Your first assignment is to post a little about yourself here on this page. (Look below where is says "Leave a Comment").
Tell us about your educational goals, your future ambitions, and something about your life. Why are you taking this class, and what do you hope to gain from it? What have been your favorite classes and why?
Next, once you've done the reading for Unit 1, you’ll post your reading responses as comments on the "Reading Responses" page located in the menu above. After you’ve posted a response, you will reply and comment on other students' comments as well. Think of this as a kind of virtual classroom.
I will read all of your comments and post your grades in BlackBoard. Feel free to comment on other students’ posts to say hello and ask questions. This is the place to get to know each other.
This first assignment will be worth 20 points.
Here's a little bit about me:
My name is Christie, and I grew up in rural Oregon. I graduated with a history/writing degree from Oregon State University (go Beavs!) and then lived in Aberdeen, Scotland for three years, where I studied creative writing (and Scotch) at St. Andrews University. I left Scotland to move to Fairbanks, AK (thankfully, on the same latitudinal line, so I was used to the dark), where I completed a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from UAF. I am currently preparing a collection of short stories for publication, and writing a novel (when I'm not teaching, that is).
I enjoy all forms of outdoor activity (hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting) but my real passion is hot spring soaking. My favorite thing to do on a long weekend is hike into a remote pool, and soak for a couple of days under the stars. In Alaska, my favorite spot is Tolovana (though the ten mile ski-in will kick your butt), and in Oregon I love Hart Mountain, where friendly antelope will chew holes in your clothes if you're not careful.
I have a nine-year-old son, Gus, who enjoys making weapons out of things he finds on his dinner plate, feigning death in public places, and building dog-propelled vehicles with our boxer, named Luke.
veronica
My name is Veronica, I was born in El Salvador, I moved to Alaska in 2002. I graduated from high school in 2005, I’ve been taking a class here and there ever since. I had my first child in 2009 and my second child in 2013. I lived in Indiana for three years (2012-2015) where I was a full time stay home mom. I moved back to Alaska with my two kids in November of 2015. I started working full time right away and decided to get back in school as well. I got my CNA license a little over two year ago, and got a job at a long term care. I worked with elderly people who suffered from dementia for about a year, moved into a different position within the hospital. I loved what I did and everything I learned, but I decided to take the opportunities that were offered to me. I still work as a CNA, but it is more of a clinic setting. I love my job, I’ve got to learn so much and meet some amazing people along the way.
I’m taking this class as a pre-requirement for nursing, I’m hopping this class will re-enforce my knowledge and teach me some new things that would be useful for my future. I hope to do well to continue my way to finish my career.
My favorite time is summer, I love the warm weather, the sunlight (not at night), being able to have bbq’s and stay outside. I love spending quality time with my beautiful kids and my family. I enjoy food, I love trying new things and would love fly around the world, experience new culture, and to taste food from all over the world.
James W.
Hello, my name is James. I am originally from Iowa, however I have been all over the US with the Army (Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia, Hawaii and now Alaska.) My wife and I have really enjoyed everything that we have gotten to see on our travels, even when they take us in different directions at times (she is also military). I was trained as a x-ray tech through the military, and was an x-ray tech for 7 years before I went through OCS and took a commission as a Quartermaster Officer. My current goals are to get back into the medical field, where my true passions are; hopefully getting accepted into the military’s PA program in March of next year.
I really enjoy everything outdoors, we have spent almost every weekend out camping or hiking since the beginning of April; some call us brave, but I think were just more stubborn than anything else. I have also recently competing in triathlons, so I spend most of my free time during the week training for that.
We have no kids, with no current plans for any. However we have a black lab named Sirius (yes were big harry potter fans) who goes everywhere with us.
Sarah Sanders
Hello, my name is Sarah. I’m a life-long Alaskan, 0-10 yrs were spent in Seward down on the Kenai Peninsula. My family moved to Fairbanks in ’94 and has been here ever since.
I’ve got 4 daughters and was a stay at home mom for roughly 10 yrs. I started taking pre-req classes for nursing a couple years ago and then got side-tracked with getting a job and getting divorced. My goal is to get my BSN and this class is one of the mileposts along the way. I’m not quite sure what field of nursing I’d like to work in; I think it’d be pretty cool to be a flight nurse.
