Online English
101 Students
Holly Smith is an optimistic young Liberal Arts student in her first quarter at Spokane Community College. She plans to transfer to Gonzaga eventually to earn an architecture degree. Holly became interested in architecture when she and her dad helped her brother make a New Mexican style clay model of a church. Holly is also fascinated by the design and beauty of different structures such as the Taj Mahal, ancient pyramids, and Roman Cathedrals.
Being a 2003 graduate of Columbine High School in Colorado, the
shootings on April 20, 1999 is a historical event that she clearly recalls. Like
me, Holly does not seem to use the internet much. She mostly uses it to email
back and forth with friends. Holly’s extracurricular activities include singing,
rollerblading the Centennial Trail, listening to music, and hanging out with
friends. by Megan A
I
had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Boone, who is working towards a
career in Social Services. Stephanie is currently working in the Medical field
and is broadening her knowledge to pursue another area of employment. She is a
veteran at participating in online courses, as this class will be her third
class. She has enjoyed the online classes because of the flexible schedule and
the available knowledge on the Internet, which has allowed her to expand her
imagination and interests. Stephanie is currently working full time and has two
children ages 8 and 13. She enjoys spending time with her children when she has
time off. by Diane Whiting
Terry is an open minded and accepting individual
who plans to use his compassionate personality in the field of
social work. He is an avid computer user, accessing the Internet almost daily as
another way of keeping in contact with his children. Terry spends most of his
time at work, in which he is very committed. This online English class is his
first, and he anticipates a very insightful quarter; self-motivated and
dedicated to his work, he looks forward to the challenge. For Terry, writing is
both a pleasure and a pain; while he does not take pleasure in the writing
process, completing the final draft is always pleasing. Once a soldier, the
World Trade Center attack deeply affected his geopolitical view, and is
unquestionably the most memorable historical event of his life. -Written by Alexandra
Sara Smith is a wife and a mother. She has a Bachelor degree in Theater and is taking classes to receive a Masters degree in Education. She enjoys online classes because they give her the freedom to make her own hours and spend time with her family, but still be able to work. She is also on the internet a lot so it is not hard for her to log on class everyday. She just had a baby seven months ago so she had not had the opportunity to do many extracurricular activities, but in the past she has enjoyed Community Theater. Writing is pleasurable for her if it is simply fun writing, but structured writing is scary and less exciting. The most fun she ever had writing was when she was a senior in college completing her bachelors and she had to write a complete script analysis that took all semester. She enjoyed it though because she was very invested into it and she got to write all aspects of script. The worst writing experience she ever had was when she was a freshman in college. The most memorable experience in her life was when the Gulf War was announced, she was a freshman in high school, and she was scared that the draft was going to be reinstated and her friends were going to be drafted. Sara is very optimistic and can always find the silver lining or the good in a bad situation. Sara is also very analytical and thinks things thoroughly through before she does them…she is not very impulsive. She is hoping to gain out of this class a more subjective way to communicate and how to write less opinionated. By Korina V.
Tom Kaufman, a
nursing major, is a man who loves life and lives it to the fullest. He has
used the internet extensively, but finds this internet class as a new and
exciting challenge and experience. In his free time, Tom enjoys reading,
coin collecting, astronomy, spending time with his pets, and also spending
time with his children. Tom, a fairly relaxed and quiet person, also enjoys
writing, though the process of finding the correct word may seem arduous at
times. Tom’s anticipated gain from this course, other than the credits, is
the experience of taking an internet-based class. He hopes that it will
prepare him for other classes like this one. Tom’s most memorable moment
from the not-too-distant past is that of the Iranian hostage crisis in
1979-81. This memory of this ordeal has left a lasting impression on
not only him, but on all the others who witnessed this event. Austin R.
Korina
Van Tassle is at SCC to pursue a degree in nursing and
is just starting in on the prereq's for her program. She is a little intimidated
by online classes and finds the sheer volume and the lack of contact with the
instructor a touch scary. On a brighter note she is a self-proclaimed Internet
junkie and uses it everyday so the actual process of the class doesn’t bother
her one bit. Korina used to enjoy writing but she hasn’t done it for so long
that the process is painful for her. She did have a great writing experience
when she took AP English as a senior at West Valley in 2001. She loved the class
and is hoping that that good experience will help relieve the terror of writing
she has developed. She is hoping to improve her writing skills and alleviate the
fear of writing she has developed by taking this class.
