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Friday, June 5, 2009
All about me-portfolio
Hello,
My name is Scott and I am a 43-year-old college student trying to find my way through life’s obstacles. I am in the process of finishing my first quarter here at Everett Community College and I have definitely forgotten how difficult and time-consuming school can be since I graduated in 1985 (24 years ago) from Edmonds High School.
I am a father to four beautiful and feisty girls, who much like their mother, like to test me daily and know how the eye roll and the sweet “Daddy” works on me, most of the time anyway. My family has been supportive of my return to school, and my girls never miss an opportunity to look at me with the biggest and brightest smiles that they could possibly ever have and say, “daddy have you done YOUR homework today?” In all honesty, I will never again complain about listening to my children complain about their homework, the dread of this has most definitely come back to me. Having to set a good example for my children though I certainly cannot let them know I do not particularly like doing homework, rather I put on a smile and make sure they see me studying hard.
I came to this point in my life by accident, literally. I was involved in a horrible falling accident at work, which has prevented me from continuing my career as a HVAC Master Service Tech. This is most unfortunate for me because I enjoyed my work very much and I was exceptionally good at it. It took a lot of hard of hard work, effort, and dedication for me to reach the level in my career in which I was at, but my body just simply cannot handle the physical demands required to perform many of the functions of the job. I have always known that life has its ways of throwing curve balls that at times can require one to make major changes in their life, and I have had no other choice but to accept the fact that I have been thrown a curve ball! I thank God that things did not end up being worse than what they are and I try my hardest to stay positive.
Having to start an entirely new career now, moving into something that my body will be able to physically handle, with no doubt meant that I had to go back to school for something. After weeks of reading through materials from different local colleges and online, 3D Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD struck my interests the most so I enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Tech – Computer Aided Design (CAD) Program at Everett Community College to obtain my Associate in Technical Arts Degree and a new challenging journey for me has begun.
With all honesty, when I say my journey will be “challenging”, oh boy do I ever mean it! The reason being, I am completely computer illiterate! Yes, you really read that correctly, I am computer illiterate, but I have always loved a good challenge and with this one, I will certainly have my work cut out for me. Additionally, although I consider myself a well-educated man, I tend to get a bit nervous when anticipating some of the tasks that will most likely be required for a job in this field. The one task I worry most about is “written communication”. Exactly how much of this will be required? I have excellent verbal communication skills, but my writing skills have always been marginal at best. In fact, the last time I really ever had to do much writing (of any kind) was back in high school, I am currently in English 98, and this class has certainly changed that for me!
I am actually glad that English turned out to be one of my very first classes because I am leaving here not only with more knowledge, but I now understand the great importance in having the ability to write well. Although I have had some struggles along the way, mainly with the use of the comma, I have improved with things like cutting down on the use of “you” when I write. Overall, I truly believe this class has taught me to be a better reader, listener, and most importantly, a better writer. It has certainly given me the self-confidence and desire to continue with advancing in my writing.
For this portfolio, I have chosen four of my writing pieces that I enjoyed writing the most. The first piece is a major writing assignment titled “Ethical Standards in Business”. I personally believe that people in certain professions should be held to higher standards, and that is the focus of this paper. My second writing piece is an effective writing example in which I titled “Poker”. In this piece, I discuss the play of Texas–Hold Em and close with how I have a love for the game myself. “Hand Guns at Issue”, my third piece that I have chosen to present here, is an analytical writing that discusses the controversial topic of handguns, and as a pro-gun advocate myself I provided my two cents as well. For my final writing piece, a writer’s choice paper, I chose a blog I wrote on my Service Learning Project. This piece depicts the difference in contrast of my attitude from the beginning of this project to present.
My name is Scott and I am a 43-year-old college student trying to find my way through life’s obstacles. I am in the process of finishing my first quarter here at Everett Community College and I have definitely forgotten how difficult and time-consuming school can be since I graduated in 1985 (24 years ago) from Edmonds High School.
I am a father to four beautiful and feisty girls, who much like their mother, like to test me daily and know how the eye roll and the sweet “Daddy” works on me, most of the time anyway. My family has been supportive of my return to school, and my girls never miss an opportunity to look at me with the biggest and brightest smiles that they could possibly ever have and say, “daddy have you done YOUR homework today?” In all honesty, I will never again complain about listening to my children complain about their homework, the dread of this has most definitely come back to me. Having to set a good example for my children though I certainly cannot let them know I do not particularly like doing homework, rather I put on a smile and make sure they see me studying hard.