Other than work, school and children my favorite thing to do is Crossfit and watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.
Moira O'Bryant
Hi! My name is Moira O’Bryant. I grew up in California, just outside of Oakland. On an impulse, I moved to Alaska in January 2016. The adjustment period during my first year here was rough. Now that I’ve gotten the hang of Alaska-ing, there is no other place I would rather be.
Initially, I was studying Psychology and planned on becoming a psychiatric nurse. One thing lead to the next and I found myself at the UAF Fire Academy, where I received my firefighter certification and went on to add a second major to my degree. Although I love psychology, I plan on pursing a career in fire prevention. My short term goal is to earn full-time position as a fire inspector. My long term goal is to make my way up the ranks to becoming a fire marshal.
I am taking this class because it is required for graduation and somehow I made it to senior standing without ever taking it. Finally, it’s caught up to me and I can’t enroll in the last few classes I need without completing this course as a prerequisite.
Scott Chaddon Jr
My name is Scott Chaddon Jr. I am from Fairbanks, Alaska, born and raised. I am a returning student to the UAF after having to withdraw back in 2010. This is technically my second semester back, but this is the first writing course that I’ve taken in a while. I am going for my BA in Justice (with a minor in Physics), and a BS in Biochemistry. I intend on getting into the forensic sciences and hope to start a forensic lab here in Fairbanks with my cousin. I currently work part-time at a grocery store to make the bills while I’m taking classes.
I enjoy playing and running table-top role-playing games, watching sci-fi and anime, as well as going on the occasional hike (when I can find the time).
I am taking this course as a prerequisite for my degrees, and so that I may learn how to properly write for my chosen fields (You can’t write a good thesis without the basics).
My favourite classes so far, since returning to the University, have been Chemistry 105 and Introduction to Acting. The chemistry class was a great challenge and was taught well, and the Acting course was generally fun and let me be imaginative.
Ryan Hoskins-Chaddon
Greetings and salutations! My name is Ryan Hoskins-Chaddon and I am 33 years old. I was born and grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska and I am really enjoying coming back to school. When I graduated high school I received the UA Scholars Award and jumped into college, attempting a Mathematics degree. Unfortunately, I did not complete the degree and I let my award lapse. I spent time living life; holding jobs of all sorts, exploring my interests, and making long-term plans. So I return to to university to achieve B.S.’s in Physics and Chemistry. In the process I’ll attain minors in Mathematics, Justice, and probably Engineering depending on what my adviser and I plan. The minor in Justice is the only one planned, the rest are happenstance.
My overall goal is to work for my M.S. in Forensic Sciences in either Davis, CA, or in Virginia. Both have their benefits but I am really hoping to attend at Davis. Davis is close enough to home that I would be able to come back for the holidays and is far enough away to be a whole new experience. Afterwards I will come back and start a lab with my cousin, Scott, and reassess educational goals. This class will help me in all of these goals, teaching skills that will help my research, theses, and lab reports so I am really looking forward to learning what I can here.
In my free time I enjoy playing games of all kinds, watch anime, and go outdoors to camp, fish, and hunt. I don’t have any particular place that I like the most. As long as there is something to do I am happy.
It is nice to meet you all and I hope we can all be an asset to each other.
Jasmine Boyd
My name is Jasmine, I was born in Long Beach, CA. I am a mother to two little girls (4 & 2), an army spouse and a veteran. My family and I have lived in Alaska since August 2015; Fort Wainwright was my second duty station (Fort Hood, TX was my first). I left the Army in August 2017 and jumped right into school; I’m pursuing a degree in nursing. I’m a freshman and UAF
I’m definitely a city girl but I love a daily jog outside, I also enjoy baking very much as well as spending time with my family. I very recently decided to take my children out of daycare and keep them home. While in the service my children spent 13 hours a day at daycare; leaving me feeling more like a part time parent. So, I appreciate finally being in the position to be more hands on with them.
Manny C
My name is Manny and I am 30 years old. Originally from central California, my wife and I moved to Fairbanks to be closer to her family. I have two children and two yellow labs that keep me busy while at home. I have worked in healthcare for the past five years and am undecided in pursuing a career in either nursing or as a PA. This is the first class I have taken in over ten years! English and writing have always been enjoyable to me, so I picked this class to restart my educational journey with something I would look forward to participating in.
