So the capstone work is over. The poster presentation is over, and I'm just about ready to turn in my web portfolio. I thought now would be the best time to reflect back on the overall capstone.
I'm really glad I could "double-dip" the way I did. If I couldn't work through my current boss, I would have had to quit and possibly do an internship that wasn't unique like the Lewis Group. I was fortunate enough to use my design and creative skills a lot more with this internship than working at one of the other internships where the focus is writing.
I love staring a computer with Publisher or Quark. There's something about colors, shapes, creative phrases, and images that I just can't get enough of it. I think that's why I really enjoyed some of the assignments in Dr. Wible's other class. There's more to English than just the words on paper.
As for the poster and Q&A, I felt so relaxed. It's so easy to present something that I knew better than the back of my hand. I could tell the judges enjoyed learning about my internship and some of my former professors were excited to see what I took from their classes to help with the internship.
I'm worried for my replacement. As Emily said in a comment to an earlier post, she has some big shoes to fill. I can't even begin to count the hours I spent working on this project. I was pretty much "on-call" 24-hours a day. I worked between classes, projects, and even living. If I reflect on this, I would change how I handled the difference between work, school, and social play. Most "assistants" work 9 to 5 days and have the weekends to relax. My personality doesn't really allow that as much, and I feel if I have an e-mail with a task sitting in my inbox, I have to get it done then. I have been trying to leave my work at the office and not bring it home with me. If that is one piece of advice I can give to anyone, take time to live outside of work. Don't make your work your life.
I've worked on how to handle different personalities. I managed to keep my cool in the most heated situations and leave my frustration at home in a beaten-up pillow. This capstone has not only helped me display what I got out of college in the past four years, but is has also helped me better myself as a person in the professional world. Even though I'm continuing onto graduate school, I feel I could be ready for the real world now, if that was my next stage in life. Before my senior year, I did wonder what it is like to be a professional in any field after only knowing school for 21 years or so. Now I can see how people rapidly adjust to the real world after graduation. I'm just glad I have a little more time to prepare with two more years of school.
I want to end this by saying everyone did a fantastic job from what I read on the blogs and what I saw at the poster exhibit. Go forth and continue to do great things. Be proud of yourself and everything you do.
Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Taking Stock 10
I agree with my expectations of the capstone. It has been a lot of work but a lot of very good experience, too. My capstone internship has been very different from my classmates' internships, and I feel it will bring some diversity to the group.
There were times where I did not think I would have anything worth showing at the end of the semester because a lot of my work was “behind-the-scenes” worksheets and e-mails. But in the end, the event was the majority of the work with little documents here and there that show my design abilities as well as organizational skills. That’s important for anyone to have.
I was so worried about what to say to the international collaborators in e-mails, that it took me 30 minutes to write an e-mail that could have been done in five. But I learned how to approach topics with these collaborators. My word choice is easy to follow for non-native English speakers.
For my portfolio, I think I will try to display the ability to communicate in e-mails with people I have never met before. Show that building a friendly relationship over the Internet helps people feel at ease when they finally do meet you in person.
For my poster, I’m trying for some kind of international theme. I'll include mostly my design abilitities and how I made everything seem to go together (the booklet, program, nametags, etc.) with a color scheme or icon. I'm going to try to incorporate the different countires I worked with. Hopefully, I will have a few layouts of what I could do with this theme for Thursday’s meeting, and I would like to incorporate this theme into my web portfolio. I think it makes mine unique and intriguing.
As the Dust Settles
So my symposium was last weekend. YAY! It's finally over! It went well. I couldn't skip class to be there Friday and I promised to be present at Relay for Life this year so I couldn't even make it down Friday night for the student poster presentation. I made the drive early Saturday morning (yeah, I'm that committed... or insane) to see how things were going. When I got to Stonewall, I talked to one of the Lewis Group team members, and he said that everything was fine. He said I did a really great job and we just talked about all the details and any minor mishaps that occurred.
When it was time for the lunch break for the day, I got to meet some of the collaborators. Gilberto and Luisa were impressed with my ability to plan this and take classes at the same time. These two were unlike the rest of the collaborators through e-mail. They were very polite and considerate of me and my work load and at times asked me if what they wanted was asking too much of me. They were adorable. I can proudly say I made WVU English look fantastic that day.
But no day would be complete without a major meltdown to cool. Before I left I had to arrange a shuttle for two people who had four suitcases and two carry-ons with them. They were very appreciative of my actions and determination to get them to their flights the next morning. A lot of the students came up to me as well and said they really liked what I did and one of them even said, "I'm glad someone like you was in charge of this." That made me feel really good about myself.
I'm trying to organize a survey to get some feedback for the next girl who takes my job. I'll ask questions about the location, the food choice, the organization of the speakers, the student presentation, and other areas to comment on.
