Students Cheating

       Close to 600 students at the University of Central Florida must retake their midterm exam due to cheating among the students. Professor Richard Quinn was tipped off by some of the students who told him some of his other students got a hold of the exam key and used it and passed it on. The class was students in a senior level business course, all of which have to retake the midterm. I'm appalled not only that so many students took the risk but, it was a class of senior college students.

       I think that this sort of thing proves that there's no direct border where cheating stops among students. It doesn't matter whether the students are in middle school or in college, its an unavoidable thing that happens. Sometimes I think its also hard not to resist when there's so much going on in your life. Two hundred students which is about 1/3 of the class of seniors were believed to have got their hands on advanced copies of the exam. Now why would so many students feel the need to cheat? It could be a couple different reasons but how did it get so bad? It could come down to where the students are just too lazy to study bit then again it could be because they didn't feel as if their professor prepared them enough. Some students will do anything for the grade I guess.

      Students that admitted they cheated wouldn't run the risk of getting into major trouble. If they owned up to it they would get the chance for a clean slate if they attended a 4 hour ethic seminar. I believe this to be a very generous offer. I would have thought there would have been a worse punishment since there was so many students involved. Professor Quinn says that the students left him "physically ill and absolutely disgusted." The students who were proved not to have cheated also still have to retake the midterm but are able to keep the higher score of the two. It is said that this is the largest cheating scandal in the University's history.

     In my opinion if your going into business you shouldn't run the risk of cheating. What does that say about what kind of business person you will be? You should want to learn the ropes of the job and or how to run a successful business, if that's what your planning on doing, and not just take the short cut just because you want the grade.

Babysitting Nightmare Final Draft

It was an early fall Saturday night, I was 17 years old and about to have the most horrific night of babysitting I've ever had. I've babysat for Hayden, who was 5, and Jackson, who was 2, before but no other night with them could compare to that Saturday nights events. Driving to their house I had expected any other normal night but it turned into something totally different. In all my years of babysitting I had never been faced with a terrifying challenge with kids, I was no longer one to sit back and panic but, step up and be the adult, take responsibility, and take action.

            The front door shut and there was the 3 of us, the night had started out normal but, the darker it got outside, the more tense things got. They had a big house with of course, a lot of big windows, windows so big that it took no effort for the neighbors to merely glimpse over and see what we were doing. The house was also beautiful, but "overly clean." It seemed as if nothing was out of place and if something was, you felt the need to fix it. Walking into the house you would never have expected young children living there, until you looked into the backyard where the big wooden yellow playground and trampoline sat. Hayden and Jackson were usually well behaved until they got on each others nerves. While eating their chicken, green beans, and their overall "perfect meal for growing kids" that their mom made, they began acting up. It was the same conflict as every other dinner with them, Hayden telling Jackson what to eat and why, and Jackson refusing. "Jackson eat your green beans, mom says they are good for you," "No I don't have to, you're not mom." I began to feel irritated and annoyed after listening to this continuous back and forth battle so I suggested we go outside. After we put on our light fall coats and shoes, we went to the backyard.

            The air was cold and crisp, red and yellow leaves covered their big yard. We were having fun jumping on the trampoline, swinging, and playing tag. While swinging I watched them play pirates on the top level of the playground but, what I missed was the huge open gap between a step onto another level of the playground, a gap big enough for a small person to fall through. "Arrrggg mi matey Jackson reach up on the mantel and give me that telescope," said Hayden. “Ayay captain Hayden!" said Jackson attempting to crawl up the step. While I was sitting on the swing, the next thing to happen was unexpected. It was all in slow motion yet happened in only seconds. Jackson had slipped and fell through the big gap. His tiny body fell at least 3 feet face down onto the dirt floor. I sprinted from my spot on the swing before he could even hit the ground yet I was too far away to catch him on time. Panic, fear, and every heightened emotion ran through me; the world seemed to stop for that moment, and all that mattered was getting to Jackson. Everything blurred out around me, but the shocked looked on Hayden’s face caught me. I dropped to the ground and picked him up before he could even shed a tear. "Is he okay?!" "Is he breathing!?" Screamed Hayden. I didn't process to answer because what I had just witnessed made Hayden a blur. I could see that Jackson was in shock, our eyes connected until the pain struck him. Blood was gushing from his mouth and he was sobbing, I knew I had to take action or something bad would happen. I picked him up into my arms, and ran to the house. Screaming at my back, Hayden followed me into the kitchen.

