Journal 8

            Honestly, I liked this class but I didn’t like the purpose. The format was fine; I learned many things about MLA that I didn’t already know. It was an education process, and it also took some time to get used to. I didn’t mind writing about films, but I didn’t like how we had to write on other topics about the films we watched. Even though I didn’t like to do it, I found that it was very interesting. Every time I wrote a new essay, I learned something new about that topic. What I liked most about the class was how the essays we wrote gave us a chance to write about our different beliefs, in any topic. The only thing I would suggest to be changed about the class is the blog comments. Overall, it was a great class and I’m glad I took it. Also, I seemed to get it out the way and won’t have to take it in college. If I do have to take another English class, I can take things from it that I learned from ENC1102.

Education- The Big Cutoff

Alaina Woods

Professor Kelly Warren

ENC1102

22 April 2013

The Big Cut Off

“Gosh, why do we have to carry these books back and forth?” I ask my AP Government teacher Ms. O’Neal. “Because”, she replies “the district apparently can’t afford to buy two copies for you guys.” This explains the growing pain I have in my right shoulder, and the growing irritation I’m getting with Duval County Public Schools. The bad thing about it is that budget cuts in education seem to be everywhere, and pretty much everyone is feeling some type of way about it.

It’s clear that teachers are the most effected by the budget cuts. As well as resources being lowered, so was their salary. Many schools face budget cuts, all over the United States. This results in many teachers being dissatisfied with their jobs. The budget cuts seem to have an impact on the school, and how much teachers can put out to their students. With help from the Obama administration, there a few changes in action. These changes, such as “teacher evaluations that stress the student’s standardized performance, curbs on tenure and Common Core”(Resmovitz: Teacher Survey) were passed years ago. However, it seems as if these changes are just now taking effect. With the number of unsatisfied teachers constantly growing, school leaders actually make an effort to try their views.

Lately, sequestration has been familiar to many people and one it’s main victims is education. Sequestration doesn’t only put fear in teacher’s hearts, it also puts a fear in Secretary of Education’s Arne Duncan’s heart. He feels that “education is the last place to be reducing our investment”(Paner: Budget Cuts), and he’s right. The sequestration makes things harder, and is also a cause of a decrease in after-school programs, day care, and the length in the school year or school day. I remember a question I was asked about sequestration: “Which of the following would you take away-head start, meals on wheels, or section 8 housing?” This question stuck with me, because what person would take away education designed for innocent toddlers? I feel as if the sequestration is unfair, and takes away many useful things, instead of the things that aren’t needed as much.

Lastly, the budget cuts in education may cause teachers to use their own money to purchase school supplies that the school should distribute. There aren’t enough resources to go around, such as textbooks, notebooks, pencils, etc. This eventually results in the teacher having to use their money to provide for their students. Even though this has just been brought to attention, it is not a new issue. I experience it all the time in my school, and it won’t improve any time soon. “Teachers spend $3 Billion out of pocket per year on school supplies.”(Inglee: Shocking Amount) It isn’t fair, nor is it trying to be improved. However, it’s the only solution due to the fact that schools don’t get the money needed to give the great education that students deserve. I often hear my teachers complaining on how they have to use their own salary to buy things that should be given, and I think the school board could actually give assistance, they just choose not to.

Budget cuts are simply a part of life, but some things shouldn’t have to suffer because of it. One of those things is simply education. Yes, it’s free and some things should be paid for, but everybody isn’t able. Nobody should be a victim of it, especially students. Teachers see budget cuts as excuses for them to slack off, and it’s soon taken off on the students and the things they learn. Next, sequestration puts a hurting on the students from an early age, because daycare is taken away. Students also lose a chance to enhance their learning unless their parents will use their own funds. Lastly, the budget cuts have become so bad to the point where teachers have to provide their own. Education is taking a turn for the worst, and the bad [part about it is that the root of it is money and selfishness. When I think about that conversation with Ms. O’Neal, I actually feel bad knowing that it’s beyond her control, and there’s nothing she could possibly do about the harsh consequences of budget cuts in education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Resmovitz, Joy. “Teacher Survey Shows Record Low Job Satisfaction In 2012” Huffington Post. 21 Feb 2013. 22 April 2013

 

Inglee, Jenny. “The Shocking Amount America’s Teachers Spend On School Supplies (Infographic)” Take Part. 12 Sep 2012. 22 April 2013

Parker, Suzi. “Budget Cuts in Education Are Looming- So What Does That Mean for Kids?” Take Part. 22 Feb 2013. 22 April 2013

Media Effects

Alaina Woods

Professor Kelly Warren

ENC1102

9 April 2013

As a high school teen, I must agree that the media may have negative effects, and nobody is immune to it. Whether it’s the image that one is given from the media, or the image that one takes; the media often has negative effects and doesn’t seem to get any better. The media especially has a negative effect on teens: mostly on violence, body image, and sexuality.

