Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Final Reflection


Final Reflection


I feel that my writing has improved this semester from past years. I am not a good writer in the first place so there was much to work with however, I do feel that I had good research skills which helped me to get good information on my writing topics. Also, documentation became really easy to incorporate because of the Little Seagull handbook. It really came in handy when it came to writing my essays.
            I learned many things this semester, one being the importance of having credible sources and incorporating them into my work. I have never been accused of plagiarism and never been afraid of being accused because everything is in my own words. Therefore, citing everything I take from the web is one of my first things to do when writing a paper or anything for that matter.
            Another skill that I have acquired is the formation of an outline. The sample outline that we received and is available to the class helped me the most out of everything. It helped me structure my writing into a functioning form where all I had to do was basically just put it onto paper or on my computer by combining each part. It also helped me to find quotations and supporting sentences for my own writing.
            My growth over the semester has exceeded my expectations. I now know how to make a formal outline and document certain sources and how to cite them. These are a couple of the things that I came into writing composition unsure of how to use them in my writing, but now I do.
            All in all, I feel that the most useful tool was my professor. All of our in-class assignments really helped me to understand the writing process and how to use it. Any questions I had were answered during discussion in class and it was a very comfortable atmosphere to write in. My group project this semester also went very well because all members participated and we actually became close enough to where if someone was absent we could rely on one another to inform them on what we learned that day. This class really helped me to open up and broaden my horizon in terms of what to write about.

Visionary Project: Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson: Man is Fighting Against Himself
 
 
     Rachel Carson was very fortunate to grow up on a 65-acre farm in rural Pennsylvania and to have a loving mother who ultimately influenced her visions of the world. She grew up exploring the forests and streams surrounding her childhood home and at the age of ten was first published in a children’s magazine (Rachel). Her education first started out as being an English major at the Pennsylvania College for Women, but then changed to being a student in marine biology and went on to get her MA in zoology from Johns Hopkins University (Lear). This showed how knowledgeable Carson was of the surrounding environment and its components as well as her devotion to the betterment of the world.

Carson had a vision to improve people’s knowledge of harmful chemicals in the environment and their impact on public health; however, the constant struggle of going up against the government, chemical industries, and even friends made it a challenge to convince society of her points. The time period that Carson grew up in was a time when people were afraid to speak their mind. This is because the government was very powerful and communism was speculated in certain individuals in the United States, therefore resulting in people trying to keep quiet (Maryland). No one wanted to be thought of as a communist; therefore they would not speak of anything controversial or attention grabbing. This was the age of Tupperware as well and of the assassination of President Kennedy.
            In addition, Carson loved the world and everything within it and showed this through her writing about its beauty, however, this all came to an abrupt halt when she had noticed the harmful effects of pesticides on birds and nature itself which then formed her vision for the future. Referring to her early views of the world, it is stated, “She wrote several other articles designed to teach people about the wonder and beauty of the living world…” (Lear). This proves that Carson was an active advocate for the world around her and wanted everyone to see it in a different perspective. It is implied that people take advantage of the Earth and do not view it as a “beautiful thing” until someone points it out to them. She does this by writing pamphlets on conservation and natural resources, scientific articles, and many other books from her government research (Lear). However, as time went on Carson started to notice the effects of pesticides on the environment, especially on birds. They began to die in increased rates and this is when Carson developed the vision of spreading awareness and trying to prevent the use of harmful pesticides on the environment. This first was shown through her book, Silent Spring, which helped in the banning of the chemical DDT. Carson talks about the effects on birds from DDT in Silent Spring by stating, “Heavy mortality has occurred among about 90 species of birds, including those most familiar to suburbanites and amateur naturalists” (109). She goes on to talk about how the birds were indirectly poisoned by the chemical through worms and other insects that were being targeted. The publishing of Silent Spring was a turning point in Carson’s life and arose many conflicts because of it. One of which was the attacks on Carson from chemical industries affected by her harsh words towards their products. It is stated, “The pesticide industry mounted a massive campaign to discredit Carson…” (Rachel). Not only were they trying to discredit Carson, but also said that Carson wanted to blame pesticides for her cancer and made them her “scapegoat” (Maryland). Industries were persistent in trying to damage Carson’s work, but little did they know that this was her vision and was motivated to accomplish it.