I came to this point in my life by accident, literally. I was involved in a horrible falling accident at work, which has prevented me from continuing my career as a HVAC Master Service Tech. This is most unfortunate for me because I enjoyed my work very much and I was exceptionally good at it. It took a lot of hard of hard work, effort, and dedication for me to reach the level in my career in which I was at, but my body just simply cannot handle the physical demands required to perform many of the functions of the job. I have always known that life has its ways of throwing curve balls that at times can require one to make major changes in their life, and I have had no other choice but to accept the fact that I have been thrown a curve ball! I thank God that things did not end up being worse than what they are and I try my hardest to stay positive.
Having to start an entirely new career now, moving into something that my body will be able to physically handle, with no doubt meant that I had to go back to school for something. After weeks of reading through materials from different local colleges and online, 3D Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD struck my interests the most so I enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Tech – Computer Aided Design (CAD) Program at Everett Community College to obtain my Associate in Technical Arts Degree and a new challenging journey for me has begun.
With all honesty, when I say my journey will be “challenging”, oh boy do I ever mean it! The reason being, I am completely computer illiterate! Yes, you really read that correctly, I am computer illiterate, but I have always loved a good challenge and with this one, I will certainly have my work cut out for me. Additionally, although I consider myself a well-educated man, I tend to get a bit nervous when anticipating some of the tasks that will most likely be required for a job in this field. The one task I worry most about is “written communication”. Exactly how much of this will be required? I have excellent verbal communication skills, but my writing skills have always been marginal at best. In fact, the last time I really ever had to do much writing (of any kind) was back in high school, I am currently in English 98, and this class has certainly changed that for me!
I am actually glad that English turned out to be one of my very first classes because I am leaving here not only with more knowledge, but I now understand the great importance in having the ability to write well. Although I have had some struggles along the way, mainly with the use of the comma, I have improved with things like cutting down on the use of “you” when I write. Overall, I truly believe this class has taught me to be a better reader, listener, and most importantly, a better writer. It has certainly given me the self-confidence and desire to continue with advancing in my writing.
For this portfolio, I have chosen four of my writing pieces that I enjoyed writing the most. The first piece is a major writing assignment titled “Ethical Standards in Business”. I personally believe that people in certain professions should be held to higher standards, and that is the focus of this paper. My second writing piece is an effective writing example in which I titled “Poker”. In this piece, I discuss the play of Texas–Hold Em and close with how I have a love for the game myself. “Hand Guns at Issue”, my third piece that I have chosen to present here, is an analytical writing that discusses the controversial topic of handguns, and as a pro-gun advocate myself I provided my two cents as well. For my final writing piece, a writer’s choice paper, I chose a blog I wrote on my Service Learning Project. This piece depicts the difference in contrast of my attitude from the beginning of this project to present.
Introduction to Piece One
First I chose my major writing assignment “Ethical Standards in Business”, written on April 24, 2009. This paper will show the use of the dreaded comma and the nonuse of “you”. “Holding people in certain professions to a higher standard is establishing the tone to creating the “greater good” for all people”.
Ethical Standards in Business
Holding people in certain professions to a higher standard is establishing the tone to creating the “greater good” for all people. People in certain professions should be held to higher standards of responsibility and legal accountability. For instance, if a reporter makes a wrong statement, it can be fairly easy to correct; however if a doctor/health care worker makes an error it can be a disaster.
The effects of a reporter’s false comments could cause some embarrassment or even complicate a person’s life, But words and statements can be altered to make things right. Usually the publication will settle with a monetary fine and a public apology statement, setting the situation right.
An error at the hands of a healthcare worker is one that is irreversible in many instances. This can result in a malpractice lawsuit or even the loss of the right to practice medicine. Major errors in the healthcare field are not only disturbing to those who hear of such situations through media publications, but it affects the lives of those who are directly involved with the one who has died or left impaired.
Of course, in any profession, there is going to be some amount of human error; this will never change because no human being is perfect. However, that is not to say that errors on one person’s part should happen with any frequency.
