Final Blog for Composition Two

In the beginning of this class, Composition Two, I had not fully developed a writing style that I was satisfied with. I was excited to get to learn more techniques for writing but was surprised when I learned that Comp Two is all about arguing. I did not know how to do that in essay form. What was I supposed to do? I had never really written an essay in which I had to perform certain criteria while arguing about something I was told about. I am very good at arguing in person but to put it on paper and in an academic essay was something new. So in the first project, I was definitely nervous. But when I learned we had to do an opening assignment I was partially relieved. I know that it was a way eases my transition into the actual essay. The first draft was for me, how it always is, messy, unfocused and pretty much all over the place. But as time went on I developed a unique style that fit how I like to write. As a writer is was the weakness of being all over the place that allowed me to break things up and rework them into a better flowing essay that I was more satisfied with. Another one of my weaknesses is that I can not input my voice as much as I should. For example in project two I decided to branch off the topic of globalization and write about women in advertising and how companies do not only sell the product. I had a lot of examples and evidence but not as much personal voice as I should of. So that is something that I am working on. One of my strengths as a writer, I think, the ability to be able to take constructive criticism and re-structure my essay into one that fits my style and the criteria I need to meet. In project three I was nervous to see all the details entailed. The amount of work and time that was needed to make it complete was more than any other project. I knew this was a time to really test my strengths and weaknesses and to see if I could really do all the work that I knew was to come in my future classes. I have worked long and hard to produce a final essay while battling my weakness’ that are ever present when I still write. Overall I think that I have come a long way since beginning Composition Two in knowing the proper way to present an argument so that I will win and convince my audience to believe what I have written. One last thing, the one on one conferences with my teacher were a major help. Often times in my other classes it is very impersonal, so the conferences allowed me to get a teachers view on what he wanted my essay to look like. I got to see what he was looking for which helped me re-structure my essay into a better more acceptable one that showed my writing style and one that I was ultimately happy with.

Teenage Pregnacy (P3)

For my project 3 I decided to write my social injustice on teenage pregnancy. I also wrote about how some type of sex education has to be implemented into a long lasting school curriculum. Whether it be abstinence only education where they talk about completely waiting till marriage to engage in sexual activity; or contraceptive education where they discuss safe ways to have sex and prevent pregnancy. In either type of education the consequences of becoming pregnant should be involved so that the teens know what they are getting themselves into the long lasting effects of having to raise a baby. In my essay I talked about each side, its pros and cons, as well as those outside sources who agree and disagree with my viewpoints. One social action I took was to hand out and post flyers across campus with websites on them that help those who have having sex/are pregnant, get more information as well as general information for those who just want to learn more. Another social action I took was to contact Advocates for Youth, an organization dedicated to lowering or preventing social injustices such as teenage pregnancy. I talked to the manager and got a bunch of information. I also asked her if there were an events already existing that I could be a part of to get the awareness out there. She said that they have some upcoming event and would be more than happy to let me be a part of it so I can talk to a wide variety of people about the need to a more extensive sex education program in the school systems.

My Social Action

When I decided to write on teenage pregnancy I knew that it would be difficult to pick a social action that had any kind of impact on the community. In the end I did two things, first I handed out and posted flyers across campus. The flyer had websites on it for people who wanted more information as well as some websites that had information for people who are already pregnant or are having sex and need some guidence. I also surveyed people across campus asking them basic statistics to see how much people did or di not know. The final social action I took was to contact Advocates for Youth, an organization dedicated to social injustices such as teen pregnancy. I asked their manager of any upcoming events that I start and organize, or if there was any event/area already existing that i could be a part of. She let me know that there are a few events coming up soon that I could help organize and spread the word about, so I feel this was the right social action. I get to see first hand how many people I can influence.

