Link to my Portfolio

WE'RE DONE!
GOODLUCK EVERYONE

Link: Kassy's Portfolio

Thlog #6

Dear Blog,

This is officially the last time i'll be writing. It's pretty sad yet pretty exciting at the same time. I really do enjoy writing on this blog. But sometimes it's a little too much. First I want to address something I never did. And it's the workshops. They we're a pretty good idea. But they did not workout in my favor. Instead of being critical and telling me what i'm missing in my work. Most of my partners told me that my paper was great. Okay...... What else? I guess it kinda disappointed me a bit because my writing isn't perfect. It's really not. I'm told all the time that people look at my writing as an example of how to write their papers yet no one points out the flaws of my writing and it frustrates me. If you plan on doing workshops in your next class, you should go around the room and look at each and everyone's papers to make sure they wrote at least 4 critical things that could be changed or weren't clear about their partners papers. That's definitely a concern I wanted to express to you on the last days of class. I've gained plenty of knowledge about everything in this course and i'm pretty sure that everything I've learned in this class -although it was a lot- is gonna benefit me in the long run and for that i'm grateful. I'm a bit confuse with the E-Portfolios. Are we suppose to send you the link or share it with you in some other way. Also when we create all of our links should we  include our thlogs or PB's? Or is this optional. Because I really think my PB's were great and reflected my writing abilities. This class has really been a roller coaster ride for me. I started off extremely confident in my writing and my WP1 proved that. But as soon as you started introducing concepts and ideas. My confidence began to slowly but surely diminish. It was only then when I began to see that maybe I wasn't the greatest writer i thought I was. It was pretty eye opening. Although you were constantly on our 'asses' as you would say. You're really a amazing teacher and if I ever need help with one of my papers i'll contact you.

YOU'RE AWESOME AND THANK YOU.

Sincerely,
Kassandra Sanchez

Thlog #5

Dear Blog,

OH MY GOD. We're almost finished our class. This is my second to last blog too 😝. It's been a very long 10-weeks and I've surprisingly made friends within that short time; given my sarcastic strange personality. But the last week of school means two things. Portfolios and Finals. They are possibly the most dreadful things to think about right now. I know the final is gonna be fairly simple because I understand everything going on in the class already. Yet I cant help but feel nervous about it. Then there's the portfolio. Oh how I dread it. It's possibly the most complicated thing we've done in this class soo far! I guess i'm just not good at managing documents and papers as i thought I was. It includes the revise and original WP1 and WP2's. Which is a long process. It also includes the revision matrix and metacognative essay. Which I didn't even know what that meant until a couple days ago and by looking it up on google consistently. It seems so simple if you think about it. And maybe i'm just being over dramatic. But DAMN it's hard ! Like what in the world goes through your mind Zack? 😓. But it's something that has to get done and i'm gonna complete it to my fullest. I know that today i'm gonna get right to typing and editing and completing what I need to do. ESPECIALLY THAT EXTRA CREDIT! You're legit the only teacher I know that has given extra credit so far and I hope to see more teachers like you. *wipes a tear*. I'm actually still a little confused about the revision matrix. Are we suppose to introduce it separately or within another page? It's really messing with my head. It's also confusing me at the same time. Am I over thinking it ? Am I the only one thinking about this? So far i've tried to star my reflection essay but nothing is coming to me. Hopefully i'll be able to finish it before this is all due because if I don't I know i'm going to really freak out! Im just trying to enjoy our last days of class and stay as calm as possible. *note to self, stay calm*

I'll probably be freaking out in my next blog. But I enjoy talking my mind. It's pretty LIT.

Sincerely,
Kassandra Sanchez

Thlog #4

Dear Blog:

I hope you don't mind if I rant a bit to you. Well this week has been very hectic. With turning in our 

WP2's and getting started on our portfolios and all of these strikes going on after the election. it's 

been a very stressful week. And were slowly but surely approaching our last week of classes. 

