English 115 Assignment 1 Summary and Personal Response

Running head: SUMMARY AND PERSONAL RESPONSE

Assignment 1: Summary and Personal Response
English 115

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SUMMARY AND PERSONAL RESPONSE

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In Jessica’s Hemauer’s essay “Farm Girl”, she provides a detailed and complex insight into her life growing up on a farm. Jessica describes, “Having to balance her farm chores with her schoolwork and activities and how it helped shape and mold her character”. Without knowing it, her responsibilities on the farm and later all her activities at school created a great work ethic.

Jessica shares that in her early years growing up on a farm made her feel different from the other kids especially during recess as she felt “not being able to participate in school activities like my friends makes me feel left out and depressed” (Hemauer 2011). These contrast to the other kids who she feels have no chores, wake up just before school begins and have lots of time after school for social activities and sports.

She describes the relationship between her mother and father who “rarely made time for each other” (Hemauer 2011). Jessica shares that this, “left a lasting impression on her as an adult as she was always more focused on the job at hand rather than forming relationships”.

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A pivotal moment happens in high school when her father decides to expand his farming

operations and makes an important decision that he wants his “children to focus on school and go to college” (Hemauer 2011). Jessica could focus on her basketball as well as get involved in other school and social activities. Her friends comment that they are amazed by how she
“managed my time so well and how I don’t get stressed out” (Hemauer 2011).

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Jessica’s purpose in writing this personal essay is to share her experience growing up,

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having to balance farm and school life and, how being “different” made her feel. Jessica’s attitude is formed by this, giving her the tools, and experience to be responsible for herself as an adult. Jessica’s essay appeals to a wide audience who are interested in reading and seeing how the experiences of a child, can shape their attitude for their entire life. Her tone is mixed. She expresses joy at the simplest chores like when she is feeding the calves. She experiences a fulfillment that she is “finally the one in charge” (Hemauer 2011). According to Jessica, she is,
“depressed at times, as she cannot participate in the social discussions at recess like her friends can”. Finally, she expresses a great sense of accomplishment as she realizes her childhood has provided her the following tools to be successful as an adult namely; responsibility, time management, focus and resolve.

My emotional response to Jessica’s story was one of reflection and awe. At a young age, she was able to discern that she was different from her friends. She wanted to be able to fit in but that these differences did not make her bitter or sad. Then, when she had an opportunity to join in and participate, she excelled. She reflected later in life that this was all due to her being focused on doing the little things in life well. Jessica was able to move to bigger and better opportunities that gave her more enjoyment. I think this is a great story to share with today’s youth as very few of them understand that good habits are formed at an early age, through hard work, determination, and sacrifice. In the end, instant gratification does not build a strong foundation to be a successful contributing member of society.

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Reference
Hemauer, J. (2011). Farm Girl. The Brief McGraw-Hill Guide: Writing for College, Writing for
Life: (2nd ed.), 86-89

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