My Role

I have several roles. I am a woman, a daughter, a sister, a friend, etc. I am also a student in this community. As a student, I feel as if I am a role model to my siblings. I know I need to do my best and work hard so that I may pass on my work ethics and determination to others. I know that I need to learn as much as I can and work hard through my college experience so that I may get a job in the health field and make a difference by helping to save the lives of others. I am expected to be honest and not plagarize my work. I am also expected to take my education seriously and not ruin the experience for others.

Response to Panel Discussion (From Vietnam to Iraq: Parallel Conflicts?)

Since I was not scheduled to work and I had a free day I decided to attend the Community Book Connection’s panel discussion comparing and contrasting the Vietnam War to the war in Iraq. I invited my younger brother Dan, an eighteen year old non-student, to come along with me because I believed it would be of interest to him and he may learn something.

I had to pick Dan up from Randallstown and then drive back down to the Essex campus. It figures: I was running late and I forgot a notebook. I made a pit-stop at a 7-11, snagged a notebook, and was back on the beltway. I hate being late for anything, especially any type of lecture event. The idea of interrupting with a creaking door, amplified footsteps, and stumbling over seated students makes me cringe. But fortunately, slightly (*cough*) increased pressure on the gas pedal and favoring road conditions made it possible for us to arrive promptly.

Dan and I seized a pair of seats within one of the middle rows and we sat patiently through the introductions with our pens and paper at the ready. I glanced around the room and was somewhat shocked at the turnout. I didn’t expect to see as many people as I did. I wondered, “Are these people here because it is a requirement for a history course? Are they just in it for the free food following the event? Maybe this really is something important…” I was shaken from my ponderings as the first speaker began. Notes seemed like a good idea. Yes, it was time to take notes.

For the remainder of the panel discussion, I had several instances of utter confusion while Dan nodded his head in agreement after each point made. To state the obvious, I am not a history buff, by any means. I must admit: I barely made it through my high school courses on American and world history. During each of the speakers’ speeches, I struggled to comprehend the summaries of background information leading up to the wars. I wrote down as much as I could at lightning speed, but after looking back at my notes, they look more like the squiggly lines of an EKG. Good job, Erin… Note to self: Take a course in shorthand.

It wasn’t until the end of the discussion when things began to come into focus and things began to make semi-sense to me. This whole time, I had the impression that this whole war in Iraq was because the United States was trying to get back at the Iraqis for the tragedy that took place in New York on September 11, 2001. To my surprise, 9/11 had scarcely anything to do with the causation of the war. It is mainly about power and creating régimes that are friendlier with the United States.

To be completely honest, I am still incredibly confused. It was a lot of new information to process and register in an hour. When it comes to what is true about our current war situation and what are merely myths? The media is not going to tell our county the way things really are while President Bush is going to sugar-coat everything to make it seem like he is a hero and can do no wrong. I don’t believe anyone will be able to fully understand what is going on.

I am, however, glad that I attended. I now see how The Things They Carried has to do with today’s war. Dan thanked me for inviting him and said he thoroughly enjoyed the discussion. It figures that this is coming from a kid who took AP European History in high school. I wish I had half as much of an interest in history and politics as he.

Themes for Paper 2

I wasn’t sure which of these would be useful or appropriate for this assignment, so I have listed four to help increase the chance of something that fits the criteria.


1. Country Leaders
I could discuss Bush’s decisions during his term, the effects, and voice my opinions on his actions. I could interview just about anyone, but I would probably interview someone who is pro-Bush, someone not in favor of Bush, and someone neutral on the situation.

2. Gas Prices
I could discuss the rise and fall of gas prices, why they take place, where they may head in the upcoming months or years, and the effects they have on America. I could interview several people that drive and have opposing opinions or thoughts about the gas prices.

3. Personal issues / Stress
I could discuss my current struggles with school, work, and my home life. I could also cover my future goals and the stress I withstand to get to where I want to be in life. I could interview my mother (I do not live with her and she could provide her input from an outsider’s point of view), my father (I live with him, and he sees what goes on for the little time I am at home. He is also the one pushing me to do well), and one of my friends (My friends hear all, and know more about what’s going on than anyone else).

4. Effects of the Media
I am not really sure how to relate this to BB, but this is a broad theme. I could cover the issues that could be caused by the media, such as drug and alcohol use, school shootings, and eating disorders. I could interview both a boy and girl of a younger age, as well as a man and woman of an older age group for their opinions, thoughts, concerns, etc.