Korina has a 3-month-old daughter named Kaelynn who is her current extra curricular activity. Her most memorable historical event has yet to reach global proportions since it was the birth of Kaelynn in December. Although this is a very small event in the grand scope of things it was the biggest event that has happened to her. She is a very blunt individual and says what’s on her mind. She is also a very maternal person and likes to have everyone taken care of. This is her greatest asset as well as her greatest weakness. Written by Sara B Smith
Optimistic, hardworking, and with a maturity beyond his years,
Austin Randall is an individual that all,
regardless of age, would do well with emulating the example he has made of
his life. While still a high school student at Freeman, Austin has chosen
academic pursuits that have led him to enroll in college courses. This quest
for knowledge has not deterred him, however, from engaging in the other
activities in his life. As well as being big brother to three siblings,
Austin plays the trombone and holds the responsibility of being the drum
major in school parades. As if these activities would not consume enough
time, he somehow finds it in his schedule to be able to engage in the sport
of golf.
Although the tragedy of the September 11th terrorist attacks would be one of
the most memorable historical events that transpired during his life, Austin
remains undaunted, preferring to remember the gathering of communities
during the 1996 Summer Olympics and the achievements of the athletes there.
He tries to view life on the positive side and does not enjoy seeing others
sad. His outlook for the future is bright and so are his prospects. by
Thomas K.
Megan Arrants
is in her last quarter of college, majoring in natural resources.
She is athletic and loves being outside, two characteristics that will benefit
her in her pursuit of the career she wants. Megan’s hobbies mostly include
logger sports. She likes practicing ax throwing, but especially enjoys burling,
a competitive sport in which contestants try to stay on rolling, floating logs
the longest. She strongly dislikes English, but is determined to make the most
of this course, by learning how to put her thoughts down on paper more quickly
and efficiently. Until now, she has only used the internet about two hours a
week to email friends, but this online class will definitely change that. After
graduation this quarter, Megan will be starting her future career of working
outdoors and in nature with a hob at Priest Lake this summer. by Holly Smith--
Dawn
Cagle is a student at Spokane Community College. She is currently taking her
Pre requisites and plans on becoming a medical assistant. I think this is a
great job choice for her based on my interview with her. Dawn is a very
personable and kind lady that is very easy to talk to. This is Dawns first time
back in school since graduating high school. Dawn takes care of children for a
living and enjoys it very much although she is very excited to get a career
outside of the home. Dawn is married and has one son who is ten years old. Dawn
enjoys spending her recreational time with her husband and son. She enjoys
watching them together while they ride dirt bikes. by Heidi Royer
Sam
Smitherman, originally from West Covina, California,
now calls Kettle Falls, Washington his home. He is a single guy with four kids –
three boys and one girl. Sam does construction for a living and in his spare
time enjoys designing houses, the outdoors, the ladies, and Harley Davidsons.
Sam is majoring in web development, which is fitting for him since he uses the
Internet every day. English 101 is his first online class. When he thinks of
writing it is with both pleasure and pain, depending on what it is he is writing
about. While Sam hasn’t really had what he considers a good writing experience,
his first paper on West Coast Choppers was a disaster. He hopes English 101
online can give him better writing skills that he can use to someday write a
book. by Rachel K.
Alex
Allred is a refreshingly ambitious high school senior intent on a double
major in Sociology and Spanish, with a minor in Business. Hoping to practice
family or immigration law, she would like to attend Washington State University
or an exciting sponsored four year intern-ship.
College Preparation English Composition class has produced Alex's best
composition experience. Suggestions of Mrs. Dietrich, Alex's favorite teacher,
evoked depth and insight in Alexs' writing. Teacher's stifling her opinion and
freedom of speech are her worst experiences. Organized, serious, and cynical,
Alex is an admirable role model involved in every aspect of her community.
School involvement includes National honors Society, Spanish Club, varsity
soccer, varsity track, and freshman peer advisor. At church she Attends Seminary
and is youth group president. In her community Alex volunteers and works with
foster kids.
