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!