Class Reflection

I have learned so much from this class. Mrs. Thomas made learning easier and more fun than boring. I had trouble with the length of the essays and thought I would never overcome this obstacle  but looking back from the beginning to the end I have made a huge change and on this last essay length wasn’t has hard as it was in the first essay. I now actually like writing though I’m not the best at it I don’t hate doing it as much as I used to in any of my other English classes. She made sure we knew what exactly was expected before it was due and was always available when needed. She gave us enough time to step by step get our paper started whether it was a research paper or another type of essay. I've learned new writing tools and the importance of annotating while reading. It is important to ask questions while you read to better your understanding. Using technology was so helpful. We didn't have to waste paper and turned everything in online which was so much better than writing out everything and having to keep up with so much stuff when we could just easily save everything to our computers and post everything to blackboard and on our blogs. There wasn't one thing we did in this class that did not better my understanding and make me a greater student. The research papers were my least favorite but I was able to better understand my topic, find different opinions, and learn more. I now don't dread research papers because I know the importance of doing them, I just don't look forward to donating so much time to finding sources that would be helpful. It is very frustrating. Reading Sway and Bridging the Difference were definitely helpful and also taught me so much. I know I will carry on everything that I learned in this class because of how useful everything we learned is. I couldn’t ask for a greater teacher I am more than glad that she was my composition one teacher. I thank Mrs. Thomas for teaching us all that she has and for her technique in which she taught everything. I really enjoyed this class and am so thankful for all she has done to better each and every student this semester. Thank you for your patience and time!

Final Essay Rough Draft

Chandler Hardee

Mrs. Thomas

Composition 1

December 7, 2012

Advances in Medical Technology

            The question is what can and can’t advances in technology do for us? There are many reasons why technological advances can be beneficial but also reasons why they can also become problematic. When dealing with someone else’s life this is not an issue that can be anything but serious. When someone’s life is on the line it is important to have technology that will create less problems and diagnose/treat the fastest most accurate way possible. The patients deserve to get the best care, treatment, and clear diagnosis. It’s not about making the nurses, doctors, and other workers lives easier but the patients and their families. It is important to compare the pros and cons of more advanced technology in healthcare and come up with a conclusion which allows for more benefits than problems.

            After reading an article titled, “Is Technological Change in Medicine Worth It?” by David M. Cutler and Mark McClellan, it’s obvious how beneficial the change in medical technology really is. This article looks at the five common conditions: heart attacks, low-birth weight infants, depression, cataracts, and breast cancer. Cutler and McClellan analyze these five conditions to figure is the technological change in medicine actually worth it. Cutler and McClellan state, “When costs and benefits are weighted together, technological advances have proved to be worth far more than their costs.” Having anything done medically at the time seems as if the cost is too much, but if you consider what will happen if you don’t get the necessary treatment and the overall cost and burden that may be put on you and your family in the future, you may find that the cost of medical treatment is worth far more than you consider at the time of diagnosis.     

            As shown in Sway, medical technology is extremely important when used correctly and efficiently. An innocent child’s life ended because of the misuse of technology. When not used properly terrible things can happen. In the preface the doctor disregarded the mother’s intuition multiple times that something was wrong with Amy. In the end Amy lost her life due to the doctor’s carelessness and neglect. If only the doctor would have used technology to figure what was wrong with Amy no matter how he felt about the situation her life could have been saved. Doctors who are diagnosis bias alter people’s opinions of healthcare based upon their mistakes such as the doctor who caused Amy to lose her life. When something bad happens in the medical field it is always serious. When you know or are related to someone who has had a bad experience with healthcare your opinion is automatically changed because of one person. Medical technology can be a good thing when used properly but when it’s not the situation can become detrimental.

