Thanks Mikey, But I'm Still Freaking Out

As I study and prepare for the Grammar Basics Exam, I reflect on a few things: (1) I really did learn a lot in elementary and middle school and my teachers weren't lying to me when they told me I would use this later, (2) I have forgotten almost everything I 'learned' in elementary and middle school, and (3) when others use correct grammar, punctuation, etc., it truly is impressive.
Thankfully, some of the grammar rules come back to me like riding a bike and I am able to apply past memorization tools for rules; not too much reinventing of the wheel here in MCOM 320. Of course, many of the concepts I didn't learn/are not coming right back to me but that is where the rest you, my wondrously fabulous classmates(is that an adverb modifying an adjective?? can they do that??), come in handy and teach me wonderful tricks for memorization. I owe the future 150 that I am going to receive on the test all to you 20 fellow classmates. (Speech in process.)
So, if I am endlessly complaining about these rules I get to memorize, why do it? One, I really would enjoy a good grade in MCOM. Really. But two, I notice when others make errors in their speech, their texting, their papers I peer review, etc. I know that in a job or in school, I have more respect for those who employ better grammar and presentation in all aspects of their communication so I absolutely hope to become a person that I would respect. I hope, as I study for this exam and this class, that I retain much of what I memorize and that I don't go and forget everything as is often the trend.
As you read my post to add your obligatory comments, feel free to point our mistakes. There are plenty, I am sure.
Also, I am posting a link to a buzzfeed quiz about grammar. It made me feel better about myself more than anything.
Good luck, all! Show the Testing Center who's boss!







How Well Do You Actually Remember Elementary School Grammar? Quiz

Keep, Stop, Start

I loved doing the presentations this week and immediately getting and giving feedback afterwards. I learned so much from the teams that went before ours (we had the privilege/curse of going last) and tried to apply it to my small contribution to the team but also, with going last, I felt pressure to perform at a higher level because we had heard so many tips.
Discussing what the teams ought to keep, stop, and start after every presentation was a great way to make sure that I was critically analyzing each presentation to the nuts and bolts and not just taking in what they were saying like it can be so easy to do. We are in class to learn and, if we let ourselves, we can learn from others.
I also felt that this exercise was something that I should do more often, not just when we are instructed to do it in class. I should evaluate presentations in other classes that others do as well as the ones that I do. I thought that doing the exercise made our class more open to constructive criticism, as it was 2/3 suggestions for improvement. I know that the exercises we do in class have a distinct purpose and it makes me more willing to fully participate and look forward to attending classes.

Home Grown Professionals

I am taking this class largely to improve my business writing skills and presentation skills. However, in this past week, I have been impressed (and equally horrified) at how much emphasis is on subliminal communication as opposed to intended communication. I know that we all judge each other all the time based on posture, fashion choices, the diction the employ, etc., but this class has such a practical application of the subject that I feel we will truly carry with us into the business world. 
Not only do we judge be by the subtle word, dress, and body language choices, but I was again reminded of the importance of grammar and punctuation (all those years, my teachers weren't lying to me after all) and I am glad that I found it important to take those lessons seriously since elementary school.  We all communicate with people we never come in contact with face-to-face (do I need to hyphenate those three words together? I am severely self-conscious now) especially as students dealing with administration, internships, jobs, a study abroad, etc. and depending on the fields we enter into, we will continue to do this often times even more than we do now. It is important if much of our business contact is through e-mails and letters or over the phone that we are able to conduct ourselves professionally in those manners despite all of our other charms and talents. What we are learning now and building on will matter and help us to be professional and progress in our careers.