Professions that require more legal accountability and responsibility also require more education. These professionals are more knowledgeable than the average person in their respective fields and therefore more qualified to handle the tasks that the position hands them. Nobody would want just anyone performing open heart surgery on them; they would want a board certified surgeon who they know has obtained the required degree(s) and has spent the time working in the medical field. Although no one can force a person to be ethical or moral, if they do the requirements that are called for, they can enter into a profession such as the medical field.
Ultimately, the moral worth of actions or practices is determined by their consequences
The effects of a reporter’s false comments could cause some embarrassment or even complicate a person’s life, But words and statements can be altered to make things right. Usually the publication will settle with a monetary fine and a public apology statement, setting the situation right.
An error at the hands of a healthcare worker is one that is irreversible in many instances. This can result in a malpractice lawsuit or even the loss of the right to practice medicine. Major errors in the healthcare field are not only disturbing to those who hear of such situations through media publications, but it affects the lives of those who are directly involved with the one who has died or left impaired.
Of course, in any profession, there is going to be some amount of human error; this will never change because no human being is perfect. However, that is not to say that errors on one person’s part should happen with any frequency.
Professions that require more legal accountability and responsibility also require more education. These professionals are more knowledgeable than the average person in their respective fields and therefore more qualified to handle the tasks that the position hands them. Nobody would want just anyone performing open heart surgery on them; they would want a board certified surgeon who they know has obtained the required degree(s) and has spent the time working in the medical field. Although no one can force a person to be ethical or moral, if they do the requirements that are called for, they can enter into a profession such as the medical field.
Ultimately, the moral worth of actions or practices is determined by their consequences
Introduction to Piece Two
My second major writing assignment is my choice for an example of effective writing skills, it was first written April 29, 2009. I chose to write to an audience of beginning poker players. This piece is written in a clear voice that will take the reader through the step by step play of Texas Hold Em.
Poker
Poker “A card game played by two or more persons, in which the players bet on the value of their hands, the winner taking the pool” (Dictionary.com 2009).
Texas Hold 'Em is undoubtedly the most popular and complex poker game being played around the world today. Both men and women alike are spending countless hours attempting to master the game. The many variables of the game include poker knowledge, betting practices, mathematical odds, and pure luck, making it a game that cannot be mastered.
Poker knowledge of the four suits of cards and basic hand combinations is required to know when playing. The suits are as follows: diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs; 2 through ace; ace being the highest. A player also needs to know the winning order of hands, which are as followed:
• High Card - whoever’s card is the highest. 2 to the ace.
• Pairs – two cards the same (2, 2)
• Two pair- two pairs of cards the same (5, 5 & 7, 7)
• Three of A Kind – three cards the same (8, 8, 8)
• Straight - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in any suit
• Flush - Any five cards of the same suit
• Full house - Three cards the same 7, 7, 7, and two others the same 5, 5
• Four of A Kind - A, A, A, A
• Straight Flush - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 all of the same suit
• Royal Straight - 10, J, Q, K, A, of any suit
• Royal Straight Flush - 10, J, Q, K, A, all of the same suit
The basics for the play of Texas Hold 'Em include the following:
Two cards are dealt face down to each player (known as a players hole cards), followed by the first round of betting. After the first round of betting is complete, the first three community cards are dealt face up (called the flop), followed by the second round of betting. Next, the fourth community card is dealt face up (called the turn or fourth street), followed by the third round of betting. Finally, the fifth community card is dealt face up (called the river or fifth street), followed by the fourth and final round of betting. A player can use any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards to create the best possible five card hand” (Answers.com 2009).
When starting the game with 52 cards in the deck the odds and betting will change with each card dealt, along with the number of players starting the hand, and the number of players in the hand after the flop, the turn, and river. This makes the computation of figuring odds an infinite number. The length of time it takes for someone actually to become skilled at betting practices combined with figuring mathematical odds is of course different for everyone, but there are many great books, articles, and websites available to help a person with learning anything from the most basic skills, techniques, and strategies to the most advanced of these.
Despite the fundamental knowledge of the game and the mathematical knowledge of odds, the element of luck is always present. For instance, any new player could sit at the same table with a skilled player and at the end of the game, due to dumb luck, be just as successful as the seasoned player is, for that particular game anyway.
