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Makeila

I am 27 years old and I'm currently enrolled at Victory University. My first thoughts about returning to college was " maybe this wasn't my time" and " I was afraid of opening that door to my educational life." I wasn't ready! I'm sitting here with what feels like good and bad souls. One is telling me you can do it and i feel the excitement; on the other hand; One is saying stop fooling yourself, you're not ready and you will never be. So that small feeling of excitement is slowly dimming away. I"m afraid to fail.

Program Specialist ∙ Memphis, TN

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Makeila ∙ 21 weeks ago

Makeila Clements
Foundation of Christian Learning
Instructor: Danielle Berkley
16 December 2012
Critical Thinking Assignment

Throughout these several weeks in this class, Foundations of Christian Learning, I have obtained many new skills and enhance several old skills, which I will incorporate into my future classes and my personal development. I have learned that mastering anything takes time and practice. Therefore, I will continue to practice strengthening my weaknesses. As I stated before, my education means so much more to me now than ever. By this I am determined to go above and beyond to master becoming a master student. On the other hand, I have become a more effective listener and communicator. These techniques has helped me to build confidence in talking to others and making personal/ professional decisions. Another change that I have made since entering this course is my ways of solving problems. I have learned that thinking critically and decreasing my assumptions about any situations helps me make more rational decisions.
At this moment I can't consider myself a Christian scholar because I haven't mastered many life issues nor educational issues that I am trying to overcome. However, that is one of my personal, spiritual, and educational goal I have put into place to become a Christian scholar. I have learned the foundation and the concept of a Christian scholar that has encouraged me to continue my education. The book “ The Idea of a Christian College” has helped me understand why I have chosen a faith based college. I have enjoyed learning about Christianity through the eyes of others and the difference of a Christian scholar and Christian who is a scholar.
I've learned that I can promote these attributes among others personally and professionally by encouraging others to seek an education that promotes Christian values, transferable skills, a worldview, and allows you to surround yourself with positive and truthful Christians.

Makeila ∙ 22 weeks ago

Critical Thinking Assignment
Based upon the information I have obtained throughout this course, Foundations of Christian Learning, I have been able to integrate faith and learning within every aspect of my life, for instance, my relationships, my physical being and personality. This course has helped me to understand that learning can strengthen and extend my faith, at the same time, preparing me to become a Christian scholar. Furthermore, by integrating faith and learning within my personal life has open my eyes to many changes needed in order to live as a Christian. Thus, allowing me to see this world through Christ-like eyes, therefore, allowing me to make more informed decisions based on God's truth and not my own understanding. In addition, integrated faith and learning has proven that our body is our temple, therefore, exercising and eating healthy are very important actions that I have included into my everyday routine. Integrated faith within my mind set has changed my personality, which has helped me to become more inviting and opened to different perspectives and ideas on different lifestyles, religion, race, etc.
Throughout this informative educational journey, ranging from “Becoming a Master Student” to “The Idea of a Christian College” I have learned many different techniques and substantial values I will implement into improving my life as well as others. One technique that surely builds the foundation in becoming a master student is thinking critically. In doing so, I am able to bisect all information dealing with work, personal, school assignments, or everyday life. Also, Holmes explains that having a liberal education can build Christian values that I will implore while teaching others. Moreover, this education will also give me transformable skills that will allow me to reform myself to fit different career qualifications.

Makeila ∙ 24 weeks ago

Journal Entry 24
I intend to
*be aware of quality
*lower credit card debt
*use the envelope system

Journal Entry 25
1.After monitoring my income and expenses for a month,I was surprised to discover that..
*my main issue with money was eating fast food,and now that I use the "envelope system" I save more now, than a month ago
2.When it comes to money,I am skilled at..
*paying cash for my items because it's easily to fall into debt with a credit card
3.When it comes to money,I am not so skilled at..
*quality and comparison shopping
4.I could increase my income by..
*Working an extra job and being mindful of my spending
5.I could spend less money on..
* my car payments, food, hair appointments, personal care, clothes. etc
6.After thinking about the most powerful step i can take right now to improve my finances, i intend to..
*keep budgeting and open a savings account. This will help me during my toughest financial times

Journal Entry 26
*not getting enough sleep which causes me to have less energy, stressed, and frustrated

Journal Entry 27
*After seeing a Walmart commercial, having sales on their 52” television I immediately went to purchase one. Afterward, I was short on a few bills I intended to pay.
*Next time I intend to make sure that all my business and needs are taken care of before I start spending money on my wants and pleasures.

