Reflective Essay

Over the course of the semester, I have worked on four major writing assignments in English 328 that required me to use different strategies and methods when addressing my topic or argument. When examining a text to write about, some of the strategies included looking for strategies that the author used in their work, and then analyzed it. Other strategies included collaborating with other classmates to generate more ideas, and also giving presentations through power point and or video to better illustrate my ideas or arguments. This reflective essay allows me to think back and recall these strategies and consider how they can be applied in future assignments during my college career.

Group Discussion: “Cold Comfort”

My class group and I had the opportunity to study and analyze Atul Gawande’s essay, “Cold Comfort,” and discuss it with our class. Gwande’s essay discussed the curious nature of the common cold. It explained how the common cold has intrigued scientist for years; everyone gets the common cold, but scientist are still not 100% clear on how it is transferred and how to cure it. Our group, which consisted of four group members, decided to read the article and address the issues brought up in the essay by each of us focusing on a section, and discussing it with the class.

Technology as it changes the world

If you haven’t already noticed, the world around us is constantly changing, and the continuous advances in communication and media brings curiosity to how things we will be living 20 years from now.

Creating My Multi-Genre project: Organize your Time and Become a Better Student

Coming up with an idea for my multi-genre was a difficult task in the beginning, but as a future educator I began to think of an issue that myself, along with many other students, tend to struggle with. I thought of an issue that I could address and create a solution for, and that issue was organization. My students tend to have a problem with organization, which includes time organization and the organization of school documents.

Too Cold for Comfort ( Short Essay Extra Credit Blog)

“Cold Comfort” is a very interesting article, written by Atul Gawande, that explores the curious behavior of a friend we all know too well, the common cold. After years of investigation, scientist have established different beliefs as to how we catch colds, but no one knows exactly how it is transferred, and the 100% effective way of treating it. The article explores a number of experiments, scattered over different time periods, that test the many notions that society believes are the reason behind catching the common cold. The article also explains how the common cold affects the body and ways we have tried to cure it.

“The Twouble with Twitter” YouTube video analysis

Social Networking sites such as Myspace.com and Facebook.com have grown over the years to become culture phenomenon. People from all over the world with different backgrounds and ages, have joined these sites in-order to connect or re-connect with friends, family, co-workers and associates. Lately however, a new social networking site called Twitter.com has begun to take over and become extremely popular. The site allows you to share what you are thinking or doing at any time of the day ,in a small box called a “status bar”. Many people seem to really enjoy sharing their lives on this website; others think it is a waste of time. Youtube.com provides a very entertaining animated video that informs the viewer what Twitter is, and why so many people enjoy being part of it. My analysis of the video points out important scenes that highlight important factors of the communication aspect of Twitter, and how it is changing it.

“A Vision of Students Today:” Youtube analysis

Youtube.com is a website consisting of thousands of up-loadable videos. Some of these videos showcase music, people discussing different topics and some are meant to be humorous showcasing hilarious events and situations. Among these videos, however, lies an informative video titled, “A Vision of Students Today, “which brings attention to the many issues and problems college student’s face during their career. The video is plain; however, it possesses a unique quality in its cinematography. The quick movement of the camera shows a college classroom full of students, who hold up different messages that uncover the weaknesses of the Americas college institutions. The video contains different themes and messages that speak a sad truth; however, the information given provokes a call to action in college institutions, and remains to be an important video for any college student or professor to watch.


In the beginning of the video, the camera shows an empty classroom, and then moves at a quick speed to focus on a series of questions written in different areas of the room, such as

“If these walls could talk, what would they say?” and “if students learn what they do, what are they learning here?” The underlying theme of this video is the future, and the future of our college students preparing to go into the real world. The camera quickly jumps from student to student who hold up signs saying such things as, “my average class size is 115, 18% of my teachers know my name. I complete 49% of my assigned readings and 26% are relevant to life. I buy hundred dollar textbooks that I never open.” A number of other students hold up similar messages that pose the question, are these institutions really preparing students for the future? Or are they just taking their money?

The video speaks manly to college professors and administrators. College students already know these issues, but many instructors and administrators seem to forget how much pressure is put on students. We have no idea of what the future holds, but one thing for certain is that our future leaders feel unprepared and that things need to change.