Although I never tend to be stressed or frustrated with having lots of work to do. I've found myself 

stressing a lot! To the point where I've had run ins with writers block. It's so annoying!! I cant believe that I'm going through it again. But on a brighter side I'm extremely happy about everything I've done in class. I feel as though I have grown as a writer and as a lover of literature. I'm so glad that I did 

take AP Language in high school because it's made this class way easier to understand. It's almost as 

if everything I've learned in the class falls into place. It keeps me motivated. And the fact that I do get excited to write my papers makes it even better. Even though it's difficult and stressful right now, it's 

definetly gonna pay off in the future. Especially since I want to be a neonatal nurse. Vocabulary and 

being able to write correctly and with sense is extremely important in the medical field. I mean sure I 

get mad sometimes especially when Z criticizes some of my writing, but i make sure not to take it 

harshly because you're just trying to make us better. And I appreciate it. Earlier I mentioned the portfolio and -although im gonna be talking about it in my next thlog- it's a huge project. Legit the instructions really confuse me even though it was explained plenty of times. I guess im just very nervous about messing up on this since my WP2 wasnt as good as I wanted it to be. But this is a huge opportunity to re-create or re-write my WP2! Hopefully writers block doesnt hit me when I begin to look over my failure and frankenstein it. Stay tuned to my next thlog which will mostlikely be a rant about the portfolio and reflection. And wtf is up with this complicated revision matrix? 😭 Maybe im just over reacting or im just being dramatic. But has anyone else noticed how complicated it is!?

Hopefully i'll survive. Wish me luck.

Sincerily,

Kassandra Sanchez

Thlog #3

Dear Blog,

      These past couple of weeks have been insane. With the septa strikes and the election happening it's crazy. Yet our classes have still been going on consistently. And we've also been working really hard. Recently we've had to work on our PB2A's and PB2B's and it's pretty crazy how much more simple yet complicated its gotten. Lately I've been suffering from severe authors block (sounds like a sickness I know). I've tried various amounts of times to write and complete my assignments to its fullest potential. But I still feel a bit weary about it. I feel as though they aren't my best pieces of writing. My WP1, PB1A and PB1B were extremely good so it's pretty hard  I've found that the best way to concentrate on my writing is just to pick a topic that I find interesting then sit down and research other essays that may argue or support your views on the topic then begin. We've also been concentrating more on views of people from different disciplinary perspectives. (That consists of Buisness, Social Sciences, Natural Science and The Humanities.) Which has been a little difficult yet interesting. And detecting moves in different types of writing is a skill that we've been practicing too. I honestly didnt know that a authors choice of inserting things into a piece of writing would be referred to as a 'move'. Now that I understand and am able to decypher moves I look for it in every piece of writing that I read. It's pretty awesome if you ask me. Its really gonna help me in my writing for WP2. And I'll make sure to constantly mention it in my essay also. Overall ive learened alot in these past weeks and I cant believe that this semester is coming to an end so soon.It's only felt like days have passed. 

PB2B

Kassandra Sanchez

11/10/2016

ENG101-108

PB2B

“Go Back To Your Country”

“Go back to your country, you’re stealing our jobs, our lives, our freedom”- every ignant ‘educated’ ‘qualified’ American ever. It seems as though everyone has something to say about immigration nowadays. From those who bathe in dirt to those who bathe in riches. This debate is ongoing and will probably never stop being spoken about. Some say ,that this country was built on the back of immigrants others would object and claim that America belongs to americans not ‘aliens’. In this PB I will be identifying the different players that are involved in this ongoing debate. Also, the organizations and different people that are impacted by this issue . With the help of Shelly Reid’s “Critical Reading Guide”.

Mexicans are the poster children of americans views on immigrants. They are also one of the key players among this debate as they are always being pointed at and mocked. Anglo Saxon southerners are usually the owners of the pointing hand. Making them the other key players to the situation. Notice how I used the word “Anglo Saxon” instead of white or caucasian. I've used this to point out the fact that these people do descend from immigrants who migrated to the states for a plethora of reasons. Just like the Mexican people who in many cases sacrifice their lives to provide a better home, education, lifestyle and environment for their families. But these are just my views on the subject.

Not all southern Anglo Saxon’s think or act the same. Some don't really care about immigrants and their place in society. While others feel strongly about the subject and make it a point for their voice to be heard. “Wetback, Jumping Bean” All though this may sound very vulgar to a northerner it's a very common term used to refer to a Mexican American in the south. In the north “Immigrants” aren’t judged as much instead they’re encouraged. Jobs are scarce in some regions and I understand that. Immigrants will work jobs in any condition for lower wages ultimately taking jobs everywhere because they will do anything. The frustration mixed with anger is relatable, I would hate for a job to be taken from me by someone who isn’t qualified. Yet it’s still not right to blame people who want to make money and live a steady life just as you want to do.