~~~~
As for other work, I have some content to add to the website. My job ad is in the DA now. And I'm plotting out what I want my poster to look like. It will be... interesting and eye catching to say the least. :)
When it was time for the lunch break for the day, I got to meet some of the collaborators. Gilberto and Luisa were impressed with my ability to plan this and take classes at the same time. These two were unlike the rest of the collaborators through e-mail. They were very polite and considerate of me and my work load and at times asked me if what they wanted was asking too much of me. They were adorable. I can proudly say I made WVU English look fantastic that day.
But no day would be complete without a major meltdown to cool. Before I left I had to arrange a shuttle for two people who had four suitcases and two carry-ons with them. They were very appreciative of my actions and determination to get them to their flights the next morning. A lot of the students came up to me as well and said they really liked what I did and one of them even said, "I'm glad someone like you was in charge of this." That made me feel really good about myself.
I'm trying to organize a survey to get some feedback for the next girl who takes my job. I'll ask questions about the location, the food choice, the organization of the speakers, the student presentation, and other areas to comment on.
~~~~
As for other work, I have some content to add to the website. My job ad is in the DA now. And I'm plotting out what I want my poster to look like. It will be... interesting and eye catching to say the least. :)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
"Chomp Chomp" - Crunch Time
Yeah, I've never had so many phone calls in one day. There are two things I want to quickly touch upon before I get back to work.
1. The booklets - After I filed a complaint with Kevin Hart, he saw the problem was not my fault and decided to reprint the covers for me. YAY! So now I can be proud of my work again. He said he would have them done by tomorrow. *Cross your fingers*
2. Communication - There's no other way to stress how important it is to keep a frequent update with every participant in this event. However, sometimes people throw you a curve ball. I have had five people in the last three days need room adjustments or reservations made. I've had to quickly set up rental cars and drivers for the week. And I've had to work out how things will go when I'm not readily available to fix it. So I only suggest to everyone else, keep the communication lines open. And bare with people when they make your job harder.
Like my dad says, "Procrastination/Lack of planning on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part." Expect that to happen.
I wish some of these people understood that I'm a full time student and telling me three days before the event that they need a room is just ridiculous, but I have to find a way to make it happen. Even if I have to beg and give away my first born, OK so it hasn't been that extreme, but you get the picture. No amount of organization and planning can prepare anyone for other people's personalities that they feel the world will move for them. This might be me just ranting, but it's rather frustrating to spend the whole semester working on this, and have people change everything the week of the event. At some point, I have to say, "No I'm sorry. You missed the deadline." It's easier said than done with a boss that thinks the same way as the collaborators and students participating.
Communication and consideration for others. Probably the two most important C-words in language... minus Cookie. Cookie Monster had something going there.
(I'm sorry if I'm supposed to be professional in these entries, but I feel it's OK to veer off that when dealing with these situations. I handle situations with humor. If I laugh, it doesn't bother me.)
1. The booklets - After I filed a complaint with Kevin Hart, he saw the problem was not my fault and decided to reprint the covers for me. YAY! So now I can be proud of my work again. He said he would have them done by tomorrow. *Cross your fingers*
2. Communication - There's no other way to stress how important it is to keep a frequent update with every participant in this event. However, sometimes people throw you a curve ball. I have had five people in the last three days need room adjustments or reservations made. I've had to quickly set up rental cars and drivers for the week. And I've had to work out how things will go when I'm not readily available to fix it. So I only suggest to everyone else, keep the communication lines open. And bare with people when they make your job harder.
Like my dad says, "Procrastination/Lack of planning on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part." Expect that to happen.
I wish some of these people understood that I'm a full time student and telling me three days before the event that they need a room is just ridiculous, but I have to find a way to make it happen. Even if I have to beg and give away my first born, OK so it hasn't been that extreme, but you get the picture. No amount of organization and planning can prepare anyone for other people's personalities that they feel the world will move for them. This might be me just ranting, but it's rather frustrating to spend the whole semester working on this, and have people change everything the week of the event. At some point, I have to say, "No I'm sorry. You missed the deadline." It's easier said than done with a boss that thinks the same way as the collaborators and students participating.
Communication and consideration for others. Probably the two most important C-words in language... minus Cookie. Cookie Monster had something going there.
(I'm sorry if I'm supposed to be professional in these entries, but I feel it's OK to veer off that when dealing with these situations. I handle situations with humor. If I laugh, it doesn't bother me.)
Monday, April 7, 2008
The Final Week of Labor
So this week what I have left isn't much of anything... keep your fingers crossed.
I have printed out and assembled the name tags with a few blank extras for some unforseen event. I have called to set up an interview for Dr. Lewis for press coverage. I've arranged hotel rooms for after the symposium for a handful of guests. I've put in my replacement job ad.
I'm working on the mini tour outline now. Basically what I'm doing for that, or at least my thought process for this, is to give some hard numbers on the buildings they will be touring. It's really important that any kind of technology advancements are mentioned, too. People from seven or so different countries will be seeing what WVU is like, so I need to put us in our "Sunday Best" for the tour.