            “More Americans Using High-Tech Medicine, CDC Finds,” by Sharyn Alfonsi and Courtney Hutchinson, really shows the problems we face today with the advances in technology. Alfonsi and Hutchinson make a really could point when stating, “CT scans can help doctors detect everything from kidney stones to cancer, but they pack a mega dose of radiation – as much as 500 times that of a conventional X-ray, which some health experts say raise the risk for cancer.” Knowing that something used so often to detect and help diagnose disorders can create a new and ever worse disease is a very scary thought. Americans taking more drugs, having more surgeries, and getting more tests done are also problems being faced in the medical industry (Alfonsi and Hutchinson 1). Another good point made by Alfonsi and Hutchinson is, “According to Dr. Nortin Hadler, professor of Medicine and Microbiology/Immunology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of “Worried Sick” and “The Last Well Person,” we may be fooling ourselves as a society in thinking that all this technology is actually making us live longer.” Though technology can be a big reason people are living longer, there are many other factors that keep us healthy such as, eating right, watching our weight, and exercising. It is essential to remember the problems that too much technology can create and that there are other important ways to remain and become healthier.

            The article, “More Americans Using High-Tech medicine, CDC Finds,” by Alfonsi and Hutchison not only looks at the problems faced by the advancements in technology but the aids. Dr. Herb Kressel states in this article, “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re doing a better job…no doubt that in part [the decrease in mortality] is due to technology. The problem is how we use the resources effectively to prolong life and improve quality of life.” It is shown that technology is creating benefits and doing more good than bad. There is no way around the fact that there are problems. Kressel makes an extremely good point in this article when he states, “A substantial part of over-utilization of this technology is reflecting defensive medicine, where doctors fear that if they don’t provide every test, than they will be liable when they miss a diagnosis.” Behind the one of the biggest problems is an understandable answer. Doctors feel the need to protect themselves, as the doctor in Sway did not. No one wants the outcome caused by miss diagnosing.

            Essentially by researching this extremely important topic I have created my on opinion on the advancements in technology. I believe that the technology creates more benefits than problems. If we are able to find a way to somehow prevent the overuse of technology the biggest problem will be solved. Through research it is obvious that the cost of technology is not the problem. Though the cost of medical treatment is a lot when comparing it to what can be found, diagnosed, and prevented the cost is only a number. Medical technology helps save lives, and also makes others easier. Having a sister with medical problems I know first hand how important medical technology is, without technology my sister’s chiari one malformation would not have been found and treated and her severe scoliosis would not have been detected in time before she became crippled and her life at fifth-teen would have been changed forever. I am very thankful for the advancements in technology.

Inforgraphic for Final Essay

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Topic Proposal

The topic I would like to research for my final essay is technology in health care and how it changes/saves lives. Technology has changed so much and advances extremely rapidly. I would like to learn how advanced medical technology may save or change someone’s life and why. 

I feel as if this topic would make a great research essay because it’s very important and means so much to me. I want to make a difference and save lives, which is not possible without technology. I would love to learn about the difference it makes in people’s lives or how it’s saved them.

Also I would like to know if it causes any complications in diagnosing or for nurses having to learn so many new things. I feel as if it could also be dangerous or aggravating. If a machine or another type of equipment malfunctions it could hurt someone or delay a process. Each of these things are very significant and a topic I would love to learn more about.

Other possible questions:

·      How drastic is the change in technology compared to a few years ago?

·      How do other’s feel about the changes in medical technology?

·      How does advanced medical technology make a difference?

Possible Sources:

Cutler, David M., and Mark McClellan. "Is Technological Change In Medicine Worth It?" Health Affairs 20.05 (2001): 11-29. Is Technological Change In Medicine Worth It? Project Hope, Sept. 2001. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.

ALFONSI, SHARYN, and COURTNEY HUTCHISON. "More Americans Using High-Tech Medicine, CDC Finds." ABC News. ABC News Network, 17 Feb. 2010. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.

Reflection on Essay 3

This essay was a struggle towards the end because I knew that my first paragraph was too short and missing something. I finally was able to make it longer, which wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I have trouble with my papers not being long enough because I like to get my point across, short, sweet and to the point. I feel as if I just ramble on if my paragraphs aren't long enough and I have to go back and add things. It's tough but I'm really trying to work harder on fixing that. I loved my song and topic, and am so glad I chose it! I'm not a big fan of research papers but this one wasn't so bad. The Bridging the Difference book helped me so much with my annotated bibliography and works cited page. I feel as if I did a really good job and I put a lot of effort into this essay.

Essay

Country Music and Religion?