Alaskan summers are my favorite. I didn’t grow up a fisherman, but I have found a love for the sport and take every opportunity to do so. I often wear my Xtratufs to work and have my pole and tackle in the truck just in case an opportunity presents itself. My family and I look forward to frequent camping trips and chasing the salmon runs all summer long.
Pleased to meet all of you, and looking forward to a good class.
Kaleigh Sparks
Hello! my name is Kaleigh Sparks. I am 19 years old and I am from Fairbanks Alaska. I graduated from high school last year and now I am working on getting a degree in Nursing. I have been a Certified Nursing Assistant for almost a year now at the Denali Center.
I am taking this class because it is a prerequisite for nursing. But I’m excited to be taking this class because I enjoy English classes and hope to learn lots in this class.
I love the summers because I love getting outside and doing really anything that involves the sunshine. I also love playing soccer and have been playing soccer since the 3rd grade.
Kimberly Ulery
Hello! My name is Kimberly Ulery and I was born and raised in Nenana, Alaska, which is about an hour south of Fairbanks. Currently I live in Wasilla, but plan on moving to a small community soon, as I’m transferring jobs and want to be closer to family. Currently, I am working as a Community Health Aide. My educational goals are to finish my AAS Degree this summer, and to then move on to a Bachelor’s in Science. Ultimately I want to work in the medical field, but haven’t fully decided if I want to go through the PA program offered in Alaska, or go to Medical School. I have one daughter whom is almost 2, and another that is due to be born this August.
I am taking this class because it is a pre-requisite for my AAS degree. I hope this class helps me to better develop my writing skills, and to ultimately be a better writer and reader at the end of this course. My favorite classes have been my Community Health Aide classes, which are in-person classes that last a month and are basically a crash course in primary care medicine. I’m excited to get started in this class, and wish the best of luck to all of you!
Christian Williams
Hello all! My name is Christian Williams and I am originally from Surprise, AZ, but my family moved up to Anchorage with the Air Force 16 years ago. Currently I am a Junior and studying Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I think I want to work in a field that will help out our planet, so I’m moving in a direction to accomplish that. Along with my major, I have completed my minor in Spanish as of last semester when I finished my favorite class, Cultures of Spain. Currently in my life aside from being a full-time student, I really enjoy taking my dog on hikes, hanging out with my friends, and riding my motorcycle.
Looking at why I am taking this class, I believe that it is the best class to take that will help me do better in my future, higher level biology and chemistry classes. I look to get better at writing in general and how it relates to the sciences. So far my favorite classes have been chemistry and Spanish, mostly because I have been doing well in them. Hard to dislike things you are good at. All in all, I’m really looking forward to my future biology classes because the General Biology Classes here have been so broad and getting into specialized classes is really exciting.
Good luck to everyone in the class and here’s to a fun summer course,
Christian
Marissa King
Hello everyone!! My name is Marissa King and I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. I am 21 years old and graduated from Monroe Catholic High School. I will be starting my senior year this Fall and am pursuing a degree in nursing! I plan on going to nursing school in either Arizona, California, Portland, or Colorado. I am retaking this class to raise my GPA because my first semester in college I lost my brother and did not finish the semester well. I also lost my best friend 2 years ago, so here I am again. I decided to rescue a companion, Prince who is a lab/rottweiler mix and it was the best decision I’ve made. He brings me so much comfort and joy and I couldn’t be happier. I love to go fishing, four-wheeling and absolutely love being at the lake with my family. I am looking forward to this class and getting to know everyone. Lets have a great summer semester!
Isabella Darrah
Hi everyone! My name is Isabella. Here at UAF I am pursuing a degree in psychology. I want my future career to allow me to continue working as a mental health advocate. I plan to continue graduate studies in the pacific northwest, where most of my family resides. For now I really enjoy living in Alaska because of its ever-surprising conditions. I love all of the low energy outdoor activities that are offered here: river floating, long/pennyboarding, exploring new spots. I also like difficult hikes and complaining the entire time. During this summer semester I’m working as a field and lab technician at a geotechnical engineering consultants firm.The most common scientific writing I do is observations at construction sites, so I look forward to advancing my skills in this class.
