Assignment task:
Writing Process Reflection Letter
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Instructions:
Writing Process Reflection Letter
Your reflection letter should be 1-2 pages, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font. For this assignment only, you do NOT need to include a header, heading, and title. However, you can still think of the reflection letter as a five-paragraph reflective essay. You need to include: (1) Dear Professor Viggy Alexandersson, (2) a 6-8 sentence introduction, (3) 7-10 sentence body paragraph 1, (4) 7-10 sentence body paragraph 2, (5) 7-10 sentence body paragraph 3, (6) a 6-8 sentence conclusion, and (9) Sincerely, (Your first and last name without parentheses). Specifics for the paragraphs are as follows after writing: "Dear Professor Viggy Alexandersson."
Dear ProfessorViggy Alexandersson,
Introduction Paragraph (answer all of the following, 6-8 sentences):
1. Who are you? In other words, how would you define yourself as a student (e.g., a first-generation student, a non-traditional age student, a student who loves school and learning, a student who struggles in school but sees the need for school, etc.)?
2. Why are you attending City College of Chicago?
3. What academic and/or professional goals are you trying to achieve by attending college?
4. Why did you sign-up for English 101?
5. What happens when someone cannot critically think, read, and write well?
6. What is possible when someone can critically think, read, and write well?
Body Paragraph 1 (Critical Thinking, answer all of the following, remember to add a transition word to the start of this paragraph, 7-10 sentences):
1. How do you define critical thinking in your own words?
2. Why is it important to critically think well?
3. How can critical thinking help you with your academic goals?
4. How can critical thinking help you with your professional goals?
5. How can critical thinking help you in everyday life (e.g., how you engage with friends, family, and/or strangers)?
6. Objectively speaking, what did you observe about your critical thinking at the start of the term/what did your critical thinking look like then?
7. Objectively speaking, what does your critical thinking look like now? How do you organize and communicate your thoughts now as opposed to before taking this course?
8. Subjectively speaking, how does your growth with critical thinking make you feel and why?
Body Paragraph 2 (Critical Reading, answer all of the following, remember to add a transition word to the start of this paragraph, 7-10 sentences):
1. How do you define critical reading in your own words?
2. Why is it important to critically read well?
3. How can critical reading help you with your academic goals?
4. How can critical reading help you with your professional goals?
5. How can critical reading help you in everyday life (e.g., how you engage with friends, family, and/or strangers)?
6. Objectively speaking, what did you observe about your critical reading at the start of the term/what did your critical reading look like then?
7. Objectively speaking, what does your critical reading look like now? How do you read to gain a deeper understanding now as opposed to before taking this course?
8. Subjectively speaking, how does your growth with critical reading make you feel and why?
Body Paragraph 3 (Critical writing, answer all of the following, remember to add a transition word to the start of this paragraph, 7-10 sentences):
1. How do you define critical writing in your own words?
2. Why is it important to critically write well?
3. How can critical writing help you with your academic goals?
4. How can critical writing help you with your professional goals?
5. How can critical writing help you in everyday life (e.g., how you engage with friends, family, and/or strangers)?
6. Objectively speaking, what did you observe about your critical writing at the start of the term/what did your critical writing look like then?
7. Objectively speaking, what does your critical reading look like now? How do you write to express yourself more effectively now as opposed to before taking this course?
8. Subjectively speaking, how does your growth with critical writing make you feel and why?
Concluding Paragraph (answers all of the following, remember to add a transition word to the start of this paragraph, 6-8 sentences):
1. With new words, restate who you are. In other words, how would you define yourself as a student (e.g., a first-generation student, a non-traditional age student, a student who loves school and learning, a student who struggles in school but sees the need for school, etc.)? Don't write that exact same sentence that you used in your introduction.
2. With new words, restate what is possible when someone can critically think, read, and write well. Don't write that exact same sentence that you used in your introduction.
3. Subjectively speaking, how does it make you feel to have nearly finished the work in this course?
4. Subjectively speaking, how would it make you feel to pass this course?
5. Subjectively speaking, how would it make you feel to know that you are good enough at critically thinking, reading, and writing to critically think, read, and write in any class you take after this class?
