Another Reaction on a Poem

In the poem “To the Muses” by William Blake he uses the literary poetical device of perfect rhymes. From what was gathered here, he speaks of poetry in relation to music or sound. He also uses intense imagery to illuminate and stress his emphasis on the random places where poetry or sound may be found, “Whether on crystal rocks ye rove, Beneath the bosom of the sea, Wand’ring in many a coral grove, Fair Nine, forsaking Poetry.” Being William Blake his literary English was of the classical ages. To me this poem was really expressive using descriptive imagery and rhymes which were “catchy” and easy to follow along with.

I have chosen to post reactions on poems because i believe we communicate to express ourselves and one of my greatest wasy to express myself is through poems and songs.

Final Presentations!!!

The final presentations for our communication skills class was separated into two, with one group doing an event and the other group coming up with their own product. I must say that I enjoyed both presentations, the funeral service presented by my group and the Hoodini presented by the other group. In terms of my
group, all the emotions portrayed made the funeral service feel real and I do hope that the class was pleased and touched andgot the message from the presentation. The main objective of this presentation was to help everyone realise that death can indeed be unexpected and therefore we all need to be ready because we know not the time nor the hour. I also enjoyed the way the other group chose to portray their product. It was very entertaining and the product chosen was indeed a good one. It smelt good and felt good too. I therefore think that the group members should consider marketing their good work. Overall, i was well pleased with the presentations and i do hope Mrs. Mangah felt the same.

NewsPaper Article

In the article “Bill Gates: Poverty not excuse for no education,” dated the 2^nd of August in the Daily Express; followed the format of a non-fictional prose. The article contained facts from a previous event in which Bill Gates was a forum speaker at the National Urban League. Mr. Gates being the founder of Microsoft; gave insight into the method by which individuals should adopt to relieve poverty via a proper education. “We know you can have a good school in a poor neighbourhood. So let’s end the myth that we have to solve poverty before we improve education. I say it’s more the other way around: Improving education is the best way to solve poverty.” This literature article is basically straight- forward in its presentation and relaying of information that had occurred. It contains very little literary devices and is very simple to understand. I too share the same belief as Bill Gates; the only way to eradicate poverty is through education.

Personal Reaction on Poem

In the poem “To Spring” by William Blake, he speaks of the coming of spring within four verses. From the poem I could gather a sense of anticipation of the forth coming spring, “the hills tell each other, and the list’ning, Valley hear; all our longing eyes are turned” and scatter thy pearls, Upon our love-sick land that mourns for thee.” He also gives personal traits to spring as it were a person, “turn, Thine angel eyes upon our western isle.”  The language used in this poem was classical English and some of the literary devices used were metaphors, for example, “O thou with dewy locks.” This poem gives an appreciation for spring as it signifies the passing of winter and the ability for those at that time to bask in the radiance it brings. It also gives a great sense of imagery by utilizing descriptive references to the environment and to that of a person.

Step Up Fight Against Dengue

In a letter “Step up fight against dengue,” written by P King dated 26^th of September and published in the Daily Express, basically reflects the concern of a citizen to the on-going pandemic the dengue fever. The author uses a deep sense of imagery that emphasizes on unkept surroundings in which mosquitoes may breed. His sense of concern even spreads to an address to the Minister of Health and his faculty using previous evidence of ministers of cabinet’s relatives contracting the deadly disease and hoping that they would undertake some sort of counter measure. His vocabulary is quite precise, and connects well in a synergistic manner. I as well do agree with the writer that the government should take a greater interest in helping to eradicate or at least minimize the number of cases of dengue victims nationwide by imploying anti-dengue intiatives; such as nationwide clean-ups and so forth. At least this in some way or the other this will make a difference and will inveigle others to do the same.

Undefeated Love

Earlier in class, we learnt that communication is used to develop relationships and to exchange information.  From this poem, written by my friends and me, a love relationship is expressed and information in terms of emotions is sent out.

UNDEFEATED LOVE

Tears freeze on my cheeks

My Heart sinks to my feet

This pain hasn’t left my soul for weeks

I’m scared cause I’m about to face 'defeat'

I’ll take the blow to make revenge sweet

I’ll make the change, because I can’t be beat

Just a thought of another defeat, pulls blood to my skin

It forces me to try a lil harder, to say to myself, “I’ve got to win!”

Everything seems to slow down and my mind strays

The world disappears into nothing but a haze.

Things get more complicated and I’m lost in a maze.

My senses converge and I feel the ignition of an inner blaze

The only excuse I could give is “I’m going through a phase”

I don’t know what’s happening to me these last few days

But you give me the answer in so many ways

I have come to you, to ask for your help.

“Help me win this battle against myself”

Help me! Before this flame makes the rest of me melt

Cause my tears are defrosting and only you can relate to what I felt.

