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Beginning Exercise: Are you ready to begin English 101? Directions: The following essay reflects the
minimum entry-level writing skills needed to begin English 101 and English 111. As you read,
please pay particular attention to the essay’s organization, development, and
use of Standard Written English. Be
honest: If you feel this student example demonstrates stronger writing than
you are presently able to produce, you likely will find this course too
difficult and should focus instead on more writing preparation (English 97 and
99) before attempting English 101 or 111. Sample Entry-level
Student Essay Does Your Life Need a Jump-start?
Do you ever find yourself lonely, bored, or feeling that you’re living a life
that’s lacking excitement? I have, and I find that life tends to pass you by
if you’re not paying attention. One day you might realize that something has
to change or you’ll go nuts. This is the perfect time to climb out of the box
and look at the world around you. Our world has a lot to offer, and I believe
that the willingness to undertake adventure is a necessary part of a happy
existence. Here are some adventures that have changed my life.
My first adventure was a new career. That meant that I had to get educated in
a new field, which entailed going back to school. Going to college is an
adventure, especially if you haven’t been in a classroom for over twenty
years. Students can learn new skills, make new friends, discover hidden
talents, and find new paths in life. For example, I was stuck in a job with
no room for advancement, I had few friends, and I was bored to the point of
depression. My life consisted of going to work, and the occasional trip to
the supermarket. I had a lot of time on my hands, but no activities to fill
it. It was my daughter who encouraged me to go to college. She went to
college and knows firsthand the employment benefits, and social opportunities
that are available to a person with a degree of higher education. I took her
suggestion and enrolled myself into S.C.C. I have almost finished my first
year of school, and I am a much happier and more fulfilled person. I have
made some new friends, learned a new skill (algebra), and discovered a hidden
talent (writing). I am no long bored or depressed. My life is filled with new
opportunities for personal growth, and I have a much larger social circle.
I’m glad I took a chance and went back to school.
Making new friends at school has brought about a new interest in sports. My
friend Amy suggested we try our luck at gambling. We went to the Coeur d’ Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho and discovered the exciting
sport of horse racing. The races are fun to watch and the camaraderie among
fellow racing fans is extensive. We have met people from all over the country
who share an interest in this sport. And as an added bonus, I met a man who
is now my fiancé. With him I have gone
to new ethnic restaurants, been introduced to Blues Jazz Guitar music, and
met his sister who turned into a good friend of mine. Trying something new
has opened up new worlds for me, and my personal life has improved immensely.
The most important adventure I have had is taking a course in Comprehensive
Stress Management. Students new to college are encouraged to get involved in
their communities to help others, and thus release stress in their lives. In
my neighborhood we have a community church that runs a food bank, offers free
meals to the disadvantaged, and has a community garden that we all are
welcome to use. This church has brought about great change in our
neighborhood, in that people are actually meeting their neighbors on a more
personal level instead of the usual casual pleasantries. I have discovered
through experience that working together as a group makes life’s challenges
easier to deal with. Helping others gave me an opportunity to learn
compassion for my fellow man, and I have made some wonderful new friends. As
humans, we all struggle for a better existence, and it’s comforting to know
that we don’t have to do it alone.
If you are unhappy with your life and feel a need for change, try having an
adventure, or two. My willingness to open myself up to new experiences has
made me much happier and fulfilled, both within
myself and with a group. Try it! You may just find that you’ve made the world
around you a better place, and happiness will abound. |