Abandoning the Structure

While writing my first draft, I realized the extent to which the typical structure of an essay (intro, 3 body paragraphs, & conclusion) has been beaten into my head. I constantly have this urge to divide my body paragraphs into three topics and three topics only. Then I realize that I’m finally allowed to break free of that specific structure. I can write four body paragraphs or five or six even. I am not used to freedom when it comes to essays. It’s definitely going to take some time before I feel completely comfortable with this new found independence. Old habits truly die hard. That’s what I love most about this class: The topics are broad and a specific construction isn’t enforced. I can choose what I really want to write about and how I want to write it. This class will give me the chance to not only improve my writing skills, but it will also help me create my own personal style and methods. By examining other authors’ materials I can more easily determine what I like about each and what I might choose to emulate. I’m pretty sure this will be my toughest course this semester but I have a feeling I learn the most from it.

Oh, For the Love of Music!

When I was contemplating which medium I was going to use in my paper, I came to fully realize how important the art of music is in my life. I’m not the one with enough talent to create music; I’m the one who enjoys the fruits of that talent. My taste in music spans all genres. I’m quite the eclectic listener. My collection includes everything from Sevendust to Los Kumbia Kings to Josh Groban to Eminem and pretty much everything in between. Although, I have to admit that my two ultimate favorite genres are metal and Broadway, however strange a combination that may be.

Music brings meaning and enjoyment to my life. I guess that’s the true purpose of art. If so, then music is definitely my favorite way to express one’s self. A few notes can radically change my mood and often gets me thinking. Without my music I would merely suffer through each day. Music truly is the love of my life and I think it always will be.

The College Balancing Act

There is truly an art to balancing one’s life while in college, especially when one is a commuter. I always thought my parents and the rest of my family were just worrying unnecessarily about college but I was wrong. Besides the school work (which would be quite enough in itself), I have to balance my job at Kohl’s with my new work study job. Plus, I still have to make enough time to be with friends (“old,” new, and those from work). I don’t want my fear of losing my best friends from high school to come true. Nor do I want to become so stressed out that I’m constantly on edge. I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew, but I think I may have already done that. This will definitely be an interesting, if not somewhat stressful ride. Here’s to hoping that I master the balancing act soon. Semester One at Carroll here I come!