Here is an example:
Scott and Phebe are in a Texas Hold 'Em game and the other four players at the table fold before the flop leaving the two to battle. Phebe is dealt a J, 7 and Scott is dealt a pair of aces. Scott bets $500 and Phebe calls. The flop comes out as J, 5, 8. Scott bets $1000 and Phebe calls, thinking her J’s are the best. Then comes the turn card, which is a 2. Scott bets $2500 thinking he is ahead in the hand, and Phebe calls thinking she is ahead.
The river card comes, and it is a 7. Now showing on the board is J, 5, 8, 2, 7. Scott fires $4000 thinking that his aces beat a paired board card. Phebe calls seeing how she has now made two pair, J’s and 7’s. Although Phebe was behind during the entire hand with a pair of J’s, she got lucky on the River with a 7 to make two pair and win the hand. All due to dumb luck!
Texas Hold 'Em is undoubtedly the most popular and complex poker game being played around the world today. Both men and women alike are spending countless hours attempting to master the game. The many variables of the game include poker knowledge, betting practices, mathematical odds, and pure luck, making it a game that cannot be mastered.
Poker knowledge of the four suits of cards and basic hand combinations is required to know when playing. The suits are as follows: diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs; 2 through ace; ace being the highest. A player also needs to know the winning order of hands, which are as followed:
• High Card - whoever’s card is the highest. 2 to the ace.
• Pairs – two cards the same (2, 2)
• Two pair- two pairs of cards the same (5, 5 & 7, 7)
• Three of A Kind – three cards the same (8, 8, 8)
• Straight - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in any suit
• Flush - Any five cards of the same suit
• Full house - Three cards the same 7, 7, 7, and two others the same 5, 5
• Four of A Kind - A, A, A, A
• Straight Flush - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 all of the same suit
• Royal Straight - 10, J, Q, K, A, of any suit
• Royal Straight Flush - 10, J, Q, K, A, all of the same suit
The basics for the play of Texas Hold 'Em include the following:
Two cards are dealt face down to each player (known as a players hole cards), followed by the first round of betting. After the first round of betting is complete, the first three community cards are dealt face up (called the flop), followed by the second round of betting. Next, the fourth community card is dealt face up (called the turn or fourth street), followed by the third round of betting. Finally, the fifth community card is dealt face up (called the river or fifth street), followed by the fourth and final round of betting. A player can use any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards to create the best possible five card hand” (Answers.com 2009).
When starting the game with 52 cards in the deck the odds and betting will change with each card dealt, along with the number of players starting the hand, and the number of players in the hand after the flop, the turn, and river. This makes the computation of figuring odds an infinite number. The length of time it takes for someone actually to become skilled at betting practices combined with figuring mathematical odds is of course different for everyone, but there are many great books, articles, and websites available to help a person with learning anything from the most basic skills, techniques, and strategies to the most advanced of these.
Despite the fundamental knowledge of the game and the mathematical knowledge of odds, the element of luck is always present. For instance, any new player could sit at the same table with a skilled player and at the end of the game, due to dumb luck, be just as successful as the seasoned player is, for that particular game anyway.
Here is an example:
Scott and Phebe are in a Texas Hold 'Em game and the other four players at the table fold before the flop leaving the two to battle. Phebe is dealt a J, 7 and Scott is dealt a pair of aces. Scott bets $500 and Phebe calls. The flop comes out as J, 5, 8. Scott bets $1000 and Phebe calls, thinking her J’s are the best. Then comes the turn card, which is a 2. Scott bets $2500 thinking he is ahead in the hand, and Phebe calls thinking she is ahead.
The river card comes, and it is a 7. Now showing on the board is J, 5, 8, 2, 7. Scott fires $4000 thinking that his aces beat a paired board card. Phebe calls seeing how she has now made two pair, J’s and 7’s. Although Phebe was behind during the entire hand with a pair of J’s, she got lucky on the River with a 7 to make two pair and win the hand. All due to dumb luck!
Introduction to Piece Three
I’ve chosen “Handguns at Issue” as my third piece of writing to share with you. It is a controversial topic, but something I wanted to talk about. Although this topic could fuel many arguments, see what you think about it.
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