Academic Writing

Some types of writings are simple and anyone can write. But, writing academic papers poses a problem for a many writers. Although writing is fundamental, the structure of academic writing can be intimidating and frustrating. Nevertheless, scholastic writing is indispensable, so mastering this genre of writing may perhaps result in a promising career.

Writing literature, for example, monopolizes time and challenges the mind. Literary works call attention to meticulous evaluations and thorough analysis within the context and content of a work. But, there are much more variables that goes into composing a scholarly acceptable piece of work.  Reflecting on the days of my 10 to 25 page literature papers, I can remember feeling exhausted after writing one particular paper.

 I had an awful experience with writing when I decided to write psychoanalysis on characters created by Toni Morrison. She writes around mythical elements, such as flying Africans and navel-less birth. I chose to analyze Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon because I thought it would be interesting to examine people who behaved in bizarre manner. However, this project was a challenge for me. I was all over the place with finding sources that would prove my theory of the characters’ odd behaviors. My analysis lacked in vital and tangible details. I tried to analyze specific traits within the characters, but I was having great difficulties in developing consistent organization in theory. I wished I had used a different approach, for the psychoanalysis approach was exigent for me. Overwhelmed, I wanted to give up on writing in an Academic sense. BUT, I REFUSED! (No thanks to Dr. Ladd)   I had to press forward!

Academic writing has made me realize that analysis plays a pivotal part in understanding how to evaluate written work. Academic writing produces positive results if taught accurately. Pinpointing my weakness in academic writing strengthen my planning and organizational approach. As an educator, I want to master and teach different writing styles to eliminate potential writing anxieties that many students may have.

The nature of writing and its aspects is a beast!

              

Defending Character

People should be given the opportunity to protect their character. Giving folks the chance to safeguard themselves is fair—after all, integrity is involved.  When that opportunity is taken away, for some people, the results can be devastating. I’m sure many people have an “I must defend myself!” story. I know I do.

On one occasion, deceitful people assaulted my character. These devious people made dreadful statements to inflict harm to my reputation, but the nasty accusations they made did not belong to my character. I was not offended by their repugnant falsehood because I knew, and anyone who really knew me, knew the truth.

Unfortunately, a few people who I held in high esteem believed the accusers’ false assertions without question.

Because of this, my emotions were perplexed and complicated, for I was hurt and insulted.  “I knew I must defend myself.” But in order for me to defend and win this battle, I had to reexamine the many encounters I had with these vicious accusers. As I evaluated every meeting with these resentful individuals, I could not find any credence to their scandal. Nevertheless, I was confident that my naked truth would make me whole, and safeguard my integrity.

I was befuddled when it did not happen. “The Powers that Be” (People I held in high regards) did not allow me to defend myself. So unfair! I was the victim of the unspoken code.

In the end, I suffered betrayal and injustice. I concluded that tactful people were the very people who served raw deals that were unfair and inconsiderate. The folks that I held in high regards believed the words of deceptive people and deny me the opportunity to defend my character.

Stand up for your character.

At times, we are not given the opportunity to defend ourselves. It is because the powers that be are exerting their arrogance.

I will never allow people, no matter what label they wear, make me feel insignificant or worthless. My hard work, enthusiasm, and sacrifice are what define me.

“One Day All Them Bags Gone Get in Your Way”

“One day all them bags gone get in your way.” As we know, these lyrics sung by Erykah Badu are symbolic for the barriers that seep into our lives. Some folks have different types of strongholds translated into ‘baggage’ that stop the flow of conquest. These bags can stop or limit one’s ability to succeed. In my case, my performance was inadequate; the cause, my ‘baggage’ got in the way.

One particular part of that song resonated with me, “You gone miss your bus, you can't hurry up, cause you got too much stuff.” I thought to myself; of course, I will miss the bus dragging my bags like that. This was the very part of the song that ignited thought. If I miss that bus…I miss…?

First, I had to explore and define my ‘extra baggage’. What was my baggage? Then my assessment began. After a pensive process, I discovered that my extra baggage just happen to be my favorite pleasures. I did not want to connect the two because I so enjoyed these felicific treats, for they made me feel good, kept me blissful, inspired me to do nothing for a short period of time, and always made me believe that I was the smartest person in the universe. My pleasure! My baggage! A bitter sweet revelation!

