Hooray! You made it!
I am so proud of you for sticking with such a tough class--You all deserve a nice holiday break! Remember, you WILL NOT be going shopping this season, you are "boosting the economic downturn" or "supporting recession recovery tactics"--
For this final blog, and please do keep in touch--I'd like to hear about one suggestion you can share with your classmates to help find the true spirit of giving, sharing and gratitude...for instance, something you or someone you admire does this time of year to get past the Halmark/mall/consumer-driven experience and reach out when it means the most to lend a hand, an ear or even a few bucks. I hope what you have learned in my class will help you speak out with confidence and stand up for others who can't speak for themselves and above all: Express yourself! Hugs--Sandra
For this final blog, and please do keep in touch--I'd like to hear about one suggestion you can share with your classmates to help find the true spirit of giving, sharing and gratitude...for instance, something you or someone you admire does this time of year to get past the Halmark/mall/consumer-driven experience and reach out when it means the most to lend a hand, an ear or even a few bucks. I hope what you have learned in my class will help you speak out with confidence and stand up for others who can't speak for themselves and above all: Express yourself! Hugs--Sandra
28 comments:
Wow, I feel honored to be the first to post to this final blog! Um...I don't really know if my suggestion is any good but I think that we just need to remind ourselves that in times like the holidays, not having lavish presents is one thing, not having presents or even food at all is another thing. We might not have time to do charity work, or better yet can't find the time to do that...we might not even have enough cash to give out to those in need...its still that one saying that we always hear: "its the thought that counts." Of course there will be people who exploit our generous nature and take advantage of our kindness, but thats life. Don't let the few ruin it for the majority. Still give a little, whether it be a nickle or a quarter. Just be a little kinder to others, even if we don't know them. Help the old little lady/man pick up the paper he/she dropped. Be nicer to others, even if its a bit of an inconvenience to us. Say excuse me even if you may think that it was he/she who bumped into you. Just remember, even if we don't have much, there are still those who have less, much less. =)
Trang K
Valenthia Carlock
Well this is the final blog I can't believe that it is just about over. I had amazing time in this class even though it was just once a week. Sandra you are the coolest best teacher I've had. You have made this semester fly by...as they say when you having fun time flys by. The one thing that I can say about this holiday is for everyone to stay positive even when you know things are truly rough. When you think negative about your situation it makes you feel like a bad person inside and you won't be able to share your love or kindness with others. It's okay to give a little something every year and what I do is buy two toys one for a boy and one for girl and drop it off at the fire station so they can give it to a child who will not get anything for Christmas. I have been doing this for about four years now. I have to remind myself and my children it's not about how many gifts you get it's about giving and receiving. Thanks for everything Sandra you made this class rock!!
I have grown to looking at the holiday's differently in the past 3 years. We as a family, used to ruch around to buy everyone gifts and ended up buying a bunch of crap! Reluctantly my family opened up to the idea of having a "gift game" where we bring ONE present each and put it in a pile. Then we draw #'s out of a hat and pick presents out of the pile. Then each present can be "stolen" up to 2 times. Its really fun and people really get into it. Also, since your only buying one gift, it can be nicer than buying a bunch of meaningless last minute gifts. Also, we have had people who were INSISTANT on buying gifts to buy something valuable or make comething homemade or recyled. Last year we bought goats for a rural village or water wells, etc. Then we made cards for each family member and included a picture and story of what their gift did for the villages. It was AMAZING.
hmm...so first off I'd like to thank you Sandra for allowing me to be in this great course. As for the spirit of giving, sharing, and gratitude...I think making presents from scratch are a great way to show thoughtfulness. Buying blank cards and adding in personal touches are just a couple of ideas you can do. I haven't actually done this before, but I think a great idea would be to make your own ornaments and give them away. For example, you can google "origami" and learn to fold some unique objects with newspaper squares. To make the ornament stronger and stand out, you can first use some hairspray then use some shiny spray paint! This will also preserve the ornament! Happy Holidays!
Jason Wong
sandrizzle, this has been one of the best classes ive ever had in my life. foreals. well going back to the actual blog, ive noticed that between close friends/family it doesnt matter what you get them as long as you get them something. lately i make cards from scratch, record a nice little song and burn it onto a cd, cook some delicious food, etc, whatever it may be it comes from the heart.