      I sat Jackson on the floor and tried to figure out what I should do next. There were blood spots on my white shirt, Hayden was panicking, and Jackson was screaming and crying. I grabbed a towel and put it to the big gash on his lip where all the blood was coming from. I analyzed him and looked him over to make sure no other major damage had been done. We were all still in shock. He stood there with his hands to his mouth still sobbing. I was amazed he didn't break anything nor had teeth missing. There he stood before me with only a major cut on his lip. I consoled Jackson and tried calming him and Hayden. At 17 I had never been stuck in such a crisis situation with a child, the only thing I could think to do and the only thing I could really do was call their parents. After talking to their dad I was informed that wasn't the first time Jackson had fallen from the playground, and if he wasn’t seriously hurt he would be okay.

            After talking with their parents and finally calming down, we went to watch a movie. An activity I thought we could do together without any risks. But, for the first time we stayed upstairs and not in the basement that was totally closed off with no windows. Sitting on the couch together we were totally focused on the movie until we all realized it was pitch black outside. The kind of dark where you don't even want to put your face near the window because you’re afraid at what might pop out at you. Helping Jackson hold the towel to his lip, I realized that every little creak in the house became apparent to my ears, when there was absolute silence I could hear by heart beating and the sounds of Hayden and Jackson breathing. I noticed my heart beating faster and I could feel my adrenaline running through me, and if something was to happen right then and there I was ready to jump. By then I think the kids felt the tension; every noise seemed to make chills run up and down my spine and make our hair stand on end. I had the constant feeling that someone was watching us. I was too afraid to look at any of the windows thinking I might catch him staring at us. "I'm scared," Jackson said looking up at me. I wished I could say I was too but, I was their protection and their adult right now. "There's nothing to be scared of, I’m here," I replied. But, inside all I heard was "Your 17 you shouldn't be scared!" I couldn't help but think of every horror movie with a helpless babysitter. I was being paranoid. We sat through the movie without moving or making a sound. It was 10 o'clock and they needed to go to bed. I did not want to be left alone, even if it meant sitting with the company of two children at the ages of 5 and 2. Even when I was afraid, I knew it was more important to overcome my fears to be there for these kids.

            After tucking them in, I dreaded going back downstairs by myself. I gradually made my way down the stairs bracing myself for anything to come, again, being paranoid. I clenched the railing and took each step individually trying to make the trip downstairs as long as possible. Once I reached the bottom I froze, I could feel my heart racing. I stood there in silence and waited. I wasn't sure what I was waiting for but every possible bad thing ran through my head. All I could imagine was someone coming up behind me and grabbing me, or a noise that would give him away giving me the chance to run back upstairs.  After a minute, I worked up some nerve and made my way over to the couch, wrapped myself in a blanket, and tried to make myself as invisible as possible until their parents got home. Even though I had worked up some nerve, I still sat scared.

            It was a relief once their parents had arrived home. Shocked by the stains of blood on my shirt, I had to give them detailed events of the night. I was happy to drive home and relieved that the night was over but, the picture of Jackson falling off the playground and the overall terrifying night will always be a scarring memory of mine. From a night that started out normal to becoming my most horrific and challenging night of babysitting, I came to realize that I had to be the responsible and strong adult. Also, not to let fear take you over and panic but, take action when you’re put in an intimidating situation.

Bracelets Banned

       "I heart boobies," the slogan found on bracelets given to people to increase breast cancer awareness. For the past year or so you may have seen these bracelets on many young people in different bright colors. Prairie Du Chien school district has banned these bracelets because they are "inappropriate in a middle school setting."

        Although the bracelets are banned in their school district, it is not going over well with some students. Cassie Becwar, a 8th grader at Bluff View Intermediate school in Prairie Du Chien has started a petition with her mom to take the issue to the school board. Even though the LaCrosse school district says the bracelets aren't a big enough issue yet to address, it may in the future. I think that the bracelets being an issue at all is surprising.

        I believe what Cassie and her mom are doing is a great thing because its young people taking a stand for something, and a stand for something good. The school district allows the bracelets at the high school but not the middle school. "In the middle school we ask the kids to take them off, we take them for the remainder of the day. If they want them back they can get them back at the end of the day," says Drew Johnson who is the superintendent of Prairie Du Chien schools. Honestly, I don't see the big deal for middle schoolers wearing the bracelets. Middle school is a time for growing up, maturing, and building skills, and if the kids understand what the bracelets are meant to represent then yes, they should be able to wear them.