Though all issues are equally important in the effects of media, violence is one that is constantly brought up. It’s very entertaining to many people, and may have an influence on them; whether positive or negative. Violence is usually viewed in television, video games, and books. This enables a wide variety of access to these things, and in turn gives people a clear view of violence. There have also been experiments ran to see just how much of an effect violence can have on minors. One popular experiment is the “Bobo Doll Experiment”, created by Albert Bandura. This experiment involves children watching a video clip of the Bobo Doll being punched repeatedly. After the video is viewed, the child will be left in the room alone with the doll. The majority of the children would “replicate the behavior” (Johnson, “What Effect Does the Media Have on Teen Violence”) they see in the video, which is beating the doll. This proves that viewing violence can sometimes increase the amount of violence. Teens and children only repeat what they see. Since access to media that includes violence is so common, it seems as if violence only increases with time.

The next issue that effects teens within the media is body image. Many models, actors, and actresses seen on television seem to be perfect, and this influences teens to change their bodies so they can look perfect as well. Teens want to be accepted, and because celebrities are accepted because of their looks that’s who they follow. This often results in “destructive eating habits” (Kelly, “Negative Effects”) for girls, and boys try very hard to get lean to resemble celebrities. It looks as if the media influences teens to lose an excessive amount of weight; however there seems to be more obese teens due to the amount of media available. Teens spend an “average of five hours” (Kelly, “Negative Effects”) on different sources of media such as computers, television, and cell phones. This causes a huge amount of laziness so teens usually just resort to unhealthy snacks during this time period. Body image is very important to teens, and is also important to the health of teens and the media has a huge influence on it.

Lastly, the media has a drastic effect on teens and their sexuality. The media depicts sex as “acceptable and normal” (Kelly, “Negative Effects”) so of course teens soon feel tempted to try it. Also, the internet seems to be a reliable source for teens to search for information that involves “sexuality and sexual health” (Kelly, Negative Effects). Unfortunately, most of these sites are discreetly encouraging sex, by making it seem normal. The media seems to have a negative effect on a teen’s outlook on sex. The things seen on TV seem to encourage teens to have sex, and never encourages the right kind of sex. “Less than 1% of teen media focuses on sexual health, contraception, and consequences.”(Warren, “The Media & Teen Sexuality”) The frequent exposure to sexual social media is 2.2 times more likely to encourage a teen to have sex than a teen who hasn’t been exposed to this form of media. Media does not seem to have a positive effect on teen sexuality.

The media is a very dangerous thing, especially when it comes to teens. Speaking from experience, I’ve seen how the media can change one’s views on looks, violence, and sexuality. The numbers in violence seem to increase every day, and the things seen on television or the internet influence it in a large way. Body image is another thing that has such a huge effect on teens in the media. By seeing celebrities and their flawless bodies, teens have the urge to go to drastic measures to have their bodies look the same way. As well as influencing teens to change their bodies to look better, the media will also cause a teen to gain weight, and become obese. One of the last effects that the media has on teens is influencing sex or exaggerating sexuality. The internet and TV displays sex to teens, but not in the most beneficial ways. The effects of media go a long way, and range from all different types of dangers.

Journal 6-Miss Representation

To me, the film “Miss Representation” hit all the points that people don’t seem to see in the media. It’s true that there’s some sort of bias towards women in the media, and it isn’t fair at all. Women are viewed in a negative way in just about everything they do, whether it’s a positive action or a negative action. To society, women can’t seem to win anything. This film was built solely on opinion and testimony and gave an excellent viewpoint on how women are viewed in the media. I was very engaged in this film, and was shocked at the way some of the women are looked at on television. It’s actually sad that women are sat on such a high pedestal, just to be looked down on as failures. It’s also a known fact that you don’t have to be on television just to be judged, and any female is judged every day. It’s as if women have to go to drastic measures just to be perfect, and it still doesn’t seem to be enough for our “critics”. When we’re dressed professionally, we’re not showing enough skin, but when we show just an ankle, we’re showing too much skin. It seems to be a no-win situation for women, but it’s time that someone stands up. “Miss Representation” was a great view to me, and showed me that women do care how they’re looked at want to do something about it. As women, all we have is each other so we have to be there for one another.