I guess the smoking screen was the pleasure attached to my extra baggage. I knew I had to unpack those bags and put them in an auction, for I did not desire to miss another bus. The benefits of letting go of the extra baggage: Great Performance!

I have no extra bags in my way today, which is a guarantee that my mind is full of positive energy! Are “All Them Bags Gone Get in Your Way”?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQtg5iUW1fg

Positive: Staying Positive in Disappointment

I can attest to disappointments, for I have experienced plenty. Over the years, I have been turned down for jobs and organizations. Many times, I wanted to cry because it felt like the Green Gargantua slammed me into a brick wall, enduring endless agony.

One disappointing encounter I remember was in the early '80s when I applied for a job at a Subway restaurant in Staten Island, New York. After filling out the application, I was confident that I would get an interview. Several days later, I was called.

 I arrived at the restaurant and walked inside. From what I could remember, the manager was a tall white man with short black and grey hair. He had a large round stomach with a greasy apron wrapped around his huge waist. I respectfully spoke as I extended my hand to greet him. In an insolent tone, he asked me why was I there. I replied, "For the job interview." He bellowed!, “Tamara White!” I squelched, “Yes.” “Where did you get a name like that?” Said the big intimidating white man. My response was “Uh.” It took me aback because I did not know where the big guy was going with this. Immediately after the awkward dialogue, he announced that the position was filled; then he quickly walked away.

I stood there, it seemed for hours, before I gathered my thoughts. I could not believe I didn’t get the interview, nonetheless the job. (I found out later the true reason…that’s another topic). I experienced rejection and disappointment at the same time.

Although I went through such a disappointing experience, I never allowed it to discourage me. I learned that it was not the ending for Tamara, but one of many rejections. I knew I had to destroy the barriers that blocked my blessing. 

I am sure there are many of you who have experienced some type of disappointing situation. After all, it's a part of life. The question is how do we grab it? Or, Where do we grab it?

Yes, it is difficult to stay positive in disappointing situations, but finding ways to annihilate the obstacles that are annexed to our accomplishments will assist in managing disappointment.

Dreams: Why Do We Have Them?

I do not know the answer to why I dream. What I do know is that dreams are sometimes soothing to the soul.

Last night, I dreamed about my beloved who passed away years ago. The dream seemed so real that I woke up feeling melancholy. In the dream, my beloved and I were at home engaged in normal activities. The weather was unstirring. It felt as if summer was slowly approaching. The two oaks that stood parallel in the front yard were motionless. In fact, everything involving nature was stagnant. We were the only creatures with movement. In the house, only two rooms were visible, the kitchen and the bedroom. I was in the kitchen cooking, and the children were playing throughout the two rooms of the house. My beloved was in the bedroom getting dressed and softly singing a song he wrote called, If I Could See the Light. I entered the bedroom to give him my sex then send him off.

The children were still playing in the motionless environment, the food was still cooking in the kitchen, and his song was echoing throughout the rooms.

 I WOKE UP! In my mind, I looked for him, but my reality informed me that he was not here.

He never came home from work. No beloved. My heart was devastated, my mind in chaos, and my soul empty. He was gone. He was gone. I had woken up. 

 (If it’s a little confusing, remember this is my dream)

This dream aroused some sweet memories of my beloved and me, but it also reminded me of the mourning stuck in the core of my soul.  I certainly miss my beloved. 

My dreams are the bridges that link us together from time to time. Perhaps that is why I dream. 

Blessings

I realized the very person that offended me and forced me to change my career was truly a Blessing to me...So I am moving on. What will I do? No clue. I am walking, or in my case riding, towards my faith in God and solely depending on Him to gently open doors that I only imagined. Now, I must establish belief beyond reason.  The unknowing is my motivation.

 As I grow and learn, I realize that blessings are not always obvious. At times, they are enigmatic. No matter how difficult situations may appear there is a positive outlet somewhere within the realm.

CERTAIN PEOPLE: ONLY

Certain people are not meant to exist in certain environments...I was so blind-sided...Getting ready to write about the illusion...the illusion...the people...the people...the illusion...the illusion...

Grateful

I thank God for Blessing me with three fabulous children...One thing I know for certain, in this world of billions, there are three individuals who WANT AND NEED me in there presence. 

