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April 05, 2005
Haven't Learned That Lesson
I am utterly unteachable.
Scenario:
I wrote a research paper on political blogs for my media studies midterm paper. It wasn't bad, especially for the amount of time I (didn't) put into it. A few days later, I cut the paper in half and took most of the research out and voila, I had an opinion piece for my journalism class.
Results:
I get my midterm back in media studies. Grade: A. Comments from the Prof: "This is a fine and thoughtful essay. You write well in a style that is both informative and engaging. Keep doing this; writing essays, that is. You're good at it and it is a talent that deserves to be nurtured." I pack my bags and take off on a giant ego trip.
I get my opinion article back in journalism. Writing all over. Grade: the lowest I've gotten in this class. Attached were two other articles from reputable publications basically trying to debunk my thesis. The prof obviously doesn't agree with me that blogs are a good thing. But was it really that poorly written? Crash landing back to planet Earth.
Conclusion:
It doesn't matter how frequently I remind myself that what I accomplish/produce does not bear a direct correlation to whether or not I am a good person. It's painful. But I will never learn.
Posted by Megan at April 5, 2005 08:22 PM
Comments
Bummer. I wouldn't take the journalism grade too harshly:
1.) If it's Jan Allister, she's known to be rather unpredictable and even insulting like that.
2.) Blogs are cutting into the market of "real" journalists. Her potential bias against blogs likely motivated her comments more than her writing. And if there's anyone who knows about bias opinions slipping into the classroom, it's you.
3.) The research you cut may have been the material that made your argument most convincing? Plus, I can imagine a media studies prof. being a lot more receptive about alternative news/opinion sources.
4.) Be careful about using one assignment to help you complete another. It's something to inform a professor about beforehand--the Book characterizes using parts of one paper for another as plagarism. Even when receiving permission from all professors involved, I've been burnt both times I've tried it. Both times, it worked great in the first paper but floundered in the second. Perhaps it loses energy in altering to meet a different purpose.
You are indeed a talented essayist. As you advise yourself, don't let one less-than-stellar grade get you down.
Posted by: Laura at April 5, 2005 10:01 PM