Deven's Observational Log 2

Project Homeless Connect, also referred to as PHC6, was an event on the University of Denver campus that facilitated workshops and services to aid the people without homes. From 8:00a to 3:00p, medical, employment, housing, food stamps, child support, identifications, dental and even hair cuts were given to people without homes to better their situations. It was a helpful event where hundreds of students, faculty members, and devoted citizens took time out of their busy schedules to escort clients around. A number of people were helped and there was a great turnout.
I remember waiting in the long line on the west side of the Ritchie Center in great anticipation. Thoughts of my client’s gender, race, attitude, socioeconomic status, appearance and so forth, bombarded my mind. As I slowly climbed the stairs, I calculated who my person would be by how many volunteers and clients there were ahead of me. He was a middle aged, African American man who was physically not what I had expected. I expected a ragged looking guy who wore torn, dirty clothes. However, he was the exact opposite of what I thought. He was well dressed, clean, and was nicely shaved as a person without a home, which violated the stereotypes of homeless people that I had had for so many years. I would never have guessed that he was homeless if I had seen him walking on the streets or in a store.
After we made our final step to the top of the stairs and were appointed to each other, we shook hands and became acquainted. With a smile, he introduced himself as Edward, and we moved forward in the line to check in his bags and grab refreshments. “So how are you,” I asked. “I’m doin alright for the most part. How about you,” he replied. I said that I was doing alright and that I was looking forward to getting to know him and his needs. With a smile of appreciation and gratefulness, he said “likewise.” The conversation then progressed to talking about the ride over to the Ritchie Center, where we were from and our current statuses in life.
After he eagerly grabbed fruit and orange juice, we sat at a table by ourselves where we could get to know each other better. I began asking questions about his life. Edward didn’t give me any friction. He willingly answered my questions and was a great conversationalist. He told me about the jobs in which he used to have. Edward said, “I used to work for the circus. I would set up the rides and other events in the morning and would take them down at night. It required a lot of hard work, and became tedious and frustrating at times too. The people were just horrible. People would become angry when they didn’t meet the height requirements. My boss also gave me shit sometimes…but other than that, things were good.”
“Were you without a home at the time,” I said.
“No. I was making a decent living. I was on the road so much that I was able to save a lot. We went to New York, where I almost stayed because I loved it so much. We went to Houston, Texas, out to California, to Florida, and a lot of other states. Although it was a lot of sight seeing and interesting places, I did not enjoy the lifestyle of waking up early, setting up sights, taking it down at night, and relocating to a different state by the next morning. I just couldn’t do it anymore.”
“How long did you work for the circus before you gave up,” I said.
“I was there for about 3 years,” he replied. “Three long, dreadful years. However, I didn’t really start to dread life until after I quit the job and became dependent on aid and shelters.”
“What do you mean by dependent,” I said. “Do you mean that you were just reliant on the system in order to get by?”
He looked at me shamefully and said, “By dependent, I mean that I took advantage of the system and became dependent on the handouts and services in which were given unto me. I could stay in day and night shelters and eat for free, so why not take advantage of it? They were handing it to me so I was taking it. I know it’s sad to say but a lot of people do it. If the government wants to take care of us, then let them, you know?”
But I didn’t know. I had no clue why anyone would want to use the system like that. There are honest people out there who want the services and a shelter to stay in but can not. In my mind, he was taking up space for someone who didn’t want to be in that situation but had no control over it. He was purposefully using the system to get by. He became comfortable with living for free. I did not understand why anyone would even want to live that lifestyle. Shelters are not my ideal place to lay my head at night. The soup kitchens are not my ideal choice of home-cooked meals. I did not understand him, and was a bit infuriated by his choices. It also occurred to me that he probably isn’t the only one with this mentality. To know that taxpayers pay hundreds and thousands of dollars to support people who choose to be there, is aggravating. There is way too much time, energy and effort being put into shelters and supporting people without homes for them to be using and taking advantage of the system. Perhaps Edward was taking advantage of the system of government because of the bureaucracy and run around that he receives. Maybe it was a way to get back at the government.
I soon changed the subject to talk about his family life. He did not have a child or a wife. He did, however, say that he had family who all resided in Denver. I was curious to know how they were, as far as financially and socially. Edward said, “My family is doing well. I am very proud of everyone. I don’t keep in touch with them as much as I should, but it’s alright. They are doing well for themselves.” I wanted to ask why they hadn’t taken him in if they were doing so well. I could not imagine being successful and knowing that I have a homeless relative on the streets. I am very family oriented, and I can not picture my family not being there for me through tough situations, and vice versa. Maybe there were some family issues between them that discouraged them from helping him. I am not sure as to whether or not Edward gave me the entire story. I did not ask, and he did not tell. Whether it was trust issues, family issues, or whatever else, I have no idea why his family is not helping him to better himself.
