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ORIGINAL GOALS For 603 FIRST SEMESTER:

1. Time management.

It is even stressed in the actual course's goals. I share this goal completely. I'm always procrastinating. Whether I get some sort of thrill from this last minute rushing or I'm just plain lazy, I know I am stressed beyond words at this moment. All of my assignments are starting to collide at the end of these weeks, and I realize that if I had managed my time better, knowing I had two tests, a quiz, and a project due and getting a head start all the way around, I would not be fretting.

2. Articulate my thoughts

I've always truly admired the individual who could construct the perfect sentence that embodies their emotions and intentions in the most simplistic package. My ideal of articulating my thoughts is not to ramble on and use large words and superfluous language. It could be as simple as "I can run" if that in and of itself is exactly what I wanted to convey. I have a feeling with the class discussions I will be able to hone on these talents.

3. Gain worldly knowledge

I want to know more about philosophy and the mechanisms of the creative mind. I have a vague grasp on it now, but not nearly enough to have a meaningful two-way conversation with somebody that knows what he/she is talking about.

4. READ!

I hardly read. It used to interest me greatly, but with the advent of the internet I find myself spending time reading through gossip blogs and sensationalized up-to-the-minute news. This is not "reading." I want to get into the habit of AND enjoy reading books. I want it to come naturally, and I want to incite a sort of passion for it. I don't see how I would be surviving the next years in college without having a little fun while doing my assignments.

5. Get to know everyone

I really am fascinated by the way people think. The motivations and the rationale of my classmates really intrigues me. Since we are in this classroom setting for so long, I might as well get involved with my peers' lives, worries, concerns, and aspirations. I don't necessarily plan on hanging out with all of them or going to parties—that's just not my nature. I'm more concerned with taking advantage of an observation opportunity where I can learn from their knowledge and emotions as well.

6. Have fun!

I don't want this to be another boring college class. I want to throw myself into the readings and assignments as sort of a creative challenge. I want this to be fun.

MIDTERM Revised GOALS For 603

1. Be open-minded:

This new goal is almost a silly thing to request because open-mindedness comes from thinking beyond restrictions and in a way, goals. However, I feel this is the only way that I can be successful in the following goals. I originally thought of them as a necessity, something that I should accomplish, but that was very stressful, especially when I was not succeeding. When I don't automatically succeed, I give up. Therefore, none of my goals were being attended to. If, I however, set these goals as guidelines, and remain open-minded to new goals and ways of approaching my already listed goals, I think I will be happier with the results.

2. Time management.

My procrastination will be the end of me. Though I'm under the impression that I work better under pressure, I know full well my life would be so much easier if I started EVERYTHING earlier. Doing assignments a the last minute is not only horrible for my nerves, but also horrible for the quality of my projects.

2. Articulate my thoughts

I feel that our discussions have helped a lot with this. I am looking forward to next semester and hope that our Evolution/Intelligent design talks will give me a chance to work on my public speaking.

3. Be open to NEW Knowledge (Formally Gain worldly knowledge)

Though I AM open to new knowledge, I am not seeking it!!! How am I going to ever learn something new if I just sit around doing the minimum for all of my classes?? Come on Noël!

4. READ (REVISED: BUT DON'T FORCE IT!!!)

This is the biggest failure of the semester. While I did read our books, and I did do many of the journal assignments, I did no reading on my own free time. That is ridiculous! I need to train myself to appreciate reading in my spare time, and also find a way to not fall asleep in the process.

5. Get to know people (Formally Get to know everyone)

I really am fascinated by the way people think. The motivations and the rationale of my classmates really intrigues me. Since we are in this classroom setting for so long, I might as well get involved with my peers lives, worries, concerns, and aspirations. I don't necessarily plan on hanging out with all of them or going to parties– that's not my nature. I'm more concerned with taking advantage of an observation opportunity where I can learn from their knowledge and emotions as well.

6. Have fun! (BUT DON'T FORCE IT!

I don't want this to be another boring college class. I want to throw myself into the readings and assignments as sort of a creative challenge. I want this to be fun.

FINAL Revised GOALS For 603--- FOR THE NEXT SEMESTER??

1. Be open-minded:

I wrote this goal in order to stay flexible with achieving my goals. Honestly, being open-minded ended up equating to be lazy. I know full well that goals need to be flexible. Writing it out just made it easier for me to be neglectful.

2. Time management.

2. Articulate my thoughts

3. Be open to NEW Knowledge (Formally Gain worldly knowledge)

Though I AM open to new knowledge, I am not seeking it!!! How am I going to ever learn something new if I just sit around doing the minimum for all of my classes?? Come on Noël!

4. READ (REVISED: BUT DON'T FORCE IT!!!)

5. Get to know people (Formally Get to know everyone)

I have gotten to know a few people. Which is good, that is simply what my goal dictated originally. However, I have not made any substantial connections with people. I would revise this goal to CONNECT with people for the next semester. I love being a bystander and learning about people from the sidelines, but now it's time to interact with them. It's actually a scary new goal.

6. Have fun! (BUT DON'T FORCE IT!

I'm doing this, slowly but surely. I think I need to do the things that make me happy, even if their reclusive activities. I shouldn't force myself to hang out with people in conventional college settings if it isn't fun.