In other fantastic news... Dr. Lewis has informed his group of researchers that we need to revamp the website (again). My initial thoughts were of suicide after it took me so long to get the website where it is now. Then he explained it's not the layout or design that needs changed (woot woot me) but the content needs updated. Dr. Lewis said I did an excellent job with the web site for not knowing a lick of physics! This is something I can't do alone, so I'm waiting for people to send me new material to place on the website. Also, I'm in the middle of the visit from NSF webpage. I have pictures and an article to read to put some text on the page. That should be up, if not this week, by next week for sure. If you're taking a look at the web site, remember it needs updated especially on the MNIS page since the numbers have jumped since the last update.
As for the booklet... I did get them back. Yay! However, there were many differences from what I handed them and what they produced. I'm really disappointed because I really worked hard on that. I took into consideration everything from the color scheme to readable font, and it looks like a 5th grader did it. I know if I had had more time with everyone's CVs and abstracts I could have formated ALL of them to look the same, but that was a task that was just too big for the little time I had. So I understand that being the way it is, but some of the pictures turned out way too dark that you can't read them, the colors are off, the alignment of everything is off. Yeah, I'm not the happiest camper about that. I've decided that at the poster display, I'll have my original copy and the finished product next to it. It's not a reflection on my part, and I've accepted that. So I'm preparing to file a complaint about it as well. That... can wait if need be only because I have one week until the event and nothing can be done to fix the mistakes here.
It's a lesson learned.
I have printed out and assembled the name tags with a few blank extras for some unforseen event. I have called to set up an interview for Dr. Lewis for press coverage. I've arranged hotel rooms for after the symposium for a handful of guests. I've put in my replacement job ad.
I'm working on the mini tour outline now. Basically what I'm doing for that, or at least my thought process for this, is to give some hard numbers on the buildings they will be touring. It's really important that any kind of technology advancements are mentioned, too. People from seven or so different countries will be seeing what WVU is like, so I need to put us in our "Sunday Best" for the tour.
In other fantastic news... Dr. Lewis has informed his group of researchers that we need to revamp the website (again). My initial thoughts were of suicide after it took me so long to get the website where it is now. Then he explained it's not the layout or design that needs changed (woot woot me) but the content needs updated. Dr. Lewis said I did an excellent job with the web site for not knowing a lick of physics! This is something I can't do alone, so I'm waiting for people to send me new material to place on the website. Also, I'm in the middle of the visit from NSF webpage. I have pictures and an article to read to put some text on the page. That should be up, if not this week, by next week for sure. If you're taking a look at the web site, remember it needs updated especially on the MNIS page since the numbers have jumped since the last update.
As for the booklet... I did get them back. Yay! However, there were many differences from what I handed them and what they produced. I'm really disappointed because I really worked hard on that. I took into consideration everything from the color scheme to readable font, and it looks like a 5th grader did it. I know if I had had more time with everyone's CVs and abstracts I could have formated ALL of them to look the same, but that was a task that was just too big for the little time I had. So I understand that being the way it is, but some of the pictures turned out way too dark that you can't read them, the colors are off, the alignment of everything is off. Yeah, I'm not the happiest camper about that. I've decided that at the poster display, I'll have my original copy and the finished product next to it. It's not a reflection on my part, and I've accepted that. So I'm preparing to file a complaint about it as well. That... can wait if need be only because I have one week until the event and nothing can be done to fix the mistakes here.
It's a lesson learned.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
After Break - Back to Business
So just want to say I had an amazing time in Italy and got away from work long enough to miss it. Weird. I know.
Anyway this is what I'm working on. It's crunch time for my event. The booklets are printing as we speak. The last minute accommodations are being made. I have to organize the speaker order as well as make sure that the buffet/poster dinner is set. I have more name tags to print out and make. I have a program of events to make. I have to write up a mini tour of WVU.
Plus I have to write up my replacement ad and have that in the paper soon. We're looking to hire for someone in May, but August is cool too. If we don't find someone for May, I'm going to be working for Dr. Lewis for the summer, then I will train my replacement in August.
I've got a lot going on at once. I've noticed that English majors (or other English-based majors, like journalism) are required to multi-task. It's a wonderful ability to have and perfect, but sometimes it just seems like "How on Earth will I get all this done in time?" I will say, I love it when I do accomplish everything and get to relax from the work.
That's what's going on this week. Next week, RESULTS! The event is next Friday through Sunday (April 11-13). After that, it's just cleaning up and tying up loose ends for my capstone poster. The end is so close!
Anyway this is what I'm working on. It's crunch time for my event. The booklets are printing as we speak. The last minute accommodations are being made. I have to organize the speaker order as well as make sure that the buffet/poster dinner is set. I have more name tags to print out and make. I have a program of events to make. I have to write up a mini tour of WVU.
