Journal # 10

I am amazed that my first year of college has come to an end. Looking back I have learned a lot about myself as a writing. I never thought of my writing process in the past. I have always been more of a talkative person. I prefer giving oral reports or expressing my thoughts and ideas out loud.  However I know essays and writing is a huge part of college and everyday life so there are some things I had goals of improving from the beginning of the semester.  

 English 201 was extremely different from any English class I took in high school. Throughout the semester I can tell I enhanced my writing skills. After analyzing my journal entries I feel that I have improved my sentence structure and learned how to apply the APA format in my essays.  I am able to organize my thoughts more in depth. Analyzing the ad in precise details was new to me and now I agree with the quote, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

From the beginning of the semester it was clear that I would be exploring my skills as an analyzer and critical thinker with the readings posted on blackboard. Exploring the importance of literacy was very inspiring. I have always known that education is important. Looking at works from historical figures like Martin Luther King emphasized my belief that we should all take advantage of the educational opportunities we are offered here in this country because many individuals do not have the same privilege.  

Grammar has always been an issue to me, however our in class assignments and lessons has been very beneficial. All of the journals and essays thus far were not difficult. I found it extremely helpful receiving feedback through an email. I am aware of the difference between reflection and analyzing. The task I had the most trouble with was the research paper. Finding a topic was very hard because I change my mind very frequently. I worked on several ideas and I felt I was falling behind with the process of constructing a draft. The draft I have now involves child crime and I am satisfied with the progress I have made. I have a final tutoring session next Tuesday and I think by then I will be ready to post my final product. Professor Matyakubova I just want to thank you for your patience and your enthusiastic teaching style. It has been a pleasure being in your class.

Journal # 9

           

Aging is the constant reminder that one is getting older. There is no such thing as being young forever. Although I agree that there is no product that can ever stop someone from aging I think there are products that can slow down the process.  I do not like the way the media influences the public to buy these expensive products. Aging to me is scaring because time files by so quickly. Just yesterday I was walking through the halls as a freshman in high school and now I am in my second semester as a college student.

I do not think there will ever be enough technology or scientist that can stop someone from aging. This is the cycle of life. Although there are procedures that can be taken to slower the over all process that is as far as science can go. I do not think there is something wrong with wanting to look young.  However it is important to get enough sleep, exercise and eat healthy. Aging is natural but I do not think one should dwell on something that cannot be prevented. The only thing someone can do is try and live a life filled with great people and amazing memories.

Journal # 8

The sample research paper, “Out of Shadows” was very informative and well written. The writer explained and organized the essay in a way that it was easy to read and understand. The introduction had an intriguing hook and described the two terms that were discussed throughout the essay, which is slavery and human trafficking. Ending human trafficking is extremely hard because it is worldwide. The first body paragraph allows the reader to understand in detail what is the true definition of trafficking and slavery and how people get these two ideas confused.

Including real accounts of women who have been in the ring of trafficking gives the essay an emotional appeal. As a girl I sympathize with these women who had dreams and were fooled by cowardly men who promised them a prosperous future. These men take advantage of poor innocent young girls and they are the ones who need to be locked up. Incriminating these victims for prosecution is cruel. Most of these girls are scared for their lives and families and fear that if they tell an officer the cops will not believe them. The conclusion was just as strong as the introduction and I think it was very captivating. The overall essay was very strong and the thesis was clear.

Journal # 7

        "The Birthmark" was a short story about a man unable to understand that going against nature could lead to serious consequences. As a scientists Aylmer was obsessed with experimenting and improving everything he encountered. Aylmer married beautiful women named Georgiana.  Georgiana had a unique birthmark on her face. People around her admired the mark because they thought it gave her an extra spark. Aylmer married this woman accepting the birthmark however overtime he was disgusted by it. Georgiana fell in love with a man who was not satisfied by her looks and that tore her apart. She wanted to please him and when Aylmer introduced the idea of removing it at all cost she did not hesitate. During the surgery Georgiana died and he was unsuccessful with his experiment. 
         

          This short story brings light to the idea that perfection is just an illusion and it can never be reached. This idea that woman have to please their spouse is absurd. If Georgiana were confident, independent and self-sufficient women she would have realized that Aylmer was the one who needed improving. His arrogant personality cost him the chance to have a family. His obsession for science destroyed his chances at true happiness. The problem with this relationship was that Aylmer was truly never happy with himself.  He used science as an escape of his real issues. The way the narrator physically describes Aylmer makes one assume that he was not good-looking man. He thought he had to prove himself to the world and show off his skills as a mad men scientist. Unfortunately this resulted in a failed experiment and that must have crushed his ego. 

Outline for Research Paper

Children Convicted of Crimes in Adult Prisons  

Thesis:  There are more negative consequences of sending a child convicted of a crime to an adult prison than there is positive. 

Research Question: Should children convicted a crime be placed in adult correctional facility?

Body Paragraph #1: The history of a juvenile center.

·      Explain why a juvenile center was put in place

·      Analyze how children convicted of crimes decades ago were treated

·      Give general background information of laws enforced affected children  

·      Include the supreme court of when children were granted legal rights in a legal court room

·      (This will be about 2 paragraphs)

Body Paragraph #2:

·      I will be explaining the consequences of children be locked in adult prisons

·      The high rates of sexual assault

·      Evaluate why there is a high rate of suicide among teens placed in adult prisons

·      The lack of protection

·      The lack of programs provided to help these troubled teens cope with life after their sentence

·      (This will be about 2 or more body paragraphs)

Body Paragraph #3

·      This portion of the essay will discuss and elaborate on the idea that adult prisons are not suitable for a teen who is still developing

·      The lack of regulation leaves children unsupervised and easily targeted 

·      There are a lot of teens who are placed in adult prisons and have not committed a violent crime

Body Paragraph #4: Explain why Juvenile Center is a better option

·      Discuss the benefits of a juvenile detention center

·      Explain the difference between an adult prison and a juvenile center

Conclusion:

·      Revaluate my previous ideas by restating my thesis

·      Explain the position I agree with after my research

·      My final thoughts on the topic of adult and adolescents sharing a jail cell