We cleared the table with his trash, and made our way to the Gates Field House where I would help him with various services that he was in need of. On the way there, he waved and spoke to several people. I was surprised by how social he was. I thought that people without homes were secluded and extroverted, yet he was very outspoken and social. Upon entering the Gates Field House, we made our way to employment, Edward’s main concern.
We quickly added into the increasing line, where we were handed a form to complete and turn it. This form contained Edward’s information that would be placed in a system that would enable him to get employment. Looking at the form, Edward was happy to have completed it the week before. He explained to the lady that his form was already completed. She looked it up in the system using his Social Security number, saw that he had completed the form, but requested that he fill the form out again. “I just filled out and turned in one of these forms last week. Is there a way that you can pull up my information,” said my client.
“Sure,” replied the lady. “I certainly can!” She was able to identify his information and verify that he had indeed completed the form. However, she asked him to fill it out again, just so that they could have the proof in paper form as well.
Through a bit of anger, my client said “What do you mean I have to fill it out again? If I filled it out once, then what sense would it make to fill it out again? You already have all of the information right in front of you.”
“Yeah, that’s true,” stated the lady. “But it wouldn’t hurt to do it again.” He smiled, took the paper, and sat down. Although it was a bureaucratic moment which only added more work for him, he remained calm. He then talked about how he gets that all of the time. “Being homeless is a part of experiencing everyday bureaucratic systems. You learn to get used to them. It’s like second hand nature…bureaucracy is like my first cousin,” he said.
From there, we met with a guy who had obviously been acquainted with Edward in the past. He took Edward’s resume, asked him a few questions, and gave him a job interview for Monday, May 12th. I could see the excitement in his eyes. His main concern was employment. He was positive that the only thing that kept him oppressed in his situation was his lack of income. Edward was sure that with a job, he could make ends meet and maintain a home. After the job lead, we went to housing where he received three possible transitional housing leads, and a form that paid for first month’s rent and deposit. I could definitely make out the exceeding joy that gleamed across his face. He looked as though life was looking up for him, and he could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Satisfied with his services, he said “I sure didn’t think that I would receive this much help. It’s almost as if it isn’t true. Let’s hurry up and leave before they try to take it all back.” We both laughed at his humor. It did seem like a fairy tale, though. Edward had just received an ample of help and services that could permanently change his devastating circumstances. Edward now wanted to make his last stop in the medical area. He had been having aches and pains in his right leg, and desperately wanted to get it checked out.
On our way to the medical area, we began to see a lot of people with Life Waters. Edward was eager to find out where they were coming from. “Oh wait. Let’s find where these waters are coming from,” said Edward. “I’m mighty thirsty and they sho’ is looking good,” he said. We followed the trail of Life Waters, but to our surprise, they were all out. So we departed back to medical, where the line was short and the people were very friendly.
“May I help whose next,” said the nurse.
“That would be me,” said Edward. As he walked in and closed the curtain behind him, I could see the nurse giving him socks, soups, and other healthy hygiene products that he was lacking. She checked out his pulse, his blood pressure, temperature, and other performed other procedures before she came out and told me that he had the health of an 18 year old. “Well I sure in the hell don’t feel like one,” replied Edward. We were referred to physical therapy from there. The nurse believed that he had an early onset of arthritis.
After waiting for about a half an hour for physical therapy, Edward was finally called back. I could hear moans and groans through the curtains. I figured that the therapist was working the kinks out of his leg. The therapist came in and out with different things such as insoles for his shoes, towels and pillows. When Edward was released, he had a look of contentment on his face. He exclaimed how his leg felt much better. “Oh doc bent me like a pretzel, but it worked,” he said. With housing and job leads, as well as medical assistance, Edward was glad of his services. He was happy that he came to PHC6, and ecstatic that we had the opportunity to meet.
I escorted him back to his 1:15pm bus. I asked of any services that he wished he could have had but didn’t. He wanted unemployment services, just in case his job interview did not go to well, but other than that, he was happy. His needs had been fulfilled. I was able to watch him get on the bus with a sense of success. I felt successful for helping him to receive the services that he needed. I also felt successful for him because I knew that he would follow up with his services. I saw the desire to overcome, and was glad that I was a part of the process.
All in all, today was a day where my preconceptions were cleared. I was able to see the bureaucracy with the people without homes, which substituted for my notion of laziness. People without homes have received the run around when trying to better themselves, something in which I had never thought of. Also, I was able to see the dependence on shelters and government assistance. Sometimes people rely on these services. Whether it is to live a free life, or to get back at the system of government, some people without homes take advantage of the shelters and food. I was also able to see the calm and happy spirit of people without homes that are accepting and used to being misled and taken around the world when trying to prosper. This service learning experience was great!