Mary Ann is one of a kind. Whether it was due to circumstance or neglect, certain kids found their way to Mary Ann's where they could feel safe and loved for at least a little while. At one time, when her kids were teens, there were so many kids hanging out that I was reminded of a nursery rhyme and came to regard her as "the old woman who lived in a shoe, who had so many kids she didn't know what to do." To me it was total chaos, a daily ebb and flow that sometimes grew so frantic that it left me dizzy; to her, the calm eye of the hurricane, it was a simple matter of feeding them, finding them clothing, listening to their problems, encouraging them, praising them. Mary Ann was like that with everyone every day of the year. The only difference during the holiday season was huge turkey feasts for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Now that the "lost kids" are grown up and the house has quieted a bit, Mary Ann has turned her boundless energy to caring for the elderly and disabled. She cooks meals and delivers them to different folks-- sometimes through rain or snow, like the proverbial postman. Mary Ann is truly a saintly soul.
Charles Bertolette
My friends and family all have different ways of helping out or going beyond the normal consumerism of the holidays. My Grandparent and everyone that had a regular job donates money to different causes for individuals for Christmas gifts. Such as my mom gave both sets of her parents donations towards the zoo, train museum, and Loaves and Fishes last year, and then gave them a card stating where their Christmas gift was given. This year I bought books and donated them at Barnes and Nobels for children in foster homes that haven't been adopted yet. One of my grandmothers knits/crochets blankets for children. And almost all of my family donates time somewhere in the community. For several years I was a bell ringer for Mothers in need. No matter what I try and either donate time or some money towards a cause that helps locally. It's cold and people are hungry and I have to much and can help one way or another.
Blessings and Holiday spirit to all.
I do have to agree with Joey. This has been an interesting and fun learning experience.
As for the holidays, a few years ago, my husband and I adopted a "Santa's letter." I believed that was the name of the program. We get to choose a letter from young, unfortunate students and their family. We arranged and met the student who wrote the letter and his family. The joy and excitement in these kids' face was enough for us. Their smiles was OUR Christmas gift.
Jason's persuasive speech had influenced me to volunteer at my daughter's school. I signed up already for my days. Thanks Jason for the holiday idea of giving. I might just rake my neighbors' lawn the next time I do mine.
Mayger Vuong
Sean Driscoll
I really enjoyed my time in this class. I meet some great people had had a wonderful experience.
At most local churchs (and even many corporations) there is usually a giving tree. On the tree are wishes and christmas lists of underprivlidged families with children. Sponsor a family and contribute to their merry Christmas. If providing christmas gifts is not economically feasable, then go to loaves and fishes and spend time serving food, repairing facilities, sorting food boxes, wraping gifts, or donate old coats/blankets/clothing. Take the time to really give, the blessings you give will be returned many times over.
This is the final blog ive had a great time in the class learned a lot and enjoy every minute of it.I just hope everyone has a great time during the holidays and just enjoy the great little moments that happen because they seem to mean the most in the long run. Commnication Class is soo fun WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Deyton
I've had a great time and this class and have learned a lot. Being in a class with so many different people helped me learn to appreciate the differences we all share. It is a lot easier to learn from people that are different from you, than people who are all just like you. Every year my church makes gift boxes to send to children in Ukraine and Mexico. But it is not the adults who do this, it is the kids. We ask the children in our Sunday School to make shoebox of toys to send, and we are amazed. The kids are so filled with love and try so hard. They spend hours thinking of what toys they themselves would love to have, and put them together for someone they will probably never meet. The entire experience is amazing to see, and the love they show is describable. It is great to see this type of generosity when growing up in a country the focuses on the individual. The holiday season is great in that it gives people a chance to be thankful for what they have, and give back to people who are less fortunate. I will miss this class and hope I left a good impression.
-Leo Novakovskiy
I would like to thank everyone for the great speeches this semester. It was a great learning experience to hear so many different opinions and points of view. We certainly have a lot of talented people in our class! I would like to remind everyone to think about adopting an animal this Christmas season and to promote the SBCA at 6201 Florin Perkins Road. I adopted a cat just before Thanksgiving. He was sick in his cage and reached out for me. I just couldn't resist rescuing him! They say your pets choose YOU... In any case, I took him home and took him to my vet and he is doing so much better now. He is a beautiful Bengal cat that I named "Fredrik". He is such a sweet thing! I will spoil him will lots of presents on Christmas morning. I have three other cats...and I CANNOT return to the SBCA because I always want to take all the kitties home with me! So give this christmas by adopting an animal at the SBCA and provide a loving home for an abandoned cat or dog!
