Thursday, April 24, 2008

Final Reflection

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Eng3308
April 24, 2008

Final Reflection
This class was very useful to incorporate the techniques into my place of employment. The type of work I do requires a lot of communication not only through email but memos as well. Before taking this class I did not know how to create a proper memo much less an adjustment letter. One thing the memo letter helped me in was being able to send brief memos to my co-workers and get the message across without having them come back with questions like before.
The goal of analyzing and applying ethical responsibilities was also helpful to my job being that I deal with low-income families and diverse cultures. So this class has helped me understand and better improve my communication with these families. So this also helps in the goal of communicating effectively with diverse audiences as mentioned above that is the majority of our clients. I have also developed useful documents to be used within the agency.
In creating each item for the portfolio it seemed harder as the semester progressed. Because I had never done any of the items required it was hard to start from scratch. It may heave been better if I already used these tools. My weaknesses are not being able to say what is on my mind, I hold back a lot, my greatest strength is that I love working with people and meeting new people so that helps me communicate better, which I think I was able to do in this class to an extent.
The easiest assignment and the one I am most proud of is my resume. That really shows my hard work throughout the years as well as my accomplishments. The most difficult assignment and the one I am least proud of is my proposal because I feel we were cheated out of participation. We did participate but others went behind and changed what had been said and that was unfair. I think more time could have been spent on it and maybe more interaction between the group. This was difficult as well as challenging. The most challenging assignment and the one I learned the most from was the adjustment letter because again I had never written one of those and may very well be helpful in the future if the time arises. It was challenging because I was unsure of what words could be placed on the letter.
I feel this class was extremely hard, not the material but my health was not good and that made it hard for me to keep up. I really did feel like I was always behind, even though I turned in everything. I think my writing and communication skills have improved tremendously since I began this class. I again feel that my biggest accomplishment in the portfolio is my resume and cover letter. The resume stated my accomplishments and hard work and my cover letter showed what I wanted.
At this point in my writing experience I am able to send better memos, e-mails, and am able to document required information for the clients in a more professional aspect. The documentation is in short complete sentences, to the point, and states what is needed without a lot of jargon.
I will walk away from this class with the knowledge of how to use communication skills better, and also how people are treated. I have never been in a situation like the one here with the proposal. I felt cheated and like my work was useless and a waste of time. I worked really hard and then for that information not even to be used was very unfair. But I did learn and probably have always known that some people are immature. And I really do think that is what happened here. I know that I tried my best and gave my all and if it was not used that was beyond my control and after speaking with the instructor that is all I could do.
The tools and items I have learned in this class will help me in the short-term and long-term. Because in my field whether I stay with this company or not I will always work with people where communication skills are necessary to conduct professionalism. And with the way technology is moving so rapidly we have stay focused on communication skills that update daily through the internet or classes. I thank you for this opportunity to attend your class, I truly feel you are an excellent instructor and very much liked your way of teaching.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Revised Adjustment Letter

CompUSA
123 Loop 289, Lubbock, TX. 79123
123-456-7890
www.compusa.com

March 29, 2008

Mr. Buck Wheat:
123 Cedar
Levelland, TX. 79336


Dear Mr. Wheat:

Thank you for writing to us about the computer you purchased last week. I know from personal experience how frustrating it is when an advertisement is misinterpreted and do not receive what you thought was being advertised.

According to your letter, you need the software required to write effective letters and perform basic accounting functions. When you booted the computer, you found out it did not contain the recent upgrade that included the multiple fonts, the graphic package, and the grammar check which you felt would help you with your letters and bank account. You are asking us to upgrade your computer to include these new features free of charge.

As you know, our software carries a lifetime guarantee satisfaction. However recent upgrade for the multiple fonts, graphic package or grammar check was not offered in this particular advertisement. So purchase of the software itself will be required.

However, if you bring your computer to our location at the Lubbock address, we will upgrade it for you with a 10% discount.

We have already sent out your 10% discount offer. It should arrive within the next two days. If you bring it to our Lubbock store location, we will gladly upgrade your computer to the software needed once you have purchased it.

