Excellence

What is excellence? This is a very hard question to answer and there are many different ways to go about it answering it. I would start out by saying excellence is all about trying to do the best you can on whatever it is you are doing. Excellence is not about winning or coming out on top, it’s about having the commitment to surpass what is expected of you.

I think everyone achieves some sort of excellence in their life. Whether it is a first place medal or a participation ribbon people are always proud of themselves for at least something in their life. Some people feel pressure to achieve excellence. Sometimes its friends telling you “Oh come on, don’t be such a baby.” You feel pressured to do something that you think they will be proud of. Other times it’s your parents scolding you that you’re not do well in school. This brings on the idea of cheating. You might feel the need for cheating to a good grade, which in turn, will make your parents happy. Maybe you even want a better grade, so you’ll look over at someone’s paper, or maybe even copy someone’s homework. To me, this is not excellence. Just like Benjamin Hoff says in The Crooked Tree, “It is useless to you only because you want to make it into something else and do not use it in its proper way.” Sometimes all you need to do is use your time and your brain in its proper way. That is what excellence is to me.

Work Cited

Hoff, B. "The Crooked Tree"
Ludwig, M. D. (2004) "Look out for more Blairs"
Puka, B. (2005) "Student Cheating: As Serious an Academic Integrity Problem as Faculty Administration Business as Usual?"
Gibbs, N. (2003) "reading Between the Lies: A young reporter who stole and made up stories forces the New York Times to take stock"

Education Works Cited

Dead Poet's Society. Dir. Peter Weir. Perf. Robin Williams. DVD. Touchstone Pictures, 1989.
Eiseley, Loren. The Hidden Teacher.
X, Malcolm, and Alex Haley. How I Discovered Words: a Homemade Education.
Twain, Mark. Two Ways of Seeing the River.

Education Paper

Education


Education is one of the most important things in life. Everyone needs some kind of education. This is how we have doctors, lawyers, and dentists. They have all been through many years of education. I have learned a lot of things throughout my life time, and one of them is that not only teachers can teach you. You learn almost everything from just living your life.

I learned a lot just from watching the movie Dead Poet’s Society. I saw how many different things influence you and your choices involving education. One thing that has a lot of influence on you is your parents. In the movie, Neil’s dad tries to control what he does and where he goes to college. He even tells him to quit the play even though he is getting straight A’s. He doesn’t stop to think about what he wants to do or what he wants to be. I think that parents should listen to you and what you want in life. They should encourage you to do better and support you on what ever you want to do.

I also know that friends have a lot of influence on your education. Every year I sign up for classes that I’m going to take the next year, and every year I ask my friends if they are taking this class. That is only because I work better if I know someone in my class. I feel more comfortable.

Teachers are a big part of education. But I think it depends on the teacher. If the teacher makes the class fun, I will learn a lot more. But if the teacher is more like “Let’s follow along in the book.” I just don’t focus as well and don’t learn as much.

You also have to learn in different ways to really get what you are learning. Like if you look at something in one way, you should look at it in a different way. You get a whole new perspective on things and learn a lot more. If there is one thing that I learned from all of this it is that you learn something new everyday.

Personal Statement

I would like to apply for a job in the field of audio and video technology, which is why I am writing you this letter. I have only one dream, and that dream is to become a Sound Engineering Technician. I strongly believe that I am capable of being one of the best. I also believe that I have the skills and abilities to be successful in this career.

I know that I need to be well educated and ready for a career like this. I have been taking courses in music including; choir, band, and music theory. I am also taking courses in computer technology including; computer applications and computer software. I have a grade point average of 3.2 and, although I may not be the smartest man who has applied for this, I believe that I am the most deserving.

I have no uncertainty that this is the right career for me. I am a hard worker and I never give up on my dreams. I am willing to work as hard as I need to, and then some. I know that you need to have certain traits for a career like this such as; the ability to listen and understand, being able to apply common rules to problems and get an answer that makes sense, being able to focus on a task over a period of time without getting distracted, and many more. I have all of these qualities and use them daily.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I hope to see you in the future to further talk with you about this job.

Sincerely,



Philip Naatz

Cover Letter

Philip Naatz
1204 Horizon Drive
Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 532-6684
Philipcarl117@hotmail.com

Monday, March 10, 2008



Mr. Chris Johnson
Studio Technician
Studio One
1385 Mario Dr.
Marshall, MN 56258

Dear Mr. Johnson:

I am writing this letter to you because I am looking for a job in the field of music at your studio. I am 17 years old and am a junior in high school. I do well in all my classes and have a G.P.A. of 3.1. I know that you are looking for people to fill some positions from a friend Gus Johnson. He is currently employed at your studio and is a very hard worker. I also have a great deal of experience and knowledge in music.

Working with home recording equipment for the last three to four years makes my experience level higher than many others. I also have a lot of experience with recording music on my own computer. I have worked with recording programs such as Garage Band, Mixcraft, Cakewalk, and Pro-tools. I have also worked with recording hardware such as M-audio Session and Line 6 Toneport. I have been playing guitar for about three years and playing the drums for about five.

Communication skills are a must and I definitely have that. I get along very well with just about everyone and always work hard. I am a quick learner and am always eager to learn new things. I am a very responsible person and always pay attention. Some clubs that have helped me obtain these skills are Adolescents Anonymous and Youth as Resources.

I would be very grateful if you would give me a chance to show you what help I could be to your company. I know that I would be a very big help to your company. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and considering me.

Sincerely,


Philip Naatz

Resume

Philip Carl Naatz
1204 Horizon Drive
Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 532-6684 * Cell: (507) 829-8516
Philipcarl117@hotmail.com

Objective
To acquire a degree in the field of music and hope that someday I might have a career in the music industry.


Education
· Currently enrolled as a junior at Marshall High School

· GPA of 3.4
Skills
· Communication skills

· Computer skills

· Musical talent

· Quick learner

Work Experience
· Worked at fast food for six months

· Mowed lawns

· Babysitting

· A lot of church related work

· Played guitar for a birthday party

Activities
· Marching Band

· Track and Field

· Peer Helping

· Roaring 20’s