6. Choose any one positive thing that you would like to say about your progress in this course that you think would convince the portfolio reviewer professors to give you a passing portfolio grade (e.g., what was the most important lesson you learned in this class).
Sincerely,
Sam Smith
(Note: Use your own first and last name.)
Review: Counterstory as a Descriptive Personal Narrative
We live in a world where animals are typically seen through the lens of companionship or utility (Wood et al. Pg. 3). Still, my counter-story folded against a strong connection that defies the traditional understanding. It revolves around the misunderstood bond of a person with rescued animals that shapes my understanding of resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of companionship. Growing up, I always felt a deep-rooted affinity for animals. While my friends were drawn toward sports or gadgets, I found solace in the company of the creatures, no matter how small or significant. This passion resulted in me volunteering at various animal shelters during my teenage years, where I discovered dark realities faced by many abused and abundant animals.
Personal Narrative (Counter Story)
Among the souls seeking refuge, one captured my attention when I met an emaciated and timid dog named Luna. Her eyes were wary, her fur matted, and her soul hopeful. Luna went through unspeakable cruelty before she was rescued; her scars were not just physical, but they were emotional, too. The prevailing perception around rescued animals typically painted them as broken or damaged creatures requiring fixing(Fossati, Pg. 3301). Most people believe that boss drama defined these animals, overshadowing their capability for trust and love. The story of Lorna was not an exception, as prospective adopters often overlooked her, directed by her cautious demeanor and scars. But I saw beyond her scars; I saw her spirit yearning to be trusted and healed again; each day, I would quietly sit beside her enclosure, providing patient gestures and gentle words. Slowly, she started to emerge from her shell, tentative at first but growing with confidence. Gradually, our bond strengthened, and the bond navigated through the healing journey, taking smaller steps at a time.
However, the dramatic change of behavior was a day she, out of the blue, moved closer to me, stretching her neck to be touched during a simple walk around the garden of the animal shelter where she lived and wagging her tail. Then, a sea of shock and insight protected me, and inclusion and care were not the only discussion topics. This was a perfect example of triumph against the odds, of affection and kinship between animal and man. It turned the stereotypical concept of broken in its head, solely portraying the benefits of waiting and its kind nature. It is notable that the relationship between Luna and me has demonstrated some lessons related to the idea of looking beneath the surface and compassion. It forced me to face my bigotry within the context of the jury, which in turn inspired me to fight for the rights of the marginalized. Here, Luna's stories have developed into a rather inspiring theme for me: everyone needs second chances, love, and respect no matter their actions.
Since the day she joined my family, she looked at me and everyone with a little fear, but right now, her eyes look so gentle and trusting. I have carried on our journey, and it motivates me and even defines my career trajectory in the fight for the welfare of animals. Through her story, I have discovered a sanctuary within myself, where the bond forged in adversity transcends words and compassion reigns. Luna's impact on my life is more than just my connection with her. Her story has impacted my professional ambition and academic pursuit. I enrolled in courses related to animal psychology and behavior, eager to understand the complications of rehabilitation and trauma in rescued animals like her. In university, there need to be animal research shelters and labs, applying theoretical understanding in real-world scenarios and advocating for understanding animals' needs and better treating them(Gee et al. Pg. 3). Professionally, I want to do something for rescue operations and welfare advocacy. I aim to join agencies committed to improving animal welfare regulations and promoting rescue operations for animals. Luna Journey has become a compelling narrative for my life, illustrating the capacity and resilience for love for all animals regardless of their past experiences. Furthermore, her presence in my life has shaped my relationship and philosophy. Her unconditional forgiveness and trust taught me about the transformative power of empathy and resilience. I have learned to approach challenges with compassion and patience, recognizing that healing in gradual processes requires support and understanding. Through Luna, I discovered my voice for advocating for change. This voice greatly amplifies the stories of animals, such as her advocacy for a more compassionate society and challenging stereotypes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luna's counter-story is not just about a rescue dog finding a home. It's creating aworld where compassion and empathy can help shatter biases. It is a testament to the transformative power of relationships developed in hardship and a reminder that every creature deserves a chance to feel alive again. Her story is a beacon of hope, ends a call to challenge prevailing narratives and develop a more compassionate world for all beings.