The Process: My Way
Nothing Like a Vacation
The college admission process is a lot like going to an airport and boarding a plane. I remember when I first started applying to colleges earlier this year and I felt an overwhelming amount of stress, just like driving in heavy traffic to try to get to the airport on time.
Upon arrival, the scene became even more frantic. Luckily, there are many signs and generous people that are willing to help along the way. 
When finally reaching the plane’s boarding gates, it’s all a waiting game with antsy anticipation. I hoped that there would be no delays and everything would run smoothly. When they finally called my flight, there was a sudden sense of relief, much like finally being accepted into my dream school.
Before take-off, however, I started to think of of the negative possibilities, all of the things that could go wrong. Maybe college is harder than expected, or maybe the soccer team isn’t what I had hoped it would be. But then, the flight attendant’s voice reassured me of a safe flight.
The plane is finally in the air and traveling with ease and I began to wonder why I ever worried at all.
Tips to a Perfect Presentation
Many steps must be taken in order to effectively create and follow-through with a well put together presentation. A great presenter knows the ins-and-outs of their entire presentation and exactly how they to plan to carry it out.
before the presentation
Preparation
A great presentation cannot come forth overnight. By starting this process early, a presenter can then give themself the advantage of time. During the preparation period, a presenter should brainstorm exactly what they want their presentation to cover and also should determine how they plan to tell the sequence of their story. This part should work out all of the kinks of the presentation and enable the presenter to easily move forward from this point in time. Practicing is another key point in a good presentation. Beforehand, a presenter should know what they plan to do during the real presentation every second.
Presentation Set-Up
The main point of this particular step is to let pictures tell the presenter’s story. Minimal use of text will be beneficial in this case and allow the presenter to maintain the audience’s attention rather than just reading from a slide. When organizing the presentation, the presenter should make the design very easy to follow with titles and main ideas clearly outlined throughout. At the end of this step, proofreading is a must. The presenter can easily lose credibility by having grammar/spelling errors.
Visual Elements/Design
As previously discussed, visuals should lead the presentation over text. The images included should be clear and visible to all. All pictures should be discusses and relevant to the topic. A large text that is easy to read helps to keep the presentation flowing. The presenter should make sure the text and background are visually appealing and not distracting.
during the presentation
Opening
The opening is the easiest portion to lose interest from members of the audience. When beginning, the presenter should jump right to their point and ensure why each audience member should care about their topic. Here is a good place to outline the presentation and set the agenda.
Body Language
A presenter should keep their eyes on the audience and never turn their back to them. As a presenter, the main job is to keep the audience engaged throughout the entire presentation.A presenter should talk, not read. Only use notes as a guidance, not a crutch. Using natural hand gestures also helps to keep the audience focused and listening.
Speaking
A presenter should talk a moderate rate of speech. Going too fast or too slow can easily turn audience members off and cause them to stop listening. Also, the volume of speech should be audible, but not overbearing. To help the audience to more easily understand important sections, repeat critical information. After each slide, pause briefly to help the audience digest the new information.
Demeanor
A presenter should act enthused and interested in their own topic. Much of the energy from the speaker is reflected back towards the audience. If a presenter acts bored and dull, the audience will most likely do the same. Engage the audience even further by incorporating them into the presentation by asking questions and making eye contact.
Conclusion
This should be the part of the presentation where the speaker “closes the sale.” The presenter should concisely summarize their key points and end with what the audience should do next. Give them something to remember the presentation by. This portion should be concise.
Research Paper Progress
So far, I feel like my research paper project has been going very smoothly. I have been able to find my sources with 
relative ease and my interest in this topic is increasing rather than decreasing. As discussed in my last post, my brother has a serious heart problem and this topic directly relates to possible treatment options that may become available to him, which I believe is why I am staying continually interested in my research.
I am a little nervous about the process of beginning to write my paper. I feel as though it will be a challenge for me to get it started. Once that process has begun, though, I believe that I will be able to really get to work on constructing my paper and wrapping sources together.
As far as workshops go, I really don’t think I will be needing one for this paper. I would much rather continue researching and writing rather than getting 
distracted by side items.
Even though I am very interested in this particular topic, I am excited for this portion of my senior year to be completed. Compiling sources and taking descriptive notes has been very stressful and I anxiously look forward to the day when I am able to turn the paper in.
Stem Cell Research Paper Proposal
Stem cells today offer a great hope for those with a wide assortment of problems. Scientists are constantly conducting new experiments in hopes of curing many diseases. Many studies have been produced about already successful advancements that have been made in the scientific community. I hope to study these and concur why the continual study of stem cells is necessary.