Language and How It Changes in New Media

As human beings, the usage of language remains to be our major form of communication. There are different varieties of language, even within our own English language, but through this communication we are able to express our feelings, thoughts, and ideas. As time changes and technology advances, our culture advances as well, including the way we communicate.


Each new generation is different, and over the last 100 years each generation has witnessed a new form of communication. From early on we witnessed the newspaper develop into the radio, to television, to finally the internet. As we moved onto these different mediums, our language evolved. Radio personality’s talked and pronounced their speech in a more serious and precise way back in the 1940’s and 50’s; however, with the introduction of television, and the variety of shows and personality’s over the years, they began talking with a more relaxed and neutral tone.

Language in media changes to accommodate a steady changing culture. Presently we are now an impatient culture; we are a culture that is always on the go, and wants everything fast, easy, and at its best quality. With the introduction of the internet, instant messaging, and e-mails, a new form of written communication has developed. This new form has revised the English language into a form consisting of a variety of acronyms to express longer messages. Today’s internet generation uses acronyms such as, “OMG” to shorten the phrase “oh my God,” and “lmbo” to shorten the phrase “laughing my butt off.” These are just a few of the many acronyms used in text messing, e-mails, and instant messaging. These acronyms started out as just ways to shorten messages, but they are now starting to be used in everyday speech. This new way of communicating is starting to show up everywhere, and it’s beginning to be used so much that many often forget to write out the actual word when writing something serious, such as a school essay.

Some people may see this new change in language as a way of being lazy, and believe that children will not learn to spell accurately by communicating this way; however, this new development in linguistics promotes a new and fascinating way to communicate, and should be viewed as harmless, as long as we teach this generation that their is a correct time to use this type of language, and a time not to use it.

As time progresses, we can only look forward to the future and think of the many possible directions media will take our language next. With each new change we can only hope that it is for the better.

Nontraditional students on the rise

(Photo of Deborah Harris on the left and Jacklyn Robinson on the right discussing their future plans of educating the youth. In this Picture taken by me at St. Matthew A.M.E. church 12/13/09)


DETROIT--The economy and the needs of the community inspire two woman, and people all over the country to take their career and life to a new plateau, by retuning back to college.

Fifty-two year old Deborah Harris and 48-year-old Jaclyn Robinson, both mothers with close to 30 years of work experience in their current careers, have recently made the decision to return back to the long nights of essay writing, text-book reading, and note taking. Everything current traditional students are trying to get away from.

Both women however said that they are in need for a change, and with the society constantly changing; they want to reinvent themselves and pursue a profession that will help improve the lives of individuals in their environment.

“I felt that there was a need for more people to help in education due to the cities poor reading statistics. I prayed about it and in my search to find a different career path, I realized that it was now my mission to help improve their academic skills,” Harris said.

Black Friday prepares to shadow the country once again

(People camping outside Best Buy for the 5am opening on "Black Friday. Richfield, MN, USA at 7:00pm on Thanksgiving 2008) Creative Commons section of Flickr.com

YPSILANTI , Mich.—As the shopping season falls upon us and the most chaotic shopping day of the year draws near, many shoppers plan on acting responsible and keeping their cool when the stores open early on Nov 27.

The day after Thanksgiving, known in this country as Black Friday, is one of the year’s biggest shopping days and marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Many retail stores, such as Target, K-Mart, and Best Buy offer a number of different discounts and sales on items. Many eager costumes camp out and line up at the doors as early as 12 a.m. to be the first to take advantage of the deals

Although this is a day for any smart shopper to look forward to, recently shoppers have been losing control. Many injuries and even deaths have occurred.

Published reports say that on Black Friday 2008 a Walmart employee was trampled to death by a stamped of eager shoppers in Long Island, New York. In Palms Desert, Calif, two young men, Alex Moreno and Juan Meza, killed each other over a dispute in a Toys "R" Us. Many other injuries took place that day which draws nervousness to many stores and future costumers.