            Country music is not only a popular genre today, but is also one of the most popular genres in which religion is seen or heard about through. George Strait’s song, I Saw God Today, is an example of how religion is important and often seen in country music. It tells the story of someone who sees God through his work, and is taking the time to notice that he’s not only experiencing it but is surround by God’s work constantly.

            When trying to find a song for this essay and my sister suggested, I Saw God Today, instantly I knew this was the song I would use. Religion is seen most commonly in the popular genre of country music. George Strait refers to seeing God through the birth of his little girl. He states, “she’s a miracle.” In the song when he takes a break from being at the hospital so long, he notices, “his fingerprints are everywhere I just slowed down to stop and stare opened my eyes and man I swear I saw God today.” He’s feeling the blessing of his child being born and is seeing things he wouldn’t notice on a daily basis. This song is not only religious, but tells a story of things that happen in real life. A lot of people believe in God but sometimes it takes something major to make you open your eyes and see all that he does and the things we should be thankful for everyday.

             The imagery and language chose in this song are incredible. I can actually see him sitting, “by her side for 18 hours straight,” through the birth of his daughter. “In the shadow at 5:08 I saw God today.”  He notices a flower growing through the side walk and states, “like it was planted right there for me to see.” He notices a couple who are holding hands and he says, “man she had that glow,” “couldn’t help but notice she was starting to show,” “lost in that sunset splash of amber melted in the shades of red.” All these quotes from the song paint a picture in my mind as I read the lyrics or listen to the song. When imagery is used as it is in this song it holds your attention and allows you to see what’s happening as if you were walking with him.

            George Strait is not only an extremely popular country music artist, but also a role model to his audience and other music artists. In an article in People Magazine, Miranda Lambert stated, “George Strait is the king.” Keith Urban said, “He’s an inspiration.” “The real deal, just as pure as they come. He’s never wavered and he is still kicking ass.” This article states that he has, “amassed a record 57 No. 1 country singles in his 28-year career—was crowned the Academy of Country Music’s fifth-ever Artist of the Decade at a star-studded tribute concert.” It’s no secret how talented George Strait is, because he is looked up to by so many other country music artists when he sings a song like, I Saw God Today, there’s no doubt in my mind that he doesn’t set an example for other artists to want to sing about religion also.

            Artists know that the strong belief and love people have for God so in my opinion not only because they share the same religion, but because God plays such a big role in people’s lives songs like, I Saw God Today, are extremely popular especially to country music fans. In a Desert News Article titled, “God and country music: Despite all the drinking and cheating, genre comfortable with religious themes,” It states, "What's interesting, a lot of people listen to country music but aren't a real country music fan, but it's so big in urban areas because it deals with issues," Carter said in an interview with the Deseret News. "I think they are attracted to that kind of music because it reflects their values, reflecting what's in the streets and in people's lives. But they see a different message in the media every day." In which I totally agree. "Country music often has that play-hard, pray-hard sort of mentality," said Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, a former "American Idol" contestant, Utah resident and columnist for the Deseret News. "It's about partying on Friday and Saturday night, drinking or looking at girls in tight jeans, all the honky-tonk, but still going to church on Sunday and pounding the Bible. They'll still acknowledge God and providence." What she says is absolutely true in my opinion. Country music talks about real life experiences and what most people do on a typical Friday or Saturday night, love, or things of that sort, but they still include God in their songs, as other genres don’t.

            Religion is most definitely seen in country music, as are other real life experiences. This is why I believe it is such a popular genre especially today. George Strait is a wonderful role model to show religion in country music, and to help others refer to songs like, I Saw God Today, when trying to come up with new ideas for a song. Artists of a different genre seem afraid to sing about religion because of what their audience or other artists might think. Songs dealing with religion and real life issues are what people want to hear, and will only make country music that much more popular.