What's your favorite appeal?

My favorite appeal is the appeal to logos. I think that logical points and arguments are what makes a paper strong and tangible. The ability to draw upon logic and make inferences that makes sense to readers is what makes and argument believable and compelling. Usually appeals to logos show evidence, which adds validity to a paper, proving that the write knows what he or she is talking about. When a writer, for example, argues that jail overcrowding is an issue, and gives the statistics and figures for the limited amount of space, they become more believable and credible in a sense that they can back their argument up with real life evidence. In my papers, I love to make parables and logical connotations to show that what I am talking about is substantial. I do this by tying the topic into past, personal experience using a common sense method.
This is turn, evokes appeals to pathos because the reader identifies and trusts a person who can show proof to what they are discussing. This connection can be made through appeals to logos. I think evidence and logic is just as important as appeals to ethos. Credibility is created with evidence and sources, just as one would with personal experience that doesn’t connect with common sense and reality. Not only are appeals to logos my favorite, but I feel that they can sometimes be more significant and evoke the same appeals as does appeals to pathos and ethos.

Defining One's Audience

In my proposal to the public good paper, I identify my audience as city mayors and councilmen who are not aware of the core problem concerning jail overcrowding. In this call to action, I am indirectly confronting these people, and proposing a plan that would help decrease the amount of jail overcrowding that has taken place. The city mayors and councilmen have been approaching the issue wrongly. These people are ignorant as to why inmates go in and out of jail. City mayors and councilmen are angered because of the overwhelming rates. As a result, they look down on the citizens and people who are going back and forth to jail rather than looking down on institutions and faulty programs. I identify them as being rich and snobby, lacking the ability to empathize with jail inmates and distinguish their needs. They live in a rich, well kept, positive environment where these issues are absent to them. They should get out more and broaden their perspectives on these various issues dealing with delinquents. Instead of rebuilding and making jails larger, they should implement rehabilitation and reform programs for the inmates, which will get to the core of the issue.
I think it is important that I identify and know who my audience is. Not only does it define the language in which I should use, but it also gives me an idea of what issues I should present and what concepts I should be trying to convey. By knowing who your possible audience is, you then set the tone of your paper, which is vital and aids in your proposal’s persuasiveness and organization.

The Lack of Multiculturalism and how it Affects Students

In my Social Justice class, we read an article about the lack of multiculturalism and how it affects students. The article basically described how many students of color are treated as a collective rather than an individual with diverse thoughts, ideas, and perceptions. Many times in classes, mostly those with just one or two students of color, the student of color will be asked racial questions with the assumption that are going to represent the “Black, Asian, or Mexican” point of view. I was in this situation before where I was asked “Do all black people love chicken?” Personally, I love chicken but how was I supposed to speak for all the other black people in the world. These questions make minority students feel alienated and isolated due to these inhospitable practices. Many times, the experiences and existence of these minorities are belittled.
These injustices and wrongful assumptions are, in a way, not the fault of the teachers, but more of the institution’s fault. There is a lack of faculty of color which makes up the institution. Studies have shown that faculty members provide a needed outlet, support system for students, especially minority students, one that is often missing in the majority environment. Faculty of color provides someone to talk to, and turn to for advice. When frustrated and feeling alone, the faculty members of color bring diversity and a sense of comfort, which most students miss when on campuses that is not as diverse. Here at DU, I have friends who desire a professor of the same color that they can talk and look up to. However, with the lack of faculty of color, this is near impossible. I feel that more faculty of color will decrease these tensions and will create a “shoulder” for these students of color to lye on.

