Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset

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(Quote graphic of David Dockterman
via David W. Lowell at Twitter)

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Even though I was familiar with the concept of growth mindset, I don't think I have ever heard of Carol Dweck before this assignment. I had originally learned about growth mindset in my high school AP psych class.

When it comes to school work, my stance on the spectrum is based on how interested in the subject I am. If I am even just fairly interested in the subject I am in complete growth mindset because I just want to soak up all the information I can so that transfers into any work I am actually graded on. On the other hand, if its a class or a subject I cannot be even slightly interested in, I am very much fixed mindset because I do not think of it as a learning journey but more of a pass or fail obstacle. 

In almost every other aspect, in my life I tend to be catered to the growth mindset side. Granted there are instances where I retreat into fixed mindset if I come across something that might be new to me but I feel as though I should be instantly good at. For example, because I work out and have danced all my life any physical activity comes to me easy enough so when I don't immediately catch on I have a tendency to sit in a fixed mindset for a bit. 

I've realized that I am a really curious person, almost to a fault. Because I want to stick my hand in so many pots I tend overwhelm myself. I don't really have a problem seeing things through, as in I can start things and still see them through. It is more like I put everything at the same priority level so I get overwhelm when I don't complete them in the time frame I wanted. 

Therefore I don't really have a lot of difficulties when it comes to learning new things. Other than when those new things are of absolutely no interest to me, which very few things can be. 

I would be interested in it but more in the sense of how it affects other people, just because that's how I learn best. If I approach it like a case study I learn better and can apply to myself once I feel like I fully understand.

I am really excited about my Personality and Human Relations class. Every session we've had so far has produced some pretty interesting class discussions and I am curious to see what I learn about myself through this class. 

Starting the Semester

Starting the Semester

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Here are some of my favorite start of school tips!

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(Personal Photo; Taken of Bizzell Memorial Library at
The Univeristy of Oklahoma)

Write everything down.

While this tip may not be for everyone, gaining this habit once I started university has helped me stay organized. Whether its in my planner or just on a notecard, I write down any and all assignments, small goals and/or tasks I need to complete for that day or week. Working 30 hours a week, going to school full time and applying for grad school means I don't really have a lot of breathing room when scheduling out my days so writing it all down compartmentalizes all my tasks and takes away unnecessary stress. Also it just acts as a subtle reminder to get stuff done even if its not done the exact time you had planned it to be. 

Pre-pack the night before.

Like earlier this may not apply to everyone but I still believe its a great tip nonetheless. One thing I've learned about myself is that I like to relax in the mornings, its usually the time I workout, get ready and relax a bit. So pre-packing my backpack, homework, lunch, etc. the night before I take out any last minute rush or forgetfulness and can get myself in the right mind before going the whole day. This is especially helpful with pre-packing any homework because it forces me to not leave assignments for the morning. 

Scheduling free days. 

My last but most vital tip is scheduling out free days. I try and have at least one day a week where I do not have class or work that day. Now that doesn't mean I don't do homework and just laze around all day, rather I let that day be a day that I can work on a big project at my own pace or work harder during the week to make it a day just for fun. It, of course doesn't work out every single week but striving for it makes it a priority and helps me plan my week out better. This one is really important to me because burnout is a thing that happens to everyone and it usually sneaks up on people so by allowing a day of whatever I want to do I keep my sanity in check. 

Reading Options

Reading Options

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Week 2 Reading:

(Photo pulled from Mythology and Folklore Unit: Cupid and Psyche)

For this upcoming week two, I have decided to read Unit: Apuleius's Cupid and Psyche.

My reasoning for choosing this unit is my limited knowledge of this Roman tale. While I can say Greek/Roman mythology has always been an interest of mine and I do remember the majority of the tales, this one was one I had never heard of, which prompted me to choose it as my unit. Also disney movies are honored classics amongst my friends so as soon as the Beauty and the Beast comparison was made, I felt confident in my choice. 

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Other Interesting Unit Readings:

Unit: Twenty-Two Goblins

This unit has my excited due to the trickster aspect it brings. Game-like mysteries or big decisions decided upon by games is one of my favorite concepts; therefore having a king who is out to covet one of these corpse wielding goblins suffer (or conquer) at the games they play will be really interesting to read. 

Unit: Eskimo Folk Tales

This unit grabbed my attention with the words, shaman and supernatural. While Native American tales are not ones that I would naturally seek out, that is what made me find this unit and its short description so intriguing. Because I am completely out of my zone when it comes to the subject matter, it will be fun to understand a different perspective of life through an Eskimo's eyes. 

