Technological Help

While completing the group project, the use of technology helped us immensely in communicating with one another and completing assignments. For instance, the group page in Blackboard was extremely helpful because it served as a means for us to post our completed work and projects through the file exchange option. Also, we were able to communicate by sending one another emails through Blackboard. This method was easier since the names of all the group members were already posted to send a mass message, and we didn't have to send each email separately. Important information was relayed via this efficient method, and even Angie could be included in the email list. In addition, the majority of the business of the group was taken care of virtually in addition to our regular group meetings. We were able to keep each other updated as far as deadlines and in touch with other information trough technological features on Blackboard. The only times in which technology hindered our group as we completed the project were instances in which the Internet would not function properly. Overall, our group project was a great success, and the use of technology aided greatly in helping us to accomplish our tasks.

Ethical Principles

The discussions which were held in class about the ethical lapses were very interesting and informative. I was so very surprised after hearing the story about the Nazi cars, because although I was aware of the demeaning and acts of injustice that took place during the Holocaust, I didn't realize that documents such as the one we read were released. I was disappointed to see the boldness of the memo, revealing the extreme cruelty that was being displayed towards the humans being carried as merchandise. The memo which we read critically revealed the reality of how people often act unethically without any recognition of their wrongdoings. In addition, the discussion about the Ford Pinto was eye-opening for me. It just shed a new light on the extent to which unethical situations occur in the United States. Particularly, I became more aware of the measures which companies will take to thrive in the business industry, even if greediness and unfairness to customers is necessary to do so.

I think that it is very important that one possess ethical principles of his/her own to guide them through difficult situations and help them to get through life as purposefully as possible. I realize that it is necessary to render to everyone the respect that they deserve. All people are born with certain rights that should never be stripped away from them. I also feel that one must have a set of standards for themselves which they never compromise. Those standards should never lead anyone to demean another human being or belittle themselves. In the workforce, I will strive to remain loyal to my ethical principles, aiming to be a trustworthy employee who is genuine and fair to others. Most of all, regardless of the situation or amount of money that is involved, I will always respect the ideals and opinions of others, while following my own ethical principles to live justly.

Miscommunication

Communicating effectively in everyday life is very important, and in environments such as the work setting, it is even more essential. In a previous job where I worked as a waitress at a restaurant on campus, there tended to be times during which messages weren't transmitted properly from management to the employees. Miscommunication tends to initiate problems that could be easily avoided with the proper tact.

On one particular occasion, there was a miscommunication in which my co-workers and I were under the wrong impression about the task for the day. The message was misconstrued due to the means by which it was transmitted orally from management to each employee at a busy hour during the day. Although the effort to communicate was there, since the message wasn't transmitted properly, a huge misunderstanding occurred. Many employees found themselves working to complete the exact same tasks, which left many of the jobs undone.

This incidence of miscommunication could have been prevented through effective communication. The message could have been given to myself as well as the other employees at a more convenient time, so that it could be heard clearly and there would've been minimal uncertainty. Proper communication is essential in the work setting, and when communicating with others, one has to insure that they are heard and are relaying the message effectively.

Final Presentations and Portfolios

Another presentation which was a favorite of mine was Jeremy's about tattoos. I really enjoyed Jeremy's presentation because I felt that it was sincere as well as informative. Also, he incorporated many pictures which were interesting. Jeremy did a great job about warning the class about the permanence of tattoos and incorporating his own experiences and views made his presentation stand out from all of the others.

Related to the topic of online portfolios, I have really had little experience with them. The only online portfolio that comes to mind is the E-Portfolio that's required for students at Clemson University to complete prior to graduation. Although I haven't started on my E-Portfolio just yet, I've heard from others that have already worked with the online program that it's very frustrating. In order to insure that I'm prepared for the portfolio draft due on March 23rd, I intend to gain more experience and knowledge on online portfolios. In addition, I have to complete two more assignments which are required for the portfolio including the cover letter and follow-up letter. Once those tasks are completed, I'll be prepared to turn in a quality portfolio draft.

Presentations

During the past week, the class has been exposed to a variety of topics through the PowerPoint presentations. I've enjoyed listening to everyone speak about their topics, and I felt that they were all very interesting. However, there were three presentations that stood out in my opinion and were very enjoyable. I personally feel that Malesha's presentation about drive-through etiquette, Kelly's about tips for surviving in a large family, and Holmes' about why one should own an aquarium were the most enjoyable.

The three presentations mentioned above stood out the most for me because they all had one thing in common. Not only were each the topics interesting and unique, but most of all, they contained a sense of humor. The speakers were very effective in that they grabbed the attention of their audience, and they immediately took control of the topic at hand. In particular, Malesha was very passionate about how one should behave when entering a drive through, and she incorporated some of her personal experiences to make it more interesting. Kelly's presentation was great also in that her tips were very useful but humorous as well. I think that she allowed everyone in the class to see how things work in a large family, and she did so in an effective manner. Lastly, Holmes' speech about why one should own an aquarium was very funny as well. He incorporated points into his presentation that made it one of the best for me.

