Advice to future students

Dear English 304 Blossoms,

Congratulations on finding an opening for a business writing course. Rest assured that you have chosen a wonderful teacher and that the information and knowledge you will attain is very applicable.

If I could give you any advice for this class, it would be to stay on top of things. You will find you have a number of small assignments that may be easy to forget about. I would recommend working on these assignments soon after you receive them. They won't take long. Get to know people in your class, and the group project will be much more enjoyable. As far as the actual business writing goes, just make sure to keep things brief and clear. If you do these things, you will do well in the class.

Ethics research

My ethics research group covered the topic of eugenic sterilization. We focused particularly on the 1927 Supreme Court case Buck v. Bell. In the case, the state of Virginia was seeking to perform asalpingectomy on Carrie Buck, who had mental disabilities. It was an attempt to eradicate mental retardation in future generations. In the official Supreme Court document of the case, Judge Holmes delivers an opinion in which he refers to those with mental disabilities as feeble minded, defective persons, and imbeciles. He hardly refers to them as actual humans.

It is interesting and disheartening to read his entire opinion. He again skirts around the fact these people are humans and justifies their sterilization by arguing they would eventually starve due to their incompetence if they continued to exist. This opinion was upheld by the court.

Ethics article

The LRN ethics covered research that suggests many American workers are distracted by ethics-breaking at their jobs, leading to less productivity. My big issue with the article is that it was vague about ethics-breaking. It suggest 75% of American workers were distracted by ethical lapses, but it did not really define how severe of an ethical lapse that may be or even give a generic example. If the researchers see an issue such as one employee stealing a few paper clips from another as an ethical lapse, then the 75% sounds low. If they define it as something more severe such as an employer embezzling company funds, then the 75% figure is a little more alarming. The methodology of the researchers came across as well grounded, but I always wonder whether or not those willing to take surveys over the phone are really representative of the average American. Most normal people I know hate responding to callers wishing to take over-the-phone surveys. If I was being bothered by someone acting unethically at work, I might first approach him or her personally about the matter, depending on the severity. If it was a more serious matter or repetitious, then I would approach superiors. I would not want to take a 'not my problem' attitude.

The Paper & the Web

I have never considered the difference or similarities between writing on the web and on paper. The obvious similarities are that each involves the critical thinking required to write anything, a consideration for your audience. However, when writing on the web, your audience can be anyone who is anywhere. This is likely the most important aspect of web writing to consider. When writing on paper, your audience is somewhat controlled, especially if it is not being published. On the web, your audience could be anyone. If one is going to transfer writing from paper to the web, he or she must consider the broader audience. It may also need to be formatted in a way that makes it more readable on the web. Most web articles do not stretch as far as text on an 8.5"x11" sheet of paper.

The Dangers of Idleness

After returning from Spring Break and often covering up potential awkward silence with the obligatory, "How was your break?", I have come to the conclusion that boredom and idleness are some of the most dangerous states of mind. Most everyone automatically says their break was great. This is often followed with, "I laid around on the couch and did nothing!" If you delve a little deeper, you discover these people were actually bored out of their minds, but "there was just nothing to do..." The only thing I can equate with this weird contradiction is a McDonald's value meal. They seem so wonderful and delicious at first, but then you feel depressed the rest of the day after eating. I was fortunate enough to work four 10-hour days over the break and spend Friday and Saturday working around the house, and it really wasn't a bummer. I don't intend to sound self-righteous for having been productive, but I will take that kind of week over watching re-runs of That 70's Show any day. It may be because I'm mildly OCD, but I believe much satisfaction comes from expelling some "virtuous energy" as a mid-19th century Presbyterian minister put it. There is always the danger of becoming a workaholic and rest is certainly a necessity, but I think our culture is a little too infatuated with the holiday, the weekend, the couch, and the snooze button. I'm guilty of hoarding all of these, but I hope I never find myself saying, "There's nothing to do", and if someone whines that same verse to me, I hope I can be patient enough to suggest there is plenty to be done without giving them a swift kick.

Cheating on a Resume

is not a good idea. If I ever cheated on my resume and was accepted to whatever position to which I was applying, I would walk around the work place like a small puppy that just killed one of my owners best hens. If I was really good, I'd probably go around like the bully in A Christmas Story, but eventually Ralphie would find my soft spot and have me on the ground crying. The article touched on these two fears in a more professional manner. I want my employers to know what they're getting or not getting if that be the case. Lying on a resume would be such a burden, especially if it dealt with a particular skill such as design software in the architecture field. Either you know it or you don't. I suppose it could be easier to get away with the subtleties but, I'm sure due in no small part the Holy Spirit, the guilt and fear would really get to me. I hope I can always offer an honest resume without shame. I hope determination and diligence will see me meet and even surpass what one may expect from reading that resume.

