Week 10 is here. The time has gone by so fast. My research paper is done and turned in and now I feel like a gigantic weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The only advice I can give to someone writing a research paper is to start researching and taking notes early. The earlier you start, the better off you are. I also think that writing your outline is very important. Do not forget to do that! I think that I did pretty well in this class, considering I took English 1 - 14 years ago. I tried my best and worked really hard. I am feeling more confident in what I write. I do think this class was fun. We got to learn about different health care topics from our classmates papers. I thought that was interesting. I also like the fact that this class focused mainly on writing our research paper. Good luck to my fellow classmates next term!

Wow! I can't believe it's already week 9. We are almost done with this term, then it will be time to start a new one. I like the way that Kaplan is set up, taking 2 classes every 10 weeks instead of taking 4 every 18. The problem I had before when I was in school is that I would start to get bored with my classes. With our classes ending after 10 weeks, there is no time for that here. After taking this class and writing this blog, I have a little more confidence in myself and my writing. I am less concerned about what others are going to think about me, and more focused on my feelings. At this point in my life that is all that matters, besides my family. I am happy that I had this class. I have a lot of supportive classmates. Everyone has been wonderful. I hope that I will be seeing some of you again in the future, here at Kaplan.

I cannot believe that this class is almost over. I am trying so hard to get my paper finished. My son has strep throat and has been home from school the last 2 days. My daughter has a Blue's Clue's obsession. She's got this one particular video that she could watch over and over and over if you'd let her. She's also has a cold, and we're hoping that she doesn't get strep throat. I probably won't continue my blog after this class. I am not an interesting writer. I would much rather read then write. I definitely won't delete it, so maybe sometime in the future, I can always come back to it.

I just got done doing my second peer review. Personally, I like doing peer review. It gives a different set of eyes to review your paper. I think the more people that you get to review your paper, the better off you are. I'm having one of my facebook friends review it too. She's a college student in Texas, so I think that she'll do a good job reviewing my paper. I also think when you're reviewing others' papers, that it makes you think more clearly about how you wrote yours. Did I put enough facts? Did I do my APA right, like this person. The only thing I don't like about giving a peer review is having to worry if I am going to hurt some one's feelings. I know it is in their best interest so that they have a chance to fix their paper before they turn it in and possibly get a better grade, but it still makes me feel bad.
Only 3 more weeks left. I hope they go by as fast as the last 7. I am so excited that summer will be here soon. I get to take my anatomy and physiology classes this summer along with my computer classes. I can't wait!

This has been such a hard week for me in writing. I had writer's block for the beginning of the week, so that stressed me out. I am finally going good on my rough draft and hope to finish it tomorrow. The past 6 weeks have not been that bad for me. I am at home all the time so it actually gives me something productive to do with my day. (Besides being with the kiddies!!!) I think that going back to school has been a positive influence in my life. I like to learn new things so this makes me feel good about myself. I do know that some weeks will be harder than others and I try to prepare myself for it. I am so excited that I have my classes picked out for the summer terms. I should be finished with my degree program in September 2011. I am very excited to have a goal date!!!! Woo-hoo!!!

I think school is influencing my life in a positive way. I have been a stay at home mom for the past year, so I have a lot of free time (sometimes, not always). (I did go back to work for about 3 months when my daughter was 8 months old). Taking classes at Kaplan has given me something constructive to do during that time. I think it is also influencing my son. He sees me on the computer doing my classwork and learning new things and that makes him want to learn new things. I should be done with my classes and have my degree by the time my daughter is ready to start preschool in 2011. When she starts school, I can go back to work. Don't get me wrong, I love being home with my children, but I like to be out in the world, with adults, too. lol!

I don't think the Internet tries to blur the line in what is "legally owned". I believe that most people are honest. They don't intentionally try to take credit for other people's work. Everyone just likes to share. They want to share their knowledge and share their interests. The people who edit Wikipedia are sharing their knowledge on a subject. It always asks for the sources to be sited. Every time I read something on there, there is always at least 1/2 page of references. YouTube is the same way. It is just people sharing their talents, skills, and interests with the world. They even play some of the "viral" videos on Fox Chicago news in the morning. The Internet is a big part of our lives. You have to remember to use common sense. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.