Chelsea Barnett
Hello! My name is Chelsea and I am a lifelong Alaskan! I was born in Anchorage and lived there up until this past year which I spent up in Fairbanks to go to UAF. I am a sophomore and I am studying Natural Resource Management. I hope to one day become a park ranger and work on conservation. I hope that with my career I will also be able to travel and work all around the world.
I am mostly just taking this class to satisfy my degree requirements but I hope that this class will help strengthen my writing skills and make me feel more confident in my ability to write successfully.
In my free time I like watching Netflix, hiking, hammocking, camping, and spending time with my friends.
I am looking forward to these next few weeks and getting to know you all!
Alex
Hello,
My name is Alex. I am majoring in computer engineering at UAF. I have lived in Fairbanks all of my life. I probably will not stay in Alaska for long after I graduate. I want to live someplace that is not so dark and cold durning winter. This summer my plans are completing this class, work, and enjoying the summer while it lasts. For my job, I mainly help take care of reindeer (not UAF’s reindeer). I also help out with whatever project needs doing. The other week I was pouring concrete for a retaining wall. That was actually pretty fun. Overall my job is a lot of fun. It has given me expirence in a lot of things – that have nothing to do with my degree – I never thought I would have. Like working with reindeer.
Jasmine Reich
Hi all, my name is Jasmine Reich. I currently am attending class from Barrow, Alaska, and have lived in Barrow for the most part since I was 2 years old. I am half-way complete with an Associate’s Degree in Allied Health from my local community college, but I’m taking summer classes with UAF because my school doesn’t typically offer a wide variety of summer courses. However, my passion is nursing. We don’t have a nursing program up here, and I would have to move out of Barrow to pursue this, which isn’t an option right now, so Allied Health it is! I have a 5-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter whom I love with all my being. I enjoy watching them grow into awesome, hilarious creatures. I’m doing my best to finish school in a hurry for them, and I’m extremely excited for this course because I love reading and writing. I hope you all have a wonderful summer semester!
Ruby
My name is Ruby Anvil. I grew up in Bethel, Alaska so that’s where I completed almost all of high school. I moved to Palmer, Alaska after my junior year and graduated as a Palmer Moose rather than a Bethel Warrior. After graduation I was accepted to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and made my was to Fairbanks. Once there, through a series of unfortunate events, my plans for college became delayed and I found myself with two jobs and my first apartment. Two years later I moved back to my hometown after discovering that I was pregnant with my first child, Mariava. Once back in Bethel I started working at the Kuskokwim Campus and decided that since I was already hanging out at the college I could begin working on furthering my education.
My educational goal is to attend medical school and ultimately earn a career as a forensic pathologist. Before I take that step I plan to get a degree in nursing so that on my way through the steps of premed and med school I will be able to support myself and my daughter. I have made it through two semesters of college so far, so I have a long way to go still. My first semester I didn’t really have interesting courses, they were basic classes that just needed to get out of the way. Even though my daughter was born in the middle of the semester I made it through and happily onto my second semester where my favorite class was Introduction to Creative Writing. In that class we wrote two poems, two short stories, and one creative nonfiction essay and did work shops for everything except the creative nonfiction essay. The best part of that course was definitely the workshops. Don’t get me wrong, having full control over whatever you wanted to write about was great but I think hearing how others interpreted your work was absolutely amazing. It was an eyeopener to different ideas and bettering yourself as a writer.
I spend a lot of time outside, especially in the summer. I do a lot of fishing in the summer and a lot of hunting in the winter. Summertime means its time for fishcamp, where we process the fish. Subsistence living is not just a way of life but its extremely fun way to spend time with family. When I’m not working, schooling, and doing our subsistence processing with my family I do a lot of crafting. I prefer crocheting more than anything. My current project is a blanket for my daughters first birthday this year.
I am taking this class because it is a corequisite for entry into nursing school. I had the option of taking WRTG 211 of WRTG 213. I chose WRTG 213 because I felt it was more relevant of a writing course to all steps towards my degrees. Not only that but it is preferred by the school of nursing. I hope to gain exposure to broader aspects of the scientific community as well as further developing my skills as a writer.