Limbo
As the title suggests, English 101 has basically been its own version of limbo in my life for the last 8 years. My first experience with it was at Monroe Community College in 2007, where after the first horrible essay grade, I gave up. Numerous classroom and online experiences later I found myself facing the beast again at UAT. Even with multiple years off, it was still as uninteresting and uninviting as ever. My first attempt starting anew ended like all the others, in tragedy, thanks in no small part to me and myself alone.
Another semester break and I made my move to take another swing at the colossus before me. Making no statement on the instructor, as she is wonderful to work with and excellent at what she does. I found myself among piers similar to my situation. After a few weeks pass and the seating list settled, only a single student remained who was not a retake. We came to call ourselves English Anonymous. With instructor at our backs, doing everything they could to aid in the march forward, we took to the fight.
The semester started off great as compared to others, I believe I even turned in my first assignment on time. It was a journal assignment about if my mind was made up of 3 people, who/what would they be personality wise. Next was the assignment which started my downfall the last time I attempted the class. It was a discussion, where we were supposed to use a selfie and describe its meaning of self, using the rhetoric triangle. Although I care nothing about selfies and the whole fad, I was able to push through and basically have this in on time as well. The next assignment is where I start to stumble. We were to create a poem, using a template provided, about home and where we are from. I ended up a week or so late with this one, it can be found on my blog here.
From this point on is where I basically fell off the wagon, this time not just with English, but most of my classes. I spent from this point until the end of the semester in a perpetual state of catching up. At this point, all excuses aside, I was just burnt out. Not only are learning environments not my strong suit, but I was also on my third straight semester, as UAT is a year round school. Come the last day of the semester I was up for over 24 hours, finishing my outline and final research assignment, providing me enough points to take an incomplete on my course. Low and behold in my five weeks of the incomplete period, I squandered the first few weeks. Again I find myself at the end of my allotted time, still typing away, with a lack of sleep and bloodshot eyes.
Unsure why I always end up like this, outside of my lack of interest in the subject matter, I can never obtain focus on what needs to be done to progress. 48 hours have gone and 5 assignments down, hoping to fall into the grace of a passing grade. I continue to learn that I can’t slip once of I will fall. I need to keep pushing forward and plow through; otherwise I’ll stay stuck forever held within the walls of that best known as English class.
Evacuation plan once people, pets, and photos are safe.
If disaster ever struck and I had to evacuate quickly, although I have tons of stuff as I’m basically a packrat, these would be the things that I would grab while running out the door.
I would grab my laptop because it is one of the most expensive items I own, but it also houses everything school related since I started at UAT. It’s also easy enough to throw into a backpack and get moving. Along with it would be my Legend of Zelda custom hard drive that my girlfriend bought for me a few years ago. It holds more important personal files and documents. I would grab my smartphone because it has all of my contacts stored in it, and would provide me with a form of communication. It’s also easy enough to clip to my waist side. I would grab my wallet because I would need money to survive, as well as identification which is hard to replace. It is quick to grab and throw into a pocket. I would also grab my birth certificate and social security card. I have these set aside in an easy to access location and they are also extremely difficult to replace if lost.
Although there’s very little that I have with sentimental value, in the second drawer of the tiny dresser in my closet, there are four things that I would grab. First off would be the pocket knife that belonged to my next door neighbor’s brother, both of who have passed. I basically grew up with my next door neighbor who was an elderly gentleman. I spent most of my early years at his house spending time with him and learning from him. His brother had passed when he was younger and he kept the knife because of its meaning. This knife was given to me by his family, after he passed away, when I was young. Next would be a crucifix given to me by the parents of my oldest and dearest friend whom I have known since womb. The crucifix was purchased when they were in Italy and was given to me for being my friends sponsor for his first communion. Although I am not religious, the meaning behind it cannot be replaced. Lastly would be the necklace and ring from my girlfriend. The necklace was a one of kind triforce necklace that my girlfriend designed and had made as a gift. The ring was another custom design that holds a moonstone. This was given to me on our anniversary based on the legend that says if a moonstone is given to a loved one under the light of a full moon, then that love will last forever. All of these would be impossible to replace given the importance that they have to me.
Though there are other things I would grab depending on how long I had to make it safely outside. These items would be the top of my list.
Positive Health Affects of Video Games
Video games have been held in a negative light since their creation. Assumptions have been made that they make players lazy, lethargic, and cause eye strain and bad vision. These assumptions have even gone further to suggest video games cause violent behavior and distractibility. All of this has caused many people to think that video games in general are unhealthy. However, multiple studies have recently shown light on the health benefits that games can provide, such as improved cognitive functions, can assist with education and physical therapy, and even weight loss and increased activity.
Action video games such as Call of Duty have been proven to increase cognitive function with moderate play. A study was performed where participants who were not active gamers were tested in cognitive functions such as average reaction speed, attention, and eyesight, both prior to and after a 2 week test period. During this this period they played action games for a total of 10 hours, split into shorter play periods. The post test showed an increase in all tested functions. The participants were then tested again several months later, and retained these effects. (Bavelier, D. 2012)
Another study performed by L. Colzato showed that playing the same genre of video games increased performance in visual search tests and attention span. This study also showed an increase in the speed the participants can effectively switch focus to another task, such as checking a cellphone while driving. (Colzato, L. 2013) These studies show that playing high intensity games that require heightened concentration and multitasking have a positive effect, not just on your ability to play these games, but in other areas of life as well. A faster mind can lead to faster decision making, which can not only increase overall health, but even extend the length of your life.