I really became interested in stem cell research when we discussed this topic in my AP biology course. My teacher, Ms. Westerholm, briefly described what stem cells are and their purposes for possible cures in the future. I didn’t 
have much knowledge of stem cells and I wanted to learn more about them. So, when we had to choose a topic for our research papers in rhetoric it was very apparent to me which topic I would spend eight weeks researching. After learning more about stem cells and what they can be used for, the topic became even more relevant to me personally. My brother has a serious heart problem and stem cells have the most hope for solving this problem for him. Research is constantly being conducted by scientists all around the world and it’s very interesting to read about their findings and even more exciting to find something that could potentially heal my brother’s heart for good, besides risky open-heart surgery. Also, a much less serious problem is a tear I have in my hip labrum. It cannot be healed naturally because there is not enough blood flow to that particular area and would require surgery if the condition worsens. But, if scientists were able to create a stem cell line that could produce that type of cell needed to heal my hip, I wouldn’t need to receive the surgery that would ultimately cause more problems than benefits.
In this paper, I will argue why stem cell research is so vital in today’s society despite all the controversy that comes along with this particular topic. I have already discovered from my research how many uses stem cells have based on studies that are constantly being conducted. I plan to include many of these studies in my paper to show how many people would benefit from even more funding and research about stem cells. I mentioned how I am also arguing how
we should continue researching despite some of the controversial elements and I plan to incorporate a small portion of why stem cell research is so controversial and how scientists are trying to find new ways to obtain stem cells. However, in my paper I will not be including all aspects of the controversy. I want to touch base but not focus on this aspect of the topic. Also along these same lines, I will briefly discuss how scientists obtain and convert stem cells, but again my paper will not be focusing on this specifically. However, I will not be discussing politicians and what they have done to limit stem cell use, but rather focus on what stem cells themselves can do.
Because of the vast uses of stem cells, nearly everyone is affected by their study. Politicians are struggling to create new laws to ensure that their uses are being controlled and are safe for the public and won’t cross and lines, such as human cloning. These laws in turn affect the scientists who study the stem cells because it drastically limits the experiments they can conduct. Besides scientists and politicians, the possible patients of the stem cell therapy are drastically effected by what may come of stem cells. If scientists are in fact able to cure a specific disease, all of those who are diagnosed would then have the possibility to be cured, a very large advancement in the medical community.
There are many sources that will help me argue my particular angle on stem cells. I have found many studies that scientists have published about uses they have encountered for stem cells and how they will drastically impact people struggling with a multitude of diseases. I also plan to integrate sources that simply depict what stem cells are and their potential in the medical field. I plan to conduct a survey that will examine the opinions of the participants on how they feel about the use of stem cells and why they have the opinions that they do. I will incorporate this into the part of my paper that discusses the controversy of stem cell research. My sources will be used to back up my argument about the importance of stem cells and the continual research and funding of this particular topic. I hope to show how many different uses stem cells have and the wide spectrum of those it can potentially benefit.
Finishing Off Senior Year Strong
After being in school for as many years as I have, I really am beginning to understand the processes through which I create my best work. By using to-do lists and creating schedules, I find myself more knowledgeable of what needs to get done. 
I’ve also learned over the years that I am a visual learner, and anything that catches my eye, grabs my eagerness to learn. I’ve also come to know how increasingly interested in science I am and the way in which things work.
I believe this is why I chose the research topic that I did: Stem Cells. I’m in an AP Biology course and we briefly learned about stem cells and their purpose and I found myself extremely interested and wanting to learn more. Always a good place to start when you have to learn/read about one particular topic for eight weeks. 
The more I read about stem cell research, the more interested I became. I am glad I found a topic that is in “the now.” I have recently stumbled across several experiments that date back to only one month ago. It helps to make researching this topic that much more fun.
Overall, I am excited to get to work and see what all the controversy over stem cells are and what the future make look like with their benefits.
The Life of a Gang Member
After reading through chapter 3 in Freakonomics, I was really in awe. I have never had much knowledge on how gangs/drug cartels functioned, so this chapter was very intriguing.
What shocked me the most was reading that J.T., one of the leaders of the cartel, had gone to college and was a business major that chose to stick with this type of work. I can’t even begin to imagine putting my life at risk everyday going to work and suffering such severe consequences. However, I do clearly see how a business major mindset would be very helpful in this line of work with making important executive and money decisions for the better of the group.
Seeing the breakdown of how members affiliated with the gang were paid, it truly answered why many members were forced to live with their parents. I was very shocked to see that the gang member’s families were reimbursed for their loss, if one were to occur. But after reading the reasoning one of the gang members offered, it all seemed to make sense. I have prior knowledge that gangs were to act as families and when the member said “when they grieve, we grieve;” all the pieces came together for me. To them, this was the way of life, who they were associated with, and most importantly, who they cared the most about.