 
            Carson had a hope for the future and was driven to make it possible which along with other characteristics made her a well-known visionary. She anticipated that in the future people will view the environment in a more serious way and will take into consideration what they are releasing into it (Maryland). This is one way that shows how Carson was an active visionary in addition, she was also very humanly. She wanted to look out for not only the environment, but also people that will be affected by pesticides. Rudy Baum states in the article Rachel Carson, “Her indictment of DDT, they claim, has resulted in something like 90 million preventable deaths from malaria” (5). This proves that Carson was looking out for people and nature, which we are an integral part of.
            Another aspect of Carson that was very admirable was her bravery in voicing her opinion. The statement, “She had long hoped someone else would publish an expose’ on DDT but eventually realized that only she had the background as well as the economic freedom to do it” proves that the times when the government was at its peak no one had the will to speak out against it except for Carson (Rachel). Carson was a highly respected woman at the time because she got her masters and was hired into a powerful position which does not happen to many women. In addition, it is stated in the article Rachel Carson, “Carson’s prose gave voice to millions who yearned for a value system that effectively opposed the indiscriminate poisoning of her world in the name of economic efficiency” (Baum). This shows that people wanted a way to voice their opinions, but it was not safe or possible for them at the time. Once Carson spoke out people became inspired and hopeful of the future. The ultimate theme of Carson’s work was the environment and the effects of chemicals on it.

            All of Carson’s hard work to make the world a safer place to live in paid off and has many long-lasting effects. Many people are now protesting without fearing the government and stood up for what they believed in (Maryland). Also, many lives today are saved because of Carson’s contribution to the environment and the banning of DDT.


Works Cited
Baum, Rudy. “Rachel Carson.” Chemical & Engineering News. 85.23 (2007): 5. Web. 16 April
            2013.
Carson, Rachel. Silent Spring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1962. Print.
Lear, Linda. The Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson. Connecticut College, 2013. Web. 4 April
            2013.
Maryland Humanities Council, dir. “Biocides: Rachel Carson.” YouTube. Youtube, 1999. Web. 5
 
            April 2013.



“Rachel Carson: A Conservation Legacy.” U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. U.S. Fish & Wildlife
            Service, 28 Dec. 2007. Web. 16 April 2013.
 