Overall, I feel that these presentations were the best because regardless of the topics, the speakers attacked them in manners which caused the audience to stay engaged. Not only was I engrossed throughout each one, but I also learned about the speakers and their interests. I really enjoyed all of the presentations, but these were the most memorable for me.

Cover Letter Response

Overall, I felt that this was a fairly reliable source, and the advice that was given about cover letters was rather informative. First of all, I totally agree with the point that was emphasized about the best use of a cover letter. I also believe that a cover letter should be utilized solely as a target to reach employers, and that there's no use for it if one is unsure about the goals or duties of the company in question. In addition, I agree that the cover letter should not be used as a sort of "crutch" and sent to as many companies as possible. As the tutorial pin-pointed, it should be utilized in an efficient manner in direct marketing instead. On the other hand, I don't agree with the pointer which stated that a P.S. should be used for emphasis. In my opinion, including a P.S. on a cover letter does not display professionalism. This is one example of how I believe the source failed to be reliable.

The section of the tutorial most helpful to me is the cover letter checklist. Although it has some flaws, it provides a sort of guideline for one to follow when writing a cover letter. It can prevent one from forgetting an important portion of the letter or from making it too lengthy. In addition, the sample cover letter is also very useful. It provides an example of an effective cover letter that can be viewed which will allow one to see how to write one successfully as well as what points to emphasize. When writing my cover letter for class, I definitely plan to use the cover letter checklist, so that I can use some of the good advice it provides but also learn from its mistakes. That way, I can insure that my cover letter is complete and well-written.

Client Project

I felt that the client visit was very informative and interesting overall. The discussion motivated me to think of various ways in which we could get involved and make a positive impact through the "Healthy Campus Initiative." Specifically, the discussion about the organic farm caught my attention the most. I think that the farm is a great resource that we can utilize to get this project up and running. One issue is that I had never heard about the farm until the client visit, so I think that promoting and spreading the word about the farm could be an excellent way to start. In addition, the organic farm could sell so many of its products on campus a couple of days a week. That way, more students would be aware of it, and they would be able to purchase healthy foods while on campus.

The way in which the project is headed is still a little bleak to me, and I am still unsure about how we are going to make this collaboration between all the groups work collectively. However, I am confident that the project is manageable and that if each group works effectively, we can make it work. Overall, I am excited about the project, and I look forward to working with my group in order to make a difference through "Healthy Campus Initiative."

Interview Mistakes Response

After reading the article about the common mistakes made in a job interview, I thought that the advice was fairly helpful. Many of the points mentioned seem obvious, but on many occasions during interviews, they are totally forgotten. It seems plausible that the mistakes which were listed as the top ten in the article could be prevalent in interviews. For example, two of the points mentioned in the article stated, "Don't give false/promissory or inaccurate information in your response" and "Don't forget to follow up." Often times people miss out on job opportunities because they forget to send a thank-you note or some type of follow-up after the interview and in some situations, people are untruthful during the interview and often make false impressions.

I had an interview for a position a couple of years ago in a field that was highly competitive. Prior to attending the interview, I insured that I was well-prepared by researching interview tips and making sure that I was familiar with the job description. During the interview, I was asked various questions, and although some of them were difficult, I was equipped to answer them. In the end, it turned out to be a successful interview. I earned the position, and my success was accounted for by my poise and preparation before hand.

Job interviews are very important when it comes to gaining a job opportunity. It is imperative that one researches the position of interest and knows the job description well before going into the interview. One must display confidence and highlight his/her assets in the appropriate manner when it's time to step up and answer/ask questions during the interview. In addition, the manner in which one presents him/herself as far as physical appearance is important as well. One must dress appropriately and present him/herself in a proficient manner when attending the interview in order to show his/her dedication and professionalism.

Free Topic

It is extremely difficult for me to write without any direction, but I realize that it is something I need to work on. At first, the idea of having no particular topic sounded like a great opportunity for me to talk about something intriguing. But of course, once I sat down to my computer to begin to write, nothing came to mind. However, I guess I'll just talk about a lesson that I learned lately.

My boyfriend Bryant and I recently participated in a couples competition against 5 other couples. Various questions were asked to each of the guys and girls in the couples to see how well he/she knew his/her mate. To be honest, I was a little nervous going into the competition because although I felt that Bryant and I knew each other well, I realized that most of the other couples had been in relationships longer. However, I was still confident in the knowledge and experience that we'd gained from knowing one another for over one year. In the end of the competition, Bryant and I came in second place after coming in a tie with the last couple twice. Although we did not win, I was extremely proud of the way that we performed. I had lots of fun, and I think that the competition only strengthened the faith that we have in one another.

The purpose of my story is to emphasize the importance of communication in relationships. This does not only relate to couples, but it applies to any type of relationship. Bryant and I could answer the questions pertaining to one another simply because we express so much and always try to keep the lines of communication open whenever we are together. Communication is key, and it is the driving force behind any friendship or relationship.