In my personal experience have never seen a Mexican beg for money. Neither have I heard of them living off of government services. Instead you see them at Home Depot trying to find work. Or selling tortas and quesadillas just to bring home money to feed their own children. It’s hard to live below the ‘resident’ status in a country that claims to be run by the people and adhere to everyone’s voice yet does not allow them to speak. A actress on the famous show “Orange is The New Black” is the daughter of immigrants. She one day came home from highschool to find that her house was empty. She had to find out from a neighbor that her parents were deported. They screamed at officers to allow them to contact her school to talk to her, but they were denied because, they're not ‘american’. So she spent years being tossed around from foster home to foster home. This just goes to show what immigrants go through in the ‘land of the free’.

One question that has yet to be answered is “what would happen to businesses if their workers are deported?” Many CEO’s and Investors tend to hire Mexicans to work for lower wages when building and running a business. But what will happen if they’re deported? I feel like they would probably crumble. If you have a constant working flow of workers who you're paying under the minimum wage gap and they are suddenly taken, you have to find others who will give the same attitude and effort for the same price. Which isn't likely at all. Instead wages will have to be higher and benefits would be implemented. Costing the business owner thousands of dollars ultimately destroying his business from the inside out.

In conclusion, although my mind was set on defending one side of the argument, my eyes were kinds opened to what the other side may be feeling. Using the “Doubting and Believing” strategy really did help me write. And it’s made my argument a lot stronger. Now I can definitely say ‘this country was built on the back of immigrants’ with confidence. Im not saying that im right nor that im wrong. I'm just stating what I believe is to be “self evident that all men are created equal”. Disagree with me if you want but make sure to see both side of this argument then think again.

PB2A

Kassandra Sanchez

ENG 101-108

PB2A

11/09/2016

In this PB I will be analyzing moves made by historian Kevin Gannon in his article “I Will Not Argue About The Confederate Flag”

“Introducing an ongoing debate” is one of the first moves Gannon uses in the beginning of his article. I say this because the constant use of the words ‘besides’ and ‘also’ creates a second perspective of a problem and or introducing the problem. “Besides being a monumental tragedy, also gave us the absurd spectacle of South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (a woman of color) telling us “that we’ll never understand what motivates anyone to enter one of our places of worship and take the life of another””

He also -in parenthesis- points out that South Carolina’s Governor is a woman of color, This move would be referred to  as “signaling who’s saying what”. He is quoting what someone else has said and he does this throughout the entire article because although he is a historian and can openly write about this topic, he uses examples and quotations from others. This use of quotation helps amplify and solidify his argument and or claim. It also allows him to give his input about the quote. As to if he does or does not agree.

”But I am a historian of the Civil War and Reconstruction Eras, and I am qualified to engage with the arguments marshaled in defense of the Confederate Flag now intensifying in reaction to the critical voices emanating from throughout the country.” ‘I am’ is used consistently in this paragraph and it’s used in a very defensive tone. He is stating that he’s qualified to debate and weigh in on this kind of taboo subjects. Which is why I would say that this move falls in the category of  “Introducing Objections Informally”.It creates a sense of trust in the author for the readers. Because he does know what he’s talking about and what he’s saying. And instead of referring to a textbook or historical event, he can create an argument and use whatever evidence or experiences he wants.

The fact that he took an actual stand on such a taboo topic and was able to back it up in his writing was very professional. “When I was completing my Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, the flag actually flew atop the state house dome, along with the US and state flags. In 2000, me and fifteen thousand or so of my closest friends marched on the capitol to demand the flag be removed.” The wording like ‘march on the capitol’ and ‘demand the flag be removed’ gives his tone more spice or as some would say ‘edge’. Since he has already fought in opposition to the flag he is qualified to write in opposition to the flag.

“It is here and now that I will formally make my stand. And I urge my fellow historians to make theirs as well.”  Gannon is establishing his point and standing for what he believes in. This move separates him from other historians who stick to standard ‘formal’ writing. He begins his arguments then separately explains why he believes in it, in another paragraph. And it's very strange yet very cool. He uses pictures and memes in his article too which grabs my attention.

