Growth Mindset

I was introduced to Growth Mindset and Carol Dweck by Laura last semester. I can see myself as a fixed mindset person from childhood. School work, especially math and science, was very easy for me. I grasped concepts quickly and excelled academically for years. This posed a large problem when I began college. I had never been challenged, nor had I needed to spend extra time on homework. I had gotten so used to everything coming easily and quickly, and I shut down at the first sign of truly challenging work. This has taken a long time to overcome, and I still have yet to master the concept of growth mindset. I am very hard on myself and have always held myself to high, often unachievable, standards. I have tried to be kinder to myself lately, noting that not everyone is good at everything. I have improved at that, at least. This semester I would like to work on scheduling and procrastinating. It is a habit I have not fully formed, and I would like to avoid the inevitable cycle of procrastinating to the point of being mad at myself. I look forward to growing personally and professionally this semester.

I chose this image because I have focused a lot on disconnecting from technology lately. It can be such an addicting distraction. Technology should exist to improve the way humans interact with one another, not to distract us from one another. Image found at Growth Mindset Blog.

Time Strategies

Managing time and scheduling is something at which I am not very good. I procrastinate and get distracted easily. Usually I feel anxious about a project until I start working on it. I think the tasks are too daunting and time consuming to get started right away. I always tell myself I'll have time for it later. Once I actually start doing whatever I have been putting off, I usually feel better about the project. 

This semester I made a complete schedule for all of my class time and work shifts. I am working on also adding due dates for important assignments and other events. This semester will probably be my busiest yet, so I am trying to stay ahead of the game. Luckily, I work at various computer labs across campus. I scheduled my shifts for later at night so I can get some homework done when it isn't too chaotic. I try to stay away from my house, especially my bed, as much as possible. My brain kick into relax mode the moment I enter the house, and it takes a lot of willpower to make myself get schoolwork done there. I tried to set up my school and work schedules in a way that keeps me on campus for a long time. For example, I go directly from my last class to work Monday-Thursday. This keeps me on campus and provides a means for me to get started on my homework. 

College life is distracting by nature because there is so much happening all the time. Make a list or schedule of assignments, and prioritize accordingly. Also, be kind to yourself. You won't hit every deadline every time, but that's okay! We are busy people. Don't hesitate to take a step back and reevaluate your commitments. Good luck!

Some of the ideas I presented came from the following articles: How to Beat Procrastination, 11 Ways Unsuccessful People Mismanage Their Time.

Sometimes this is the best to-do list. This is my mental to-do list every day. Image source: flickr.

Reading Options

I have chosen Homer's Iliad, found here, as my reading for week 2.
I am familiar with the story of the Trojan War, starring Brad Pitt as Achilles, but I have never actually read the Iliad. I would like to delve into a longer story with unique characters with complex emotions. I want to understand how to write strong characters into my own stories, and I believe this is a good place to start.

Image of the painting Achilles Slays Hector, by Peter Paul Rubens, found on Wikimedia.

I would also like to read Ballads of Robin Hood, found here, as one of my readings for the semester. I only know of Robin Hood as a cartoon fox, and I would like to read a more mature version of the story. I would also like to read this story because it is written in ballad form, something with which I am unfamiliar. I find it neat that each ballad tells a specific part of the story. I am looking forward to reading this unit.

Lastly, I would like to read Folklore of the Holy Land: Moslem, Christian and Jewish, found here. I am interested by the juxtaposition of Muslim, Christian and Jewish stories, and I look forward to diving into the similarities and differences. I am quite unfamiliar with Middle Eastern tradition and folklore, and I hope this provides some perspective.

Storybook Favorites

From the list provided, my favorite storybooks include (in no particular order) Christine Elliott's Fifth Dimension, The Kalevala, as Interpreted by Dr. Seuss, and Project Humanity. 

I was immediately drawn to Fifth Dimension because I know Christine and her work, and I find her to be extremely talented. The idea for her storybook is very creative. I love the Twilight Zone theme and the script format. The script format appeals to my filmmaker side, and I like that each reader creates the scenes with his or her imagination. Each story takes place in its own universe while remaining true to the overarching theme of eerie darkness. I would recommend this storybook to anyone!

The Kalevala, as Interpreted by Dr. Suess picqued my interest because the title made me think that I could learn something with which I am unfamiliar in a very easy rhyming way. The author did not disappoint. I was extremely impressed with the author's dedication to maintain the same rhyme scheme throughout the entire storybook. I imagine it was a long and arduous task. I was not familiar with the Kalevala, but I believe the author did a good job conveying the important plot points. Also, the author promptly addressed any potential confusion in the Author's Notes. It is definitely worth a read!

Human Research Program Logo, from Project Humanity, found on Wikipedia.

Project Humanity caught my eye because the title made me imagine some sort of dystopian story, and I love a good dystopian story. Luckily, I was greeted by an incredible story set in a dystopian future. The layout of the site was perfect! I felt like I was using the same computer as the main character, and the home page felt like a real life log in terminal, logo and all. The content was captivating as well. I found myself helplessly reading on past the introduction, with no control to stop. This was an excellent story told in an engaging way. I highly recommend!


Resources: Fifth Dimension, found here.
The Kalevala, as Interpreted by Dr. Seuss, found here.
Project Humanity, found here. 

