Reflections on my Research Paper {10}

Research is often associated with tireless mundane work. I never experienced this perception for even a moment while writing my research paper. My topic was not only something I am extremely passionate about but it sparked within me an excitement to share my research with others.

As a homeschooled student I have dealt firsthand with the critical judgments that often accompany the remarks of my friends and family members when I reveal to them my educational background.
Homeschooling is such a broad and controversial topic I found myself overwhelmed with the plethora of information at my fingertips. I first experienced this when we went to the library. Most writers have difficulty finding enough sources, I on the other hand, had the opposite problem—I had so many sources I did not know where to even begin. I discovered that speaking to others about my paper helped me to narrow my topic to the key issues that I felt were the  most important for me to relay to my audience. 

The pacing for this paper made the actual process of writing the paper seem almost effortless. The daunting task of writing an outstanding research paper was made more realistic through the periodic deadlines for different elements of this paper. In my final stages of writing this paper I experienced several technical difficulties. Everything that could go wrong seemed to all happen at once. Despite the struggles (specifically electronic), I did not want this project to end. Researching homeschooling was beyond fascinating to me. The stories I found about all different types of families who have had success with homeschooling and have used it as a benefit rather than a crutch was absolutely incredible. The medical research that validated my views on homeschooling gave me an abundant storage of information to share with others should they inquire about my untraditional background.

This experience taught me the value of research. In today's society it is common to see individuals making accusations without having any factual evidence to support their claims. A good writer works hard to support their claims with fact based evidence that validates their opinions. I honestly believe that research should be applied to all aspects of our lives. Understanding all viewpoints as well as validating what is true and what is not is imperative to our own personal credibility. Research improves our personal logos and if we find that perfect topic (which I did), it can be quite the adventure.

Crafting My Research Thesis {9}

The misconceptions regarding homeschooled children have been the topic of heated debates among critics and supporters alike. Although Homeschooling is considered to be an “old-fashioned” alternative route in obtaining an education, it has increasingly become more popular and more “mainstream” over the past couple of decades throughout the United States. Many parents have opted out of the public and private sectors because they have discovered the many academic and social benefits that homeschooling has to offer. Through my personal experience as a homeschooled child, I struggled to combat the many stereotypes in which I was placed when I revealed my homeschooled background. Countless stereotypes would be dispelled if the public was more informed on what homeschooling actually is before stereotyping an entire community.

"Ponder the Path of Thy Feet" General Conference Mini-Anlaysis {8}

"As we look to Jesus as our Exemplar and as we follow in His footsteps, we can return safely to our Heavenly Father."

All of us at some point or another have had feelings of being lost as we embark upon our journeys of life. As a freshman student at Brigham Young University, I have had to make some major decisions recently concerning the path I will follow in my life. From picking a school to deciding what major my emphasis should be, I have had many questions on what I should do and where I should go with my life. I have often asked myself, “Am I heading in the right direction?” In the 2014 Sunday First Session of the October General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints presented the tools that will enable us to always be on the right paths in our individual lives. Through his use of storytelling President Monson was able to appeal to the pathos of his audience and invoke a spirit of action amongst them.

In his talk he used several stories to animate the principles he was trying to teach. His story of a woman who had visited the Holy Land and “Walked where Jesus had walked”, served as an example to teach the principle that we should pattern our lives in a manner that will enable us to walk as Christ walked. His emphasis on the fact that her physically walking where Jesus had walked was not important led his audience to uncover his true principle—the spiritual pathway we follow is more important than the physical experiences we attain. President Monson’s second story about the German immigrant family in Canada that had meager living circumstances appealed to the pathos of his audience as they envisioned the hardships that the financially burdened family experienced. He used this story to clearly depict the principle that spiritual gains are more important than those of a physical nature. President Monson described the impoverished German family’s home as a heaven on earth because of the abundance of the Spirit that resided there. He then challenged the audience to develop and abundant Spirit within their own homes as they sought to develop more Christ-like attributes.

President Thomas S. Monson’s “Ponder the Path of Thy Feet” speech was effective because he adequately used the tools of a polished orator while relying on the Spirit to guide him in the deliverance of his message. His descriptive and emotionally stirring stories united his audience and instilled within them a desire to follow his teachings. The underlying principles he was trying to convey were engrained within each individual that heard him speak because of the resounding nature with which he delivered him. President Monson’s challenge to ponder the paths of our lives was successfully received through the effective employment of his talk. Not only did his audience contemplate their individual paths but it led to an increase in public self-reflections through social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Write and Wander Activity {7}

"Where do you go to school?" A Question that has Haunted Me My Entire Life

Homeschooling has become much more mainstream in today's society. Many parents have opted out of the public and private sector because they have discovered the many benefits that homeschooling has to offer. With the increased amount of individuals who are now homeschooling their children you would think that homeschooling would now be deemed as socially acceptable? Through my personal experience of being homeschooled I have discovered that not only is homeschooling not socially accepted, but it is surrounded by a number of negative social myths and fallacies. Studies have shown that homeschoolers excel socially, scholastically, and in all other areas of their lives proving that these "social myths" are really just that—myths.

