Dear Reader

I am currently working through my prerequisites to achieving my ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse. My name is Heidi Underwood and I began my college debut in 1999. Prior to college I was employed by a manufacturing medical defibrillator company. In 1998 my employer sold to another company located in Minnesota. I was born and raised in Washington and choose not to move. Winter quarter of 1999 I took basic job skilled classes to help me obtain a new career. My education was cut short by an emergency medical need for my husband. His medical condition made him unable to work and carry the medical coverage for our family. This was a beginning to a very long road we would travel together. I signed on with Wamu in September 2000 to begin my career in lending. It was a good career for almost 8 years. In February 2009 I was again a victim of a department closure. Here I am to finish what I once started, but this time I know what I am here to achieve.

I enjoy school but have always struggled with English classes. With English and writing a person must first have an interest in the subject he or she is writing about. Secondly, a person must be open to positive feedback on the final product. I have always had a fear of letting everything inside pour out on paper and allowing someone else to provide constructive feedback. I can honestly say that I challenged that fear with my English 98 class.

English 98 has helped me grow in the ability to read, write and analysis effectively. It began with simple items such as when to use first, second or third person in the assignments. With our reading assignments from “Three cups of Tea” our class was able to post our opinions and see who agreed or who had a different opinion. This created multiple group engaged conversations for all of students. We were able to open each other’s eyes using our own perception. I was also taught the difference between and proper way to summarizing and paraphrasing. English 98 is a stepping stone to many stepping stones I will face at Everett Community College.

To show my growth and achievement I have included some of my writing assignments for your viewing. My major writing assignment that best represents my ability to take a piece through the writing process would be my definition paper. I defined the word “alcoholism” in a very personal way. For my effective writing skills piece I have chosen my advertisement of “Breatharianism”. This shows my ability to use direction in capturing my audience. My analytically writing piece would be my summary and reflection of “What is Poverty”. This piece was a major eye opener for me. For Writer’s choice I felt my samples would not be complete without my “Circle of Life” blog. The service learning piece was a huge part of English 98. I hope you enjoy my chosen pieces as much as I have enjoyed writing them.