Video games have also begun to take their place within the healthcare industry. Health based games have been created to aid in physical therapy, and assist those living with physical disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Games were created that analyze movements of patients who suffer from Parkinson’s. The players win points and gain levels for moving around in ways that mirror physical therapy. Trials were performed that showed a 65% stride length increase, 55% balance improvement, and 55% walking speed, after 12 weeks of playing these games. (UCSF, n.d.)
On the other side of healthcare, video games are being used to not only as interactive education, but also being created for surgical simulators that help doctors improve at their jobs. (Kato, P. 2010) This ability to improve the lives of people suffering with physical debilitations, greatly show the positive impact and potential video games hold for everyone. The interactivity of video games can also help improve the willingness to learn and absorb new information for both patients and healthcare professional’s alike. Overall, video games within the healthcare industry are leading to healthier existences.
Exergames are a type of video game created to allow fun and easy workouts that fit into a variety of healthy lifestyles. They promote intense physical activity comparable to normal exercise. Exergame types such as boxing can produce an average calorie burn of around 216 calories per 30 minutes. (Fries, W. n.d.) However, the notion that video games are just for kids or young adults isn’t true. Exergaming is also being designed for the elderly. These games are to help increase motor skills and keep elders active; extending the length of time they are able to be self-sufficient. (Leinonen, M. 2012) Exergames should not necessarily replace a regular workout routine, but can be used as a substitute at times when time or travel is not convenient. Exergames also provide a healthy activity for families to enjoy. This is a great way to encourage continued activity for people of all ages.
This research and many more studies reflect the positive outcomes of video gaming on a player’s health. Not only can players make quicker decisions in their lives, but even those with disabilities and disorders can have increased function and quality of life. They provide the opportunity to keep the elderly active and the young engaged. Even better, the area for this is still new and expanding. All of this obviously proves the potential benefits video games can provide. However, overindulgence of anything will always have a negative effect. Gaming in moderation will improve the lives of generations to come.
Resources:
Bavelier, D. (2012, June). Your brain on video games. Retrieved August 21, 2015, from http://www.ted.com/talks/daphne_bavelier_your_brain_on_video_games?language=en
Colzato, L., Wildenberg, W., & Hommel, B. (2013, September 13). Cognitive control and the COMT Val158Met polymorphism: Genetic modulation of videogame training and transfer to task-switching efficiency. Retrieved August 21, 2015, from http://bernhard-hommel.eu/Cognitive control and COMT.pdf
Feature, W. (n.d.). Exergaming: Can Exercise Games Help You Get Fit? Retrieved August 22, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/exercise-lose-weight-with-exergaming
Kato, P. (2010). Video Games in Health Care: Closing the Gap. Retrieved August 22, 2015, from http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/gpr-14-2-113.pdf
Leinonen, M. (2012, October). Designing Games for Well-Being; Exergames for Elderly People. Retrieved August 22, 2015, from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1326330273/F0006C51CF274AA5PQ/6?accountid=38189
UCSF School of Nursing. (n.d.). Computer Games Help People with Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved August 21, 2015, from http://nursing.ucsf.edu/news/computer-games-help-people-parkinsons-disease
Where I ‘m From
I am from Tube Televisions,
from Nacho Cheese Doritos and a single flavor of Mt. Dew.
I am from the crowded rooms
(Deafening, sweltering
which reeked of cigarette smoke.)
I am from the English Yew
the Rhubarb
both deadly by nature,
yet they never hurt a soul.
I’m from Thanksgiving dinners and the eye color brown,
from James and Donna.
I’m from the constantly cursing
and drunk,
from do your homework
and apply yourself.
I’m from Catholicism,
although my personal belief lies more in sight.
I’m from Rochester and mixed from the world,
corned beef and homemade meatballs.
From the grandfather who fought in the war,
and the grandmother he met during it.
Upon a cluttered desk
lie albums depicting the past.
Grown in chaos, a terror of a child.
Matured as an introvert, analytical of mind.
R.A.F.T.
Role: Solo undercover Dahl soldier on a top secret mission
Audience: Dahl Military Heads
Format: Log/Journal
Topic: Daily log update
(This is all dialect, so it will be written as if spoken, and I am just going to omit the quotation marks)
Log entry, I have lost track of the days since I infiltrated the Maliwan defenses and crash landed on the Planet Beatrice. My cover as the pilot is still intact and I have taken on the passengers as companions for the time being. I was transporting 2 officers of an inter-galactic police force, who were escorting a nun from the planet of Pandora. We have faced many trials and tribulations in our journey so far. Dealing with the natural wildlife and attempting to evade the Maliwan forces have proved more difficult then originally thought. Coming into contact with the some of the inhabitants of the planet, has opened my eyes to the true strangle hold which Maliwan has over them. Constant avoidance and fear of even speaking the name Maliwan, shows how the word has become taboo. I have seen blatant disregard for all inhabitants not of Maliwan decent, including the bio experiments on the local people, and even the total annihilation of an entire city with no forewarning. This has pushed me to make some hasted choices, such as hijacking a Maliwan airship. My companions have also faced their own misfortune, since coming to this planet. The nun left us while in the coast city of Alexander Bay and we are unsure if she even made it out before the city was wiped from the face of the planet. Both of the officers have since resigned from the force, after finding out the corruption of their force, and that they had been sent to this planet to die. However this has all brought us together with the same goal to remove the tyranny from this planet by destroying Maliwan at its epicenter, their Military head quarters. We have gained a new companion, a strange fellow who likes to joke around, and apparently can cook. I still have my initial mission and will complete it without fail as we take down Maliwan. I just hope this time, for once, I am not the last member standing alone at the end of the battle. Hope to get this sent out to you soon as I can break radio silence, until then I will continue to update this file, when needed. Sergeant Major Darryl Eris end of log entry.
True Time Warrior 