        Although the bracelets are purposefully designed to target young people, they are still a representation for breast cancer awareness. Shouldn't we be happy that young people are involved and showing support? What are the bracelet's doing that is so harmful? If the student makes it as joke then in my opinion, so what? Let them be the immature ones but remember that they aren't a joke to every student. There could be a student in that school with a mother or family member suffering from breast cancer but the school says no, they can't wear it because they think it's "inappropriate."

         I believe that if a teacher really has a problem with the bracelet then they should simply ask the student to take it off. Once the student leaves the class though, they should be able to put it back on and continue their support. Johnson also says "At a pro football game or college game there are things you see and hear that would totally not be appropriate in a high school and especially not in a middle school setting. We draw the lines at certain different levels." I think Mr. Johnson is underestimating his students and, what does football have to do with supporting something as major as breast cancer?  A also think that the schools are assuming the middle schoolers can't handle and aren't mature enough for the bracelets. Well, the students probably wouldn't wear the bracelets unless they didn't understand what they are for and are representing, their obviously mature enough to understand that.

        The bracelets are meant to increase breast cancer awareness and are simply a way for young people to show it. I don't believe they are doing any harm and Cassie and her mother should follow through with their petition. "I heart boobies" on a bracelet meant to support breast cancer should not be an issue.

Babysitting Nightmare Revision 1

It was an early fall Saturday night, I was 17 years old and about to have the most horrific night of babysitting I've ever had. I've babysat for Hayden, who was 5, and Jackson, who was 2, before but no other night with them could compare to that Saturday nights events. Driving to their house I had expected any other normal night but it turned into a night of fear and yet a lesson of responsibility and a glimpse into adulthood.

            The front door shut and there was the 3 of us, the night had started and started out normal but, the darker it got outside, the more tense things got. They had a big house with of course, a lot of big windows, windows so big that it took no effort for the neighbors to merely glimpse over and see what we were doing. The house was also beautiful, but "overly clean." It seemed as if nothing was out of place and if something was, you felt the need to fix it. Walking into the house you would never have expected young children living there, until you looked into the backyard where the big wooden yellow playground and trampoline sat. Hayden and Jackson were usually well behaved until they got on each others nerves. While eating their chicken, green beans, and their overall "perfect meal for growing kids" that their mom made, they began acting up. It was the same conflict as every other dinner with them, Hayden telling Jackson what to eat and why, and Jackson refusing. "Jackson eat your green beans because mom says they are good for you," "No I don’t' have to, your not mom." I began to feel irritated and annoyed after listening to this back and forth battle so I suggested we go outside. After we put on our light fall coats and shoes, we went to the backyard.

            The air was cold and crisp, red and yellow leaves covered their big yard. We were having fun jumping on the trampoline, swinging, and playing tag. While swinging I watched them play pirates on the top level of the playground but, what I missed was the huge open gap between a step onto another level of the playground, a gap big enough for a small person to fall through. "Arrrggg mi mate Jackson reach up on the mantel and give me the telescope," said Hayden. " Ayah Captain Hayden!" said Jackson attempting to crawl up the step. While I was sitting on the swing, the next thing that happened was unexpected. It was all in slow motion and happened in only seconds. Jackson had slipped and fell through the big gap. His tiny body fell at least 3 feet face down onto the dirt floor. I sprinted from my spot on the swing before he could even hit the ground yet I was too far away to catch him on time. Panic, fear, and every heightened emotion ran through me; the world seemed to stop for that moment, and all that mattered was getting to Jackson. Everything blurred out around me, but the shocked looked on Hayden’s face caught me. I dropped to the ground and picked him up before he could even shed a tear. "Is he okay?!" "Is he breathing!?" Screamed Hayden. I didn't even process to answer because what I had just witnessed made Hayden a blur. I could see that Jackson was in shock, our eyes connected until the pain struck him. Blood was gushing from his mouth and he was sobbing, I knew I had to take action or something bad would happen. I picked him up into my arms, and ran to the house. Screaming at my back, Hayden followed me into the kitchen.