All the inward pain which I haven’t dealt

Resurfaces above my belt

They stifle me as they rise

Telling you I love you should be your Winning Prize…

The State of Emergency

I believe that the Prime Minister had a good idea when she proclaimed the state of emergency and perhaps this can help curb the crime level. Though many people may not see the importance of her actions, I can see some good in it. Besides, even if this idea turns out to not be successful, it was simply an idea with the hope that it would work. She can only know if it is successful if she tries it out. However, as a dorm student, I must say that this state of emergency can be very disturbing and inconvenient. I understand that going off campus could be very risky at this time. However, not only are we deprived from going out at nights, our curfew to be indoors is also affecting our access to the computer labs for example. There is also a problem with the internet on dorm which most times put us in a situation where we need to be in the labs to get assignments done especially when the due date is in a few hours sometimes.  It is at that point when this state of emergency can get very frustrating.

Quotes on Communication

The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.Joseph Priestley
Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.Rollo May

Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after. Anne Morrow Lindbergh

The art of communication is the language of leadership. James Humes

Self-expression must pass into communication for its fulfillment. Pearl Buck

Writing...

When it comes to communicating, I sometimes prefer communication via writing. Sometimes, when things tend to be difficult for me to express verbally with words, writing it out always seem to help solve my problem.

Writing is a means of expressing one’s ideas or thoughts using events or data. It is a means of effectively expressing yourself through the utilization of words. Words can be used for so many reasons :

·         Express

·         Conceal

·         Create a dream

·         To reject

·         To share

·         To agree

·         To love

·         To fight

Words can be used in so many ways,

How we use them
Defines our own way
To all those who read
Or hear what we say

Who Am I?

I seem blue because the sky makes me that way. I am wide and vast, and salty too. I’ve been on many shores, rammed into many rocks and bashed into many people too. I have life above me but even more life below me that have never been explored. I’ve been used and abused, I’ve been drank, spit in, and even used as a damp but this does not keep me from being who I have to be. I am the last resort. When the sky cries, the rivers bleed into me, the lakes overflow into me but I still take them all. But when the earth shakes and mountains vibrate I have no choice and I can’t hold it in I became a monster, I hid for a few hours but come back with strength and force and let it all out.

SLANG!!!

I believe that slang used is based on one's culture. In my everyday conversations, i tend to use the slang based on my culture in St. Lucia, because i think one way one can fully express his/herself is by using a means that they're most comfortable with.  Although slang is not standard English, i see no problem with using it daily when i communicate if i am comfortable with it. However, i also believe that there's a time and place for everything and the place and to whom i am speaking may have an impact as to whether or not i use the slang. Therefore, i think that i am using the slang appropriately since i understand that there are limitations and certain conversations may need me to speak the standard English. In other words, I know when and how to use slang.

Am I An Effective Verbal Communicator??

From experience, i believe i am able to express myself well when i am communicating verbally. Although i may prefer writing to communicate, when i am suppose to communicate verbally, i could be an effective verbal communicator. Besides, i like to express myself fully. I believe that there is also clarity in my speech however, i think that the level of clarity can be improved at times. Besides English, i have been exposed to Spanish and french and had to demonstrate linguistic sensitivity since i was learning the language and mastering isn't easy if its not your first language.

Let's Not Rush To Judgement- From A Local St.Lucian Newspaper

From an article entitled " Let's Not Rush To Judgement," written by Nicholas Joseph on October 5th 2011, the US embassy in Bridgetown has revoked the Housing Minister's visas. With questions asked and answered without proof, the consensus being that the minister had done something illegal, otherwise the US would not revoke both his personal and diplomatic visas. The court of public opinion pronounced him guilty, even though Frederick had not even been charged with an offence. I agree with the writer that we are becoming a nation engaged in a massive rush to judgment and there seems to be a complete absence of due process. The minister is a Saint Lucian citizen and like every other citizen is entitled to due process and the constitutional protection and rights of the system. After reading this article, i now realize that if he is denied that constitutional right, then we all can become victims of a system that is unjust, unfair and unequal. Of course, life has its strange twists and turns, and there is something called retribution, which always comes back to stare us blankly in the face, with deep, lifeless eyes! 

The African Culture I Presented In Class

Although my group presented on the African Culture in Trinidad and Tobago, this culture also exists as one of the main cultures in my country, St. Lucia and so much was not learnt as i have already been exposed to such norms and beliefs. I don't find the culture to be strange, maybe because it is what i am accustom to seeing and hearing. However I did find that some of the other cultures presented in class had some aspects which were strange. With an even better understanding of the African Culture in Trinidad and Tobago, i can now appreciate my African Culture back home more.

What I learnt in class on culture

From the presentations made in class on culture, i have learnt that each culture has its various norms and beliefs and that culture has a profound impact on not only ones perception but also on how one communicates. people react and behave based on the environment they are exposed to and the practices that they have been exposed to. several things, including the food, clothes worn and the music listened to depicts one culture.

