Tom Drake and 313 Section 06 Students Page 2 9/4/08

NOTE: THIS WAS WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO AN ASSIGNMENT IS LIKELY SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU ARE COMPLETING

9/4/08

To: Tom Drake and 313 Section 06 Students

From: Scott DeFriez (initials go here)

Subject: Writing Assignment #1: Introductory Memo

Hello, Tom and fellow class members! I wanted to take this opportunity to give you some insight into who I am by cramming my six foot three inch self into a nutshell. I hope that as you read this memo you will learn that this tall, sport playing, loves to learn, but needs to be taught a lot more about English guy, has a unique personality to him. My current strengths and weaknesses will tell you about my present self, but through understanding my future ambitions, you will get to know what my future outlook is.

What Makes This Guy Stand Out in the Crowd?

Being a baseball player all my life, I have had the opportunity to travel around the country. I met so many great people that made influential imprints on my life. By playing on various teams, I grew to love working with other people in order to accomplish a goal.

A unique experience I had that really changed the way I view the world, is that I served a two year mission for my church in Indiana. Coming from Nevada, Indiana seemed almost like a foreign country to me because of the way they interacted and communicated as a group of people. The time I spent talking to various people every day, gave me an appreciation of other people’s perspectives, lifestyle, and outlooks on life, which ultimately influenced my own.

Let’s just say, I had to grow up fast and changed from a sports junky that lacked motivation for learning, to a sports playing nerd who loves to read and learn. Since then, I have loved going to class to actually learn and not to just get the attendance grade. What they say is true, that knowledge is power.

What Does This Guy Want To Do With His Life?

Through high school and my freshman year in college, I was on a one-way street that led to one career or another. With renewed vision, I now see many possibilities out there for me.

My career goals are structured around my desire to work with people and to solve problems. I see myself accomplishing tasks, projects, and solving problems which will require a great amount of communication skills, which basically puts me in the business profession. Being in this class, I hope to equip myself with the skills to be able persuade others, present myself professionally in writing and speech, and learn how to build constructive relationships with other people, which are all key components in the business world. Most of all, my career goals will be centered on my desire to raise a family and be happy in life.

How is this Guy Going to Get His Act Together?

As I have gone through school, I have to admit that I have not been the most effective and proficient writer or spokesman. My abilities include:

-Expertise- Being able to find ways to solve problems through communication

-Strength- I am pretty good at presenting information vocally, if I am informed on the subject

-Weakness- I need help in writing clearly, professionally, and grammatically correct.

My goal this semester will be to become a proficient and clear writer, to be a convincing communicator, and to use communication to build constructive relationships.

My solution for weaknesses and problems has always been hard, effective work. I am like a thirsty puppy waiting by his water bowl, having the desire to drink, but is unable to because his bowl has not been filled. I am excited to learn how to reach my goals, but I need the teaching and knowledge to enable me to reach them. I will spend time conferencing, seeking out good editors for my papers, and taking good notes in class to incorporate new skills into my writing.

It boils down to this; I want to be a better writer and communicator because it will prove to be a beneficial skill to have in my future career. Unfortunately, I am no English whiz and I need the help of everyone to enable me to reach my goal, so basically I’m just a thirsty puppy. I appreciate the time you have taken to read this memo, and I will look forward to working with all of you and especially in gaining more knowledge from your skills and experience.