My Struggle This Past Six Weeks

I have had a real problem trying to decide on a topic for my final paper. I initially was going to write it on, the effects of illegal immigrants on the U.S. healthcare system. After doing some research, I found that I was having a problem finding enough sources to support my opinion on the subject. I then changed my  topic to, childhood obesity relating to single parent homes. I'm interested in this subject but after some thought I decided to write my paper on, childhood obesity relating to single parent homes and poverty. The small addition of "poverty" to my paper opened up a wealth of new information. I feel like I have finally found the topic that I am going to stick with. I hate that I have wasted the first three weeks on researching material that I won't use but at least we started early enough to be able to change our minds.

Pre-writing techniques

When I have a paper or project due I normally start out by writing an informal outline. After you decide what information you want to include in your paper and in what order you want to present your ideas then the hardest part is behind you. This strategy helps me get started and usually leads to a well presented and thought out paper.
Up to this point I would say that school has influenced my life in a positive way. It has made me have to manage my time with my children around my studies but the effect it has had on my self esteem is worth it. It is nice to know that I am working toward a goal that will improve my families life.

Plagiarism

You should cite your sources because it gives credit to the people whose ideas you are using. It takes time and effort to compose literary works and it isn't fair to steal someone's ideas. If someone used my work without giving me credit I would be very upset. When things like this happen in the professional world I believe that legal actions should take place, whether it is imprisonment or fines. I feel that the internet has definitely made plagiarism a more widespread problem. With every resource a click a way it definitely makes it harder to control this problem.

So far so good

So far I really enjoy being an online student.  After graduating high school I attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville for two semesters and then took courses at University of West Florida for one semester. I did well in a campus based environment and liked the socialization that going to a class offers. Since then I have gotten married and have three kids so my priorities have changed a lot. Being an online student gives me the time I need to spend with my children and the flexibility to work at my own pace. I enjoy the fact that I can cook dinner and without having to change clothes or drive to school attend my class. With the credits that transfered and the classes I have completed at Kaplan I am scheduled to graduate with an Associate in Medical Assisting in less than a year and I am looking forward to what my future holds.

yay!

Took the kids to the Seafood Festival today which was really nice! I have been stuck in the house for the past five days because it has done nothing but rain.

Excited

I am extremely excited to start my new classes. Each time I start new courses I feel that much closer to my overall goal!