Essay 3

Just walked down the street to the coffee shop 
Had to take a break 
I'd been by her side for 18 hours straight 
Saw a flower growin' in the middle of the sidewalk 
Pushin' up through the concrete 
Like it was planted right there for me to see 
The flashin' lights 
The honkin' horns 
All seemed to fade away 
In the shadow of that hospital at 5:08 
I saw God today 

I've been to church 
I've read the book 
I know he's here 
But I don't look 
Near as often as I should 
Yeah, I know I should 
His fingerprints are everywhere 
I just slowed down to stop and stare 
Opened my eyes and man I swear 
I saw God today 

Saw a couple walkin' by they were holdin' hands 
Man she had that glow 
Yeah I couldn't help but notice she was startin' to show it 
Stood there for a minute takin' the sky 
Lost in that sunset 
Splash of amber melted in the shades of red 

I've been to church 
I've read the book 
I know he's here 
But I don't look 
Near as often as I should 
Yeah, I know I should 
His fingerprints are everywhere 
I just slowed down to stop and stare 
Opened my eyes and man I swear 
I saw God today 

Got my face pressed up against the nursery glass 
She's sleepin' like a rock 
My name on her wrist 
Wearin' tiny pink socks 
She's got my nose, she's got her mama's eyes 
My brand new baby girl 
She's a miracle 
I saw God today


I chose the song by George Strait "I Saw God Today." I feel like this is a great song for this essay because of the message within the song and so many country songs have some sort of religion within them. I would like to research the average amount of country songs talking about religion and compare them to other genres.

Essay Reflection

In this essay I chose chapter one, which was my favorite chapter. I had no problem with summarizing but some with analyzing. I thought chapter one was the best way to introduce sway and made it easy for me to understand. This chapter was the most interesting to me and really held my focus and attention! My meeting with Mrs. Thomas was very helpful! At first I was worried that I would have trouble writing so much about one chapter but after talking to her I found it so much easier. My attitude was positive because everything I was having trouble with and had questions about was solved just that easily in those thirty minutes. I was confident in the chapter I chose and knew exactly what I needed to do to make my paper great. Reading the chapter over made it easier for me to analyze and dig deeper into the text. I feel great with my ending result because I know I did my best!

Chapter One Summary and Analysis

Summary and Analysis

            Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman wrote the book “Sway The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior.” Rom is a psychologist and Ori is a businessman. They are brothers who do a fantastic job at explaining the sway of irrational behavior and how it works in people’s lives so easily everyday. Chapter one, “Anatomy of an Accident,” was a great way to begin this book.

            In this chapter there are many stories explaining sway, but the story of Van Zanten caught my attention the most. Van Zanten was what everyone thought of as a spectacular pilot. He had a spotless record and was head of KLM’s safety program. Just like any other day he was flying a plane full of passengers. He had his plan of the day drawn out in his mind until he was notified that the airport he was scheduled to land at was closed down. He was directed to land at another airport farther away. He quickly came up with another plan of how his day would go. When things changed not according to plan Van Zanten was blindsided. He didn’t want to stay for the rest period and even though it was too foggy to take off in which he was very aware of Van Zanten decided to test his luck for his reputation and ended up taking off and hitting another large plane. Instead of pleasing himself he ended up killing not only himself but also everyone else in those two planes. 

            This shocking story was a perfect way to describe sway. It was obvious that Van Zanten was swayed. This event caused him to do something very irrational and unlike himself. If only he would of stayed over night for the rest period the loss of lives would have been prevented. Van Zanten couldn’t help that he was told to land at Tenerife. He also couldn’t help that the fog was coming in while he was refueling. In my opinion Van Zanten’s reputation wouldn’t have been ruined. He would have been thinking about his passengers and their safety which sounds like a wonderful pilot to me. His decision was extremely selfish and detrimental.

            It is obvious after reading, “Sway” that the irresistible pull of irrational behavior is something very serious. We experience it all the time just maybe not in so serious of a way yet. This book has taught me a lesson. In the field I want to be apart of I cannot allow myself to be swayed or lives can also be lost like in this example. It’s a scary thing that we can’t allow ourselves to become susceptible to. These authors did a wonderful job informing the audience of “Sway.” The length of sentences and paragraphs varied throughout this chapter, but it never took my mind off of the story. They did a very could job with holding my attention. Not once did I check to see how long the chapter was or how many pages I had left to read. In this chapter I was so focused and shocked on this story that it was hard to keep focused on the others. After going back and reading this chapter again I was able to tell that the other stories helped tie the chapter and explanation all together. The author’s were able to get their point across in a relatable way. Reading this chapter I felt as if I were there witnessing the plane crash, as if I could hear Van Zanten’s thoughts, and as if I could feel the fear within the passengers of both planes as they realized it was too late.