Like most everyone else, when Ms. Suriano stated that we had a 10 week project to do I was less than thrilled. Then however, she stated that it was a blog project. “Blog project”, I thought. How strange? I was very uneasy because I’d never really experienced the blogging world. I mean, I knew it was like a thing now, but I’d never even seen one before. (Or so I thought) And so she handed us our packets, and set us off.
Needless to say, it took me a while to “get in the groove” of things. I wasn’t really thrilled about the assignment and it was completely new to me. Other kids seemed to have it all under control, and I was already way behind from the beginning. Slow and steady doesn’t always win the race let me tell you. I was rushing to get it done in the end, and that was NOT the way to do it.
In between all the research and procrastination, I did learn some valuable things. I learned how to cite sources properly and when to give credit where it is due. I was taught the ins and outs of the blogging world, and how truly informational a lot of it can be. It was also fun, writing pieces that were “news-worthy” and interviews. All in all it was a fun process, that I wished I could have realized the benefits sooner.
I didn’t just learn things about blogging in this assignment. It was the first time I was really set on my own to accomplish something with a far-away deadline. Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I am probably the world’s biggest procrastinator. I always have been. And not taking proper advantage of my time was probably my biggest downfall.
When our teacher said it wasn’t due for ten weeks, I thought that meant we could do it whenever and we had like a study hall. WRONG! I put off work constantly, ignoring the countless reminders from my teacher. And during the last week, I found my elf stuck in a big pile of poop! I was racing and stressing to finish this project by the deadline (that I so often put off the entire 10 weeks). This sucked. I found myself with too much work, not enough time, and even less sleep.
I guess the most rewarding lesson that I learned from this whole project was the concept of time. Next year is my senior year, and then I’m off to college. In college, everything is up to me, and I’m on my own. I have no reminders, no one up my back, no one telling me to finish, and no one there to help me stay on track. I learned that just because a deadline seems far away, it does not mean you should procrastinate! It was my utter downfall, and I am so lucky that it happened to me now and not when I’m in college and totally on my own. From this I will take out that you should always stay on top of your work. Procrastination isn’t a good way to deal with work and stress.
To be completely honest, I’m not sure if I’m going to continue with this blogging world. I might post now and then. But with no assignments, who knows if I’ll ever get around to it! I hope to keep up with this blog. And I hope even more that I keep up with my work. Thank you so much, Ms. Suriano, for teaching me an important lesson, that wasn’t even in the plan.
Hi Scottie or Mariah,
ReplyDeleteYour blog came out great! Very interesting -- I was looking for some info about Unadilla and it popped up.
You may have considered mentioning York Modern Corporation that makes York Rakes -- they are known all over the east and perhaps the whole country to people who have to maintain gravel roads and driveways.
http://www.yorkmodern.com/
Unalam wood products also get some press now and then and they make great buildings.
http://www.unalam.com/
You could also mention that many people go up north of New Berlin to the Unadilla Valley Raceway to watch motocross racing and mistakenly think that they have been to Unadilla.
http://www.unadillamx.com/
There's also a connection of Unadilla to Sybil Luddington -- sort of a Paul Revere for New York -- only 16 at the time
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sybil_Ludington
I hope that you continue with the blog and share some thoughts about how you will choose your college and what type of town you will live in.
Good job anyway and about the time thing -- you never know what you will learn or what will stay with you after an experience like writing a blog.