In conclusion Gannon’s moves are strange yet very intentional. It allows the reader to dig deeper into the author's meaning and it makes the readers question “why did he do this?”.


Cites
Gannon Article

PB1B

Kassandra Sanchez

Zack De Piero

ENG 101-108

10/19/2016

PB1B: Night by: Elie Wiesel

Genre: Historical Novel

Elie Wiesel was known for his unfortunate experiences in the holocaust. One of his greatest writings, in my opinion was ‘Night”, It's a sorrowful retelling of what happened and what led to his imprisonment in several concentration camps. This story is written from his perspective, it shows us his emotions and thoughts during this difficult time. Although i would suggest reading this book from beginning to end there are a couple of different ways to read it.  ‘Reading Like a Writer’ is definitely what to do if you are reading this book for a paper or even for your own entertainment. This story is full of dreadful and heart wrenching words and quotes, “Human suffering anywhere concerns men and women everywhere.”- Elie Wiesel . Why did the author include it? Why did he organize it in this specific way?  What is he trying to say to us? Why does it sound so poetic?

Reading like an author is defiantly a very sophisticated way of finding and analyzing both the book and the mind of the author. But ‘close reading’ is another great way of getting to know the author and his emotions through his writing. Paying attention to small detail and writing your thoughts on the side allow you to look back and answer any unknown questions. Highlighting also helps a lot. Key Points and important details should be highlighted to remind you of forgotten details. I feel as though in this kind of reading there is no argument nor is there an ‘idea’ other than “there’s good and bad in everyone”. Some would feel very offended if they were told to take a position on this book. Is the author wrong for allowing his father to suffer? Is he wrong for not shedding a tear for him? Although you could go through with this kind of ‘reading strategy’ it would be fairly difficult and controversial but, not impossible.

Visual literacy would definitely enhance and help translate emotions and feelings just as well as ‘words’. By looking at the cover of ‘Night’ what kind of aura or sentiment does it give off? To me it gives off a sad and kinda sinister meaning, Due to the barbed wire that is keeping the boy in one position only, not only that but the boy has no face. It’s almost as if darkness has finally taken over him. Engulfing not only his body but his emotions also. The silhouette has torn clothes and is standing in a defeated stance. I legit just created a summary of the story before reading it, by just looking at the cover,  A picture is worth a thousand words. It adds more detail and could also enhance the reader's experience.( Even though I wouldn't really like to see pictures of his life in Nazi, Germany.)  

Although there are reasons as to why one would have to read this book. Whether it’d be a book report or a class reading. I promise you that ‘close reading or reading like a writer’ will enhance this novel for you. It a amazing piece of literature. Enjoy it.

Links:
Elie Wiesel Quote

Thlog #2

Dear Thlog,

   "Shelley's Quick Guides for Writing Teachers" is honestly a gift from god because it's helping me alot! As I read through the pages it seems like all the questions i've been trying to differentiate in writing has finally been answered. In my personal opinion I think the best strategy from this reading is of the "Case Study Reflection". It not only allows the reader to think about the current topic but it also allows us to be creative because it does include 2 free writes. I find this to always be helpful. Although i've adopted other habits in reading and analyzing. When this one was introduced to me in highschool it allowed my creative and strong-willed voice to be heard. This is gonna help me alot with my "Rhetorical Analysis" paper. I'm definitely gonna study my genre in great detail then freewrite. And from my free write i'll take ideas and concepts and shape them into a well thought out paper.

This week has honestly been kinda confusing. Both PB1B and WP1 have been throwing me off. Although we’ve been talking about it in class. I’ve still somehow found a way to confuse myself with it. Genre is a large topic especially in this class. So there is a lot to choose from when we're talking about it. It’s so simple that it's difficult. My issue has been with finding valid ‘perspectives’ about the genre. Most of them are usually articles. I just want my paper to seem creative and stand out. So what should I look for? Should I include more tweets or facebook posts? I'm just curious, if you have any suggestions please let me know! It’ll help me out.

Other than that everything's going great in this class. And this ‘thlog’ at first is pretty hard but as soon as you begin having a flow to your writing everything becomes easier.  