Hunger Issues

Alaina Woods

Hunger Issues

ENC 1102

March 19, 2013           

 

“A country like America has twice as much food on its shop shelves and in its restaurants than is actually required to feed the American people.”- Tristram Stuart: The Global Food Waste Scandal

            When thinking about the amount of food wasted in America, it’s actually possible to become scared. What’s scarier than that is reflecting upon the many people that could be fed with the food that America wastes as a country. World hunger is a major issue, whether it’s political, economic, or social. It’s actually sad that America contributes to World Hunger with the large amount of food wasted.

            Even though World Hunger is included in all issues, it’s especially major in politics. This is not the major cause of hunger, but it is a huge cause of it. Experts state that countries are “destined to be hungry”, for reasons such as civil war, bad politics, or corruption. There are also allegations that nations aren’t able to afford food, due to the prices which they are sold at. It’s true that America has plenty of food, and manufactures plenty on a regular basis, but it’s not a reasonable price for the targeted countries. Even though it seems as if money is the issue, it doesn’t have anything to do with the economy, but mostly politics. Even though people are hungry because their poor, politics could address poverty and change the current state of world hunger.

            We all know that nothing in life is free, nevertheless the food we eat to nourish our bodies. That’s where the economy comes in when it comes to world hunger. There’s no doubt that America’s economic system is not one to brag about, and the economy is a major blame of world hunger. However, the money Americans spend could feed a whole village, and more. Impoverished countries “ravaged by economic policies” are at risk for food deprivation. Global warming also has a major effect on the economy, and contributes to world hunger as well. In addition, weather conditions cause the prices of certain food items to skyrockets. Oil prices have increased as well, and that puts a sore on a third-world country’s economy. That’s the major reason why there is such a decrease in the food available, which causes an increase in world hunger.

            The last major contribution to world hunger is the damaging effect of social structures. Not only does this have an effect on third world countries, it often affects industrialized countries, such as the US. The mixture of failed policies and biased social structure will result in food insecurity of countless numbers of people. World hunger is usually based upon social class, and more than often the poor are included in the statistics of world hunger. The outrageous statistics of world hunger could only be decreased by more people who control their own economic destiny, and don’t have the government choose it for them. Another major contribution to the social cause of world hunger would be small amounts of people actually willing to give to those who are hungry and not sure where their next meal will come from. It’s extremely possible to partner with charities to support the cause. If one was to partner with Gleaners Food Bank, 100,000 families worldwide would be brought of hunger. (Fighting World Hunger)

            World hunger has rapidly increased, and will continue to increase as time goes on. There are many different causes of world hunger, and there are also roots to these causes. As mentioned before, politics has a major impact on world hunger. Politics don’t strive to improve world hunger, and address poverty. Also, economics contribute to world hunger because the economy rises and don’t use the money they have to support those in poverty. Lastly, social issues increase the statistics on world hunger. World hunger is defined by social class, which basically consists of economic status. Biased social structure results in food insecurity, and the numbers continue to rise. America wastes allot of food and money, and don’t seem to realize the change that could be made if we all stood together to make a change, and feed others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Kenny, Zoe. “The Economic Causes of World Hunger”.  Share The World’s Resources. October 24, 2007. Web. March 17, 2013

Porus Olpadwala. “Social Causes of Hunger” Economic and Political Weekly. Volume 28. July 3-10, 1991. March 17, 2013

“Charting A Path From Hungry To Healthy For Millions of People Worldwide”. March 17, 2013

Anup Shah. “Causes of Hunger Are Related To Poverty.” Global Issues. October 3, 2010. March 17, 2013

 

 

American Dream

Alaina Woods

ENC 1102

Social Media

March 5, 2013 

Our Own American Dream

To begin with, the American Dream speaks for itself. It’s something that all Americans dream about, and people from different cultures as well. Specifically, a dream is more than often a great experience, and something someone wants to come true. The term American Dream justifies how Americans should live, and how beautiful their lives should be. According to James Adams’ book “The Epic of America” it was stated that “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone”(214). Many people followed this quote up, in politics, civil rights, and even in everyday life.