List

- Gas prices
Before gas prices began to fall, it would cost me $60 to fill my tank.

- Job struggles
I wish I could be working somewhere I could be making more money. I am currently semi-disatisfied.

- College education
I struggle to find a balance between school and what is left of my life, which isn't much when one factors in time spent working and doing homework.

- Raids
My little sister raids my room.

- False assumptions
Rarely are first impressions of me ever accurate.

- No water
I never have enough hot water after my Stepmom hogs it all.

- The role of women
Wrestling is more of a male-dominant sport; however, I went Pudding Wrestling a few weeks ago.

- Electricity
BGE prices have sky-rocketed.

- Lack of sleep
I rarely get enough sleep.

- Looting
My little sister ransacks my room on a weekly basis and makes off with my clothes, makeup, etc.

- Explosions
My laptop could explode because the battery was recalled and I haven't replaced it.


I've realized that the majority of her topics and/or conflicts revolve around politics.

Conclusion: I have gained a better appreciation for adjectives!

When I arrived to her house, my mother sat on the loveseat brushing baby food from her blouse. When she glanced up at me, her eyes picked up the sunlight streaming through the window and made them shine like diamonds.

Me: Hey, Mom. How has your day been?
Mom: Tiring. Leland kept me busy today, as usual. How is school?
Me: Not too bad. Actually, I have an English assignment to interview someone. Would you like to be my interviewee?
Mom: Sure, sweetie. Whenever you’re ready. But let’s go out on the deck so we’re not too loud.

She rocked forward to her feet and snatched her cigarettes off of the counter on her way out the door. She leaned forward against the deck and crossed her legs behind her.

Me: Uh, where should I start? What kinds of things did Grandmom do before and after she had you?

She struck a match and took a drag. Her eyes looked up at the sky as if the answer was written amongst the clouds.

Mom: Well, you remember her telling you stories about how she used to work on airplanes when she was a little younger than you, right? A true Rosie the Riveter, she was. And then after she had my brothers and me, she dedicated her life to raising us.
Me: Do you think she was ever held back from going out and getting a job while she raised the five of you?
Mom: I wouldn’t say so. I don’t think she wanted to work again. There were, after all, five of us. She definitely had her hands full. Besides, your Grandfather worked fulltime to support the family.

She pulled up a chair and nodded to suggest I sit with her.

Me: Right. So, was there anything you felt held back from before you got married?
Mom: Not that I can think of.
Me: You worked when you were married, didn’t you?
Mom: Yes, I worked as a secretary at a Lawn Doctor up until after Danny was born.
Me: It was your choice, right?
Mom: Completely. I wanted to make myself useful and be social. I loved you kids to death, but I hated being stuck in the house all of the time. I needed that break. I couldn’t imagine if I didn’t work during that time.

The sun broke through the clouds and illuminated her hair like chocolate. Her skin shimmered like the sea. She took another drag and it seeped from her mouth like molasses.

Me: I know after the divorce you had no choice but to hold down a few jobs to support us. Did you have any difficulty finding jobs?
Mom: Not with my experience in office management.
Me: Hm, I am trying to think of how to word this. Would you say that the majority of the people with your skills are males or females?
Mom: Probably females. It is most stereotypical, anyway, to think of a female working in offices and cubicals.

She lifted her hand and held it parallel to the sky.

Me: Wow, this is getting long, and I am not sure if I’m even doing what I am supposed to. I will try to wrap it up and get to the point. In general, do you feel that women contribute as equally as men?

She sat up in her chair and readjusted her skirt.

Mom: Work-wise? Although men dominate the physical labor departments of the workforce, females most-likely dominate secretaries, nursing, beauticians, and such jobs like that. Overall, men still probably win because there are still mothers that insist on being homemakers and never returning to work. Did I answer your question?

She squinted while awaiting my response.

Me: I think so, but I don’t think I was supposed to aim this mainly toward work. So, hm. Is there anything, as a woman, you would feel you would not be able to do if you really wanted to?
Mom: I don’t believe so. Nothing has stopped me yet.
Me: Thanks, Mom.
Mom: Anytime, Airbear. I hope I gave you the answers you were looking for.
Me: Me too.

She hugged like a bear and pecked my cheek with her lips like a bird.