Sincerely,

Kassy <3

Thlog #1

Dear Thlog,

Although I've taken  AP Language in high school, I was never able to dissect rhetorical analysis's. It's
always been my least favorite kind of paper to write. But with these examples and everything else were learning in class. It is slowly but surely becoming easier to write them. Usually when I write i take on a very narrative/ first person tone. And with first person tone comes first person point of view. It totally screws up my writing. Especially with an essay that I can use the words "I, us and we". Is there any way for me to stop thinking in a first person perspective?  Because I've tried my hardest yet its almost like my hands have a mind of their own.

P.S: I'm writing this in diary form because I feel like it lol.

Sincerely,
Kassandra Sanchez

Objective Opinions on why “Donald Trump is unfit for presidency”

As a 18 year-old citizen of this country and a college student i’ve taken interest in the running for presidency this year. Yet I don’t really have to look to far to realize that Donald Trump; a billionaire. Has smeared and tainted the name of the republican party with misogynistic, racist and sexist comments and postings on social media and in interviews throughout this campaign. Yet i'm not the only person who has taken notice in this. Many spectators and politicians have taken to social media and popular news articles to voice their opinions on the nominee.

The Huffington Post a very famous news source has stated their opinions on the candidate. It’s rhetorical features include constant uses of the word ‘unfit’ and ‘abusive’ when speaking of Trump. This shows that syntax and tone really make up a article. The language that's used creates a sense of strong disagreement and dislike towards him. It’s purpose is to show the audience just how big his ego is and why a celebrity like him should not be president. “Trump’s comments that emerged Friday where he boasted about using his celebrity status to sexually assault women.” - Huffington Post. This article doesn't only contain opinions but it also contains actual known facts which makes it a lot more factual and resourceful. The use of quotes from the celebrity gives us a look at this gritty reality. The same goes for USA TODAY that have wrote an editorial on this subject. Yet they title theirs ‘The Editorial Board has never taken sides in the presidential race. We're doing it now.’ I feel as though this title give the text meaning before we even read it. Now instead of being more informative like The Huffington Post, this article takes on a more slandering tone of voice. “Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he lacks the temperament, knowledge, steadiness and honesty that America needs from its presidents.” They start off their article by explaining why Trump isn't fit for presidency immediately. Both articles have slight differences like the tone of voice and style yet they still correlate and communicate the same message they want the audience to receive. ‘The Wrap’ is a famous online blog that communicates their opinions through social media. Unlike The Huffington Post and USA TODAY; They don't take sides. Instead they’ve taken on a more passive tone towards Donald Trump and expose him by showing all of his ‘meanest tweets’. This strategy allows the audience to make a decision for themselves. By not saying anything bad or good it makes us think about what makes him a bad person. Why does a celebrity like himself, spend time on twitter bashing others? Is he really helping anyone? This style is a very good rhetoric strategy. Especially because Twitter and social media is very important to us as a society now. And when someone says one thing wrong on Twitter they are usually criticized for everything they do. Although these are just opinions, style and context really makes them sound persuasive and logical. In conclusion all of these sources communicate that this presidency will leave a mark in our history maybe for the worst.

Good Luck America.

Here are my sources:

Huffington Post

USA TODAY

The Wrap

About me

Hi, my name is Kassandra but i always prefer being called Kassy. I really enjoy writing and reading. My major is nursing and my dream job is to become a Neonatal Nurse. I really enjoy working with kids, specifically babies. Especially when they belong to someone else, because you can return them lol. I really love being silly and watching old movies with my friends. Although I may seem a bit shy at first glance, prepare yourself because I have a lot to say, especially when subjects like history or politics comes up.

In high school my major was in music. No, I can't play the theme song to Star Wars. But, I can play the sound from jaws when the shark is slowly making its way towards its victims. When it comes to music I can switch from genre to genre like nobody’s business. My playlist ranges from Frank Sinatra to Guns N Roses to J.Cole to Aventura. I still have yet to download the Frank Ocean album though. I'm honestly very friendly even if my face begs a differ. Really bad jokes or any jokes in general make me hysterical. There isn't a day where i'm not smiling. If we ever have a conversation and i switch from english to spanish don't worry, i'm not broken, I just get excited. It’s a really bad habit; I know.

Thanks for making it this far.