            I sat Jackson on the floor and tried to figure out what I should do next. There were blood spots on my white shirt, Hayden was panicking, and Jackson was screaming and crying. I grabbed a towel and put it to the big gash on his lip where all the blood was coming from. I analyzed him and looked him over to make sure no other major damage had been done. We were all still in shock. He stood there with his hands to his mouth still sobbing. I was amazed he didn't break anything nor had teeth missing and there he stood before me with only a major cut on his lip. I consoled Jackson and tried calming him and Hayden. At 17 I had never been stuck in such a crisis situation with a child, the only thing I could think to do and the only thing I could really do was call their parents. After talking to their dad I was informed that wasn't the first time Jackson had fallen from the playground, and if he wasn’t seriously hurt he would be okay.

            After talking with their parents and finally calming down, we went to watch a movie. An activity I thought we could do together without any risks. Sitting on the couch together we were totally focused on the movie until we all realized it was pitch black outside. The kind of dark where you don't even want to put your face near the window because you’re afraid at what might pop out at you. Helping Jackson hold the towel to his lip, I realized that every little creak in the house became apparent to my ears, when there was absolute silence I could hear by heart beating and the sounds of Hayden and Jackson breathing. I noticed my heart beating faster and I could feel my adrenaline running through me, and if something was to happen right then and there I was ready to jump. By then I think the kids felt the tension; every noise seemed to make chills run up and down my spine and make our hair stand on end. I had the constant feeling that someone was watching us. I was too afraid to look at any of the windows thinking I might catch him staring at us. "I'm scared," Jackson said looking up at me. I wished I could say I was too but, I was their protection and their adult right now. "There's nothing to be scared of, I’m here," I replied. But, inside all I heard was "Your 17 you shouldn't be scared!" I couldn't help but think of every horror movie with a helpless babysitter. We sat through the movie without moving or making a sound. It was 10 o'clock and they needed to go to bed. I did not want to be left alone, even if it meant sitting with the company of two children at the ages of 5 and 2. Even when I was afraid, I knew it was more important to overcome my fears to be there for these kids.

            After tucking them in, I dreaded going back downstairs by myself. I gradually made my way down the stairs bracing myself for anything to come. Once I reached the bottom, my breath stopped short and I froze. I stood there in silence and waited. I wasn't sure what I was waiting for but I knew it wasn't going to be good. After a minute, I worked up some nerve and made my way over to the couch, wrapped myself in a blanket, and tried to make myself as invisible as possible until their parents got home. Even though I had worked up some nerve, I still sat scared.

            It was a relief once their parents had arrived home. Shocked by the stains of blood on my shirt, I had to give them detailed events of the night. I was happy to drive home and relieved that the night was over but, the picture of Jackson falling off the playground and the overall terrifying night will always be a scarring memory of mine. From a night that started out normal to becoming my most horrific night of babysitting, I came to realize that I had to be the responsible and strong adult. It's a night and lesson learned that I will always remember.

Girl Power!

     What's the first thing you think of when you think of football? Your favorite player, what team is good this season, or the superball? I'm sure the last thing to come to your mind would be a female football player. It's always been a standard assumption that girls can't play football but Alana Gaither from Ohio changed that whole aspect.

      Alana proved the boy to girl stereotypes for sports wrong. As a senior in high school, she has set the national record for a female high school kicker. She kicked a 43 yard Field goal just before halftime during her high schools city rival game on October 8th. She has been playing football since her sophmore year along with soccer.

      The high school team had been struggling for awhile so their coach had put the opportunity out for other athletes of other sports to try out and Alana was one of them. After practicing and working out throughout the years shes one of the top players and holds that record. She was a runner in track, has been a member on homecoming court, and carries a 3.8 G.P.A. She has also received football interest from Harvard and 7 Division 2 private colleges. Overall, this girl is amazing.

      While looking for something to write about for my blog I came across a few articles about Alana and was shocked. I had never expected the day to come when a girl would prove she can do the same thing a boy can and in such a big way. And even better! She's not set aside as the backup kicker but thee kicker for the team. I was astonished by her story.

       Although it's not commonly seen to see a girl playing a sport such as football, it shouldn't be assumed we can't. Were all equal human beings. The fact that Alana can kick a 43 yard Field goal and make it a record proves this.