William
There are so many ways to give to others without getting too commercial. All you have to do is look around. Serve food at the homeless shelter. Deliver food for the Meals on Wheels program. Buy a hot meal for the person holding a sign. Get together with family without bringing all that old baggage to the gathering. Remember, it isn’t all about you during this or any time of the year. Make your gift be putting somebody else first, instead of yourself. It's bound to be contagious, and maybe it will become more than just an annual event.
Do what you can. You can’t do it all.
Take care.
J.A.D. Jackson
I am so late I know but I was sick lastnight and totally forgot to do the blog,I hope I still get the points, Well this christmas to me is ok, I lost my grandfather last year around this time, so I have a hard time being cheery, however being around the class for sure brought my spirits up, and a gave me the cofidence to speak and comunicate professionaly at my work place. I will be shopping with my mom this weekend only windown shopping but for me I have been instiled as a child that christmas is not only for recieving gifts its about being with family its about making someone less fourtunate than you happy. Every year my mom picks a family to adopt, and we buy toys for this family and on christmas eve we give them those toys, and to see the smile on thier faces to me is the true meaning of christmas,I hope you all remember that family is special and I hope those of you who still have most of your grand parents hug them and show them you you love them, because you dont know when it will be the last time with them. I know I am babbeling but you guys became like a second family to me. I enjoyed Lacies aproache on speeched and her warm smile she reminds me of my little sister when she is probably older than me, but she still has the persona of my sister who is 20, very cofident an strong. Also Sean, I loved to hear about his expeierences and of his home town Galt were I used to live as well. Also Yesenia, who always had a smile on her face even when she was not feeling good, and Andrew with his motivational comments during peoples speaking, and De De with her happy attitude and education driven attitude makes me know my six almost seven years in college is well worth it. Jason, who was always full of good advice. and another fellow class member who brought me to teers when she read that poem about the daughter who got hit by a drunk driver, Kendehl though shy
was very informaive, amanda who always was very imformative and not afraid to speak her mind. Joey Oh who always made us laugh, William who has a very intresting pass career, and anyone who I forgot I will miss you all as well, to me you all define the christmas spirit with your kindness and support through the class, and Sandra thank you for making your class fun.
Roxanne Harrington
instead of exchanging gifts, my family pools its money together to donate to Heifer International- which buys livestock or agricultural products for families in third world countries to become economically self-sufficient. And my sister and 2 year-old nephew give hand-me downs to my baby. My sister wraps the "gifts" and my nephew enjoys unwrapping them to give to Olivia. He enjoys the unwrapping and then presenting them to her. - Kathleen
I know i blogged already...but i forgot to express to all how much I enjoyed the experience of spending the last several months with everyone! SandraHHH(you deserve all the H's in the world) you allowed us room in the class to express ourselves...Most times, this isn't the case in the classroom setting. Cliche...but this class was the best class ever...and believe me..with over eight years and many many colege courses under my belt, I enjoyed every minute of this class! I hope we could all stay in contact and update each other ...Sandrah, u should leave up a blog for all your past students....or at least for this one...I am sure all of us will from time to time blog to update everyone!
Trang K
Public speaking turned out to be a much more ... entertaining class than I thought it would be! It was not at all the nightmare I had in mind, thank you, Sandra, for making it worth while!
As for the holidays, I always find it special when someone makes me a gift, and I even enjoy spending the time (when I have it) to make my own presents. Last year, I gave all my good friends photo collages. As you might have guessed from my group presentation, collaging is something that I enjoy, and like to share with others.
Very few times i had the opportunity to say that the time went so fast for the English class and this is one of those classes that went so fast. I enjoyed every class and everyone in the class. Sandra and all credit goes to you. The way you had your weekly plan and activities just made it so outstanding. Hope we all atleast keep in touch.
For something different I do during hoilday season is that at our work they collect food and clothes for the homeless and gifts for the kids so I have been taking part in that.
Good luck to you all and Sandra have a great hoildays
Very few times i had the opportunity to say that the time went so fast for the English class and this is one of those classes that went so fast. I enjoyed every class and everyone in the class. Sandra and all credit goes to you. The way you had your weekly plan and activities just made it so outstanding. Hope we all atleast keep in touch.