When I look at my babies, I cannot believe how they have grown. Time is forever moving, unlike humans, never taking breaks. Every so often, I wish I could hold them over my shoulders or carry them while I am walking to the store. But those days for me are forever gone. Oh, how do I miss those days! 

They are adults now, and they do not depend on 'sweet mommy' as much. However, They are assured that mommy will 'stop the press' if the red phone rings.

Me, Big Daddy, Pussycat, Lovechild

Love

Food From Thought

Opportunity is unmeasurable, but preparations key...To all, whatever it is you love doing, do it everyday. When the window of opportunity opens, you will be a high contender in the world of competition. -Tamara White

Reflection

Striving for the unimaginable is the key to achieving my goals...I use to imagine what it would be like to have a degree, become a professional, and live a comfortable life...For me that was the unimaginable...But now, it is a goal accomplished...Some did not think it was possible for Tammy...But look at me, NOW! I have annihilated my thug mentality, what joy...Thank you Jesus for never giving up on this wretch called Tamara, for I have come a long way:-)

Cruisers: Sunday Cruisers and the Big House

Not that I am a speeder, but I am going to be the speeder’s advocate today. Why do people who drive 20 mile per hour pull out from a side street, road, alley, or parking lot into high volume traffic?  Should these people be charged, convicted, and hurled to the big house? Maybe this is a bit extreme, but it is something to brood on. Nevertheless, I call them Sunday cruisers. I do not understand why these cruisers make irrational judgments, especially when the lives of others are at stake. I know I am probably speaking of someone’s grandmother and grandfather, mother and father, or aunt and uncle who are considered the Sunday cruiser. After all, my father is the Sunday cruiser and my mother is the speed demon (Go mom!).

I am not sure if the big house is the answer; I am sure it is not, but I had a crazy driving episode recently that forced me to ponder with the idea.

 I consider myself a cautious and defensive driver; after all, I am constantly maneuvering through the rural roads, highways, and interstates of the Carolinas. So using caution is a must because it helps me counteract unwise drivers, oh! I mean Sunday cruisers.

This past Sunday, I was driving 55miles per hour in a 55miles per hour zone through miles of greenery and earth when suddenly out of a diminutive, warped side street a car slowly entered my path. It was a dark gray Lincoln Continental with shiny rims and lightly tinted windows. The thoughtless driver was completely stopped at the narrow side street. When I was at least 20 feet from passing the narrow road, the cruiser pulled out. Swiftly, I slammed on the brake pedal and swirled to the left of the road. Luckily for both cars, the ‘coast was clear.’ I  could tell the driver saw me because the nose of my car was almost in the back seat of his. I was fuming. At first chance, I passed the unhurried dark gray machine.

 This situation could have turned out disastrous if I had not been driving defensively. Even if people make eye contact with one another, never assume that the other sees. Knowing the environment and situation are a plus when driving. Perhaps the big house is not the answer, but entertaining the thought is consoling.

I wanted to share my angry driving story. Care to share: what is your driving story?

Note to self: Never assume that a driver sees you.

Stress: Whys to limit Anxiety

The topic of stress seems to be a daily subject in my professional and personal life. I am constantly listening to individuals complain about some type of stress in their lives. I too seethe about my stress. My conversations of stress addresses marriage, work issues, weigh problems, single life, relationships, and the list become infinite. However, meditation or walking eliminates some of the daily stress that I encounter.  Meditation is my top stress reliever.

To resolve my stress, I start in small increments. I designate certain days of the week to meditate and walk. My first method for relieving stress is meditation; I meditate three times a week. My meditation environment is in my spare room that is housed with index cards of positive words taped to all four walls of the room and inspirational and motivational books housed in a bookshelf. The natural light streaming from the cracks of the window blind connects me with nature. There, I meditate different aphorisms from ancient sages and prophets such as Jesus, Muhammad, or Buddha. Depending on what aspect of my life anxiety pounces on, determines what type of adage I need to focus on. For example, if I become stressed because of work issues, I use three days to meditate. When I am not meditating, I go walking in a local cemetery that facilitates walkers. I know that this sounds morbid, but it keeps me focused. Walking around headstones for an hour is a constant reminder that I could be laying in the graveyard oppose to walking in one if I do nothing about relieving stress. Meditation and walking simply keeps me grounded.

For a good read, search “Stress is Dessert Spelled Backwards” there are many article on this topic.

Share your stress stories.