Visuals

Revised Essay: Working Mothers vs. Stay-at-home Mothers


Shannon McKnight
Professor Sundol
WRC 1013-022
19 February 2013

Working Mothers vs. Stay-at-home Mothers
            In “A Mother’s Day Kiss-Off,” Bennetts states, “Those responsibilities---and the sacrifices they typically entail---generate a permanent state of simmering anger in all too many women” (396 par. 3). This pertains to the resentment in mothers who have had to make sacrifices for their children, husbands, or jobs. Today, judgments are made towards mothers whether they are stay-at-home or working. This creates anger and decisions to be made regarding this status. Housewives are viewed as failures and rare things to see in today’s day, many people pity and judge them which also accounts for the decreasing numbers of stay-at-home mothers. According to working mothers, housewives are rare, failures, and depend on their husband’s income, which makes them lazy and stupid (Hekker 391 par. 7). However, as stated by Bennetts, housewifery is a good thing because it is the woman’s job to care for children, but many housewives give up their jobs for this responsibility which angers them and makes them resent other mothers and their husband and children (397 par. 13). Despite Bennetts and Hekker’s beliefs on whether a mother should work or stay at home, they both agree that judgments and challenges help influence a mother’s decision.
            According to Bennetts and Hekker, mothers are torn between what they want to do and what they need to do based on their economic and marital status. However, each author has their own personal view on what comes first based on these statuses. Hekker writes about how people have judged her for being a housewife and how she was taught to raise her children herself, however society is condemning this behavior because it is looked down upon to rely on a man’s paycheck (391, par. 9). This shows Hekker’s point of view on what should come first in the decision of having a career or not. She strongly believes that women should put children first and their career on hold. In addition, Bennett's also has a particular view on this topic by describing the harsh reality of a mother’s decision to work or stay at home by stating, “If a breadwinner dies, divorces his wife or becomes unemployed, homemakers often cannot find decent jobs to support their families” (397 par. 8). This proves Bennetts point that a mother should prepare for the worst and be able to provide for her family if an event like this occurs. Full-time housewives do not have much experience in the workplace, therefore making it more difficult for them to find jobs that will sustain the life they have been living.
            On top of Bennetts and Hekker’s beliefs, I agree with the author's views on housewifery and how women should raise and take care of their children. In addition, if your family is in need of financial help then a mother should do what they can to help their family and try to sustain the life they have been living. I feel that mothers should acknowledge the fact that certain circumstances require making sacrifices that can be hard to accept, but must be done. Another point that Bennetts and Hekker have agreed on is that society has formed their own judgments on whether mothers should stay at home or work. This is described through Hekker’s story as a mother, having to make crucial decisions based on her personal life and the opinions of others. In a passage, Hekker states that there is no way of getting even for being called stupid or lazy by other mothers (391, par. 7). This is one way other mothers view housewives, however, it is not how society as an entirety views them, and this is because everyone has a different opinion on the issue. Also, in “A Mother’s Day Kiss-Off”, it is said that in today’s culture, full-time mothers are romanticized because it is such a rare thing to be (397, par. 7). This is a very opposite view than what Hekker has experienced. Instead of condemning housewives, they are praised for their drive and motivation to keep a tradition going. These two examples show how much the opinions of people differ in society.
            Although everyone has a right to their own opinion, mothers are the only ones whose opinion and view on the situation really counts. Their family and self is the only people that will be directly affected by the decision to either stay at home or work. Therefore no one else’s opinion should matter or be considered in this predicament. Most women will take up for the side that they can most relate to however, others hold resentment towards those that they admire to be like. Acknowledging one’s own circumstances will help make it easier for a mother to execute what she has decided on and accept it as well.
Included in the stories of Bennetts and Hekker are the opinions of mothers and their own situations that influence their decisions. Hekker often describes herself as an “endangered species” (390-391) and has researched the topic of housewifery and concluded that she will soon be the last housewife in the country. She prides herself on her housewife status even if someone is scolding her for it. This shows a mother’s own opinion on herself and work status, regardless of what other people say and think, she is still maintaining her job as a housewife. Another example of the opinions of mothers is from Bennetts when she explains that many women are angry because of what they have had to give up for the sake of their children (397). This anger is channeled at other mothers due to their own jealousy and resentment towards their children (Bennetts 398 par. 13). Anger is way that mothers show how they feel about the judgments of others on this topic. They are forced to give up their careers for children and sometimes husbands which make them resent their own family and become angry with mothers that have the best of both worlds.
Mother’s should be content with what they do and give up for their children and be optimistic about the situation. Anger is not the right way to deal with a problem, especially directing it at someone else. Mothers acknowledge their status and have accepted it, but angry mothers described by Bennetts are not acknowledging the good things that come with being a housewife. Mothers are faced with many hardships that force them to make decisions on their work status. Hekker and Bennetts both have made valid points on what sways this decision and what the effects may be. Despite what others think of a mother’s status, the only influence on this kind of decision should be what is needed and how you feel about it. Bennetts states “…stop venting their anger on each other and redirect it to changing the institutions, policies and practices that oppress us all” (398, par. 21). This shows that anger can be a motivator to change the ways of society’s judgments and ways of viewing mothers. In the quote, “Those responsibilities---and the sacrifices they entail---generate a permanent state of simmering anger in all too many women,” it shows that women encounter responsibilities whether they stay at home or work, which means they must learn to cope with them, and sometimes that means getting angry (Bennetts 396, par. 4). Although mothers have been judged for their actions regarding work, they are the only ones who really know what is in the best interest for themselves and their family.
   Everyone has a right to their own opinion, mothers are the only ones whose opinion and view on the situation really counts. Their family and self is the only people that will be directly affected by the decision to either stay at home or work. Therefore no one else’s opinion should matter or be considered in this predicament. Most women will take up for the side that they can most relate to however, others hold resentment towards those that they admire to be like. Acknowledging one’s own circumstances will help make it easier for a mother to execute what she has decided on and accept it as well.

