The advice that I would give to someone who is writing their first scientific paper is start researching as soon as you know your topic. For this class I felt well prepared to write my paper because of the research that we were required to complete early on. On the other hand, for my other class, I did complete some research early on for the interview that I had to do. However, when it came to compiling research to fill in the nuts and bolts portion of the paper. I started the bulk of my research a little late and was more stressed out about it than I really should have been. The research was way too in depth, and it was a long and arduous process to put off as long as I did. I feel like I did a good job on that paper, but it could have been better if I had given myself the time to build that solid foundation.

How do I feel about the final product? I feel apprehensive because it is well on its way to being completed but it is not 100% done yet. I feel relieved to know that in a few short days I will be able to look behind me and say Phew! I finally accomplished what I set out to do. Then I will be able to spend a few days with my folks in Maryland along with my children before I start the next term and relax and enjoy my time with them knowing that I do not have any pressing assignments that need to be finished.
This paper is the one that has me most concerned though. It is the one for my other course. Wish you all well in the courses to come and in future endeavors.

I would love to continue the blog after this course is completed. I think it would be fun to keep in touch with classmates. We may see each other in the threads in other courses or not. If we don't this is another way of being able to keep up on any news and see what each other's futures hold. This blog and this discussion boards is a great way to figure out who your friends could be. I have many friends on my facebook page that I do not get to see on a regular basis especially since many of us are in different areas of the country now. Just like facebook has been a great way to re-establish contact this blog would be a great way to keep contact with those that wish to.

Peer reviews can be intimidating because you do not always know what the other person will think. Did they enjoy it, find it well-written, or did they think it could be beefed up more. While we all want to hear the positive comments and have everyone say that it is a successful paper I also know that constructive criticism is key to building on what is already written in hopes of the paper becoming something that we can look back and be proud of later. I do accept the challenge but fear the remarks at the same time.

The ideas that I have for my paper could benefit future research because I grew up in a foster/adoptive household. I, myself, was not a foster child, however I saw firsthand my parents raise four children from infancy that they adopted. All four of them came to us as foster children that were born crack-cocaine addicted. I have been through the best and the worst of times with my family involving those children. I was there when every single one of them came into our home and when they legally became part of our family, even though in essence they already were. I could attest to all of the medical issues, developmental difficulties and/or behavior problems that those children have had. I have also been able to witness how far each of those children have come since coming into our lives because of the love and support that they received from my parents. I sometimes wonder if they still would have achieved so much if anyone else had been chosen to take care of them. The reason I say that is because sometimes I have questioned in my mind if my parents took on too much, but I have also realized that when you really truly love someone you will take on the world and all its demons to make sure that the ones you love feel safe and loved.

School has influenced me in ways that I could have only dreamed. As I am working on a BS in Health and Wellness I have been encouraged to think out of the box. My other class this term is Complementary and Alternative Medicine and in the process of learning about all of these different forms of medical treatments I have become extremely open-minded as I have even had to learn and experience other modalities for my paper in that class this term. I can truly say that I am excited about what I am learning, even though some of it may be a hard pill to swallow. I just hope the enthusiasm for that course will carry me through as we arrive at the tail end of this term and as the first year mark of my sister's death draws near.

If someone was to steal my ideas and count them as their own I would be highly upset. When someone writes it is a matter of pride to be able to say "Yes, that is my work." I would like to think that no one can take what is mine away from me, but then I would be living in a dream. If someone wants something badly enough, they find a way to try to make it their own. If it were to ever happen to me I would want want to see justice done, whether it be in the world of academia or in the professional realm. Honesty and integrity should be a high standard held by everyone, so may all hold it in our hearts, and constantly strive to do what is right.

I love being an online student. Especially being a stay-at-home mom with two children. It does have its drawbacks though. If I am trying to study, they can easily interrupt me here at home. If I was in the traditional classroom I could study in the library or elsewhere and have more peace and quiet.
I love being around other people so sometimes the anonymity does not besuit me. I study better by myself, but sometimes I think it would be easier to truly bounce ideas off people and get an honest, no holds barred answer when you are face to face.
The best thing about being an online student is the ability to be here when my family needs me.

Unit 2 Welcome Message

Hey everyone. Is anyone tired of all the snow yet? We received a couple of inches yesterday here in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, and still more yet to come possibly over the weekend and then next Tuesday and Wednesday.
See you in the threads and the blogs.

Family pic

Wanted to post a pic of the family, and this is one of the most recent pictures of us together.

Hi All

I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you. See you in the threads.