6. Research Paper Reflection

My initial reaction to hearing that we were writing a research paper was "Oh no this is going to take awhile." Research papers in my previous experience have taken a long time and I often lost enthusiasm for the topic quickly. However, being able to relate my topic, the Great Depression, to my own family was a great way to keep me interested! Researching in the library at first was really difficult, however, by the second day I had over a dozen sources. I wish that I would have taken more time on my annotated bibliography by adding in quotes that I wanted to use into the actual document. I think this would have helped me to stay more organized in the beginning.

After gathering all of my research, I made a general outline and I began to write. I had in mind a story that I had heard from my Grandma Rogers, but I did not have access to the story until much later in my research process. This made relating my topic to my family very difficult from the beginning. After the long struggle of trying to get everything written and after acquiring some family sources, I finally felt like I was getting somewhere with my paper.

I took a draft over to a friend to have them read through it. They were definitely not the best peer reviewer. They did not add any corrections. I also tried going to the writing center. There was not a line, but they were short on consultants. When I finally did get help I did not feel like it was really worth the time that I went in. Needless to say I was frustrated. I instead emailed it to my mom who then recruited my grandma on the great adventure of editing, revising, and revamping my paper.

After many many MANY drafts I finally felt semi-satisfied, but I was still not done. My mom facetimed me one last time, technology is truly a blessing, and we read aloud my paper fixing a few oddly worded places. I was finally able to save my draft as a FINAL!!! Yay! I printed it out and I felt so much relief just to have it done. As I looked over my draft, however, I found a couple other mistakes . . . I think it just goes to show that you truly can't go over a paper too many times!

I really did love being able to research and learn about my family through this project. If I had to do it over again the biggest change that I would have made would be to get my family story FIRST! Before I even started researching! It would have been easier to find a topic to go with the story rather than a story to go with my topic. I think that talking to Sister Steadman and my Mom was by far the most helpful in writing this paper! It was good to write, but now I am just happy that it is done.

5. My Idaho Adventure October 2014

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go and visit my family! I was even able to bring two of my friends from Texas with me! The 4 hour drive was definitely worth it to see them! Both my sister and brother are almost taller than me...which is a weird feeling! It was so fun to just hold and play with my baby sister! Mollie and Savannah ( my Texas friends) were so cute with my siblings! My little sister kept running around saying "Princess Mollie! Come see this! Princess Mollie! Come sit by me!" It was so cute! Savannah helped my sister, Aspen gather a whole handful of worms to feed to our chickens. It was a trip full of adventure and so many firsts!

My first time taking a picture with the Welcome to Idaho sign!

Mollie's first time digging potatoes (we even let her dig purple ones)!

 First time Mollie and Savannah had ever been to Idaho! Savannah's first time being around so many people from one family!

 Mollie and Savannah's first time going to the Idaho Falls Temple and my first time actually walking around the whole temple :)

 First time taking friends home to meet my family! First time taking fall pictures with these two gorgeous friends of mine!

 All of these "firsts" on our trip made me think about all of the many past memories I have had and how much I am truly enjoying where I'm at in this moment. I am on a path that I hope will lead me to happiness. A path that has bumps along the way, but also a path that has beauty and adventure as well! Life is truly a journey that should not just be endured, but enjoyed! I am so lucky to be able to be on this path with my amazing family and the great examples that my friends are. I know Heavenly Father has truly put certain people along our paths so that we can help each other along. I may not know exactly what is going to be all along my path in life, but right now I just know that I'm moving forward.

4. A Great General Conference! An Analysis of Elder Klebingat's October 2014 Talk

In the October 2014 LDS General Conference, Elder Jorg Klebingat's talk titled "Approaching the Throne Of God With Confidence" used effective word choice and tone to help us feel more confident in God's presence.

Elder Klebingat gave us six points:
1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being
2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being
3. Embrace Obedience
4. Repent Quickly
5. Forgive One Another
6. Accept struggles and trials

Elder Klebingat's simplistic word choice especially in his six cues helps them to be well remembered. His points are not long, but short phrases. He wants these points to be remembered. Each of these cues are simple as are the way he portrays each of them to apply. His use of explanation and examples following each point makes them relate-able and memorable to his large audience both within the conference center and those listening my other media forms.

Elder Klebingat used a straightforward yet caring tone to deliver his message. He began by saying that "he hoped he would not offend anyone" displaying his carefulness in his choice of words. He then proceeded to give direction that could be applied to every individual who was hearing him speak. His advice was directly given. However, at the end of his talk he gave this encourage message. "DO and BE your very best!...Yours is the privilege...If you want it, to come to know for yourself, today or soon, that you pleasing God in spite of your shortcomings...Living in this manner, you can truly retain a remission of your sins." These words create a tone of hope that helps the audience want to apply his six points.