Introduction to a Local

My name is Thorpe Mayes. I was born in Norman, Oklahoma, where I grew up with two older sisters and an older brother. I graduated from Norman North High School in 2010, and then I attended OU for two years before dropping out and working full time. I spent the better part of three years working at the Apple Store, before returning to OU in the summer of 2015. I am now studying Creative Media Production in Gaylord College. Basically, I get to shoot and edit videos all the time. I hope to graduate this coming December, but I've never been very timely. After graduation I would like to get a job that allows me to travel and make films. I certainly would like to live somewhere outside of Oklahoma, and eventually outside of the United States.
I prefer to spend my free time outdoors, whether it be camping and rock climbing, cycling or playing soccer. I enjoy traveling. I have visited eleven states and 3 foreign countries, and I plan on spending the coming summer in Ecuador. I love stories of all kinds. I couldn't possibly name all of my favorite movies. If I had to name a few, I would say The Darjeeling Limited (and all of Wes Anderson's films), Ex Machina, Fight Club, Inglorious Basterds, Interstellar, The Departed, and The Shining might top the list. Some of my current favorite musicians include Bonobo, Chance the Rapper, Jack Garratt, Flume, Sampha, Sylvan Esso, Mura Masa, and Nick Murphy. My favorite books include 1984, Animal Farm, The Sun Also Rises, and the Sherlock Holmes series. I should also mention that The Office is, perhaps, the best TV show ever.
I really love food, too. I am full of recommendations for good places to eat in Norman and OKC.
That's a little bit about me. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and reading their stories this semester!

I took a photo of some friends at the Wichita Mountains: 12/31/16

I took a photo of a sunset in Norman, OK: 12/12/16

Week 1 Storytelling: Hector the Green

Hector Protector was dressed all in green;

Hector Protector was sent to the Queen.

The Queen did not like him,

Nor more did the King;

So Hector Protector was sent back again.

(traditional nursery rhyme)

~~~

Hector the Green

There was once a young boy named Hector who dreamt of being a knight. 

Since he was born, all Hector wanted to do was fight. When he was 5, he protected his mum from a man with a knife. Using only a spoon and all of his might, he chased the bad many away into the night. 

When Hector was 8, as if by some fate, he defended a seamstress called Kate. She was so grateful and wanted to thank young Hector, but she had no money to give. All she could fashion was a shiny green cape. Hector was reluctant to accept the gift, but Kate insisted. So he obliged, and wore his new cloak with pride. 

By the time Hector was 12 he had made a name for himself as a skilled fighter and swordsman. So much so that he was often told he would make a formidable knight. So Hector decided that he wanted to become a knight.
To do so, he journeyed to the largest castle in the land to see the King and Queen. The castle was far away from Hector's home, and it took him many days to get there. Once he arrived, he asked to speak to the King and Queen so that they might make him a knight. The court granted his request, and he awaited the King and Queen in the grand ballroom.
When the King and Queen arrived, Hector was summoned before them. He knelt. "What is your name, boy?" asked the Queen.
"Hector, your majesty," replied Hector.
"And what is it that you want, Hector?" interjected the King.
"I want to become a knight, to serve as your protector, sire," said Hector.
"Oh really?" mocked the King. "How could a boy as young as yourself possibly protect us?"
Hector pleaded his case, citing his many victories in duals and encounters with evil men. The King and Queen listened to his story, and whispered to each other for a moment.
Finally, the Queen spoke. "Hector," she said. "You are brave beyond measure, and your stories are wonderful, but we cannot allow you to become a knight."
Hector was crushed. "Why not?" he asked.
"Frankly," said the King, "you are too... green."
"Green?" said a puzzled Hector.
"What my dear husband means," added the Queen, "is that you are far too young to defend us with your life. Perhaps when you have grown in body and mind, we might reconsider. But for now, your place is at home with your family."
"But-," started Hector.
"Our decision is final," grumbled the King. "You are dismissed. Return home at once, and do not return until you are a man."
Hector was crushed. Though he could return and try again, years felt like too long of a wait. Hector mounted his horse, and rode away in tears.

My idea of the boy Hector Protector, dressed in green. Painting titled Prince Sigismund Casimir Vasa of Poland in Polish costume, circa 1644, by Peter Danckerts de Rij.

~~~

Author's Note: Hector Protector is a very simple nursery rhyme, as you can see. I imagined Hector Protector as a knight because of the 'protector' in the name, and the reference to king and queen. I chose to use Hector's 'green' garb as a metaphor for his youth. Youth would provide a fitting reason for the king and queen sending him away. Naturally they would want a protector to be around them, so there must be another reason for their not liking him. I gave him a little back story to the 'protector' name, in the form of protecting his mother and the seamstress. The seamstress served to provide the literal green that Hector wears.

~~~

Bibliography: The story is based on the nursery rhyme "Hector Protector" in The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang.
Photo of painting Prince Sigismund Casimir Vasa of Poland in Polish costume, circa 1644, by Peter Danckerts de Rij, available at Wikimedia.

My Favorite Places

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

View overlooking a valley at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo credits to Robert Corby at the German language Wikipedia. Image web source: Wikimedia.

Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I visited the unique rock formation during a spring break road trip last year. The park is a popular destination for hikers, climbers and campers. There are plenty of trails for adventurers of all ages and technical abilities. The view at sunset is serene, and from the Garden, one can see the towering Pike's Peak. It really is a beautiful place, and I can see why the park attracts roughly 2 million visitors a year. I plan on visiting again this spring!