Plus I have to write up my replacement ad and have that in the paper soon. We're looking to hire for someone in May, but August is cool too. If we don't find someone for May, I'm going to be working for Dr. Lewis for the summer, then I will train my replacement in August.
I've got a lot going on at once. I've noticed that English majors (or other English-based majors, like journalism) are required to multi-task. It's a wonderful ability to have and perfect, but sometimes it just seems like "How on Earth will I get all this done in time?" I will say, I love it when I do accomplish everything and get to relax from the work.
That's what's going on this week. Next week, RESULTS! The event is next Friday through Sunday (April 11-13). After that, it's just cleaning up and tying up loose ends for my capstone poster. The end is so close!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
WASSUP?
So I'm in the last stage of this "booklet." Let me explain what this really is. It's a book. It's not small at all; it's about 100 pages of CVs and abstracts and other science stuff. Yeah fun. But I designed an eye-pleasing color with the color scheme I have been using for the name tags that I had to make. It looks cool. When I get a finished version, I'll take a picture and upload it here. I'm hopefully sending it to print tomorrow morning and one big project is finally done. YAY!
What else am I doing? Hmm. Well this morning I had to write a "Budget Memo" which from the example I had was not a memo at all it was a letter. So this "memo" was on the extra $10,000 that Dr. Lewis obtained so students can go to the symposium for free. (That's what the request letter was about, too.) For the most part he didn't cut out anything I said, majorly. But since I was misled in the format, my introduction and conclusion were cut or modified serverly. The lesson here is: When someone gives you an example that doesn't work at all and very general instructions, do your best anyway. I'm not upset that he misled me and my work isn't what he wanted. I'm just proud of the work I did do with the parameters I did have. There are right-brain people, and then there are left-brain people... I don't think the two should coinside or collaborate.
Next on my plate... Hmm. Well I have to write an ad for my replacement. Nothing to tricky. I'll worry about that when I get back from Italy.
When I get back I'll also have the program of events to do, a mini tour schedule to compile and... uhm.. there was something else..
OH that's right it's not symposium related, but nonetheless it's work. I have to create and edit some pages on the group website. I would let you all look at it now, but I want it to be in tip-top shape. :) I have to create a page about a visit the group had with a bigwig at NSF. I have some pictures and a news article to go off of. On top of that, I'll have to update the MNIS (the symposium) website with pictures of the event and highlights.
So that's what's cooking for me. Have a great Spring Break everyone!
Arrivederci!
What else am I doing? Hmm. Well this morning I had to write a "Budget Memo" which from the example I had was not a memo at all it was a letter. So this "memo" was on the extra $10,000 that Dr. Lewis obtained so students can go to the symposium for free. (That's what the request letter was about, too.) For the most part he didn't cut out anything I said, majorly. But since I was misled in the format, my introduction and conclusion were cut or modified serverly. The lesson here is: When someone gives you an example that doesn't work at all and very general instructions, do your best anyway. I'm not upset that he misled me and my work isn't what he wanted. I'm just proud of the work I did do with the parameters I did have. There are right-brain people, and then there are left-brain people... I don't think the two should coinside or collaborate.
Next on my plate... Hmm. Well I have to write an ad for my replacement. Nothing to tricky. I'll worry about that when I get back from Italy.
When I get back I'll also have the program of events to do, a mini tour schedule to compile and... uhm.. there was something else..
OH that's right it's not symposium related, but nonetheless it's work. I have to create and edit some pages on the group website. I would let you all look at it now, but I want it to be in tip-top shape. :) I have to create a page about a visit the group had with a bigwig at NSF. I have some pictures and a news article to go off of. On top of that, I'll have to update the MNIS (the symposium) website with pictures of the event and highlights.
So that's what's cooking for me. Have a great Spring Break everyone!
Arrivederci!
Monday, March 17, 2008
WPG Task #11
I want my portfolio to describe me as a person outside of the work that will be displayed. I want it to show my attention to details, my hard work, my commitment, and my ability as a writer, editor, and designer. I want it to be a calm and designed well so the audience doesn't realize he/she is looking at a working web portfolio. I want the audience to be relaxed and inspired by my efforts to ask me about my work. I'd really like to do pastels or light "beachy" colors. I'm going to stay away from color schemes that look childish or trendy like black with neon colors or just using the primary colors as a scheme. These color schemes might be difficult to read for the audience.
The rest is sketched on paper.
The rest is sketched on paper.
WPG Task #4
Sorry had this done, just forgot to publish it.