RE: The Singer Solution to World Poverty

This article was amazingly interesting. In this excerpt, a man risks the life of a child for his car which will appreciate in value and earn him a lot of money in the near future. Instead of stopping a train, that was about to hit a child, with his car, he chose to allow the train to hit and kill the boy. He stood there and watched the life of a human being get taken. What a sight!
Many people may look at this as an example of bad moral standards and ethics. It was mean and careless to allow this child to get killed, especially when he could have made a difference. However, the author poses a great question. Is it just as wrong to watch children everyday in our country as well as overseas die from poverty? Many Americans, including myself, never donate any money to help the needy. We could be saving lives as well. However, we risks the lives of men, women, and children everyday by shopping for desired goods, going to fancy restaurants, and attending all of these extra leisure events that are not necessities. Even the people who donate, do so stingily. People who donate could give more, keeping in mind as much money as they waste every year.
Astonishingly, we are in no place to judge this man as to whether or not he was morally wrong. We sit and watch millions of people die everyday, just as he did with this boy. Although he watched physically, it still does not make a difference. This is actually what we do everyday. Whether firsthand or not, we still allow lives to be taken when there is a difference we could be making. After reading this article, I feel differently as to why I don’t donate. This article appeals to pathos in a way that it reaches out to readers of all audiences in an effort to show how we watch people die, and sacrifice our own personal enjoyment for a life. I feel like the man who sat and watched the child die. We need to implement change and turn things that are not necessities into saviors of people’s lives.

Civic Engagement

Robert E. Litan proposed a plan on making it a requirement to be civically involved and to participate in service protocol. I think this is a great idea, however, one that needs some revision and analysis. Our country and society as a whole would definitely benefit from this. The involved individuals would gain an enormous amount of civic engagement and personal experience. They would become aware of various issues going on around us. Also, this would be great intentions for social need, and any other issue that needs to be taken care of. Civic engagement requirements would ensure benefits. However, will benefits be ensured with those who unwillingly volunteer and look at the requirement as something in which they have to do rather than want to do? I think not!
I am in the Social Justice Community here at the University of Denver where we have to complete a service protocol requirement of 40 hours for the academic year. I became involved due to this requirement, but also because of personal interest. At the Community Reentry Project where we help re-incarcerated people get out of jail and make than transition into society as comfortably as possible, I work in the food bank and also do office work such as filing, data entry and I administer intake assessments. I enjoy the work that I do. I feel like I am making a difference, especially knowing how re-incarcerated people get the run around when dealing with criminal backgrounds. However, others on my floor who are not so interested in volunteering dread being civically involved. They take negative attitudes to the sites and do not value the personal experience and knowledge that is available. I’m sure their negative perspectives equal less quality work and even discourage their fellow workers.
Civic engagement should not be a requirement but rather encouraged. This should not be forced upon people who have no desire to volunteer and give back to the community. Civic engagement can also be inconvenient for people. People work, participate in extra curricular activities, and have many other obligations that would infringe and collide with this requirement. Based on personal circumstances, what is convenient and a great opportunity for one person may not necessarily be for another person. I think that wanted to volunteer is a major factor in volunteering, as well as having enough time. Although Robert has proposed a plan that would be great and beneficial, there are some setbacks and underlying factors that need to be weighed.

Rhetorical Analysis Experience

Writing a rhetorical analysis has opened my awareness to how complex arguments can be. Whenever I constructed an argument, I took a stance, in other words, made a claim, and used evidence to support my position. Usually, I would construct a five paragraph essay, the first paragraph being the introduction which contained my stance on a topic. The next three paragraphs would be the body, usually with three supporting pieces of evidence, whether it was personal experience or facts. My conclusion would be the last paragraph which merely summarized my argument. However, I was not aware of the various components of a well developed and thorough argument.
Writing a rhetorical analysis has showed me how the writer is supposed to identify his/her audience, and present the audience with appeals which aid in their argument. These appeals influence and strengthen the writer’s argument. They establish connections and relationships between them and the reader, which in turn establishes rapport and trust. The way one approaches the argument such as the style, language and claim is also a vital point to pay attention to. Arguments are not just words. It is a cleverly, structured paper with many elements that compliment the argument. I feel confident that I can now write a more adequate argument. Knowing how to define my audience and to use certain appeals seems very helpful for me. I want to be an attorney, so arguing is a huge part of my future. Now that I know how to structure one, I feel confident in myself and any stance that I take.