Please contact us if we can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely yours

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Sales Manager

Revised Memo

Koller Construction Company
Interoffice Communication

To: All Employees
From: Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Subject: Using Photocopier for Personal Copies
Date: March 29, 2008


The purpose of this memo is to present my concerns over the repeated attempt Ms. Ponds has made in keeping all employees from using the photocopy machine for personal purpose, and come to a solution to improve the copy machine situation.

Summary
In general, I was informed of the repeated attempt Ms. Ponds has made to all the employees at Koller Construction Company to refrain from using the photocopy machine for personal copies. Since Ms. Ponds’ requirement was not well followed, our company has the problem of over budget for several hundred dollars each month for the copy machine. To resolve this problem, I have to introduce a new plan/policy for the use of copy machine.

Discussion
Ms. Ponds is in charge of monitoring the copy budget, yet it is consistently over by several hundred dollars. The amount of copies being made for personal use is unreasonable and unnecessary to be done at a place of business. Because the use of the photocopy has been abused there will be a new plan/policy introduced to resolve this problem.

Recommendation/Conclusion
As the Assistant Personal Manager, I have come up with a solution to continue using the photocopy machine for personal copies and staying within the budget.
The accounting department has set up an account for each employee. When using the photocopy machine, you will enter your code provided by the accounting department. This will allow you to make the copies needed and a 10cents fee will be withdrawn from your account. You will be required to sign a permission letter allowing the accounting department to withdraw $10 from your payroll monthly. The $10 is for photocopies only. If this amount is not used within that month, it will roll over to the next month. Another $10 will not be withdrawn from your payroll until that has been used. If this letter of permission is not signed then the photocopy machine will not be accessible to you. If business copies are needed they will be turned in to the Supervisor’s receptionist; she will take care of those copies.

Revised Job Letter

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
411-14th Street
Levelland, TX. 79336
(806) 523-8228
rlealsan@yahoo.com
March 29, 2008
Revised Job Letter


West Texas Centers for MHMR
1602 10th Street
Lubbock, TX, 79404

Dear Program Manager of West Texas Centers:


I am interested in the Program Manager position advertised in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. I have a Certificate of Proficiency in Accounting and have worked in that field for over 15 years. I am currently enrolled at Lubbock Christian University and will obtain my Bachelors degree in Social Work in May. I believe that my education and work experience qualifies me for the position.

I am currently employed with South Plains Community Action Association in the Head Start Division. I have done several case management cases with the families and work on follow-ups and referrals with these families to help them meet their needs and goals. I work alone in a Center-base site, so there is no actual supervision on site but can receive supervision by phone if need to. In my experience with accounting, I have worked several years as manager and supervisor, so I am confident that all these experiences prepare me for the job I am applying.

At Lubbock Christian University I have taken the courses required for a degree in Social Work. I have taken Sociology, Human Development and Lifespan, and Substance Abuse course.

I would like to schedule an interview with you to further discuss my qualifications at your convenience. Please feel free to call me at (806) 523-8228 or email me at rlealsan@yahoo.ecom. Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sincerely,


Ruby Leal-Sanchez

Enclosure(s) (resume)

Revised Resume

411 14th Street
(806) 523-8228
Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Program Manager
To obtain a position as a Program Manager where my skills and my degree will be applicable
Experience
Present SPCAA/HeadStart Levelland, TX
Family Support Worker
§ Work with low-income families
§ Recruit and enroll 3-4 year old children to HeadStart Program
§ Provide case management services on the families needs
§ Work with families to get the children’s immunizations, dentals, and physicals completed
2007 ACLS Lubbock, Tx
Accounts Payable Clerk-American Christmas Light &Supply
§ Work with payables for three companies with ACLS being the parent company
§ Work with Wire Transfers overseas
§ Work with commissions and allowances
§ Made arrangements for Annual Conferences such as in Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and Florida

2006–2007 Rawls Equipment Levelland, TX
Payroll Accountant
§ Worked with payroll, commissions and payables for three stores
§ Work with insurance, 401-K, Workman’s Comp for three stores
§ Work with monthly and quarterly taxes, state and federal for three stores

