What Does The "Vision Quest" Metaphor Mean To You?

I think the "vision quest" metaphor means going on a journey in which we can reflect upon our past experiences and incorporate it in our writing. We can also explore new ideas in order to develop new skills that will help us in the future. Like the book states, "All writing is a kind of research - or search - that begins with what you know and takes you to places that you haven't been before." I think that by going on this "vision quest" in this class, we can help and encourage each other so that we will all benefit and learn something new that we will most likely keep with us forever.

What's Your Name?

My name is Padmini. The origin of my name is Indian. Padmini means a Lotus Flower. In Hinduism, usually when a baby is born, the family calls the priest so that he can check the astrological book to find a suitable name for the child. They usually find this name using the date and time of birth. Most of the time, the priest would tell the parents two or three different ways the baby's name can begin with, based on the astrological findings. For example, they can tell the parents that the child's name should start with either Ma, Mi, or Me. The parents can then choose any name that starts with one of those three letters, like the name, Mandy. My last name is Persaud, which was passed down from my father's side of the family. It is a name that is part of the Brahmin (priest) sect, or highest category of the Caste System in India.

Writing Space.

Question #17. When writing for school assignments, where do you prefer to do your work: in the library? at home? sitting down? lounging on a couch or bed? in a cafe or study hall?

When writing assignments, I prefer to do my work at home, most of the time in my room. I think it's hard to concentrate when there are other people talking or just around me. However, a lot of times, I listen to a CD or watch a show or movie on television while I am writing down my thoughts. I usually like outline what I will be writing about before writing the whole composition. I also like to proofread my work many times before handing it in. Sometimes I would let someone else read it over for me.

Welcome Message.

• Hello! My name is Padmini Karen Persaud. I am a student at St. John's University, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health. I hope to become a Physician Assistant in the future. I live in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY. I am Guyanese. I was born on April 1st, 1988.
• I sing and play the Harmonium and Sitar, which are Indian instruments. I am also an Indian Music teacher at the East Indian Music Academy in South Ozone Park, Queens. During the summer of 2005, I worked at a Doctor's Office in Queens, where I was a receptionist and I also helped to verify insurance for patients, take them to the rooms, set up appointments and refill their prescriptions by calling the pharmacies.
• I enjoy reading, writing, singing, dancing, and helping people in any way I can. I also love working with children.