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From: Katia Rinehart
Date: 10 Oct 2006
Time: 21:57:05 -0500
Remote Name: 71.90.83.65
I really enjoyed reading your paper, Mr. Harrison. As a first-year graduate student, I found your paper to have many scenarios I could relate to, such as looking for the catsup when it is right infront of you or letting an opportunity pass you by. The many stories you provided really illustrated the concept of expectations and intentions, which I can apply to my study of stuttering. People who stutter must deal with intense emotions when they have the desire to express themselves, but their expectations take over and sabotage their intentions. And, like the bass, once you try long and hard enough with repeated failures, you stop trying and just accept the defeat. I was inspired by Debby Fields and Thomas Edison, who did not let their expectations overshadow their intentions, even when they had every reason to give up. I think you make an excellent point that it is the effort that should be rewarded, and not just the result. I have used this technique in my own life. As a new graduate student in a new state, I reward myself when I go out of my comfort zone to talk to someone new. By rewarding the effort, no matter the result, it conditions you to make the attempt again. As you said, it encourages the person to take charge. I think this idea of tangible rewards is one that can be extended into intervention. Are there any specific examples that you have had success with? Thank you for your insight! Katia