Growth Mindset

Before watching these videos, I had not heard about the Carol Dweck and her thoughts on the growth mindset. For my past, I know I would always think more in the "fixed method". I think this way of thinking stunts your learning by clouding your thoughts with negative thoughts. I learned early on that when I did not put effort into what I was doing, there was a difference in results from when I did. "Not yet" allows a person to be okay with failing because they understand it is needed on the path to success. I would be interested in learning more about this concept because it would encourage me to not only learn more but learn better. One of my biggest goals for this semester is getting into a graduate program. I want to study in a way that would help me achieve that goal and be able to do my best.

embrace change

Starting the Semester

To be Successful:

Plan ahead: I like to write down what I need to get done each week and then organize it for each day.

Plan

Favorite time of the day: If I have work to do for ever class, I like to have a set time when I do each. For example, I do my online work in the morning, write up my labs in between classes in the afternoon, and study for my harder classes in the evening.

Organize

Baby steps: Finally, I usually get overwhelmed thinking about a class or a semester as a whole, so I personally like taking it week by week. This allows me to reach my big goals by completing  smaller, obtainable checkpoints.

Succeed 

Reading Options

I have decided to use Narayan's Ramayana option because I feel like it will be easier to understand the story. I don't like being caught up in understanding different phrases and word choices so much that I am not able to experience the story as a whole. I plan to get a copy from Bizzell Library and use that for the semester. The characters I want to learn more about are Shiva, Rama, and Sita. I have often heard Shiva's name so I want to learn more about who he is and how he influences Indian culture. I'm also excited to learn about the love story between Rama and Sita. Their names keep being mentioned and I would like to know the whole story. 

Shiva and Arjuna

Date night with Rama and Sita

Storybook Favorites

The mysterious elephant

Himalayan Elephant: Going through the list of options, this title was one that immediately stood out to me. From the title itself, it invoked my curiosity as it sounded like a mystery story. The author did an excellent job describing the story without giving away any critical information. The author also did a fantastic job with design and layout. The site was had a mysterious undertone that prompted me to further explore. After I read the introduction, I wanted to know where Kamal and Rajim’s adventure led them, and if they ever found their mysterious Himalayan elephant.

The supreme Hindu god

Tales of Shiva: This story seemed interesting to me because Shiva is one of the most well-known gods of the Hindu religion. However, I felt as if I knew nothing about him. The introduction spoke about Shiva’s power and strength coupled with his renewal and intimacy. Although the layout was too plain for me, the imagery was made up for in the introduction. The author’s use of words was fantastic and the introduction was well written. It provided insight into who his god was and why he was considered “the supreme god” by some. I want to read more of this story because the author showed characteristics of Shiva that make him personable and interesting to learn about.

The squirrel and his rescuer 

Indian Tales as Told by Squirrel: The title itself is enough to interest the reader. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was amusingly surprised. This story is basically stories told by the viewpoint of a thousand-year-old squirrel. I enjoyed the creative concept behind it since we do have so many squirrels running around campus, and the introduction was very well written to fit the thoughts of what a squirrel might have. Overall, I think this was my favorite story. The design, layout, and images capture my attention, and the introduction provided substance to further explore.

Introduction to a Wanderer

Hello!

My name is Shifa and I am currently a senior. I am studying biology, and I hope to become an optometrist one day. I want to eventually be able to run my own clinic and be my own boss. I chose this profession because it would give me the opportunity to help a wide range of people without sacrificing my life or my family’s life. However, one of my favorite classes in college was my forensic entomology course that focused on producing a research project on the factors that affect decomposition. I loved this course because it allowed me to create and follow through with a project I had helped create. I would consider my research project one of my biggest accomplishments.

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to visit India. I spent most of my time in South India and a few days in North India. It was interesting to the huge culture difference between the two. North India was more westernized and fit more American viewpoints while South India still held true to their traditional values. On the way back, I had the opportunity to stop in the beautiful city of Doha, Qatar. The city life and the amazing Turkish food was not only a great way to end the trip, but also a wonderful experience.

Although I enjoyed being immersed in the eastern culture, I was glad to be home. I was craving Mexican food and the TV show Criminal Minds. My favorite book, which also happens to be my favorite movie, is Pride and Prejudice. I fell in love with the story, and I have not gotten tired of it. My favorite singer is Justin Timberlake and two of the more memorable movies I have seen recently are Zootopia and The Jungle Book.

