Final Paper

Finally finished with the final paper! It was a little daunting with the length required and my busy schedule, but I did it. Time management was a big part of it. However, I think the most important thing when writing a paper (especially when its longer than two pages) is motivation. You need to be excited with what you are writing. When you write you are sharing your voice. You are allowing other people to hear your thoughts and for a minute look into the world you are showing them. This is probably why I like documentaries so much. I actually got a lot of my motivation through the documentary- "The American Drug War: The Last White Hope" it was really great and like any good story it made you really think about what's going on around you.

The World's Problems

There is so much beauty in this world. Yet at the same time so much evil and things that really need fixing. What do you guys think the biggest problems are? What solutions do you have?

Guest Speakers

I think it's great when we have guest speakers come into class and share their stories and open up allowing others to see what their life is like. Paco and Kohl thanks a bunch. Everything you guys are doing is great and is really appreciated. Keep up the inspirational work.

Creation Stories

After reading the different creation stories more questions came than answers. I found each story so different and so spectacular it just made me think more about things. I love hearing different views and ideas and to read these stories I was really drawn in. One thing I noticed is even when I read the same stories there were different adaptations and variations. Overall, the creation stories were great to read for the final paper I'm writing.

Smoke Signals

I finally saw the movie Smoke Signals! I loved it. The script was phenomenal. Sherman Alexie truly knows how to portray a story and make the viewer’s look through the eyes of the reservation Native Americans. Most of us before this class had a stereotypical idea of what Native Americans are like. It was kind of funny watching the movie because I grew up around that reservation as a kid. I never really understood what it was like, but that movie opened my eyes even more.

Final Paper

I have decided to write about Native American beliefs and mythology for my final paper. I have found a bunch of valid and interesting information. However, I would love to hear from others and get your take on the topic. I'm mainly looking to hear either stories/tales and/or your views of what you know about Native beliefs. Thanks.

Native American Art

I was in the Bothell UW and Cascadia library where I noticed a bunch of Native American art on the second story. Immediately I was drawn in and really observed the collection. They had everything from masks to miniature totem poles on display. It was very interesting to see the different styles. The artworks are part of the "rose collection", which are works selected and donated by Norman Jenisch and Louise R. Rose. I enjoyed the wood carvings the most, especially the painted heron by Ron Aleck.