Women in the Media (P2)

In the beginning of this essay I was all over the place. I talked about women in the TV, magazines, and basically every where else. I enjoy the topic of women in advertising so much that I just babbled on and on. I did not have a real direction and focus which is key in writing a well articulated essay. I learned that you need to focus your argument from the beginning and make sure you do not go off topic or in a million different directions. I learned out to fix this by writing out your ideas in a web or chart. That way you have your ideas down and what you want to write about instead of writing about all kinds of things with no focus. I sat down with my teacher and really focused on what I wanted my main argument to be. Sitting down with your teacher can be a big help, one because you get another opinion and two, if they help you then you know what they are looking for when they grade. By the time my final draft rolled around I felt like I had more focus. Instead of talking about all aspects of the media and their representation of women I chose to concentrate on advertising and the corporations control on the women they use to sell a product. I was happy with my final product although I know there were some more things I could tweak, by focusing my paper and talking to my teacher I was able to re-structure my essay into something I was much more happy with.

Gay Marriage (P1)

My first project was on same sex marriage in which I compared two articles and their efficiency of arguing the topic. One thing that interested me that did not make in into my essay was that gay couple’s value and participate in family life, are committed to making their neighborhoods and communities safer and better places to live, and honor and abide by the law. I did not know that they led such a similar life as straight couples do. Another thing I did not get to put into my essay is the research studies that have been conducted to show that children raised in gay couple situations grow up just the same as in a straight couple family. I am by no means going to judge someone for the way they chose to live, but I did not think that the children grown up in that family would fair just the same. I read in an article that it is about the love and commitment shown not gender, but you have to think about the psychological aspects as the child grows up. I can not see that child growing up with the same mindset as one with a normal family. There are so many important aspects that can only be given by a mother and father. One thing I do agree with that I did not have a chance to put in my essay is that I believe if they chose to be in a gay relationship they should be able to see that person if one went into the hospital. It them becomes a matter of feelings and the law should not separate people in times of need.

The Last Few Weeks of my First College Semester

So to be honest I have no idea what I plan on saying in this blog. I am going to ramble about things that you probably do not care to much about. Now I know that my Thanksgiving is not on everybodys "Must Know" list but I am going to tell you anyway. I went home wednesday afternoon and just relaxed until my mom got home. Nothing exciting happened that night. But thursday I was watching football, surfing the net, doing the whole facebook thing and I happened upon my friend who had posted a status saying he was in Tampa all alone, with nowhere to go for thanksgiving. For me this is unacceptable, nobody should be alone on any holiday. So I called him up and convinced him to come to my house and eat with my family. When he arrived I failed to mention that it was just my mom, my grandma, and myself, so he would be the only guy. He did not seem to mind though and I had a great time hanging out with him. Then some more friends came over for desert and we played Candy Land and Apples to Apples. Enough about thanksgivng. These last few weeks of the semester have flown by. I can not believe that my first semester of college is basically over. Except for exams I have just finished an important step in my college career.

Week from Hell

I do not even know where to begin. Prior to this week I had been happy and was having a great week. I knew I had certain things to accomplish by certain days but I knew I could get them done. What I did not account for was the problems that would pop up and screw everything around. First I had an anthropology paper due Monday…no problem, had it done. I was looking at possible classes before I had to sign up on Tuesday. Then Tuesday rolls around I had to sign up for classes. So there I was at 11:50 signing in to my Oasis account. I couldn’t. What? They had placed an MJ hold on me. I found out that at USF after you have 36 credit hours you have to declare a major before you can sign up for future classes. I am a freshman! I technically don’t have any credits because this semester is not over. Even then I would only have 15. So we called to have them take it off and my advisor had just left and wouldn’t be back for a few hours. My luck could not get any worse. I waited about an hour then called back and told them I needed to speak to an advisor, I didn’t care who it was, anyone! They finally withdrew my hold and I signed up for classes. Some of the classes I had been told to take were closed so I was pissed about that. I was done with classes, couldn’t think about it anymore so I forgot about it or the time being. Then I had a Math exam to worry about. I took it and didn’t think I did that bad, maybe missing a few. I go today to find out my grade and I didn’t do so hot. So now I have to deal with my math class. I also have a sociology paper due Friday. All this happened and it’s only Wednesday. What next??