were very fun and playful, while others were a little more serious. Nonetheless, here's some of my favorites of the past storybooks from this class!

OU’s Haunted Halls

The topic was incredibly intriguing! Given some of the superstitions that exist on campus, like walking under the clock tower will result in not graduating, these stories that add to the lore of the school were entertaining to read. The introduction does an amazing job of explaining the topic, and the inclusion of a phrase from the University’s alma mater really tied the whole thing together. Having a tab for each ghost story was a simple and efficient way to navigate through each book. The author’s notes at the end of each story was a great touch to explain the inspiration behind each haunting.

 

“Empty Building Ruins Hallway” Via Unsplash

Alice’s Journey Through Social Media

I picked this topic mainly because it’s about Alice in Wonderland. I have been obsessed with Disney since I was a kid, and though Alice in Wonderland was written by Lewis Carroll, the story always brings me back to the Walt Disney movie and associated ride at Disneyland. The introduction does a great job of establishing the narrative throughout the rest of the storybook. It allows readers to see the story directly from Alice’s eyes, and the writing makes it feel like reading Alice’s diary, which adds a level of human emotion to the story which makes it even more enjoyable. 

“Alice in Wonderland Disney” Via Giphy

Greek Game Show

This book was such a fun twist on Greek mythology! I’ve known bits and pieces of Greek mythology, but nothing too extensive. The introduction explains the topic very well, and it also sets up suspense through the game show presentation. By presenting each story as a “round” of a game show, engages and encourages readers to move on to the next story to see who will win the whole thing and how teams may come back from a previous round. While the layout and navigation work well, the book could use a few more images, perhaps some with lights and color, or images and videos of an audience arousing excitement while cheering on contestants to feel more flashy like a game show usually is. 

America’s Got Talent Via Giphy

My Favorite Place

 

If I had to think of a favorite place of mine, it would absolutely be Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. My family and I have visited Disneyland more than a dozen times. Ever since I was diagnosed with my heart disease, Disneyland has been where my family goes to escape reality when life gets rough. Having a life-threatening heart disease can keep my mind occupied at times; thankfully, Disneyland is one of the few places I can go where I don't worry about my heart disease. Even though I can't ride all of the rides, I have the best time there with my family when we go on vacation.

When I step through the entrance of Disneyland, I feel like I am entering a whole new world. Colorful banners, characters, and shops are all around. Scents of cinnamon churros and vanilla whip through the air, making my mouth water. Restaurants and food carts are all around, offering delicious selections everywhere I go. However, I think the one dish that tops them all is the Monte Cristo at Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square. The fried ham and cheese sandwich with a berry jam is one of the best things I have ever had. 

The Delicious Monte Cristo

Our family is in the park from the moment it opens until midnight. We make sure to utilize every minute we have, riding all of the rides we can in the shortest amount of time. With the park being split into five different "lands", we hop back and forth throughout the day to ride our favorites as efficiently as possible.

While there are dozens of awesome rides at Disneyland, I think my favorite would have to be Radiator Springs Racers, located in Cars Land. Based on the Disney movie "Cars", we hop into a race car and take a ride through Radiator Springs, before eventually having an actual race with another car. Moving at such a high speed and feeling the wind rush through my hair is exhilarating, while also feeling as goofy as Lightning McQueen when he races.

Disneyland will always hold a special place in my heart. Our family planned to go to Disneyland in May, but our dreams were ruined after the pandemic began. While we have to postpone our trip until everything is safe again, I will always be ready to go back to the "Happiest Place on Earth".

My family and I at "Goofy's Kitchen", one of the restaurants on property