For something different I do during hoilday season is that at our work they collect food and clothes for the homeless and gifts for the kids so I have been taking part in that.
Good luck to you all and Sandra have a great hoildays
Parneet
You guys are all so sweet!!!! It was definitely an honor getting to know everyone. I noticed that everyones personalities shown through during their speeches. I like to know that we are all so human and each one of us is flawed in a different way. EMBRACE IT!!! That is my suggestion for everyone. If you stutter, then try to stutter more!!! LOL, I believe that human connection is the best thing to give during christmas time. It doesn't take much but a smile. Wave at the old man who wlaks his dog at 9 p.m.. Or allow someone who has less groceries to go ahead of you in line. People may not notice the little things as much as donating a million dollars, but it makes more a difference because it reminds people that we are full of emotions and not all of them are bad ones. So love and be loved. Happy holidays to everyone, and have a great 2009!!!! Good luck with public speaking! Embrace your flaws....
~Lacey M. Schneider
When I was younger I use to attend St. Pauls Church and volunteer my time to feeding the hungry, especially during the holidays. And now, that I'm much older, it seems that I have lost touch with the age old concept. I definitely can't afford to buy presents or even give my pennies away. Things are really tight on my side of the tracks but I think that’s more reason to give my time. I haven't volunteered in such along time and I couldn't help but be persuaded to take a few hours out of my luxurious life, over exaggerating. But the point is, my situation could be a lot worse. And I do need to show my gratefulness and humility by getting out and helping others. So this year, I have high hopes for getting out there and helping at least one individual. But as far as family, they'll receive a text message saying Merry Christmas and to those that I am very close to, they'll get a piece of paper that says IOU. There is much to be grateful for and I really am glad I had Sandra as a teacher. You really did motivate me and I enjoy being able to express my self, not just through my art but with my words. And I really hope that in result it will make a difference in the world.
OLISA
I wish you guys the best of luck!
This is the grand final, but ttyl. In the past i have voluntered at weave and i have worked with Travelors Aide to go to these individuals home to bring clothing, food, also shelter. I hope to be able to participate in such activity soon. It is very rewarding to help others and to see someone smile that is in a very bad situation. It is also very rewarding to see progress that these women and children have made since they have first entered into the relief program. I hope that you all enjoy your holidays, and cherish your loved ones.
yours truly, Janelle Tyler
drusilla lang
i suggest that everyone drive with some consideration for others; more people have moved to sacramento; and the traffic is really bad now; so instead of speeding up when some tries to get over in front of you; let them in; i promise you will feel better; road rage is bad for you health.
For the final blog of the semester I would have to say that this class was not that hard afterward and it rocked with Sandra being an instructor. This has been an awesome semester with my fellow classmates and I've enjoyed. For this holiday season everyone should always think positive because it can't get any harder than what it already is. Right now it's just a phase in life or shall I say is a test on how we all as human can take control and keep our heads up at all times. Nice knowing everyone and you all rock. Don't let no one tell you different.
Keturah Guary
well, I just want to remember folks out there that this holiday is not only about us. It is also about sharing, donating, and helping others that are in need. There is no better fulfilling feeling that feeding a hungree or bringing a smile to an unfortunate child. Donate whatever you can !!!!!!
I would like to end my final blog with a quote by Winston Churchill "we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give".
Glad to have known everyone. God bless.
~ Issam Zejli
Wow..this semester had went by so fast, and it is so hard to say goodbye...I had a really fun and awesome time in Sandra's class,I meet alot of awesome people, and heard alot of great speeches. So for this last blog, sharing and giving and helping those who are less fortunate to me is one of good thing that I enjoy doing, whether it be helping out at a local church serving food, or helping with food can drives, alittle always help and goes along way, a simple helping hand and a happy holidays always brightnen up a person holiday spirit. so with that said, I hope my fellow classmates, and Sandra have a Happy Holidays...
Victoria Smith
This has been the best class ever! It did not only teach me how to correctly speak in public but gave me a lot of confidence too. The learning process was so fun, I didn't notice the time passing by so quickly. Sandra, thanks for everything.
This holiday, I would be donating to the Foundation of Breast Cancer. Two of my close friends are diagnosed by this unfortunate disease and I would like to do something to help.
Every year, we also have a toy drive at CHP and every year, my family donates for the unfortunate kids who don't have the money to buy toys.
Marie Parker
good idea......
Sandra
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