Caucus Systems Exclude Many who want to Vote

I definitely agree with Jodi Katz, who opposes caucuses in a sense that they are not inclusive and exclude many people. As stated, caucuses are only convenient for those who do not have conflicting schedules and transportation issues. However, what about those who do? I, for example, had midterm exams to study for on Wednesday, which made the caucuses very inconvenient for me, even though I would have loved to participate. I am also not able to vote for caucuses because of my state of residency. Furthermore, my state of residency should not be held against me during caucuses. My input and choice of presidency is just as great as any other vote. These caucuses wrongfully exclude those who want to participate, but can not. I can empathize with his first hand.
Systems should be designed so that the consensus of the total population is taken, not just a handful of those who are available. By excluding people who could not make it out such as the disabled, workers, parents with no sitters, and students, just to name a few, you are only getting portions of what people think. As citizens of the United States and of these future presidents, it is critical and vital that we be included. It is aggravating and demeaning to know that systems are being formulated to encourage participation to only a few. I think that there should be online or paper caucus ballots to include everyone. This is fair and there would be a better voter-turnout rate, both now and in the long run. If people feel included and a part of what is taking place now, then they’ll be more apt to participating later on.

Free Speech and Cultural Terrorism (SJC)

I am in a living and learning community called Social Justice. As a Social Justice member, I have to take a social justice course that broadens our perspectives on various issues, events, and statistics around us. During one of our reading assignments, we read about free speech and cultural terrorism. The article was very enlightening and interesting in a sense that it discussed real life situations in which we overlook, yet know they are there.
I could agree and relate to the low statistics of minorities who don’t serve on college newspaper staffs. When the article discussed how few minorities and people of color go into journalism and writing, I almost said to myself, “Damn right!” Studies have shown that many students of color go into business, law, and the medical field because these are sure and definite ways to success. As many of us are first generation students, we feel an obligation and pressure to go far and succeed. Journalism is not guaranteed success. Many whites go into this field because some of them have wealth, so if it doesn’t work out, they have families and wealth to help support them. I feel as though I only have 1 chance, and I will not mess that up. Whereas whites have more options in some cases, I have to make the best of what I have, what I can get, and what works for me. And that aint’ journalism. When writing a journal, a story, or a newsletter ensures a mortgage payment, car note, food, and personal pleasure, then I will partake in it. Until then, I will be the next Johnny Cochran.
Minorities have a lot of pressure on their shoulders. When going to college we are expected to do this and that, and in the end, make this amount of money, not saying that whites do not have the same expectations. Culturally, whites will do what makes them happy whereas minorities and students of color have to beat the system and find a sure way to success. We have to make a difference and not be a statistic of low wage earners. It is understandable for minorities to not pursue journalism and be staff members on the newspaper committees. Many non-minorities do not face some of the same issues that we face. It is not that it is a waste of time, but more that we have to find and take a sure way out, and journalism does not promise that.

Obama Rally

Obama’s presence at the Magness Arena was an amazing experience. He is a great speaker and his words really reached out to the hearts of the people. What an inspirational guy! On January 30, 2008, Barack Obama told 18,000 people how he could unite the country. He said that he would make a good president because he would work on building America’s future rather than dwelling on the past. “Change” was the theme of Obama’s speech. He made notice to the destruction and mistakes in which George W. Bush has made while in office, and insisted that America needs change. These changes included education and rewarding all college students with $4,000, health care reforms, environmental reforms such as the global warming issue, soldiers being withdrawn from the war in Iraq, increase in jobs and the economy, lower tax cuts, better pay for teachers and other hard workers, and just unity as a growing nation. Obama made many promises to the nation on January 30, 2008, and has been making promises since he has been campaigning for president.
Obama really reached out to the hearts of the people. Better pay, lower tax cuts, education reforms, health care reforms, and other key points were all things in which we as United State’s citizens wanted to hear. He instilled a sense of trust within us. He seems so real, as if he is in our shoes and knows what we are going through. With every word that he speaks, he establishes rapport, and accountability. His ability to empathize with us and be not only an ally for our wants and needs, but an advocate for them means a lot. These are all pathos or emotional appeals meant to reach our hearts and develop a trusting relationship where we will feel comfortable with him as leader of our country. Also, his argument was ethical because he talked about our rights to have education and afford health care. He discussed the soldiers rights to have disability if hurt and be able to come home to their families. These were all ethical, common sense points which made his argument strong. Obama told us what we wanted to hear, but also what needed to be done, which demonstrated both pathos and ethos within his argument.