Ten Years From Now...

At this present moment, ten years seems like an extremely long time away. However, I can think of a few short-term as well as long-term goals which I plan to accomplish during those upcoming years. First of all, I want to gain as much positive life experiences while I am in college, so that I can be prepared to one day become a productive citizen. I plan to complete an internship and hopefully work in a hospital for awhile, so that I can gain more experience in the field that I plan to pursue a career. Furthermore, I intend to graduate from Clemson in a couple of years or sooner with honors and then attend MUSC after performing well on the MCAT. Although I aspire to attend MUSC, I am still open to other opportunities as well as I realize it's not the only option. I intend to graduate from medical school and afterwards specialize to become an OB/GYN.

Once I gain my degree and become an Obstetrician, I will be more than willing and happy to utilize my talents to help others wherever and whenever I can. Whether I work in a hospital or one day gain my own practice, I will just be excited to aid others in my profession. Eventually, when I have gained a successful and satisfying career, I hope to get married and settle down to have a family. I don't know where I want to live permanently, but I just know that I don't want to be too far away from home since my family is close knit. Wherever I decide to live, I hope to buy a house and continue my career in that area. I aspire to be a great wife to my husband and a phenomenal mother to my children (I don't know how many, we'll just see what's in store).

Overall, I really can envision myself building a great life in the next ten years. Although it seems that I have it all planned out at this point, I still realize that it's not in stone. I am just going to be patient and work hard each day to make my dreams a reality. I ultimately hope to become a diligent woman with a great profession and a passion for helping others. I am open to the sketch that God has for my life, and ultimately I want to serve him through my works. With a plan like that one, I don't see any way that I could go wrong!

Web 2.0

I think that the title of the video, "The Machine is Us/ing Us" has two meanings which can be interpreted. On one hand, the title emphasizes how Web 2.0 has become such an imperative force in our lives today. The Internet is one of the most influential forms of communication, and it has become a crucial tool in the daily lives of many individuals. Not only is the machine reliable, but it's accessible. Whether it is being utilized for research, inquiry, or simply as a means of communication, its place in the technological world is indisputable. That interpretation exemplifies how the machine "is us." In addition, the title also encompasses another meaning. Although the Internet is an indispensable tool, it can be detrimental in various ways. Each time we access Web 2.0, we are making the machine more powerful. For instance, so many people rely solely on the web without reaching out to other sources. It can sometimes hinder an individual from playing an active role. Also, there are many negative things that are presented on the Internet that should not be readily exposed. We still demand quicker access and greater accessibility to it. One has to know when to use Web 2.0 and how to use it efficiently, or it just simply ends up "using us."

Web 2.0 can have various effects on someone ready to enter the workforce. Positively, the web can be utilized as a tool to inquire about new careers and opportunities that one wouldn't easily discover through other sources. Also, a potential candidate for a job can post his/her resume' online and use it as a means to gain the attention of potential employers. Conversely, the Internet can be disadvantageous to someone ready to enter the workforce, because it can bring about negative attention to that individual. The candidate may share too much information or have some type of inappropriate content displayed on the web. This is why one must be careful in the manner that he/she presents his/herself when using Web 2.0. The Internet affects people already in the workforce tremendously, since the means that people use to communicate have changed drastically. The Internet is often the main route of communication on the job, since people are able to email one another and send instant messages. Many workers are allowed to tele-communicate on many days of the week, so they aren't even required to physically come to the office during those times. Therefore, it can make the jobs of those already in the workforce much easier.

When it says that we will have to rethink everything, I think that it is stressing the impact that the digital world has had on our lives. It is highlighting the fact that our world has changed tremendously, and it's informing us that this is only the beginning. The advancements that have been made only serve as a precedent for those to come. Our digital world is becoming more complex with each click of the mouse, and we must be prepared to encourage the change and accept the personal responsibility that it places upon us simultaneously.

About Me

Hey! I guess I'll start my introduction by saying that my name is Brittany. I'm a sophomore here at Clemson, and my major is Health Science-Pre-Professional Studies. I aspire to attend medical at MUSC after graduating from Clemson and one day become an OBGYN. I chose such a pathway for my future, because I am interested in the medical world, and I absolutely love children! I am from a small town called Cheraw, SC (about 4 hours from Clemson), and I graduated salutatorian of my '07 class at Cheraw High School. My mom is a single parent, and I have a younger brother named Jarvis who is fifteen years old.

I consider myself to be a very outgoing and ambitious type of person. I love to meet new people, play and watch sports (basketball particularly), and spend quality time with my family and friends. I love to smile, and the majority of my friends say I laugh entirely to much. A couple interesting facts would be that my favorite color is purple, I can play the clarinet, and I don't eat any vegetables. Overall I'm very laid back, but I can sometimes be a perfectionist when it comes to schoolwork and that type of stuff. Helping others has proven to be my passion, and I think that it will remain that way. I look forward to learning new things in this class, and that's me in a nutshell basically!