Journal Entry 21
*learn about different cultures and their languages
*reach out and not base my friendships on race or culture
*be willing to accept feedback,just because my culture does things a certain way doesn't mean that it goes for everyone else.

Journal Entry 22
Today the conversation with my manager was concerning my decision of returning to college. She stated that education is a powerful weapon in today's society. Also education builds a foundation for many things to come. This conversation inspired me to continue working hard and pressing through tough times.

Makeila ∙ 25 weeks ago

Journal 16

As a younger lady I have made many decisions that now as an adult I look back and wonder what if I had made other choices in my life, where would I be. This chapter helps you find different techniques that you can utilize in problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking. After a brief scan before actually reading I intend to use four ways to solve problems techniques, which are: define the problem, generate possibilities, create a plan, and perform your plan.

Journal 17

I discovered that I have chosen psychology because I enjoy helping others on a more critical level in their lives. Such as divorce, mental illnesses, or traumatic happenings. While talking to friends and family members, about why did they choose this field as a career and if they still have the same passion for it now then the beginning? Their responses were: they enjoyed and found a fulfillment in helping others so that passion will never die because its in their hearts.

Journal 18

If I am experiencing a conflict with my family, friends, strangers, or my boyfriend I intend to react first then think later. Chapter 8 helps deal with these types of situations. While scanning through this chapter, I want to learn how to manage a conflict, know when to speak, and know when to listen.

Journal 19

1. I prefer conversations that allow me to... give my opinions and keeps my interest
2. I usually feel uncomfortable in conversations when other people... try to over talk me while I'm talking
3. When people do the things listed in #2, I tend to make certain assumptions, such as...maybe they're not interested or maybe they don't really care about what I have to say
4. As an alternative to making these assumptions, I intend to...let the person finish talking even if its an interruption, then finish what I have to say.

Journal 20

In my personal relationship with my boyfriend I hate when he tries to make everything about him. For example, if I'm studying for a test or working extra hours he tries to start an argument about how he's not getting any of my time and everything else is more important. It really irritates me because I find myself more understanding and considerate of what he decides to do. Rather it's hanging out with friends or working extra hours. I seem to never complain, but he complains about everything thing I do to better myself.

What I want from my relationship is to have less nagging about something I'm doing to better myself as a person and in my career. Also, I want to be able to manage my relationship and make time for studying. I suppose I could listen more to him without judging and choose when to speak instead of over talking him.

Makeila ∙ 26 weeks ago

Journal Entry 12

I review my notes immediately after class. Seldom
* I conduct weekly reviews of my notes. Sometimes
* I make summary sheets of my notes. Sometimes
* I edit my notes within 24 hours. Seldom
* Before class, I conduct a brief review of the notes I took in the previous class. Yes

Journal Entry 13

In my experience of test taking I seem to be overwhelmed with preparation. Ways that I can increase my success with testing are being relaxed before the test, paying close attention to time, and answering easiest questions first.

Journal Entry 14

As exam time gets closer, one thing I notice that I do is... become more focus on studying all of my notes and reviewing on a regular basis.
When it comes to taking tests, I have trouble... easily recalling information after consistent studying.
The night before a test, I usually feel... worried that its a possibility that I haven't study enough or a possibility of not making the grade I want.
The morning of a test, I usually feel... extremely nerves, but anxious to get it over with.
During a test, I usually feel... a sense of dissatisfaction. I feel as if my hard work might not be enough.
After a test, I usually feel... relieved, but anxious about receiving my grades.
When I learn a test score, I usually feel... shocked that its a passing grade, however, relieved that my hard work paid off, even if I wasn't confident in myself.

Journal Entry 15
I discovered that I use many excuses when I want to avoid studying. For instance, I will say I don't have enough time and I find myself cramming everything overnight. Next, I try to do a lot in one day, I never starch things out over time. Another excuse is telling myself I'm coming down with something maybe I should take a break from studying and I find myself in places I really shouldn't be.
I intend to improve my time management, create a study checklist, and become more energetic and excited about studying instead of believing I'm missing out on my social life.

