True Passion Vs. Ease (CAS 137H: RCL POST#1)
For CAS 137H a major assignment is to create and sustain a
“Passion Blog” for a total of ten entries.
The point of this blog is to brainstorm ideas for a passion blog and
then examine if the specific idea is practical, sustainable, and actually a
passion. My first idea is to chronicle
my activities in Centre Pennsylvania, and my second is to discussion my
perception regarding my experience in the PSU NROTC unit.
Idea #1
Working Title: Explore Experience Enjoy (E3) My
PSU Weekends,
Potential Activities:
1. Go hiking/running at Shingle Town (Summer/Fall)
2. PSU Football Game (Summer/Fall/Winter)
3. Boating on Howard Lake (Summer/Fall)
4. Ski Tusey Mountain (Winter)
5. Clay pigeon shooting at Shenacoy or Hillendales
(Summer/Fall)
6. Fly Fishing (Summer/Fall)
7. Country Club/Pool/Golf (Summer/Fall)
8. Arboretum (Summer/Fall)
9. Penn Cave/ Woodward Cave (Summer/Fall)
10. Berkey Creamery (Anytime)
11. Myer Dairy (Anytime)
12. Other PSU sporting events (Anytime)
Needs/Concerns:
For almost all of these activities I would need a car and to
be provided with resources and or time of some other individual. Not only would I need to schedule these
activities with a family member or friend, I would be at the whim of the weather
for a few of these activities. Along
with day-to-day weather being a problem, some of these activities are
seasonal.
Reflection#1
This subject as my passion blog could defiantly be done; I
would just need to strategically plan activities to ensure that it is the
correct season. If I have a problem due
to weather constraints there are plenty of activities that are available to be
done in Centre Pennsylvania, my list at the moment is just activities that could
be possible after talking with some friends and family. I can assume this list will expand greatly as
I become more familiar with the area.
Idea#2
Working Title: NROTC, College through the eyes of a
Midshipman
Potential Topics:
1.
Freshman Drill Practice
2.
Marching in the Homecoming Parade
3.
Working Concession at home Football games
4.
Thursday Leadership training
5.
Thursday Uniform Day
6.
Battalion PT
7.
My reason for Joining initially
8.
My views after some experience
9.
Special Warfare Club
10. Naval
Science Class
Needs/Concerns:
With this particular topic there are no concerns about being able to complete my potential topics, as they are a part of my college life. The only concerns are that, due to the nature of these activities, I would be unable to document them with pictures and other forms of media. This lack of media in my blogs would hinder them. Also this topic might not
actually be my passion. I am unsure of
how enjoyable and engaging it will be to complete these blog assignments upon
this topic.
Reflection#2:
This subject will not be hard to gather any sort of subject
matter for my blogs, since it is a part of my day 4-5days a week. What would be difficult is incorporating pictures or videos. The constant grind of participating in NROTC
related activities might hamper my benevolence toward the subject.
Comparison and Choice:
While Idea#1 would probably be a much easier topic to do my
blogs on, it does not expression my passion as Idea #2 does. While Idea#2 presents some difficulties and constraints,
it would be a much more enjoyable topic to pursue for myself and my readers.
You present a fair argument and I can see why you are conflicted. Personally I like the idea of documenting your experiences in NROTC. I think this would be an engaging topic because it allows people to view experiences different from their own. While I know many people in ROTC, I don't know what their experience is really like. In terms of getting media for your blog, you wouldn't necessarily have to take pictures yourself. Perhaps you could ask someone to cover the event (for example I am sure many people will take pictures at Homecoming), and then you would simply credit them. I think this could be an engaging blog, allowing people to get a better understanding of what it is actually like to be in NROTC.
ReplyDeleteAlthough finding transportation would be difficult, I like your idea of having a blog that describes your experiences over the weekend. Everyone knows how stressful the school week can get, and it'd be great to read how you spend your weekends and whether or not you enjoyed the activities you do. Also, as you said, there are lots of activities that you could do if your plans fall through. I also think the blog about your experiences in the NROTC would be great as well! Although you won't have that much media, I don't think it would take away too much from what you do write about.
ReplyDeleteWhile both are interesting topics my concern with the first one is- it has been done before. While we may relate to the first idea more I think being introduced to a new culture, for most of us, NROTC, would be really interesting and keep the attention of your readers more. In regards to your worries about media you may be able to find similar pictures on videos online!
ReplyDeleteI think that both ideas would be great! Idea #1 would be interesting because we would see these experiences from a fresh point of view, and you could even persuade us to partake in the endeavors ourselves. On the flip side, this idea has been used before, and there are probably other students who are doing it this year. I think Idea #2 would be interesting because it would give the class an insight into something not widely known. As for not being able to take pictures or videos, maybe you could have a friend help you out?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're in a pickle. I agree with everybody that the first idea has been done before, but regardless, it would still be something new in its own way. This is your point of view and nobody but you can experience that. It'd be great to hear about some of those activities. It'd let us know what is worth and what isn't worth doing around PA. I'm not from around hear so having something like a guide on things to do around the general area sounds great. At the same time though I come from a military family. My father was Air Force and I've met plenty of officers and high school Jr.ROTC goers, but since we were Air Force, I've rarely met anyone in the Navy. I think finding out about the different way the Navy works would be cool, and intriguing at the same time, but as you said, it may not always be something you want to write about, because it may be a pain at some points down the road. I say if you're able to do the central PA adventure go for it, but if not the NROTC program documentary would be just as cool.
ReplyDeleteMax, this is perhaps the most systematic write-up of pros/cons that I've seen yet from a student who's deliberating between different blog topics. (Headers and numbered lists! Love it!)
ReplyDeleteThat being said, you've obviously considered the inherent benefits and drawbacks of both approaches.
Your NROTC reflections are more unique to you, which is good to differentiate your blog from others, but it also has the potential to appear disconnected from the audience's experiences. Conversely, the experience blog might be more generic, but it's also relevant for an audience who are all learning the ropes and exploring the area.
Good luck deciding!