Works Cited
Bennetts, Leslie. “A Mother’s Day Kiss-Off.” Behrens and Rosen 396-398.

Hekker, Terry Martin. “The Satisfactions of Housewifery and Motherhood/Paradise Lost (Domestic       Division).” Behrens and Rosen 390-392.
Behrens, Laurence, and Leonard J. Rosen, eds. Research &Composition in the Disciplines: 2nd
Custom Edition for the University of Texas at San Antonio. New York: Longman, 2011. Print.

Chapter 3 Reflection: Writing to Change the World

     In chapter 3 from Writing to Change the World the author talks about speech and how everyone has their own voice. According to Pipher, the desire to communicate comes from our senses and urge to socialize and express our ideas (Pipher 42). Also, she talks about the library of the self and this is referring to our many hardships and memories, each having its own story to tell. This helps people understand more about themselves and others. It is very important to writing because we can take those memories and write them on paper.
     The importance of self-exploration is that we must first know ourselves before we start to write our ideas down in a story. If we do not even know who we are then how do we expect others to know us and understand our ideas. Ginsberg's "surprise mind" is a way that our ideas are new and fresh and can be put down on paper with ease. The two types of writers are the ones that can write freely with no writers block and also the type that struggles with writing and cannot seem to recall their ideas.
     One idea from the chapter that is most important to me is how Pipher explains that you must know thyself before anyone else can know you. This goes for books as well, if you do not know yourself then how do you expect to write stories about your past experiences and even your ideas.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

About Me

I am Shannon McKnight and I am 17 years old. I graduated high school a semester early and decided to come to UTSA to further my education in field of biology. I love to be outdoors and active, I'm not one to sit around and waste my day away, I would rather be playing soccer or hanging out with friends. I have two older brothers that I look up to and love dearly, although they live far away, we are a close knit family and will stay that way no matter the distance. I consider myself to be a social person and love to make new friends. When I first arrived to UTSA this semester, I didn't have any friends, but was eager to make some. I am proud to say that I am an active member in my church at my hometown and look forward t continuing and furthering my faith in God. I just joined the group Chi Alpha on campus, a Chrstian fellowship group, and am in love with all of the people I have met in just the first meeting! I love to be involved within the campus and I feel that this is a great opportunity for me to do so. I am excited for my college experience here at UTSA and cannot wait to see what comes of it in the future!

Where I'm from


I am from saddles,

 

from Michael kors and soccer cleats.

 

I am from the shade of our back porch…cool, dark it smells of barbeque.

 

I am from the sunflower, the pasture grass

 

I am from carb-enriched dinners and humor-filled holidays,

 

from Kelley and Frank and McKnight.

 

I am from the jokers and up-tights.

 

From never giving up and knowing life is a journey.

 

I am from the nails hammered on the cross.

 

I'm from Friendswood and Italy, pasta and pizza.

 

From the time Leah sped down our street

 

and ran into our mailbox on my longboard,

 

the way my brothers would stay up all night

 

talking to me about high school, and the time

 

my mom caught her first red fish, screaming, jumping, smiling,

 

as we weighed the 8 pound fish.

 

I am from the walls of my house,

 

the boxes of undeveloped films,

 

and the priceless memories that they captured.

Just because...


Just because I’m Italian,
Doesn’t mean I only eat pasta
Doesn’t mean I act like Snooki
And doesn’t mean I’m loud

Just because I’m Italian,
Doesn’t mean I always cook
Doesn’t mean I’m from up north
Doesn’t mean I speak the language

Just because I’m Italian,
Doesn’t mean I eat at olive garden
Doesn’t mean I only have Italian friends
Doesn’t mean I have black hair

Just because I’m Italian,
Why do you think I act like the cast of Jersey Shore?
Why do people characterize us as being loud?
Why can’t I eat food other than pasta?
I am family oriented and fun to be around,
I am Italian.