Critical Thinking Blog #1

1. Critical thinking to me really is taking an idea or topic, researching, analyzing, applying, and evaluating it to a conclusion so that you have a relatively firm grasp about the idea or topic. Through the process it forces you to look at the idea or topic in different coming to a promising conclusion.

A time where I needed to participate in critical thinking that I can recall was when I was changing the water pump on my jeep, I had to completely tear apart the engine, and replace the fan belt. The water pump went on fine, but with the fan belt there were some issues. However, when I stopped, thought about the task at hand, looked into some info, did some trial and error, I finally found the niche I was looking for concluding my problem and completing my objective. I have had several times when I didn't think through things critically, just this morning going to school, I took the Rocklin Rd. exit, knowing to myself there would be a ton of traffic, and I could possibly be late to class, I took the exit, not even thinking about another option, and evaluating the benefits of driving down one exit to Sierra College blvd. where there is no traffic.

2. Intellectualism I think really has a positive connotation. Using your intellect and intelligence to help you go through a thinking process really is a necessity. They are measured not really on how much you know, but you have the ability to find the right answer. So with this your reasoning behind your thoughts are made true.
Logic and Reason I also believe to be positives. With these you really investigate deep into the reasoning behind what you are thinking. While doing this you can find out more information that can be positive or negative for you, but the understanding that you get from your reasoning is a benefit to you.

Pre-Reading Blog #1

College has been a very interesting experience so far. Being this is my third semester, I finally am choosing a direction that I am going to stay on. I knew that I have always wanted to get in some form of medicine, I just haven't figured out which part, until now. College has really been working out well for me so far. I have received pretty good grades and taken some of the needed steps toward my goals. At first I thought that college was pretty easy, however it wasn't until I started working, and having less time during the day that college seemed to become more difficult because of time constraints. However, I don't think that education is too difficult if you really apply yourself and work hard. I have talked to people who just hate school because so far they don't know what direction they want to go so they doubt themselves even though they are 3.5 GPA students. I think having an education really is a great tool, not just career wise, but for everyday life. With it you just don't learn the facts, but also you can be able to acquire some life lessons. With education I really seek to gain knowledge within multiple fields, at the same time striving to get my B.S. in Biology, and get into a highly competitive medical school.

I really enjoyed high school a lot. I went to Oakmont High School and really had a great time there. Education wise there, I was pretty happy with the teaching staff, because I did actually learn a lot of things in high school. The only problem was I wasn't really trying until half through my junior year. My first years there I didn't have the drive to do well, but after I realized I needed to start putting more effort in, I finished with my GPA at 3.4. I wish I would have taken more advantage of free education in high school, which would of put myself into a 4-year university. But its ok, because now I am transferring to the University of Nevada: Reno, and I am receiving some scholarships, so I am ready to start the next step to my life and educational goals. So the last thing that is left for me is, How well am i going to do education wise in a university setting?