The Impact of my Culture on the way I Communicate

The Culture of St. Lucia blends the influences of African, French, and English heritage. The official language of the island is English but Creole, a form of French Patois, remains an influential secondary language. The different languages have created a create impact on how i communicate because it is expected that since the majority of the creole speaking people are the older ones and those from the south and the coast of the country, that the most suitable language is used to communicate to them. For example, when i would communicate with my grand parents, creole would be used more, since this is what they would understand and speak more fluently. Also, in St. Lucia, a high level of democracy is practiced and so everyone has the right to express themselves and share their views as a form of communication. Because of my culture also, when communicating, there is a big difference as to how i refer to my peers and friends and how i relate to those older than me and in authority. Although i may joke around with people of my age range, people of authority are to be referred to with respect and that to also pertains to body gestures or body language. With respect comes proper posture, eye contact and calm tone of voice when communicating with people in authority and people older than me. 

Newspaper Article-"Science of Hair Color"

In the article “The science of hair colour,” dated the 22^nd of September in the Daily Express; seeks to give an insight into a new hair line product called Aloxxi. From the article a lot of scientific processes as to how the product worked was introduced, however, its step by step chronological breakdown made it simplistic so that the average person would be able to understand but still maintaining the mystical aura of science behind it. The article was written in a non-fictional prose fashion and used a descriptive feature which illuminates the imagery of the article whilst detailing factual information that would be beneficial for the reader. To me the article was intriguing as it dealt with a scientific approach to understanding how hair colour could be maintained and manipulated. Being the science person that I am this  grasped my attention. Also it gave a sense of pride in the scientific community as it proves the many various things that we can accomplish through a scientific understanding. 

How I Perceive Myself

As a young girl growing up, i have always seen myself as a talented and well rounded individual. with my mind made up, i am the kind of person to achieve whatever i put my mind to and though i may not always succeed at every single thing i might do, i use my failures to make me better. with a high self esteem, i have achieved much and believe that if i continue having as much confidence and faith in myself, i can accomplish anything. i see myself as a hard worker, persistent at anything at hand, striving to make the best of what i have to do. as far as i know, much is expected of me from family and friends, and i have used that to help me fulfill whatever i'm doing. i am talented in many aspects, the best one is public speaking. from past experience, i can rate myself as a good public speaker and this has helped me communicate well, daily. i think positively about myself even when others may not always think positively about me. I love who i am, and though i know there is always room for improvement in certain aspects like my attitude at times, i believe that i am fearfully and wonderfully made and have a positive perception of "me".

9/11

On September 11,2001, three planes were hijacked by terrorists to attack the two world trade centers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The death toll was about 3000 people. Clearly the lives of so many have been greatly impacted and though others may not have been directly impacted, though they might not have lost a husband, wife, daughter, friend, mother, father, acquaintance, the impact of 9/11 still affects many all around the world today. Ten years later, and travelling to the US still is threatening to me. With the level of security, it still feels like just as  the 9/11 attack was unexpected, there is still a possibility that it can happen again and so they try to be prepared and protect you before it happens. However the question still always pops in the mind, "but what if it were to happen right now?" With a great thing like this, I am astounded by how 9/11 is treated simply as an afterthought. I believe that we all need to acknowledge that September 11, isn't ancient history. It's a day we all should remember and its lessons are too important not to pass them unto future generations. So often we hear or read about the reasons 9/11 happened, rather than the impact and its aftermath on individuals. I believe that people should be taught that they may remember beyond hard data, 9/11 is about real people, people who lived and died, during a pivotal event. Teaching the lessons of 9/11, I believe is the greatest way to honor those who died that day.

Who Am I?

I am 17 year old Kishma Ferdinand, from St. Lucia. Presently, I am a second year student (sophomore), completing my bachelors in Biology. I am seeking to further my education at a medical school, and become a qualified doctor for children with cancer. My  interests are mainly in debating, drums playing, stars and the study of cancer. I have grown and developed a talent in public speaking, having experience in both national and international debating, preaching of sermons in churches, various speeches, and much more. I have rated my self as 10 when it comes to communication, because I believe that because of my experiences, I have mastered the ability to express myself and reach out to people when I need to. Despite my skills in communication, frustration has become one of my greatest weakness, where I tend to give up on situations where I am faced with too many difficulties. When communication may get a bit too difficult, sometimes depending on the person or persons involved, I may tend to give up on the whole communication process and even choose to not communicate at all. I have, however, identified a solution to my problem.With diligence, i can make those situations that may seem to have much difficulty more personal, thus spending more time in overcoming the difficulties, rather than simply ignoring them.I believe that I am ready to take up this communication skills class, and is looking forward to a wonderful semester.