Makeila ∙ 27 weeks ago

Aplia Overview

Using this new learning tool, called Aplia, I have discovered many useful techniques to implement into my study routine. Aplia, breaks down each chapter, section by section, to give a better understanding. While encouraging new ways to help process information. For example, the memory jungle and the memory techniques. The memory jungle explains how to transfer information from your short-term memory to your long-term making it easier to recall information when needed. It also discuss four visualizations that helps in this process. They are the following: visualization 1, a well worn path; visualization 2, a herd of thoughts; visualization 3, turning your back; and visualization 4, directing the animal traffic. Next, the memory techniques discuss general principles to improve memory. These techniques are divided into four categories, which are: organize it, use your body, use your brain, and recall it. After reading these chapters, normally page by page using the textbook, I couldn't understand or retain the information. However, after completing several exercises, on Aplia, it gave me a chance to use these techniques to complete the exercises. Allowing me to critically think about what techniques makes me comfortable with learning. For instance, being selective, relaxing, creating pictures, writing it down, and using your times of peak energy. These new techniques makes it easier for me to study in a organize and structured way. Allowing me to be more confident in what I'm learning. These techniques explained in memory visualizations and memory techniques, are enabling me to also become a master student.

Makeila ∙ 27 weeks ago

Journal Entry 5

The Time Monitor: I have chosen this technique beacuse time management is one of my weakest aspects. I am a working adult and sometimes time becomes my biggest problem.

25 ways to get the most out of now: I have chosen this technique to learn how to effectively study

Setting and achieving goals: I want to use this method to create goals in every frame and areas of my life

Makeila ∙ 28 weeks ago

Aplia Overview

Aplia, is an online interactive learning solution that helps improve comprehension. After completing several exercises located on Aplia, I have obtained useful information in becoming a master student. For example, staying positive, the discovery wheel, and discovering how you learn. First, staying positive was explained within: attitudes, affirmations, and visualizations. These topics I received to be very informative and interesting. These topics can be applied into everyday life. It explain to stay positive. If you speak positive language, you will become a positive person; with a positive outlook. Also, visualize yourself being happy, relaxed, and joyful because of success. Saying “ I, Makeila Clements,will accomplish all of my educational and personal goals through hard work and dedication,” is a positive statement; that I will carry in my mind when situations become unbearable. It's an attitude adjustment. Second, the discovery wheel. This wheel is an opportunity to tell the truth about what kind of student you are and the kind of student you want to become. After completing the self evaluation exercise, I discovered that there are many skills I am lacking, but I want to learn these skills to become successful in becoming a master student. For instance, managing time, taking more efficient notes, being creative with studying, and becoming more responsible with financial debt. Finally, discovering how you learn by perceiving and processing. To perceive is to notice and take in; to process is to deal with the experiences. This is the approach to learning by mixes feelings, watching, thinking, and doing.

Makeila ∙ 28 weeks ago

Journal Entry 4

My purpose for being in school is to gain the knowledge and skills I need to be successful in my career and my personal life.

Makeila ∙ 28 weeks ago

Journal Entry 4

What I want from my education is to obtain the skills I need to be successful. As a person and within my career. I want to be able to say it was all worth it. The sleepless nights, the busy assignments, and long ecouraging talks to keep going on from family and friends.

When I complete my education, I want to be able to enjoy my job. Wake up everyday with a smile and being excited to say I love my job. I want to be an example for anyone who's thinking about making their life better by getting a degree. If I can do it anyone can do it. With determination and faith. Believing in yourself and believing that its already done in the sight of God.

I also want to return to school after receiving my BS degree in Psychology. I want to farther my education in receiving my Master's degree in Psychology. Taking a few steps forward in expanding my life accomplishments. So I can become the idealistic woman I'm thriving to be.

Makeila ∙ 28 weeks ago

Journal Entry 2

I intend to use ease into it. At this time I am feeling frustrated and I am completely stressing out becasue of my busy work schedule and other issues. I'm trying to stay focus on my educational goals, however, its becoming overwhelming.

I intend to plan ahead. Becoming more organinzed is a must. Time management is very important. Balancing work, family, and other activities have to be placed at a precise point within my life.

I intend to get extra mileage out of my current tasks. I am currently working in the field I am going to earn my degree. I enjoy and become very excited on using technique to better understand and enhance my job performances

Makeila ∙ 28 weeks ago

Journal Entry 1
I discovered that what I want most from my education is to obtaining the skills and education I need to succeed in my professional career. I want to become a clinical psychologist to help others with mental behaviors and etc. I want to become more confident with my education , when seeking employment.