As a student of Online English 101, Alex hopes to attain a better grasp of
the English language and learn to perceive and analyze at a deeper level. She
wants to better understand the world we live in with the manipulation of
language. Well prepared to achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer, this is her
first step. by Terry M.
Chris Rieman is one exciting guy.
He has not only been a firefighter for four years, but also a paramedic. As
for now, he is finishing his prerequisites for a PA school at UW. Chris is
now in his third online class, and he thinks they are great. Along with his
busy schedule, Chris has many hobbies that include: mountaineering, ice,
rock climbing, boxing, weight training, and mountain biking. If you could
choose two words to describe Chris you would say driven, because he is
always working towards a goal and quiet, because he doesn’t talk much until
he gets to know you. Chris would like to gain better writing skills and a
higher understanding of grammar from this class. He enjoys writing quite a
bit, but he doesn’t like to critique other students work. Chris is nice and
easy to talk to. I am sure he would be more than happy to answer any
questions you might have for him.
Danae
Rittenour is quite, shy, and a determined junior high school student in
Spokane Community College’s Running Start Program. She is taking an English
class for her first quarter at SCC, English being one of her favorite subjects
along with Social Studies. Even though Danae’s writing was accepted for a teen
anthology, she is taking English 101 to become a better writer which will help
her in all areas of study in the future. Danae has a variety of interests. Danae
likes to learn about different cultures; enjoys reading non-fiction, historical
fiction, and fantasy books; and likes to chat with her friends on the computer.
She enjoys listening to classical music and likes to play on the piano.
Currently, she is mostly interested in journalism and linguistics. by Tamara H.
I
would like to introduce you to our classmate
Leona Lewis. She is a quiet, but sweet
person. She is originally from Sacramento California. She has lived the last
five years here in the state of Washigton. After a quick
adjustment to snow, she has grown to like the four-season climate of
Spokane. Leona enjoys spending time on the internet,
e-mailing her friends and shopping on Ebay are her favorite. She loves
spending time with her friends they enjoy watching movies. This is her first
quarter of college. She lives with her mother who encouraged her to stop
working so she could concentrate on her studies. The financial support of
her mother means a lot to her. It was fun getting to know Leona. I hope she
has a great college experience. By Mischelle Zabinski
Tara
Lint has enjoyed the opportunity of visiting several beautiful places
ranging from the fiery deserts of Arizona all the way to New York, where she
dreams of owning a café and raising her children. Originally from Pasco,
Washington, she has also lived in Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and several
other states before returning to Washington and settling in Spokane with her
four year old son, Alex, and their two year old rottweiler. In her spare time,
Tara can be found letting off steam in her kick boxing class, sharing her
compassion for others by volunteering at the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice
House, or perchance you’ll pass her and Alex on the Centennial Trail. She
describes herself as silly, yet stern, being how she is a very easy going
person, but set in her ways at the same time.
Since she is great with numbers and currently working in the accounting field, Tara decided an A.A.S. degree in accounting was the unquestionable choice. This is her first experience in an online class, and from it she hopes to gain the necessary skills to write higher quality essays. Tara meets writing with both pleasure and pain, depending on how intrigued she is with the topic. Her best work, a research paper about cancer, was significant to her family. If made to research a topic pertaining to American History; on the other hand, she is disenchanted. In spite of any obstacles, her desire to enjoy an 8 to 5 job and evenings at home with her family encourages her motivation to succeed at school. by Nicole P
For
my interview, I had the chance to get to know Vickie
Tisdale. Vickie is working towards a career in radiology. Living in the
Tri-Cities, the online and hybrid classes are the best option. And with the
current price of gas, the two and a half hour commute does not sound appealing!
She currently is taking 3 classes, all online. Therefore, she’s online all the
time now. She’s hoping to improve her writing skills through this course, as
writing is the main form of communication for all of the internet courses. Since
it’s been a few years since she’s taken an English class, she’s hoping to turn
the painful experience of writing into a pleasurable one. Vickie enjoys reading
so now it’s time to master the writing skills. When she’s not busy with classes,
Vickie enjoys a quiet evening at home, with her partner, 2 children, and 2 dogs.