Detroit's Under Appreciated Jewel

(This is a section of the Detroit Industry mural by Diego Rivera at the Detroit Institute of Arts. It was completed in 1933 and commissioned by Edsel Ford and museum director William Valentiner. ) Flickr.com



DETROIT—The massive and imitating white marble exterior stretches along the Woodward Avenue, filling visitors of all ages and sizes with an eagerness to expand their creativity and to be exposed by the creativity of others. These visitors enter the historic building immediately enveloped in the memories and the cultural artifacts of the past and present.

Supporters of the Detroit Institute of Arts say it is not only one of the city's crowning jewels but one of the country’s top art museums. But although the museum has done a lot with it's image by renovating back in 2001-07, many still feel that the DIA is under appreciated.

Founded in 1885, the Detroit Institute or Arts, or “DIA,” includes more than 100 art galleries that include a diverse variety of art such as American, European, Native American, Islamic, modern and contemporary, and graphic. As explained in its site, the museum comprises a “multicultural and multinational survey of human creativity from prehistory through the 21st century.”

The beautifully sculptured building, referred to by its site as the “temple of art,” is a vast maze filled with culture. It invites visitors to get lost in the pieces of art as they try to interpret the artistes message and inspiration; The displays are designed for one to appreciate the artistes dedication, effort, skill, and passion that was applied to the arts creation. Although this establishment seems to be a storage house of creativity, museums such as this are not visited or appreciated by the members of their communities like they should be, say supporters.

Motivated to make a change in the community

(Erin Crouch pictured on the left and Dana Lake pictured on the right. The picture was taken by media director of the Leer Career Center, Ken Nelson)

EAST LANSING, Mich.---Michigan State University student Erin Crouch herself to devotes a good portion of her time to servicing her community and making a difference. The 20-year-old family and community services major is the director of Project Green, a community outreach group at Michigan State that caters to the needs of the Lansing and East Lansing community.

“We host many events throughout the year such as health fairs, blood drives,and fundraisers to lower heating cost,” Crouch said.

Through meetings with schools, community organizations, churches, and neighborhood associations, Project Green is able to center its focus each year based on the current needs of the community.

Crouch has been involved with Project Green for three years now and this is her second year as director. As a director she says that she loves what she does but at times it can be difficult.

Student Parent Determined To Graduate: A Day in the Life

(Eastern Michigan University student Karen Washington holds her son, Glen “Tre” Aaron Baltimore III. Photo was taken at Portrait Innovation in Perrysburg, Ohio.)

YPSILANTI, Mich.-- On a peaceful Friday evening a young woman looks furiously through a baby bag to find a pacifier as her child begins to wake up from a nap. The bag seems to be filled with an endless amount of baby necessities. The baby cries and without much delay she find's the missing pacifier and the young woman runs over to the couch and saves the day before sitting down to grace me with her presence. Karen Washington, a senior at Eastern Michigan, is a student similar to many college students who now takes on a great deal of responsibility and difficulty as a new parent. Despite any obstacle or struggle, she continues on with her education and chasing her dreams.

The 21-year-old double major in electronic media films and communications is the mother of a 3-month year- old son named, Glen “Tre” Aaron Baltimore III, after his father.Washington’s day starts around 5 a.m. This is the time her baby usually wakes up and needs to be fed. Once the baby is fed she spins more time with him: rocking him back to sleep,changing his diaper if needed, or just simply embracing him. After taking care of the baby, Karen then has to prepare for her other job as a full-time student, with classes that start at 8 a.m. Waking up this early can be a bit stressful. She explains that she doesn’t get enough sleep and when she does get to class she often spends time worrying about her son. As time moves on, she feels things will become even more stressful.

More about myself

YPSILANTI, Mich.---Greetings to all. My name is Aaron McCain aka Aaron Jay R and welcome to my blog. I'm 22 and I am a senior at Eastern Michigan University.

Like many of us here in this feature class, or college period, it took me a while to figure out just exactly what field I wanted to go into. I started out majoring in biology but soon realized my sophomore year that science was not the route for me. Later on that year I found interest in the medical field and changed my major to medical administration. Sadly, like biology, I soon learned that too was not the right road for me to travel. I realized that my real interest in the field was not medical administration itself but the potential money I could one day earn.