            To begin with, the American Dream played a big part in civil rights and activists’ belief on it. There was a black quest for the American Dream around 1963, when the famous Dr. Martin Luther King was fighting for our rights. In his “Letter from A Birmingham Jail” he expressed how African Americans should be exposed to the American Dream as well as others. He stated that when (Freedom Riders) sat down at those lunch counters “they were standing up for what was best in the American Dream and for the most sacred values in our Judeo-Christian heritage.” An imprisoned King was responding to a statement by eight Atlanta clergymen, and he was fed up with the way African-Americans were treated. It’s granted that blacks deserve to experience the American Dream, and King was a firm believer in equality.

            I believe that the American Dream played a huge part in the Civil Rights. When the American Dream was brought about in 1931, it was referring to all Americans. Whether their color is black, white, or anything else this declaration referred to us all as equals. I think around the time Civil Rights movement came about, African-Americans were just fed up with the unfair way they were treated, and they never got to see the American Dream. Colored people don’t have equal opportunity, and there have been “dramatic shifts in social welfare”(Leadership Conference) which cause African Americans to “realize civil rights”(Leadership Conference). This is not deemed as the American Dream, and Human Rights have to been brought to the courts to enable blacks to live the American Dream as well.

            As mentioned before, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. He fought for equality across the nation, and was very brave in everything he accomplished. Dr. King understood everyone’s beliefs, and dreams. He was a big believer in dreams, and is well known from his “I Have a Dream” speech. To Dr. King, the American Dream was a “dream yet unfulfilled”. He had hope that one day we would all live the American Dream. It’s true that in the past African-Americans were treated poorly, and not how the American Dream should have been. Even in the present, African-Americans are not given the American Dream. Granted, the American Dream is not just given to you. It’s something that is reached for, something that one sets goals for. Dr. King emphasized how important it was to follow all dreams, and that your dreams are meant to come true. The civil rights movement was a historic time period, and it ties in with the American Dream very tightly.

             The American Dream sounds so beautiful, but it is not a beautiful journey to get there. In most dreams, life seems to be better, and things seem easier. That’s how the American Dream should be, and that’s what people strive for. During the Civil Rights movement that’s what leaders, such as Dr. King strived for. When you struggle for things, such as rights and freedom, you try hard to get to a better place in reality. Many people have a dream they want to come true, and when you want something bad you fight for it. Many people look forward to their dream, and try hard to get it. The American Dream is something all Americans look forward to, and even people of different cultures. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, the significance of the American Dream was stressed and that’s why I look up to it in such a major way.

Works Cited

Adams, James. The Epic of America. 1931. Print

Saunders, Lee. “Martin Luther King Jr., the labor movement and the American dream” The Grio. January 16, 2012. March 4, 2013

Leadership Conference, “American Dream? American Reality! A Report on Race, Ethnicity, and the Law in the United States” The Leadership Conference. January 2009. March 4, 2013

Journal 3-Digital Nation

The film digital nation was very interesting to me, and made me look at social emdia in a whole new life. As a teen, I'm totally into using technology for any and every thing; but I never knew it could be so interesting.

Journal 2

As a frequent reality show viewer, I have mixed emotions about it. Even though it may be fun to watch, it may not be the best thing. However, it still pulls me in. As a teenager, I find myself watching many different reality shows, and having different opinions. My first opinion is that the name is contradictory. Even though it’s categorized as “reality”, it’s pretty fake to me. I believe that the actors get paid millions of dollars to act like fools on national television. Don’t get me wrong, it makes it all the more intriguing. I applaud Mary Ellis-Bunim and Jonathan Murray. Inventing reality shows was a million dollar idea, and is good in many ways, as well as bad. Reality television has a bad impact on people my age, as well as older people. It doesn’t deliver the right message, and tells viewers that it’s okay to embarrass yourself. Just like video games have an impact, reality television does too. The reason I watch reality shows is to merely get entertainment, even though at time it upsets me to the point where I throw my remote. To each his own, because we all have our own opinion on reality TV. There are many different things to look at when considering one’s opinion on reality TV. It helps to pass time, and get a good laugh when you really need it. It inspires, but it also may bring one down in the worst way.