Written by: Denise Weiss
I had the opportunity to interview
Diane Whiting. She is taking her pre-requisites for
the nursing
program. This is the first time she has taken a class online and sometimes it
has been frustrating. I think she will do great! Diane is very active. She
enjoys trap shooting, motorcycles, camping and her 3 grandkids. Diane hopes to
gain the ability to write more clearly from this class.
Heidi
Royer has been at SCC for two years. She is attending
school for business management and business marketing. Heidi moved to Spokane in
1989, from the west side of the state. She is married and has two children. Her
daughter is twenty one and her son is fourteen. Heidi currently babysits her
granddaughter. She is on leave from her job at Fairchild Airforce Base because
of back surgery. For fun, Heidi and her husband play pool on a league. She seems
like a wonderful person and I’m glad I got to know her. by Dawn C.
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Meet
Kene Christensen, a 22-year-old sophomore who is working toward a career
in Business Financing. While Kene finds Internet classes a little
intimidating and often difficult to find things, he enjoys not having to
come to class. Taking this class as a refresher to get a better basic
understanding, he received a scholarship for writing in high school. He
finds writing really easy and likes being able to express himself, yet he
doesn’t enjoy writing huge papers. Kene participated in track and football
while in high school. He is the middle child of 5, really enjoys the
outdoors, and also said that he uses the Internet all the time. When asked
to describe himself he said he is a unique and outgoing individual. by
Stacey B.
Ryan
Knudson is a dedicated father of four who has decided to take his
on-the-job-training and major in elementary/secondary education. He will finish
his transfer degree and SCC and then transfer to WSU to finish his four-year
degree. He is a veteran at Internet classes as this will be his fourth class. He
has already been using his writing skills, working on a book about submission.
He hopes this class will help him to freshen up on his writing skills and use of
proper punctuation. Most of his spare time is taken up with family and church
activities. His most vivid recollection of a historical event is January 28,
1984 when the Challenger exploded seconds after takeoff. By Avia T.
Tamara
Hall is starting her first quarter here at SCC as a running start
student, with the plan to someday become a fashion designer. Her skills in
the arts and math are reflected in some of her many interests: photography,
music, hip-hop dancing, and animals – her favorite animals being skunks and
monkeys. She is very athletic, currently playing softball, and has also
enjoyed basketball and volleyball. The historical event that stands out the
most to her is 9/11, “because it affected a lot of people,” she says.
Writing essays and such isn’t Tamara’s favorite activity, although she does
like writing poems and songs. She finds it more appealing to write about
topics that she is interested in. So far she has found that an online class
is more difficult than regular classes, because work can be put off more
easily and you can get behind. Her goal in this class is to improve her
communication through the written word. by Danae R
I
asked Stacey how she would describe herself so we could become more familiar
with her and she said, "Shy and very competitive." Stacey Barker, age 18, is a home town girl to
Spokane. Stacey excels in many things and sports are just one that she loves
being good at. Running track and playing soccer are two extracurricular
activities that she truly enjoys.
One reason why Stacey is taking an online English class is because it is
much easier than having to come to class all the time. The skills that
Stacey plans on improving will help her as she works to receive her
Associates and continues her training as a dental hygienist. Stacey says she
enjoys the ability that writing allows everyone to express themselves
clearly. Stacey, like many of us, is excited to start the English class. By
Kene Christensen
Nicole Ridl is a
spontaneous, free spirited person who believes in letting the wind be her guide.
This wild, no rules approach to life is where she undoubtedly gets her love for
writing. Creativity and the ability to express herself in words is what she
considers to be her best and most enjoyable writing experience. Nicole freely
admits, while sometimes necessary, historical and research papers are not her
strength and not as heartwarming as creative writing. Although undecided in her
major, this Central Valley high school student seems to be well ahead of the
game by taking on the challenge of her first online course. Previously the
Internet had only been used for chatting with friends, but is now being used to
achieve a better understanding of English, and a jump-start towards her A.A.
degree. With creativity and enthusiasm for new challenges, Nicole will
undoubtedly be a success in her educational endeavors.Chris Rieman\