Most Memorable Presentations

I regretted to learn that I missed the chicken showing presentation. It's very likely that it would have been my most memorable presentation, but as it is, I cannot say that for sure. Of those that I did see, Jim Palmer's presentation on alcohol at sporting events was my most memorable. Jim's presentation wasn't necessarily flashy; rather, the information he presented was interesting and relevant. I never knew that individual schools and conferences might have completely opposing alcohol policies or that the NCAA only made suggestions concerning those policies. It was also interesting and somewhat predictable to see how allowing alcohol consumption at particular universities led to more criminal incidents than when those same schools banned consumption. Jim's handout was also successful in giving a lot of information in a concise matter.

Mock Interview

I believe my mock interview went well. I remembered to brush my teeth and put on deodorant before arriving for the interview, so I figured things couldn't be too bad. I was able to answer all the questions as well as I thought I could. However, I did forget to share a personal story that related to the job description or previous job experience. I'll have to remember to work that in for the future. Mostly, I tried to make the whole thing a conversation rather than an interrogation. There were really no tense or awkward moments which I suppose is a good thing. This made me look forward to a real interview rather than dread one.

Accomplishments

In interviews, it is common to be asked about one's accomplishments and which stand out the most or for which one you are most proud. I have been asked that question, and it can be tough to answer. When I think of my accomplishments, I realize that I really have none. This is not meant to come across as grossly humble or even self-loathing; rather, it is meant to be honest. What many may label as accomplishments I can see only as opportunities in my life. I had the opportunity to attend a great high school with caring teachers and run for a track and cross country team with supportive team members and coaches. I have had the opportunity to work at jobs that have taught me, built my character, and often given me joy. Amidst all of this, my parents have been unconditionally supportive. All of this is to say that I really have done very little when it comes to any accomplishments or things to be proud of in my life. Most of things that I am proud of in my life have literally fallen into my lap. So, what does mean for me? I believe it means because God has so richly blessed me I can only serve his kingdom with what he has given me. What does this mean for me 5 years down the road? I don't know. I may be in Africa interning for Engineering Ministries International, designing efficient homes for folks there. I may be living in a suburb, serving in a church body and designing your everyday commercial buildings while dealing with clients and co-workers in a way that the Gospel commands. Regardless, I long for God to be at work in my life and in my relationships. Such working will produce more joy than any accomplishment.

Cover Letter Advice

I agree with all the advice given from the articles on cover letters. I never really knew exactly what a cover letter was, much less how it should be formatted, so every article was equally important and applicable to me. One point that really resonated with me was that of tailoring each cover letter to a target employer to the point of addressing him or her by name. It was interesting to learn that those who send hundreds of generic cover letters have less success than those who address a specific company and person in each of their cover letters. This is something I will certainly keep in mind when applying for internships and jobs. Overall, this information was helpful, but I really hate the idea of having to sell myself. I guess it's necessary, but in conjures up images of used car ads on cable television. Oh well.

Interview Articles

I just read a pair of articles that each dealt with interview strategies. The first suggested telling stories during an interview. I was hoping this article would basically grant me permission to tell prospective employers about my grandfather and great uncle getting into fist fights or how I have almost died a time or two, thus casting myself as a likable and easy going guy, but it really focused on telling relevant stories about past work environments. Though, I suppose even this is better than just throwing around some general achievements. I can see how if I was hiring, hearing an actual story from an interviewee about them overcoming obstacles might make him or her attractive. This is advice I will certainly remember. The other article I read was about asking questions to interviewers, and the author really gave some great examples. The author even suggests tailoring the questions to who's doing the interviewing. He further points out some dumb questions like "How much vacation do I get?" or "How long is the lunch break?" Basically, the question should reveal knowledge of and interest in the company with which you are interviewing.