Constructive Critiques From Peers:

 Love the topic. So much can be learned coming from the perspective of someone who has gone through the experience of homeschooling. I think expanding on the benefits too will help outweigh all the myths.

I wrote a paper a few years ago about this topic, specifically about the socialization of homeschoolers.  The main issue of this paper is defining what being "socialized is" in terms of your paper.  To some, being socialized means to have intense interactions with other people, and to others it means to understand culture.  I really enjoyed learning about this topic though.

I personally have always thought the homeschoolers were a little different. From the ones I have met in my own life, they have always been a little awkward around other peers. But there have been some that broke out of the stereotype and are really cool people. I wonder what the difference was at their homes?

The Many Adventures of Jess and Cam {6}

Camilla and I have been best friends ever since I can remember. From the time we were wild little seven-year-olds to the hectic lives we now lead as college students, Cam has been by my side through the very best and the very worst. I had not imagined my life following the course that it has assumed the last few years but I could not be happier with the path I am on. Camilla and I were somewhat apprehensive at first of our "New Home" (a.k.a. Provo), but with a little bit of exploring and a lot of cleaning we are now happily content to live in our little apartment. Since school has begun we have experienced many new and exciting adventures including:

 attending our first intramural football game, 

purchasing our first donuts from the oh-so-delicious Krispy Kreme's, 

and discovering a pineapple dole whip ice cream parlor at our very own apartment complex! 

I am beyond grateful that I have such a wonderful friend as Camilla. I cannot wait for the next adventure college has in store for us!

Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Statement {5}

The Fate of Our Nation: Inspired by the Words of a Patriot 

On a cold, wintry day in March 1775, 120 conflicted delegates sat clustered together in a small church as the fate of our nation weighed upon their shoulders. With the mounting threat of the British sending troops, the delegates of the Second Virginia Convention had one very important decision to make—delay their defense or declare war. That day the hearts and souls of men were stirred when Patrick Henry bravely stood and delivered a speech that has since been remembered as one of the greatest moments in history. He rallied together his patriot brothers as he urged them to prepare for the battle he claimed, “Had already begun.” Through Henry’s effective use of timing, diction, and tone he successfully elicited the support of both his fellow delegates as well as that of the colonists throughout the states. Patrick Henry’s passionate plea to the honor, logic, and emotions of his fellow Americans influenced the outcome of the convention and impacted the future of our nation.

Simply Devoted through Service {4}

What have we done today?

We shall do much in the years to come,

         But what have we done today?

We shall give our gold in a princely sum,

         But what did we give today?

We shall lift the heart and dry the tear,

We shall plant a hope in the place of fear,

We shall speak the words of love and cheer,

         But what did we speak today?

We shall be so kind in the after while,

         But have we been today?

We shall bring to each lonely life a smile,

         But what have we brought today?

We shall give to truth a grander birth,

And to steadfast faith a deeper worth,

We shall feed the hungering souls of earth,

         But whom have we fed today?

We shall reap such joys in the by and by,

         But what have we sown today?

We shall build us mansions in the sky,

         But what have we built today?

‘Tis sweet in the idle dreams to bask;

But here and now, do we our task?

Yet, this is the thing our souls must ask,

         What have we done today?

-NIXON WATERMAN

We are often thinking about what we are going to do in the future instead of taking action today. Is it convenient to be kind? In our hectic, self-centered world it is very easy to get caught up in our busy lives. Our individual spirituality increases with each unselfish act of kindness that we impart on another's behalf. 

Charity is best defined as the pure love of Christ exemplified (1 Corinthians 13:1-2, 8). I believe that President Gordon B. Hinckley, one of the beloved prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is a perfect example of someone who has developed charity and demonstrated it through the service  he rendered throughout his  life.

His work ethic, sincere kindness, genuine love for others, and incredible willingness to share his time and talents with all the world  made him a true example of Christlike behavior. If Charity is the pure love of Christ, then it is through service that we can truly demonstrate our love and devotion to the Savior.