I really like the example that Levitt and Dubner use about how drug dealers are just people trying to make it big, just like how a varsity football player wants to make it in the NFL or a young girl dreams of becoming a movie star. This really put things into perspective for me. In the end, aren’t we all just trying to make something of ourselves? Become better off? Provide a better life for our families?
Many argue that becoming a drug dealer is no way to make either your life or your family’s any better. But sure, it’s easy to go to school and get a degree when you grow up in a supportive family with a moderate level of income, but in the families that gang members grow up in, drug dealing is all they seem to have. They know that there is a chance to make big money doing this occupation, so they take the chance when they are presented. I do not agree with what they are doing necessarily, but I admit after reading I can begin to see where they are coming from, and the goals they are trying their best to reach, whether they are for good or bad. This particular chapter really changed my views on those associated with gangs.
Starbucks Evaluation
Starbucks has become a huge sensation over the past couple of years. Many regulars grab a quick coffee to-go every morning before work and others devour a delightful treat. But, what’s all the fuss about? Should Starbucks really get as much credit as they do? My friend, Sarah, and I went to investigate.
Location/Curb Appeal
The Starbucks we visited is located on Rt. 59 near Theodore Rd. in Shorewood, Illinois. When first pulling up to 
Starbucks, I noticed the availability of parking around the facility right away. This location even offered a drive-thru for quicker, on-the-go service. The location entrance overall was fairly easy to get to and the sign for the restaurant itself was easy to see from the road. The curb appeal was very nice and looked very welcoming; shrubs were well trimmed and the outside was well-maintained. Overall, I was very impressed with my first impression.
Atmosphere
As we walked into the restaurant, I noticed that even the inside looked clean and comfortable. Soft music was playing in the background which offered a calm, relaxing feeling. It had a typical coffeehouse feel. Nice posters were displayed and the lights were dimmed (again making me feel relaxed). There was small chatter, but nothing too loud to be distracting. It appeared to be a great place to finish some work with others around, yet no one bothering you. The location that we visited even offered free wifi, which most locations do. I was very pleased with the overall environment and could see myself in a few short moments enjoying coffee in this very place.
Menu Variety
When many people here the name “Starbucks” they commonly begin to think about just another 
coffeeshop. But Starbucks has much more to offer besides coffee, such as muffins,coffee cake, cake pops, sticky buns, paninis, fruit, yogurt, and so much more. Although Sarah and I only tasted their signature coffee cake, we have both heard wonderful things about the other items on their menu.
Service
When ordering our beverages and coffee cake, the barista was very friendly and offered a warm smile. I didn’t feel rushed when ordering, as I do at some restaurants. She made polite conversation while the transaction pended. Her look was clean and sanitary; I had no worries that my drink would come into contact with anything that it shouldn’t. Overall, I would give them an A plus for choice of staff.
Speed
Receiving our beverages did take awhile, but in Starbucks’ defense they were quite busy, not only inside but also accommodating those in the drive-thru as well. In general though, the wait seemed to be the only negative experience that I had encountered.
Seating
When searching to find a seat, there were many available. Not only that, but there were many different varieties such as couches, love seats, and bar stools. I never felt too close to anyone else, but I still had that warm, friendly feel. The seating helped at the the relaxed atmosphere and I felt as though I could be sitting in my own living room. There were tables scattered across the room that offered large enough spaces so someone could bring a laptop or other materials and comfortably be able to get their work done.
Food and Drink
I ordered a venti Caramel Light Frappuccino and Sarah ordered a grande White Chocolate Mocha and we shared a piece of coffee cake. When our drinks were first served to us, we were very pleased. Just the way they looked, we could tell that they would be appetizing. The coffee cake looked warm and delicious, ready to devour. 
When we each took our first drink, we could immediately tell that there wouldn’t be a drop left. My drink contained the perfect amount of caramel and was very sweet and chilling, just the way I like it. Sarah mentioned that her drink was definitely full of flavor, topped with the perfect amount of whipped cream. However, she also commented this particular time it seemed to have a stronger coffee flavor than usual.
The coffee cake, we both agreed, tasted very fresh and was also a very reasonable size. It was not too dense, but also was nice and airy. The topping is a cinnamon and sugar topping that offers a slight crunch that compliments the cake very well. In sum, I think it is very safe to say that we greatly enjoyed choices and would be heading back soon to get some more.
Cost
Based on the size of our drinks, I thought the price was a bit too high. However, being a popular spot in today’s time, I can understand where the cost is coming from. 
If the price were to come down, I could see myself enjoying a Starbucks drink far more often. The price is doable, yet, as a consumer, I always hope for it to be lower. However, because of all the other high points from our visit, I would have to say that the cost was well worth the experience.
In total, we decided that Starbucks is worth every tweet, comment, and like that it receives. We went in with many different types of criteria and we thought for sure that it would fall short in more than one category after careful inspection. But, when all was said and done, it came out at the top.