I think my only audience is Dr. Wible and the graduates judging my poster and portfolio at the end of the semester. I expect they will want to see a variety of documents that display my diverse knowledge and ability to produce professional-looking documents to represent myself and my company/boss. My audience wants to be proud of yet another English student to complete the work from West Virginia University. I could see my portfolio (if deemed acceptable and excellent) being used as an example to future students. My capstone is not the typical one when it comes to professional writing and editing, but I feel it's just one of the many choices given to English students besides the obvious career choice of teaching. I believe my web portfolio will need to demonstrate the same qualities, tones, and ideas as my hard copy portfolio. Especially with everything going cyber and electronic now, my work will need to display WVU's ability to keep up with new technologies and protocols for capstone portfolios. I don't think the audience will want to see anything too personal such as pictures of my dogs or my trip to Italy. I don't think they will want to have my values and morals pushed on them through my portfolio. I would like the audience to think I am a multi-talented writer, editor, and designer (when it comes to layout of the documents). I want them to feel comfortable putting me into any writing situation or trust my insight and ideas.
I think my only audience is Dr. Wible and the graduates judging my poster and portfolio at the end of the semester. I expect they will want to see a variety of documents that display my diverse knowledge and ability to produce professional-looking documents to represent myself and my company/boss. My audience wants to be proud of yet another English student to complete the work from West Virginia University. I could see my portfolio (if deemed acceptable and excellent) being used as an example to future students. My capstone is not the typical one when it comes to professional writing and editing, but I feel it's just one of the many choices given to English students besides the obvious career choice of teaching. I believe my web portfolio will need to demonstrate the same qualities, tones, and ideas as my hard copy portfolio. Especially with everything going cyber and electronic now, my work will need to display WVU's ability to keep up with new technologies and protocols for capstone portfolios. I don't think the audience will want to see anything too personal such as pictures of my dogs or my trip to Italy. I don't think they will want to have my values and morals pushed on them through my portfolio. I would like the audience to think I am a multi-talented writer, editor, and designer (when it comes to layout of the documents). I want them to feel comfortable putting me into any writing situation or trust my insight and ideas.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
WPG Tasks #2 & #3
Task #2 - I feel my portfolio will be a best work, academic portfolio displaying all the documents I created in the capstone class. The scope of my portfolio is an entire event's documents. Everything needed for a symposium/conference will be included like name tags, programs, and a collective portfolio. I think the reader would expect to see the items already mentioned and any writing or documentation that helped me get to the finished product. Also, the reader will expect to see pictures of the event, even though that is not the point of my portfolio, the reader will still want to see how the event went and not just the documents presented. I have to make a web portfolio of this, which I don't know how that will work with the 100+ page book I'm printing. I also have to do a poster display with the rest of my classmates and have samples of my work to present. I think the work will be judged on professionalism, use of previous knowledge in PWE, and individuality.
Task #3 - I want my web portfolio to display my ability to make such an item (most important). This is the first time I've had to do this, so I want to do the best I can. I want the portfolio to display my extensive knowledge I've acquired in the PWE classes as well as my general ability as a writer/designer/editor (second). I want my portfolio to include my creative flow through layouts, designs, ideas, and packaging. This isn't as big of a concern with my portfolio because either people like your vision, or they don't. But the acknowledgment that I have creative juices is enough (third).
(Others will be posted later.)
Task #3 - I want my web portfolio to display my ability to make such an item (most important). This is the first time I've had to do this, so I want to do the best I can. I want the portfolio to display my extensive knowledge I've acquired in the PWE classes as well as my general ability as a writer/designer/editor (second). I want my portfolio to include my creative flow through layouts, designs, ideas, and packaging. This isn't as big of a concern with my portfolio because either people like your vision, or they don't. But the acknowledgment that I have creative juices is enough (third).
(Others will be posted later.)
Portfolio Keeping pg. 39 - Taking Stock #8
What has really surprised me with my work, is my ability to keep a color scheme. Without realizing it, the cover of the portfolio of CVs and abstracts is (for the time being) green and blue scheme which matches the name tags I have designed. Pat of me, without thinking, incorporated two main colors from the schools being represented at the event (Marshall and WVU). I've kept the fonts the same as if this is all a "set" or "kind" that belongs together. I've made up for the lack of science knowledge with a more professional tone in all my work.
The finished product might look as if it didn't take long, but this has been a whole month process. I will have formated all the abstracts for consistency and most of the CVs will be cut or slightly modified to look like the average CV without taking away from the little bit of individuality that each CV brings. A lot of my work is strictly design and basic editing. I take a lot of pride into every color i pick, each word I use, or every project I am a part of. I've had to do a lot of scheduling ahead of time to get the products to turn out the exact way I want them.
The finished product might look as if it didn't take long, but this has been a whole month process. I will have formated all the abstracts for consistency and most of the CVs will be cut or slightly modified to look like the average CV without taking away from the little bit of individuality that each CV brings. A lot of my work is strictly design and basic editing. I take a lot of pride into every color i pick, each word I use, or every project I am a part of. I've had to do a lot of scheduling ahead of time to get the products to turn out the exact way I want them.
Portfolio Keeping pg. 34 – Taking Stock #7
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
It's been FOREVER! - Lo siento.