Tim Masters

The article “We should be ashamed”, contained a number of pathos. Gail Schoettler wrote about the case of Tim Masters, a man who was convicted of a crime in which he did not commit at the age of 16. Masters spent over 10 years in prison, serving time for a crime in which he had nothing to do with. Upon the discovery of new DNA evidence, Tim Masters was found not guilty and was released from prison. Gail Schoettler brings up a good point. If all this time Tim Masters was innocent but was sentenced to being guilty, how many other people over the past years have been convicted for crimes that they did not commit? How many innocent people have received the death penalty for nothing? If Tim Masters was an adult at the time rather than being 15 years of age, he could have received the death penalty, and now that DNA evidence has proven him not guilty, it would have been a shame to see an innocent man gone. Although he wasted 10 years of his life, a time when he could have been establishing a career and a family, Gail suggests that we should take this incident and make it a learning experience. “No one should be imprisoned or executed because of false testimony, incompetent investigators, withheld evidence or inept attorneys.”

This is a matter of fact. I personally am glad that Masters has been released from prison and was not executed. It would be devastating to know that an innocent soul had been taken. As I sit and think about the number of death penalties that are issued every year, especially in Texas, and think about the many people who are shouting “I didn’t do it”, I become sad. Questions such as “was that person really innocent” and “are they sure they have the right person” all enter my mind. It should not be like this. When someone is issued the death penalty, authorities and the justice system should be 100 percent positive as to having the right person. Our justice system should do a better job with evidence, making sure nothing is withheld and the person convicted is really guilty. I know that mistakes happen and a lot of time evidence may point to the innocent person, but with increasing technology and DNA testing, there is no excuse. Gail was taking a bit of a sentimental appeal, but the constructive pathos was definitely obvious. She stated a lot of emotions, which were factual and invited the reader to take a stance and understand where she was coming from. I was able to connect with Gail and I feel that she did a fabulous job on illustrating how pathos are great tools for constructing arguments.

"King's vision through education" response

This article has sparked my awareness to education and how it is not being utilized by students of color. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for justice and opportunity, stressing the importance of education. King stressed how education is a tool for crossing any boundaries, whether it is to increase opportunities, financial earnings, or just to overcome any circumstantial endeavors. Education has been made available to all who are willing to obtain it. However, recent studies and statistics have shown that minorities are not taking advantage of what King calls the great equalizer, in other words, education.
The articled showed how white students are receiving a more competent education than students of color. More white students graduate from high school, attend better accredited colleges, and even graduate at a faster rate than minorities. The article presented an excellent point on how minorities are underrepresented, especially in Colorado which is ranked in the top five per capita for college degree holders but near the bottom in the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds who go to college. I found this interesting. On our campus here at the University of Denver, we are one of the highest ranked schools for international students and from having students from all across the country. However, what about the minorities within Denver? It seems a bit obscured how DU branches off into other states and countries, but neglects the minorities and students of color in its own neighborhood. I am personally torn and angered by this information. However, it is reality, a reality that needs to be altered. Better outreach programs for education would be beneficial in keeping King’s vision alive. As a society, we need to do a better job in increasing the education of minorities and encouraging students of color to obtain a high school diploma and a college degree as well. Keeping King’s dream alive will help our economy and decrease the poverty rate.
In Benton Harbor, my home town, people think that high school is where it ends. They have fallen into this mindset that a high school diploma is all you need and their mission has been accomplished once they have graduated from high school. That is all that they know, so they settle for less. Keeping King’s dream alive would mean not only promoting higher education, but educating minorities on what is out their and their options. We should urge people that a college education is not an option, but is a responsibility and an expectation. The only way America can strive for equality is through education. Decreasing these disparities in education and closing the gaps would better the future for minorities. These are things that we see in our community and must not sit and watch as the education of our minorities worsens.

