Page 86 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Life Vision Portfolio Entry from Chapter 3:

I’ve always been more into science than literature, so I’m not very comfortable with poetry.The
instructor makes a valid point, though: reading poetry is a decoding skill and may strengthen
our overall reading and comprehension. I also like to do new things—so I’ll give this LVP prompt
a real try. The instructor suggested we choose a section of the poem that really“speaks”to us.
Then, we should connect that to who we are now and who we would like to be in the future.
I often think about “what” I want to be—a doctor—but not often about “who” I’d like to be.
So—I guess this is a good exercise.
“This is a time to begin/Your life. It could be new./The sheer not fitting in/With the old who
envy you/And the young who want to win.” This first made me think of my grandmother and
my younger brothers. My grandmother often says that she would have gone to medical school
if she had been able to in her day. Sometimes I feel that she would be very
disappointed if I chose another career. And my brothers—always into
whatever sports they can play in that season! And, of course, they always
want to win!
But this is MY new life. I sometimes didn’t fit in in high school, but
I feel more comfortable in college. It is a new beginning for me
but I have worked very hard to get here. I don’t want to forget
that. My“new”life? More balance between school and friends,
and things I really enjoy. I’d like to work hard but try to relax—I
know that sounds contradictory, but I think if I can relax a bit, I can
have work and play in my life...

PROCEED TO ACTIVITY 3.2 (page 89)

PROCEED TO ACTIVITY 3.3 (page 93)

References

Miller, R. (2007). Using Reading and Lecture Notes Logs to Improve Learning. In S. Beyerlein, C.
Holmes, and D. Apple (Project Directors), Faculty Guidebook. (pp. 427-430). Lisle, Illinois: Pacific
Crest.

80 Foundations of Learning