2000-2005 Brunson Brick and Stone Lubbock, TX
Bookkeeper
§ Worked with payroll, payables, sales orders, statements, and purchase orders
§ Collect money for accounts receivable and helped with aged payables
§ Worked with driver’s mileage logs, filing, 10-key, and answer phones


Education
2003-Present Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, TX
§ Seeking a Bachelors Degree in Social Work
§ Will graduate in May 2008, and take license exam for Social Work

2001-2003 South Plains College Lubbock, TX
§ Certificate of Proficiency in Accounting

1983 Morton High School Morton, TX
§ Basic studies


Special
Qualifications
Bilingual-Spanish
Skillful in using Peachtree, QuickBooks, JDIS, and Child Plus software
References Mary Lou Riley
Biggin Hill, Space 3
Shallowater Tx
(806) 873-3554

Brent Butler
1946 Quaker
Lubbock, TX
(806) 778-8615

Stacey Correa
410 Houston
Levelland, TX
(806) 893-3166

Jayce Watts
6915 Upland
Lubbock, TX
(806) 744-1812

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Sample Proposal/Class Activity

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
March 27, 2008
Eng 3308
Sample Proposal
1. What is the identified problem that the sample proposal deals with? It deals with a change needed for the way they are storing material.
2. Do the writers of the sample proposal declare what they are proposing directly in their introduction? Yes, they right into the problem and how it can be solved.
3. How do the writers of the sample proposal describe the Statement of the Problem? They go into explaining how the audio tapes are obsolete and the great need for change to CDs. Do they integrate both their primary and secondary research data to frame the problem? They began research with a survey and followed up with articles related to the use of CDs and the importance. Are you convinced that there is an urgent need to solve this problem after you read this section of their proposal? Yes, no one really have audiotapes anymore and if they do it is difficult to use them because the equipment is no longer there.
4. How do the writers of the sample proposal propose their solution to the problem? They would like to transfer current audio tapes to CD so that they may still be used. Do they discuss the benefits of the solution in detail? Yes, they explain how they should be downloaded and not only to CD but to MP3 and how it the students or users would benefit by using them in their vehicles. Are you convinced that the solution is really effective? Yes. Why or why not? because they will make it more convenient to use outside of the University. They may not be able to go to the University and this way it can be used at home or in their vehicle.
5. Do you think that their method to put the solution into effect is effective? Yes because I think what makes it effective is the percentage shown in the survey done. What do you learn for your group's method after reading this section ( the method) of the sample proposal)? Survey information goes a long way especially if you have the correct information and is presented well.
6. How do the writers of the sample proposal try to show that they are qualified for doing this proposal? By giving a brief detailed summary of their background and qualifications.
7. What are things in this sample proposal that impress you most? The survey and the research done was very impressive.
8. What are the aspects in this sample proposal you might want to do them differently? I don’t think there is much to do differently. The survey was very detailed and gave sufficient information.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Instrucitons Package/Reflection

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
ENG 3308-02
Dr.Liu
March 17, 2008
Instructions Package
Assignment Reflection
This particular recipe is easy and quick to make. That is one of the reasons why this recipe made me feel that this was the topic that would function more successfully as an instruction set. It doesn’t involve a lot of materials or tools, is fairly safe, and the clean up is quick as well. I first became aware of this recipe at a baby shower for a friend. Her mother had made it and served it with Ritz crackers. It went over really well, we all enjoyed it and before the shower was over she had given the recipe to several of us ladies there. The first time I made it was also for a baby shower for my sister-in-law. And needless to say it was a great success and several ladies asked for the recipe as well. My sister-in-law and I planned a get together for the family and in distributing who was going to bring what; she wanted me to make this salad. And of course that was the first thing gone.
There are not a lot of visual designs in this assignment, because I found it hard to find anything that would match the instructions. The audience is influenced by this instruction set by the fact that the words and description within the steps make it sound so good. The conclusion is inviting to where it makes the audience want to go try it with a glass of ice tea.
The goals completed in this assignment were that this instruction set created technical documents that solve problems and improve situations through communication. It improves situations by helping the audience understand by the chronological steps used. The instruction set was meant to design a convincing and usable document. The instruction set convinces the audience to make the salad, therefore, making it a usable document. This instruction set is made to be used by all audiences effectively.