Entry #5:Midterm Self Assessment

Part 1:
All four of my blogs has great significance to the Black race. Firstly, President Obama plays a major role in society. Black individuals see him as the answer for improvement and change in the United States today and for the future. In his A More Perfect Union speech, he speaks about improving the world nationally and internationally. Obama also speaks about leaving the issues and grudges of history behind in order to move forward. For my second entry I chose an article titled Racial Disparity in School Suspensions which provided data of middle school suspensions of different races. Black children were said to have the highest rate amongst the other middle school children. I didn't like the fact that my race of middle school children had the highest rate of suspensions. I felt as if this information was somewhat embarrassing. This information should be vital to Blacks in America. I'm sure that there are many Blacks in America that aren't aware that our children have this issue in society because hardly anything is being done to solve it. Next, my third entry on Black and Latino by Robert Santiago which raises the question of "Why can't I be both races?" There are many mixed individuals in the world that can relate to this personal account. I feel like those who are specifically mixed with Black and White only are pressured to identify with one specific race more than other individuals whom are mixed with other races. Finally, my 4th entry was about Opening Convocation with guest speaker Ben Carson. Carson plays a major role in Black society and his speech at Howard University was a historical moment for us to witness. The aspect I value the most is the fact that these blogs let me speak my opinion about issues of my society and historical speeches that play a huge role to my race. The new experience of blogging for class has been interesting and a contribution to the expansion of my thinking. I noticed that I found interest out of each topic in my blogs which made it easier for me to elaborate and understand.

Part 2:
My journey on writing a research essay has been a long one. To write a distinguished essay there are important steps that should be taken. One needs to research as much information as they can on the internet, in books, etc. One must also cite all information to prevent plagiarism. An outline is a must in order to plan your essay and it helps your write out your essay quicker and clearer. One must have their argument ready and form a thesis. An introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion are the main elements of your research paper. Drafts are helpful after you receive review from a professor or even a peer. Throughout this experience, I have learned how to construct a good research paper and new approaches to take while writing one such as, process, classification, cause and effect, definition, and comparison and contrast. It's easier for me to plan out an essay and finding a workable thesis. I tend to have difficulty with providing enough details to support my thesis. The Writing Center has helped me a great deal with grammar and essay writing. I've always been comfortable with technology because I believe it makes everything such as, completing and turning in assignments easier and quicker. For the majority of the readings in class I tend to always connect them back to the Black community but connecting readings in a global aspect isn't difficult for me at all.