Unit: Dante's Inferno

While this unit will probably be counted as a predictable choice, I cannot help but be interested in one of the most famous pieces of literature to date. I have never read Dante's Inferno in its entirety but the work comes up in reference so often in different forms of media or in conversation that I have researched it quite a bit. Nonetheless, to actually read and form more thoughts on the poem will be a joy.  

Storybook Favorites

Storybook Favorites

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My three favorite storybooks from the Mythology and Folklore previous classes are as follows:

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Fairytale Case Files 

(Photo pulled from Fairytale Case Files Storybook)

As an avid fan of crime stories, fiction or non-fiction, the title of this storybook immediately jumped out at me. Besides being a catchy title, the title also does a good job of letting the reader know what kind of storybook they can expect. The topic of the storybook was sort of a behind the scenes look at how some of the most famous fairytales, like The Elves or Hansel and Gretel, achieve their happy endings with the help of a detective. I was familiar with the topic in the sense that I knew the fairytales already but I also understood that the author was pulling inspiration from Sherlock Holmes for his detective character. The introduction was clear but still fun, allowing the reader to get excited about the short stories. The layout of the introduction and the pages that follow was simplistic overall, which I preferred. Although the placement of the pictures, how the placement changed from embedded in the wording to free-standing, was not my favorite, it did not take away from the content too much. The biggest takeaway from this storybook I feel I might use in my work would be the author's idea of using something like a detective or outsider to streamline and connect the stories that would normally not fit together. 

The Tale of Hercules as Told by Hera

(Photo pulled from The Tale of Hercules as Told by Hera Storybook)

This storybook's topic was one I thought I was familiar with but ending up learning more through the author's retelling. Hercules is a story that has been told over and over again, in various forms of media yet the author found a way to keep it interesting by telling the story from Hercules' enemy, his stepmother, Hera. The introduction and the author's note included set up a clear backdrop for the coming stories, utilizing the author's note to reaffirm and explain the context. While I sort of wish the author's note was put at the end instead of the beginning (just because of pure preference) I understood and appreciated such once I started reading the introduction as it made the reading smoother. Layout wise I realized I am far more partial to darker background with lighter text than the opposite like this storybook had. I just found myself having to reread because the black text kind of jumbled together against the white and light pink background. Other than that, the overall design was simple but good. The takeaway I will utilize from this storybook is knowing that even an over-told story can still be interesting as long as you can find a fun angle. 

Piracy: Not Just for Men 

(Photo pulled from Piracy: Not Just for Men Storybook)

The title alone was enough to get my attention because pirates are usually men by default in people's minds so to hear about female pirates seemed really interesting. The topic itself  is not one I am familiar with at all really. This storybook was probably the biggest test of whether the introduction was good or not since I had no prior knowledge going in. Thankfully the introduction was easy to follow and provided a good baseline for the stories that followed. The only qualm I have about the introduction is that the author seemed to have wrote the equivalent of an author's note for the first six paragraphs and then switches to her character, Elizabeth, for the final paragraph. All of this would have been fine if not for the lack of indication that one part was an author's not while the other was the start of the story. Without a subhead, spacing and/or breaks, the reader kind of gets whiplash when suddenly transferred into story mode without warning. The layout and design was the like a templet layout that the author just filled in. There is nothing wrong with that, as it is a proven formula, it is just the best way of describing its features. The biggest takeaway I learned in this storybook is that layout can be just as important as the content, if it isn't easy to read or jump from story to story, you can easily lose your reader.

Introduction to Me

Introduction

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Hi! My name is Belle Lamfu and the rest of this post is just a little bit about me!

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I am a Human Relations Major with an International Studies and Psychology Minor. As you can probably tell I like to have my hands in a lot of different pots. I am a really curious person so I cannot help but want to learn about people, probably the single most fascinating thing on earth. 

The best class I took last semester was my Intro to Counseling class because I learned a lot about what kind of work I want to pursue (at least for the time being).

As I already mentioned in my favorite places post, I traveled to Montreal this past summer for two weeks and had the time of my life. I am actually already planning to go back before the year ends.

My favorite tv shows, at the moment, are Sherlock (BBC version), Game of Thrones and Hannibal. But I am really excited for a new show called American Gods, based of the bestseller by Neil Gaiman.

As for music I listen to a lot of foreign music, whether its French, Spanish or Korean.

For the future, all I am completely sure of is that I will be going to graduate school for Industrial Psychology but that is the only real concrete thing so far! 

My hobbies are kind of scattered and come and go depending on the time/mood I am in. But mainly I enjoy painting, working out, learning languages, reading and hanging with my friends. 

Something I really admire in people is confidence and openness. Yet something that really annoys me is being close-minded or being stagnant in any path of life, but thats just personal preference. 