I love listening to stories. Whether it is a novel or simply someone telling me about their day, I enjoy it. I could do it all day.

Forensic entomology project: This is one of our pigs that we tested the rate of decomposition on. We had six pigs applied with different decomposing variables. We would come check the insect activity twice a day and compile our finding on the effects of decomposition 

(personal photo)

Doha, Qatar: This is a panoramic of one the few pictures I took on my trip. In here, it shows how the busy city life meets the calm, quiet sea.

(personal photo)

Pride and Prejudice: I fell in love with this movie back in 2005. I later read the book and the story seemed to get better. I've read the book 20+ times and seen this movie countless times. The story is just amazing!

Pride and Prejudice

Week 1 Storytelling: The Goose

Goosey, goosey gander

Where shall I wander?

Upstairs, downstairs,

And in my lady’s chamber.

There I meet an old man

That would not say his prayers;

I took him by the left leg

And threw him downstairs

(traditional nursery rhyme)

_________________________________________________________________________________

One cold night, I was in my chamber waiting for the horrid storm to pass. It had come so suddenly that my husband and I did not have time to prepare. We were quickly able to bring the horses, cows, and our pigs into the barn to shield them from the storm. While they laid there for the night, I decided to bring my favorite goose into the house with me.

 I had raised this gander for many years now. His mother had abandoned him and he had taken a liking to me. I decided to keep him despite all the ridiculous allegations my husband makes. He is convinced the goose is evil and does not like him. He says the goose continually pecks at him. My husband went as far to say that the gander once held a knife up to my husband.

As I was thinking of these false accusations, I hear a creak outside my chamber door. It was as if something was climbing up the stairs. I assumed it was my husband as all the rest of the staff had gone home, so gave the noise no thought. My door slowly crept open but there was no one there. Suddenly, a giant thunderclap sounded and lighting illuminated my candle lit room. I gasped as I saw my gander by the door. How silly of me for acting so foolish. The goose slowly waddled forward, eyes scanning the room. It was as if he was looking for something, or someone.

            The gander finally reached where I sat at my desk by the window. He gently laid his soft head on my lap and I reached out to pet him. He looked up at me and I wondered how anyone could think such horrid things of this sweet animal. The goose stayed with me for a while and then decided to leave. He was most likely hungry and went to look for some bread crumbs under the table.

            I realized it had gotten late, and I had no idea where my husband was. I looked across the hall, the light in his study was on. I walked over to remind him to say his prayers before bed. As I bent to kiss him good night, I thought I saw a shadow pass over in a dark corner in his room. I thought it was just my eyes playing tricks on me so I thought nothing of it and returned back to my chambers.

            As I settled in, for the night, I felt an ominous presence. I could not stop thinking about that shadow I saw in the study. I reassured myself I was being ridiculous and closed my eyes to let the rain lull me to sleep. I was quickly awoken by a scream. I looked over to find my husband’s side of the bed still empty. I scrambled out of bed and rushed out into the hallway. The study door was open but it was empty. I hurried down the stairs as another lightning bolt lit up the house. I saw a body laying at the foot of the stairs. As I looked closer, I saw the face of the man I had shared a life with for more than three decades. I rushed to his motionless body with tears streaming down my face, screaming his name. As I approached closer, I saw blood gushing from his left leg. When I went to examine it, it looked like an animal bite. I couldn’t fathom the situation and frantically looked around for help. I gaze turned upward and saw my dear goosey gander staring down from the top step.

(The goose scanning the house)

_________________________________________________________________________________

Author's Note: This story was inspired by the rhyme "Goosey Goosey Gander". I was always curious about this rhyme because it seemed too dark to be created for children. The ending always made me question if the author intended the goose to be deadly. Most of this story stems from the illustration that came with the rhyme. I thought it told a lot about the story with the man hiding from the giant goose.

Bibliography: The story is based on the nursery rhyme "Goosey, Goosey, Gander" in The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang

One of my favorite places: Doha

I had the opportunity to visit Doha, Qatar for the first time this summer. This was the most beautiful city I had ever seen. The architecture of the city was incredible because it incorporated traditional influences to the modern design.  The focus on lighting seemed to be an important feature throughout the entire city, and it was gorgeously created with every building being illuminated somehow. This picture may look computer generated, but trust me, it's that impressive. Doha sits right next to the Persian Gulf so it offers the elegance of city life with an escape to the calm beaches right at your doorstep.

The city of Doha lit up at night.

Source Arabian Gazette