Level 2

I feel like this class has helped me sharpen my knowledge of different styles, and develop my grammar skills. While I prefer writing creative fiction, my career will involve properly citing sources and researching extensively, and this class has helped me prepare for the next level in my education. I learned how to stick with a draft and really see it through till the end, and made me want to start writing more regularly.

The Final Draft

After finishing my last draft of the letter to the Imam in Florida, I feel happy with the finished product. I put in a lot of time and consideration in each draft, and have worked on at least eight over the past semester. I hope my grade reflects what I feel I should get, considering how much encouragement and positive feedback I have gotten.

I really got into structure of sentances with my last draft, to ensure that it flowed well and was easy to read. I mixed around my first paragraph, and I think the introduction is easier to follow, and connects my topic with why I am writing to him. As it took the form of a letter, I tried to keep my tone casual and light, but also somewhat professional, because of the Imam's position. I am still nervous about sending it to him, but that is more due to whether or not he will read it. I hope he does finish my letter, and truly takes my words to heart, because it was written with good intentions.

Revising my Letter

While rereading my letter, I realized that six pages could easily be cut down. My first important revision was editing out excess information, that was created for my other audiences, and draw more of a focus to the issue of prejudice against Muslims.

I also decided to include more of a casual and informal tone. I included some traditional Islamic languages, so the Imam will take me somewhat seriously... I feel like my letter will be more impressive in the end, more direct and hopefully will convince the Imam of my point.

How I Became Me

I have always loved reading since I was a little girl, as long as I can remember. My mom would always read to my older sister, who was entering elementary school, and when she fell asleep, I would stay up and listen to my mom with undivided attention. Ever since I could read, I have carried a book with me wherever I go.

My parents are both literature lovers, so I feel they have been a good influence on me as a writer. I grew up reading material way beyond my years, but it made me comprehend faster, increase my speed of reading, and my skills as a writer. I will always love reading, because to this day my family still encourages me, calling me "the bookworm". I like that nickname though, how can that be a negative thing when I find so much joy in escaping through books?

Short Projects Suck

Well, my original plan for my public service announcment was cancelled because of videography problems. I decided to do a powerpoint presentation instead, since it was the only way I could present my information that I had collected and still make my point. The angle I am going for is a informational program about Muslims in America, and the prejudice they have faced since 9/11. I am aiming this program at high school and college age students, who can connect to my different points and have a better chance to connecting with others of different ethnicities

My powerpoint is going to include images to support my research, and I plan on aiming it at around 3 minutes long, to explain all of the slides adequately. I am a bit nervous, and dissapointed I couldn't make the video, but it has been a crazy week and this was all I could take on at the moment. I still hope people enjoy it and learn something new, and maybe open their minds a little.

Short Project Ideas

As my research paper argued that Islam and Muslims face a lot of prejudice, my first idea, while looking over the guidelines, was a public service announcement. This provides a way for me to reach my audience (American public, in particular those who do not know much about Islam), while sending a clear message about how Muslims should be treated. I will use some of the statistics I have found while researching this topic, and have already asked a friend for help with the video.

I have not decided whether to do a narrative, with images to back it up, or to include a small skit or a Man on the Street section. I don't want actors, and would prefer this to be natural and more informative than catchy. I figured by cutting out actual scenes, I can provide more information about the religion which the public doesnt know about, and connect Islam back to popular culture (famous Muslims, population statistics, what Islam has done to help humanity). I have a few good ideas on how I want this to look, and as soon as I finish my script I will begin filming.

Unless I get other ideas. I could do a magazine article, or an informational flyer, or something like that, but I think a PSA would make more sense. Since my paper called for change in how we treat this group, I might as well provide examples and how to avoid bias.

Research Weary

A lot of things have changed in my paper, but I feel I am comfortable turning it in (with maybe a bit more editing if I can squeeze it in). I decided not to do the survey, simply because I had enough research and was a bit puzzled on what to ask and how to measure my data. I also feel like so much of public opinion of religion is subjective, and my data would have to be objective. I think I still need to work on my organization, making it clear, concise, and readable.

I have found that I like to do research, but you have to break up periods of studying, and usually I like to finish something in one sitting. You really build your paper by spending time away from it, coming back, and focusing on how to improve it, rather than how good you think it is. Always room for improvement, right?