Well it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to sit down and write about what I’m working on. I’m sorry to all my classmates. I’m sure you’ll get over it. Haha. This is like three posts in one. I’m sorry it’s so long.
I have been working on collecting the CVs and abstracts for the portfolios. My boss has not completely decided if we have the funding to make enough for every participant, or just enough for show and browsing during the event. So I have to plan for both until I talk to him on Wednesday (3.5.08). I’ll have to do some research on the perfect binding and cost of each for these portfolios. I think I’ve decided to do the CV (which for those of you who don’t know what a CV is, it’s just an academic résumé) first and then the submitted abstract for each person in alphabetical order based on last name. I find that to be the fairest way to present the material, so the participants aren’t upset about where they are placed. After Friday (3.7.08) I should be putting the portfolios “to bed” as they say in journalism. (I’ll never be able to let that part of me die.)
Monday, February 11, 2008
An Attempt at a Request Letter
Below is a letter I was instructed to write to request some money for the event I'm planning. It's really sketchy, and I'm not sure it's exactly what my sponsor wanted. I'll find out when he gives me some input, and I will include the next draft on my blog. It's just the content of the letter, not in letter format.
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I am writing in regards to the International Innovation Grant: Increasing International Exposure and Collaborations for STEM Faculty and Students at West Virginia Schools.
The objective of the grant coincides with the objectives of WVNano to provide funding and research opportunities for students at West Virginia University, Marshall University, and West Virginia State College.
I am requesting $5,000 to be granted for the Multifunctional Nanomaterials International Symposium which will be held in April at Stonewall Resort in West Virginia. Overall, I would like to have 40-50 students from all over the state participate in the event. Currently, I have funding for half of them. The amount requested ($5,000) will help fund 20 students to participate in the symposium. Each student will cost $250 for the three days at the symposium.
This symposium will give students the opportunity to display their research to others on an international level. It will leave the faculty participants with a good impression of the work of West Virginia colleges in the world of science. Also, the event will contribute networking for students and faculty to interact, exchange ideas, and plan future collaborations with international scientists.
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I tried to use the direct method to conduct business in a professional manner. I have to get my message across as soon as possible, or there is a chance I will not get the end results I'm looking for - the money for student participation. I had to do some reading of what the grant includes and what the vision of the grant is. I wanted to keep the letter short in order not to lose my audience - grant committee members.
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I am writing in regards to the International Innovation Grant: Increasing International Exposure and Collaborations for STEM Faculty and Students at West Virginia Schools.
The objective of the grant coincides with the objectives of WVNano to provide funding and research opportunities for students at West Virginia University, Marshall University, and West Virginia State College.
I am requesting $5,000 to be granted for the Multifunctional Nanomaterials International Symposium which will be held in April at Stonewall Resort in West Virginia. Overall, I would like to have 40-50 students from all over the state participate in the event. Currently, I have funding for half of them. The amount requested ($5,000) will help fund 20 students to participate in the symposium. Each student will cost $250 for the three days at the symposium.
This symposium will give students the opportunity to display their research to others on an international level. It will leave the faculty participants with a good impression of the work of West Virginia colleges in the world of science. Also, the event will contribute networking for students and faculty to interact, exchange ideas, and plan future collaborations with international scientists.
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I tried to use the direct method to conduct business in a professional manner. I have to get my message across as soon as possible, or there is a chance I will not get the end results I'm looking for - the money for student participation. I had to do some reading of what the grant includes and what the vision of the grant is. I wanted to keep the letter short in order not to lose my audience - grant committee members.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Maria's Learning
This is a response to Taking Stock #3 in Portfolio Keeping.
What kind of writer are you? When do you do your best work?
Mid-morning after a cup of coffee is the earliest I can concentrate to write. I usually do any writing after dinner hours since I’m out most of the day with classes and work. I work better in my room. I have a door to close and lock, so I can’t be bothered by my roommates. I have to have some noise in the background. I either put on the TV or some music just so I’m not in complete silence. For me, that’s more nerve-racking to be in a room where you can hear a pin drop. That’s possibly why I don’t do so well on in-class writing tests. I just can’t think when everyone else is silently thinking. I like to write a little bit and take a break, but with in-class writing tests, I can’t do that. It’s really relaxing to be able to listen to something other than my mind. I do my best work when I’m multi-tasking or have multiple projects on a to-do list.
I like to keep my style books near me for reference. Sometimes I have to write in my living room just to give my eyes a rest from the computer screen. I like to write with colorful pens (not red, though) to make the process seem bright, warm, and happy. I usually have a drink (root beer or vanilla cream soda) as a reward for completing a paragraph or finding the exact word I want to use. Sounds silly, but it keeps me motivated to do my best. These say that I like to give myself positive reinforcements to keep the writing process going. If I’m positive, I’m more confident about my writing and product.
What kind of writer are you? When do you do your best work?