Heres just one of the articles about Alana:

http://www.maxpreps.com/news/9nPyl9fkEd-YiQAcxJSkrA/ohio-girl-alana-gaither-kicks-43-yard-field-goal.htm

Tinker School

          I find that Gever Tulleys approach to learning at his "Tinkering School" is very unique. It’s not everyday that children are placed in a school with no set curriculum or test, and not meant to learn anything specific. And, the children are able to do all hands on work to figure out how to build what they want. I believe that there’s a very select few of educators that would find Tulleys method of teaching as useful because most people like to think that reading out of a book and notes is the key to success. I think the idea of more hands on learning would help students learn better.

            After watching this video I couldn't help but ask myself, "Would I have enjoyed school more and or done better in some classes if they were more hands on?" When Tulley said "a deep interrealization that you can figure things out by fooling around," I strongly agreed. There’s nothing worse than going to class when you had no idea what was going on last time whether it was just a concept of some sort or the whole lesson. It takes different methods, amounts of time, and "fooling around," for some people to fully understand. Maybe instead of some courses just full on being read the text and take the test, they can be more hands on or "tinker" like and students would learn better and enjoy class more.

            As a student who just graduated from high school, I've had classes that were hands on and some that were basically read out of a book. I find that both can be good but it also depends on the class. An example would be my Anatomy and Physiology class in high school. It really helped to have visuals and hands on experience to learn the parts of the body, tissues, bones, and all sorts of information but, when it came to stuff like Algebra, the step by step directions in the book were the best explanations for me. The best way for me to learn again, depends on the class. For subjects such as math, history, and English, I need a textbook to fully understand the lesson. For subjects like Anat&Pys. and science I need visuals and hands on learning. And, not to sound sexist but I also realized while in high school that girls learn better from a textbook than boys who learn better with visuals and physical examples.

            It's hard to say whether attending a school like the Tinkering school would be beneficial or not. Although it's all hands on learning and gives students the independence to figure things out for themselves, there's no set curriculum. So, you have to ask yourself, "What are the kids learning then?" I don't think I could attend a school that approaches learning this way because for the majority of the time I need a teacher to tell me exactly how to do something and, if I am or am not doing it correctly. It seems too out of control for me. I agree that the school helps build skills for the students but, as the kind of student I am, I couldn't attend a school like the Tinkering school.

            For a student that needs to be told exactly how to do something and if I am or am not doing something correctly, I would probably do best in a learning environment that has a set curriculum, schedule, and really everything "set and stone." Although I would enjoy having no tests and the freedom to do things how I thought they were to be done, I know that's just not the way it is. The one time I tried using what the teacher said in lecture and not the information out of the book, I felt so lost and unprepared for the next day quiz. So, I've come to the conclusion that I need a set way of doing things or I can't do them.

            I believe the way our society responds to failure is too harsh. Everyone is different and no one person is perfect, that's just the way it is. People today like to believe that either you go to college for 4 years, graduate, and get a good job or you’re a "failure at life." What really struck me in the video was when Tulley said, "success is in the doing and failures are celebrated and analyzed," if only everyone could think this way. People wouldn't feel so under pressure and life could be more enjoyable.

Here's the link to the video: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/gever

*Labor Day Weekend*

       Over Labor Day weekend I enjoyed not working and taking time to visit with family and friends. On Friday I went to Spring Green, WI to visit a good friend of mine named Parker, who I rarely get to see anymore because of school and work. Parker and I have known each other for years and we always have a good time when were together, we laughed and talked for hours that night. Although I was only there for a couple of hours it was a blast and I was sad to leave. On Saturday morning my family and I left to visit my grandparents in Gays Mills, WI. Gays Mills is a very small town of only 600 people, it's one of those towns where there's not a lot to do. We spent the day visiting with my grandparents and my great grandparents. While we were there I ate a lot of goof food because my grandmother is an amazing cook. I got to enjoy home made pizza, meat loaf, mashed potatoes, and more. On Sunday I spent most of the morning relaxing and just lounging around the house, but later that night I had plans with another friend of mine named Kelsie, who I have also known for many years. We go all the way back to 5th grade. That evening we ate at Red Lobster and enjoyed catching up talking and laughing. Labor Day Monday I took advantage of the fact that I didn't have any homework or anything special to do so I spent the day shopping at the mall and relaxing. Overall, my Labor Day weekend was laid back and enjoyed by spending time with my family and friends.