Soccer: What’s the Difference Between a Good Player and a Great Player?
Many soccer fans argue who is better: Messi or Ronaldo? But what is a fair way to judge the players that accounts for all the aspects a player needs to succeed?
Two coaches prepping their players for upcoming tryouts made an extenisve, thorough list that, I feel, accounts for each major component to be the best player possible.
The first component listed on the website is Technical Skills. The coaches then proceeded to further break down this topic into passing (with both feet) – short and long range, different surfaces of the foot, bending balls with both the left and right foot, receiving – ground balls, air balls, with foot, thigh, chest, head (both while stationary and on the move, dribbling – speed with the ball, one v. one moves, chipping – short and long range, heading – offensive 
and defensive, shooting – accuracy and power, tackling, shielding, and goal-keeping – catching ability, collapse dive, extension dive, punts.
After reading through the previous requirements, I was astounded with the detail put into creating this list. Also, being a soccer player for over 12 years myself, the accuracy of the needs of 
each of the individual components to a player as a whole was dead-on. My only problem, and this goes for the entire document as a whole, is that each component was not given a measuring system. For example, say there were two guys trying out for the team and one could accurately pass with both feet, while the other had a very powerful shot. Who would be deemed the better player based on this system? I have my own opinions for this based on my prior knowledge of soccer, but if a coach was just given this sheet to reference during the tryouts with no knowledge of the sport for themselves, who would they choose?
The coaches then go into the second component: Tactical. Here, it was further broken down into 1st Attacker
– 1 v 1 to beat opponent, recognizing when to hold or penetrate, when to dribble, pass or shoot. 2nd/3rd Attacker – supporting roles, positioning on the field, timing of runs, movement off the ball, combination play (wall pass, over lap, takeover) 1st Defender – pressuring the ball, timing of defensive tackles, 2nd/3rd Defender – positioning on the field, movement off the ball, balancing, communication, field vision without the ball, execution of set plays and team strategies and formations, decisions about which skill (pass, receive, dribble, chip, shoot, head, tackle) to execute in response in a given situation (speed of thought), and goal-keeping – positioning and angles, decisions about when to set and dive, stay on your feet, leave box.
Again, being a player myself, I recognize how important all of these aspects are to soccer. I also really like how the coaches make extra requirements for the goal keeper because they need to have a different perspective then a center attacking midfielder would have.
The third component is Physical, further broken down to: cardiovascular fitness – measured by the Coopers Test and Beep Test, speed and quickness – ability to cover a distance in a short period of time, agility – ability to change the position of your body and control the movement of your whole body, balance – the ability to keep an upright posture while stationary or moving, coordination – integration of eye, hand and foot movements, power – ability to perform at strength at a rapid pace, reaction time – the amount of time it takes to start a movement once your senses signal the need to move, general size, work rate – effort, athleticism, strength – ability to protect your space and the ball, 
not get pushed off the ball, health and self care – durability, resistant to injury, proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress and time management, response to muscle soreness and injury.
Again, the importance of the characteristics listed above are critical to the significance of a player on the field. However, I disagree with the category of General Size. When it comes to playing the sport, I don’t feel as though height has very much to do with the overall ability of the player. 
Weight, on the other hand, has more to do with this particular component, but I still think that if they can pass the fitness tests, it shouldn’t be a seperate item of something that should be met. The idea of assigning a points system to all of this really got to me for this component break-down because it is very opinionated. How would you even begin to decipher response to muscle soreness and injury or athleticism?
Lastly, the fourth component is Mental/Psychological/Emotional. The coaches again broke the category down to the following: Concentration/Focus, Self Control and Restraint, Composure on the field and bench, Persistence and Tenacity (persevering in the face of difficulty), Truthfulness, Reliability, Responsibility, Leadership, Team Concept (team goals before personal goals), Mental Toughness (ability to endure temporary physical, mental, psychological or even emotional discomfort for the greater good of the team, Training Mentality (always work your hardest), Game Mentality (100% effort and competitiveness in every situation), Win with humility and lose with dignity, Positive Role Model, Positive Language (negative talk shows a negative attitude), 
Positive and Respectful Attitude towards self, teammates, coaching staff, opponents, referees, athletic staff, equipment and facilities, and Positive Sportsmanship.
This category again gets a little risky when it comes down to have to assign point values. I mean how would you measure a respectful attitude or self-control. But overall, I would want these aspects in my fellow teammates.
I’ve said it a thousand times, and I will say it a thousand more: This list is phenomenal at thoroughly listing each aspect of an extremely successful player. If I were a coach I would definitely look to this list to measure the capabilities of my players, but I would definitely try to put number values for each component to reference.
Shea Pierce 