Mid-morning after a cup of coffee is the earliest I can concentrate to write. I usually do any writing after dinner hours since I’m out most of the day with classes and work. I work better in my room. I have a door to close and lock, so I can’t be bothered by my roommates. I have to have some noise in the background. I either put on the TV or some music just so I’m not in complete silence. For me, that’s more nerve-racking to be in a room where you can hear a pin drop. That’s possibly why I don’t do so well on in-class writing tests. I just can’t think when everyone else is silently thinking. I like to write a little bit and take a break, but with in-class writing tests, I can’t do that. It’s really relaxing to be able to listen to something other than my mind. I do my best work when I’m multi-tasking or have multiple projects on a to-do list.
I like to keep my style books near me for reference. Sometimes I have to write in my living room just to give my eyes a rest from the computer screen. I like to write with colorful pens (not red, though) to make the process seem bright, warm, and happy. I usually have a drink (root beer or vanilla cream soda) as a reward for completing a paragraph or finding the exact word I want to use. Sounds silly, but it keeps me motivated to do my best. These say that I like to give myself positive reinforcements to keep the writing process going. If I’m positive, I’m more confident about my writing and product.
Page 9 Porfolio Keeping
I believe it’s important to show progress. Maturing as a writer and thinker shows my willingness to learn and adapt to new ideas and processes. One way to show this is to provide drafts with track changes and comments in my portfolio.
I think doing the portfolio shows persistence. Providing all the necessary papers with additional drafts and comments shows my willingness to complete a huge project like a portfolio. In order to show this in a different manner, I think writing a rhetorical analysis about a document will show my commitment to my work.
I would like to show my abilities as a designer of Web-based materials because we are living in a world where everything is electronic or Web-based. I don’t want to become outdated by not knowing how to producing Web-based documents or how to work the computer in a way that is expected of someone like me who grew up with the birth of the Information Superhighway.
I believe it is key to show variety. If I can produce a well-written business memo and turn around to produce an advertising pamphlet for a business, it shows my well-rounded knowledge of writing genres and their audiences’ needs.
I think each portfolio will show creativity through organization methods and personality traits in the writing. Each person has a different writing style, and I have more than one since I used to be a journalism major. I know what the press is looking for when they come to me for information, I know how to give handy and powerful quotes for their stories, but I also know how to conduct business writing to get my point across clearly and concisely. The subjects I choose will also display my individuality.
I would like to show independence; however, I find it difficult to see mistakes with my own writing or areas where it could be better or improved. This is something I feel every writer has problems with. I learned in my editing class that some of the best editors are not good writers and some of the best writers are not good editors. I feel I’m both, but when it comes to my own writing, I’m not a very good editor of my own work.
I think doing the portfolio shows persistence. Providing all the necessary papers with additional drafts and comments shows my willingness to complete a huge project like a portfolio. In order to show this in a different manner, I think writing a rhetorical analysis about a document will show my commitment to my work.
I would like to show my abilities as a designer of Web-based materials because we are living in a world where everything is electronic or Web-based. I don’t want to become outdated by not knowing how to producing Web-based documents or how to work the computer in a way that is expected of someone like me who grew up with the birth of the Information Superhighway.
I believe it is key to show variety. If I can produce a well-written business memo and turn around to produce an advertising pamphlet for a business, it shows my well-rounded knowledge of writing genres and their audiences’ needs.
I think each portfolio will show creativity through organization methods and personality traits in the writing. Each person has a different writing style, and I have more than one since I used to be a journalism major. I know what the press is looking for when they come to me for information, I know how to give handy and powerful quotes for their stories, but I also know how to conduct business writing to get my point across clearly and concisely. The subjects I choose will also display my individuality.
I would like to show independence; however, I find it difficult to see mistakes with my own writing or areas where it could be better or improved. This is something I feel every writer has problems with. I learned in my editing class that some of the best editors are not good writers and some of the best writers are not good editors. I feel I’m both, but when it comes to my own writing, I’m not a very good editor of my own work.
Pondering Portfolio Business
The following response is from Taking Stock #1 in Portfolio Keeping for English 305 (Technical Writing). Most of the response applies to overall professional writing.
With previous writing classes, portfolios were more or less the same idea. All my works with revisions were clumped into a three-ring binder with a reflective memo or letter regarding my performance in the class and my expectations of my grades. Until last semester, I deemed this concept as typical of what a portfolio is. The Business and Professional Writing course I took last semester changed my idea of what a portfolio is. It’s not just everything I completed; it’s the best works and most representative pieces of my personality and abilities, with my writing skills on display.
To me a portfolio is a professional scrapbook. Scrapbooks keep only the good memories. I will do my best in this course. My expectations are to maintain my grades to graduate with honors and have a presentable and impressive portfolio for graduate school as well as the workforce.
The assignments I expect to be easy for me are the ones I have previously completed or have some background knowledge regarding purposes and construction.