"I Just Wanna Be Average"

“I Just Wanna Be Average” by Mike Rose was a great story about the life of a young boy rising out of his circumstantial difficulties as a child. Born in Pennsylvania but raised in California, Mike Rose grew up in poverty. Having to share a room with his parents, his childhood was financially deprived. The small town in California was also impoverished and very sullen. The houses were barren, children were scarce as most of the people were older than fifty, violence was spreading and becoming an issue, the air was thick and polluted, and most of the citizens were from the working class.
The story went on to discuss how Mike Rose’s future was bleak. Mike was a student who didn’t understand much in school. Having problems with mathematics and grammar lessons, he usually zoned off and day dreamed during school lessons and lectures. He presented himself as one of those kids who you would think was not going to go far in life. Someone who would be in the working class is what I would have associated him with. School was not much of a concern for Mike Rose, and he just did not take it seriously.
In the midst of his academic troubles, his father’s health was deteriorating. His arteriosclerosis had worsened and became the cause of his death. At this time, an English teacher named Jack MacFarland came into his life during his senior year in high school. MacFarland inspired the children’s interest in literature, especially Mike’s. “The man immersed us in language,” was how Mike felt about Jack MacFarland. “He tapped my old interest in reading and creating stories. He gave me a way to feel special by using my mind. And he provided a role model that wasn’t shaped on physical prowess alone, and something inside me that I wasn’t quite aware of responded to that” (Rose, 34). Not only did MacFarland inspire Mike’s studies and interest in academics, but he aided in his admittance into college. MacFarland knew the potential in Rose, and served not only as a teacher, but a person who cared and was willing to make a difference.
After reading this story, I felt a sense of sympathy for Mike Rose. The story was one that intended to reach out to souls and hearts. However, after analyzing things and participating in an in class discussion, I came to realize that the story was not just one that started off sad and ended happily, but one that was inspirational to all. For children who are or were brought up in this environment and was offered the short end of the stick, there is still hope. Anyone can rise above their circumstances and become a significant body in society. “I Just Wanna Be Average” was Mike’s way of empathizing with others and letting the audience know that he’s just a man who overcame, and nothing is impossible. No matter how bleak the future might seem, there is hope and possibility. Also, for people who may have not experienced the same childhood as him, you can make a difference in the lives of those who are in that situation. Like MacFarland who brought academic change, instilled hope, and went out of his way to see that Rose made it into college, other people can do the same. To parents, teachers, friends, or even bystanders, when you see a need for change, be the change you wish to see. Lend a helping hand. You never know what difference you can make in somebody’s life. This is why I enjoyed the story. It is universal and everyone can read, learn, and be inspired.

Two or three things I know for sure

After reading "Two or Three Things I Know For Sure", I began to see the development of Allison and how she began see things in a different perspective. Allison experienced so many obstacles and defeats, which made her stronger as a person. She began to realize things about herself. For example, she soon realized that you have to love yourself first, despite how others think of you. She was able to learn and grow through her personal experiences. She used them as building blocks which enabled her to rise above her circumstances, accept reality, and still progress through hard times.
This really reminded me of myself. Growing up, there were a few things in which I began to know for sure. One that stands out the most was my determination to be somebody and not be another statistic. I could see the mistakes that my family had made. Dropping out of high school, and living on government assistance, they began to fall into a slump in which they couldn't get out of. I vowed to acquire success. I knew for sure that I wanted to go to college, earn a degree, and set myself apart from my family. I knew for sure that I wouldn't make the same mistakes that they have made. Life in general and being able to analyze other's mistakes and failures has taught me valuable lessons. I feel as though I can connect with Allison to a certain extent. Reading the story about her, whether it being totally truthful or not, I have a sense of empathy for her and can relate on a personal basis. Both Allison and I know some things for sure, and speaking for myself, it has made all the difference. Although she experienced things firsthand, I can honestly say that secondhand experience was life changing as well.