Well I hope you now know a little more about me and feel free to ask me any questions, I am an open book so don't feel burdened!

Story: Mistress Mary

 Mistress Mary Nursery Rhyme Retelling

Mistress Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With cockle-shells, and silver bells,

And pretty maids all in a row.

(traditional nursery rhyme)

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(Mistress Mary's Castle and Garden)

In a time far from now, there once lived a recluse woman by the name of Mary.

None of neighbours or kids who came to sneak peek had a clue what Mary looked like or did in her long hours inside the castle. All that could be seen was a garden that went on for acres, which grew the prettiest flowers the world has ever seen.

Legends grew just as high and fast as the garden itself as the years went on.

Some posh ladies of high society said Mary was a mistress of an old duke. Once his wife left him on account of his adultery, he locked Mary away in a family castle only allowing her the joy of flowers and nothing else.

Some intelligent men of medical field were convinced Mary was a maiden who contracted a disease so deadly none could touch her. Leaving her to live a life of being locked away, only tending to the plants that were safe from her touch.

Some trouble-making kids of the slums told the tale of Mary the bore, who knew no fun. Silliness was what she hated the most thus hating children who most often used it. So she locked herself away to avoid the sound of children.

All the legends were thought to be fact but only one question truly baffled the town: How does her garden grow if Mary is locked inside?

The answer to such a simple question could be found in the contrary truth to the legends told of Mary.

While Mary was a mistress of a duke, she found no joy in the flowers he left for her to gaze. In fact, Mary hated the flowers more than anything.

As for the disease Mary did indeed have, she could touch people just fine rather it was the plants that gave Mary the most pain.

And even though Mary disliked unnecessary silliness, children were her heart and soul. Just ask her five maiden daughters who lived with her.

The true answer, you see, to the garden, which grows seemingly on its own is knowledge that the garden was made of only poisonous plants.

Mary hated the flowers because of their deceiving looks, which reminded her of the duke.

Mary contracted the disease by playing in the flowers naively one afternoon, causing her the most pain.

Mary did not tend to the flowers but rather her daughters did in the dead of night to relieve their ailing mother of household duties.

So to ask the question of ‘how does Mistress Mary’s garden grow’ would be nothing short of a journey to find the hidden answer.

A journey you have just completed.

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Bibliography

This story is based of the nursery rhyme "Mistress Mary, how does your garden grow?" in 

The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang. 

Author's Note

Although just reading this nursery rhyme alone does not really inspire mystery and intrigue, those were the two words I thought of first after my first glance. And as a fan of thrillers, myths and dark I immediately went the route of something out of a Tim Burton movie. I just imagined walking by a woman's castle not knowing a single thing about her except the fact that she had a beautiful garden could be the source of an urban legend of sorts. 

Another big inspiration for this retelling was knowledge that there is an actual famous garden in Northumberland, England that houses a garden full of only poisonous plants. The poison garden in Alnwick Gardens is a huge attraction that requires protective gear when handling all of the plants. Pairing a poisonous garden with recluse mistress seemed like a fun story to tell especially when the word "contrary" provides such a great setting for a reveal. 

A Few of My Favourite Places

Much like some of our fellow classmates and professor I have quite a few places that I hold dear to me, but for the sake of time and being concise here are two of the many places I love.

Downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma 

While this place has a love and hate quality to it, love eventually edges out any distain because I cannot seem to knock where I grew up. The reason I name the city instead of my personal home is because downtown Tulsa actually represents my family/childhood more than any location in Tulsa. Downtown Tulsa is kind of a different world from the largely suburban parts of South Tulsa where my family's home is. With its eclectic coffee shops/bars, arts district and random events going on, Downtown Tulsa breathes life into the somewhat mundane daily lives of its residents. This area showcases all the different things each of my family members loved doing when they lived in the city and still receives the occasional visit from any one of us when we happen to be in town.

(Downtown Tulsa Skyline. Source: Wikipedia)

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

I recently had the opportunity to visit this city for two weeks right before classes started and Montréal easily slipped its way into becoming one of my favourite places. My first language is not English but French and there are not many chances to speak my native language in Oklahoma except for with my family. Yet living/exploring in Montréal, for however short the time, felt like a exhaling a breath I did not know I was holding in. It may seem like an over-exaggeration but something as simple as being able to make small talk with the words I was most familiar with was a really cool and comforting experience for me. Besides the language, the city itself has some beautiful spots to relax, explore and learn about. The picture below is one my big brother took of me arriving at the famous Notre-Dame square in Old Montréal, which boasts the Notre-Dame Roman Catholic Church as well as quaint eating spots and live music/events.

(Personal Photo of Me, walking in Montreal;
photo from August 2016)