I don’t have the widest range of vocabulary or greatest spelling abilities, but I feel confident about my writing and reading skills if I have grasped the concept well enough. Working with international people has helped me catch English idioms in speech, and it has helped steer me away from creative, flowery language when it is not appropriate.
With previous writing classes, portfolios were more or less the same idea. All my works with revisions were clumped into a three-ring binder with a reflective memo or letter regarding my performance in the class and my expectations of my grades. Until last semester, I deemed this concept as typical of what a portfolio is. The Business and Professional Writing course I took last semester changed my idea of what a portfolio is. It’s not just everything I completed; it’s the best works and most representative pieces of my personality and abilities, with my writing skills on display.
To me a portfolio is a professional scrapbook. Scrapbooks keep only the good memories. I will do my best in this course. My expectations are to maintain my grades to graduate with honors and have a presentable and impressive portfolio for graduate school as well as the workforce.
The assignments I expect to be easy for me are the ones I have previously completed or have some background knowledge regarding purposes and construction.
I don’t have the widest range of vocabulary or greatest spelling abilities, but I feel confident about my writing and reading skills if I have grasped the concept well enough. Working with international people has helped me catch English idioms in speech, and it has helped steer me away from creative, flowery language when it is not appropriate.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Better Late Than Never
OK, so I know this is a little late, but here's the basic summary of what I'll be doing for my capstone.
I've been working in the Department of Physics under Dr. James Lewis since May 2007. He has this grant money specifically for hosting an international symposium here in West Virginia. As part of my capstone, I'm developing schedules, portfolios of curriculum vitas and abstracts, and other necessary documents for the event. Behind the scenes, I will be e-mailing the conference planners, group members, and participants daily. It's important for me to utilize my skills from English 304 (Business and Professional Writing) in the e-mails.
On top of that, I will edit any grant proposals for Dr. Lewis and maintain a website on his research group - The Lewis Group. The group consists of undergraduate researchers, graduate students seeking their doctorate, as well as post doctoral researchers. There is a large percentage of international people in the group. So as part of being an English major, I feel that communication with people whose native language is not English, will be an experience to build on. Any knowledge I have retained from English 221 (The English Language) will help me understand how non-English speakers develop our language and why sometimes it is difficult to understand them or vice versa. (In all honestly, I didn't think I would find any purpose for using what I learned in that class in real life.)
Of course English 302 (Editing) will be very useful in any writing or designing I do with the documents. I have practiced analyzing the audience, purpose, and message of documents, manuals, websites, even creation of all of these things. I know two major things about my audience: physics and other science related intellectuals and most of them are not from America. With this in mind, I must consider the word choice and design layouts of everything I do for the event itself. I have to watch for American-English idioms that might confuse or upset the participants.
Overall, this capstone will be fun. I get to be creative and use my previous classes to my advantage. Whoever asked "what do you do with a B.A. in English" never opened his eyes to the possibilities right in from of him. (P.S. Avenue Q is great, minus the opening line. Hint: It's directed at people like us.)
I've been working in the Department of Physics under Dr. James Lewis since May 2007. He has this grant money specifically for hosting an international symposium here in West Virginia. As part of my capstone, I'm developing schedules, portfolios of curriculum vitas and abstracts, and other necessary documents for the event. Behind the scenes, I will be e-mailing the conference planners, group members, and participants daily. It's important for me to utilize my skills from English 304 (Business and Professional Writing) in the e-mails.
On top of that, I will edit any grant proposals for Dr. Lewis and maintain a website on his research group - The Lewis Group. The group consists of undergraduate researchers, graduate students seeking their doctorate, as well as post doctoral researchers. There is a large percentage of international people in the group. So as part of being an English major, I feel that communication with people whose native language is not English, will be an experience to build on. Any knowledge I have retained from English 221 (The English Language) will help me understand how non-English speakers develop our language and why sometimes it is difficult to understand them or vice versa. (In all honestly, I didn't think I would find any purpose for using what I learned in that class in real life.)
Of course English 302 (Editing) will be very useful in any writing or designing I do with the documents. I have practiced analyzing the audience, purpose, and message of documents, manuals, websites, even creation of all of these things. I know two major things about my audience: physics and other science related intellectuals and most of them are not from America. With this in mind, I must consider the word choice and design layouts of everything I do for the event itself. I have to watch for American-English idioms that might confuse or upset the participants.
Overall, this capstone will be fun. I get to be creative and use my previous classes to my advantage. Whoever asked "what do you do with a B.A. in English" never opened his eyes to the possibilities right in from of him. (P.S. Avenue Q is great, minus the opening line. Hint: It's directed at people like us.)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
To my fellow capstonemates
Hey all.
If anyone needs help getting their Blogger to link like mine did, just ask! I'll be more than happy to walk you through it.
If anyone needs help getting their Blogger to link like mine did, just ask! I'll be more than happy to walk you through it.
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