Their, There, and They're

The misuse of words in the English language is a common problem for many people today. The most misused words are their, there and they’re. These words can become very tricky when trying to use it in a sentence. As a child your elementary teacher tries to enforce the differences between the words so that as you get older, you would be able to apply them correctly. The main reason why people might have trouble with these words is because they are pronounced they same or at least they sound the same. Give it try; say each word in your head…their, there, they’re, sounds like your repeated the same word, right?
Now the easiest word to break down is, “they’re” because it’s a contraction of they are. It can pertain to a group of people, animals or items. Example, they’re from Japan, they’re extinct, they’re on top of the book shelf or they’re over there. Ha, it is possible to use they’re and there in the same sentence. Bringing us to the next word; “there” can pertain to a place or at that point in action. For example, the professor is waiting there now or he stopped there. Lastly, the word “their” is the possessive form of “they”. For example, Japan is their hometown, their class ends at 2pm.
Usually, I find myself having to say the word in my head as I try to use it in a sentence. Sometimes what happens is that people try to rush when typing a paper and don’t realize the misuse of a word. Of course, when speaking it is not a problem because all three words sound the same but on paper it is easy to make a mistake.

My name is Tatiana Rodriguez and I am currently a second semester senior at Manhattanville college in Purchase, New York in hopes of graduating in May 2009. I'm a Communications major with a concentration in Broadcasting and Photography and sociology minor. Due to the fact that I wasn't born in the United States made it quite difficult to enroll in school. My mother, who was a single parent raising two daughters on her own, had no English speaking background and was concerned that her struggle to make it to the promise land was a waste. Fortunately, with the help of a sponsor I had the opportunity of attending a private, catholic high school in the Bronx called St. Pius V. Obtaining my high school diploma was the maximum for my mother and I. However, little did I know my biggest accomplishment would be attending college and graduating with a Bachelor's Degree. Manhattanville College was everything that I expected. The first time I came to visit Manhattanville was for my best friend brothers’ graduation in 1998; I was only in the six grade. I had no idea what the name of the college was but all I knew was that "the school with the castle" was the place where I wanted to be.

As far as my future goes, who knows what God has in stored for me? All I know is that I hope to be able to work for a successful company and someday become the anchor or co-anchor of a television news station or "Good Day New York" on WNYW Fox 5. =) On another note, I also intend to pursue a dancing career. Ballroom dancing especially salsa dancing has been my number one passion as a child. Whether I become an Anchor, a professional ballroom dancer or both, I want to be able to stand tall on both feet and support my family and me.

Taking this course will help me gain knowledge and skills on how to write for the media and to fulfill major requirements. I know this class will help me become a better writer.