Lisa Wilson Strick's purpose in writing "So What's So Bad About Being So-So?" was so illustrate how people focus on competing with each other, being the best at everything, rather than just doing something for fun . She uses personal experiences with her son, and friends as examples to show just how competitive people can be. Strick also relates how competitive nature affects kids in a negative way, not allowing the kids to be kids, but to be "perfect" at their skill our just everything in general. I agree with her viewpoint, as people we many not want to take up new activities or skills, because we are afraid that we won't be good at it, when in actuality we should do something for the fun of it. I have felt the pressure of wanting to be a great cello player.
When I was in 8th grade I decided to do something totally out of my element, taking up a Orchestra class to learn how to play the cello . I had always loved music and I wanted to be in some type of music program at my school. Everyone in my class of course had tons of experience with their violas, violins, and cellos, and was really good at their instruments. That was all I could think about was being good at it versus "I love music this is going to be fun!" Somethings I didn't understand, like reading the music, but luckily I had nice classmates who more than willing to help me out. After a month of learning all of the diffrent strings, learning how to ready the music, and practicing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" over and over again, I had to play with my Orchestra class in the cafeteria for Back To School Night. I was barely getting used to playing the cello, and this was too soon for me. Not to mention I get really nervous on a stage in front of a audience. I remember telling my dad how bad I was going to suck, and he gave me the greatest advice ever, "Just have fun, and don't worry." At the time I was thinking wow is that all you can say? But I went onto the stage, took my place, and set my bow on my strings ready to play. I blocked the audience out, and just played my heart out. I wasn't nervous or afraid of messing up, I was just happy my dad could see me play.
I think that you responded to the prompt pretty well. I think that you definitely used vivid descriptions I felt like I was seeing you play your cello. I also felt like you used concrete language.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good job describing your situation and answering the prompt. You always use good detail in your writing and I can always understand your point of view. I do think you could have used one last sentence in your last paragraph to tie your story in with Stricks article. I always have the prompt in front of me when I'm writing my blogs so I make sure I follow the paragraph guidelines; this might help you in bringing everything together in the last paragraph, so the reader doesn't forget why your telling us your story. But I always enjoy reading your blogs, they're great and its a good way to get to know you better.
ReplyDeleteBreianna, I never knew how to play music either i was the only one in my class who was able to understand and read music, it took me a few months to get it down. Your blog looks really good.
ReplyDeleteBrianna,
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job at answering the prompt. You used a lot of vivid descriptions. I felt like I was part of the audience watching you play the cello. Your blog's greatest strength was at the end when you said, "I wasn't nervous or afraid of messing up, I was just happy my dad could see me play."
Brianna, your story's are always interesting to read, you know how to capture the readers attention. I think that's your strength but your tenses are a little confusing. great job on this prompt.
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