Persuasion

After reading MLK's Letter from a Birmingham jail, it is easy to understand how this leader grabbed the attention, respect, and unfortunately disdain of so many across our nation. His letter appeals to one's ethos by way of powerful and emotional words and depictions. Through his use of logos, or logical reasoning through the plight of blacks in America, King garners credibility, building his pathos or credibility. This sample of his writing well illustrates the power of words in persuasive speaking and how proponents of King's cause could confidently get behind him or how opponents might grow even more defensive at the threat of his well defended and legitimate accusations. Unfortunately, our Army recruiters did not bring quite the tenacity or energy as that of MLK. Their speech was not heartfelt and seemed robotic or straight from a textbook. The State Historical Society of North Dakota attains a happy medium in the article "Why Preserve Historic Properties At All?" Simply by being the State's go-to organization for preservation, they come to the table with credibility. By way of mentioning tax deductions, incentives, and grants, the society builds a logical case for preservation. Finally, they appeal to ethos by speaking of bucolic images of old structures and North Dakota roots. The article can be found here: http://www.nd.gov/hist/hp/planWhyPreserve.htm

10 years from today

Ten years from this moment, I hope to be at a stage in life that puts me in bed with my bride-to-be by 10 and gets me up at 5. Once up and out of bed, I would like to have some assortment of animals to tend, whether that tending include gathering eggs from hens or tossing a few leaves of hay to a baby lamb. It may also include filling a dog bowl, but I sure hope it doesn't include sprinkling fish food into a bowl or flicking some pellets to a gerbil. I want real animals. After chores, I would enjoy running a few miles before leaving for work. Once at work, it would really be my desire to serve. Assuming I'll be a licensed architect with a certificate in historic preservation by this time, it would tickle me to serve by preserving our tangible past. I suppose this ambition is rooted in a deeper desire for restoration which leads me admit that if God wills it, I will be content living in foreign country seeing not only the laying of physical foundations and the construction and restoration of sustainable built environments but also spiritual restoration and the laying of eternal firm foundations through ministries like Engineering Missions International. Regardless of where I am, I hope to be making a mockery of the infamous statement, "College was the best __ years of my life". I hope this springs from a faith that is ever being sanctified, a relationship with a beautiful woman that gets better each day, and maybe even a baby Noah, Abraham (we would call him Abe), or Emma Kate. I suppose I can forget sleeping from 10 to 5 if any of those three are with us.

Web 2.0 and the new you you never knew, but everyone else did

Because I am tired, cranky, and ready for bed, I have to take a despairing approach toward this video and say first that Mr. Wesch's title is a fair attempt at wit and cleverness, or to put it more candidly, he's not saying our computers are us/ing us. Rather, they are screwing us, or at least we are allowing them to do so. Web 2.0 will have and already has affected those entering and currently a part of todays workforce. For example, Web 2.0 makes launching sharpened pencils into ceiling tiles completely obsolete, as employees now have the opportunity to stalk those whom they barely even know on facebook. Facebook, along with the plethora of other social networking sites, blogs, and forums, will undoubtedly give further rise to questions of how one should behave and interact online as opposed to real life, or in an entanglement of both (like in 6th grade when I would IM this girl all night and never acknowledge her in the cafeteria, something that did not impress her) whether it be in the context of relationships, authorship and copyright, or even security and identity. Web 2.0 connects employers to employees and employees to employees in unimaginable ways and even connects individuals to themselves in unimaginable ways. For example, this blog is connected with my e-mail account that is connected with my Amazon account that is connected to my checking and savings account that is connected to my credit card account that is connected with my credit score and financial future, and all of this information is somewhere on the web. It's certainly convenient, but it may be too convenient and too easy. I suppose I may just shut down my computer and read a musty book by candlelight. Tomorrow, I'll bury some cash in my backyard and invite my closest facebook friends over for face-to-face conversation.

Getting to know Aaron Swiger

The last name Swiger rhymes with tiger, not tigger, tinger, tigert, or tagger. You might think this would be an easy thing to grasp considering our surroundings, but it is not. I like to correct first time professors and rant over my last name because its origin, an ancient German verb meaning 'to be silent' really describes me well. My family crest contains an old man with his trigger finger over his lips, heeding all to be silent, presumably in reference to verse 10 of Psalm 46. I say I embody my last name because I am somewhat reserved, likely due to the fact that I have two older sisters who never allowed me much talking room. Further, I have an attitude that is often attributed to old men with trigger fingers over their lips. I blame this on growing up in Pickens, South Carolina where joy might be described as having a good garden, a load of firewood to chop, and a hymnbook from which to sing with your wife in the evening. I don't yet have a garden or any firewood to chop, but I will be married this upcoming August to my beautiful fiancée, and I do look forward to singing hymns and feasting on the Bread and Wine with the wife of my youth.