Journal 4

When I was informed that we would be given a lecture last Tuesday, I had no idea the lecture would be so engaging. Mr. Mauricio Garcia’s story inspired me in many ways, and he turned out to be a new form of motivation. Even though his dream was not planned, he never gave up. This resulted in him being a very successful man, and encouraging others to never give up. Mr. Mo was very straightforward in his lecture, and was honest with himself in order to follow his dream. The American Dream is never the same, as long as one is successful. That’s all a person expects from the American Dream. I was taught that if you really want something, you have to go and get it. It’s important to make sure you’re happy within your life, and do what’s best for you. Another thing I learned from this is that it’s always good to be involved in your learning environment. Not only will it help you meet new people, it helps one to find their self, and their passion. Student Life groups are very important while in college, and there are many experiences to be lived. I was deeply impressed when Mr. Mo announced all the people he met, and his testimony on meeting James Earl Jones was one that I’ll never forget. I think Mr. Mo’s life was very interesting, and I wouldn’t mind living one like it: full of surprises. The American Dream is only a mile away, you just have to go through a couple of long roads.

Social Media

Alaina Woods

ENC 1102

Social Media 

February 12, 2013

Attack of The Internet

“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity”-Albert Einstein

Have you ever walked down the street and seen everybody on their phone, tablet, or even their laptop? Even though this sight is very common, it isn’t one of the best sights to see once it’s well thought about. The digital nation is rapidly expanding, and becoming more tempting everyday. I know that social media revolves around many things and topics, and often is addicting to most.  When asked my view on social media, I stand thrown. It’s true that technology has exceeded our humanity, to a point of no return.

In today’s society, every little thing is a click away. Whether it’s to check your e-mail, text your good friend, or purchase your favorite purse, you can simply use any form of technology to do so. The use of social media has increased more and more over the years, and is very common among all age groups. Also, the use of technology has become needed in the classrooms, and for many educational reasons such as random research. The need for technology is at an all-time high, and it won’t decrease anytime soon. The Digital Nation has a wide contribution from college students, who feel as if there’s a need for technology. According to an Educase study, 81% of a college population(students and faculty) rely on laptops as a most important device. Reason being, it includes valuable software, such as word processors, email, spreadsheets, etc. Even though the Digital Nation has it’s mishaps, it proves to be greatly reliable among college students.

Even though the use of social media constantly rises, many people are against it and the hazards of frequent use. In article “Teenagers and social media, doctors examine the facts”, Pat Etheridge states how pediatricians feel as if the internet is taking advantage of teaching children the necessary topics upon “health, such as aggression, sex, drugs, etc“. The technology obsessed population is referred to as Generation M2, and their lives revolve around social media. Even though I spend hours a day texting away and surfing the web on random topics, it’s surprisingly scary to me. The Digital Nation seems to take away from the things humans have the ability to do, and it often causes problems within social life. Parents feel as if they’re the reason why their child is so into technology, and would rather surf the web than read a book, rest, or go play outside.  “Being a good digital role model is part of being a good parent”, states Etheridge. The customary use of technology may have a chance of being decreased, or for better causes if parents were to set a better example.

Even though many people are against the Digital Nation, it will continue to be used by many people around the world. This is how the world stays connected, and the internet is what they live by. It’s a fact that people would rather communicate over the internet than face-to-face. Technology makes it easier to communicate with people, and sometimes improves one’s social skills. Also, the Digital Nation is very helpful within finding resources, such as jobs and post-secondary education. A prime example would be me using research to discover something I had a passion for: firefighting. The internet has many features for many people, ranging from all age groups. 

So, Einstein was right all those years ago! Technology has exceeded humanity, and it’s consumed our minds for the better and the worse. An Infographic based on social media statistics revealed that “there are more devices connected to the Internet than there are people on the Earth.” I still don’t have a side chosen when it comes to the Digital Nation, but I do know that it has positive and negative effects on people and things. The Digital Nation will continue to dominate the world, and it’s probably for the best.

Works Cited

http://www.playbeseen.com/Recent-Facts-and-Statistics.pdf

http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/100-social-media-stats_b33696

http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/infographic-social-media-statistics-for-2013/

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/health/teenagers-and-social-media-doctors-examine-the-facts

http://ansonalex.com/infographics/technology-usage-statistics-of-university-students-infographic/

Journal 3

Watching Digital Nation was a great experience to me, and I learned many things from it. As a teen, I'm very much for Digital Nation, and I use it for everything. However, this film showed me things about technology that I didn't even know about. I agree that there are many unnecessary things going around in the Digital Nation, but they all may be for good causes. I admit that I was shocked at how addicted people are to social media, and it kind of made me rethink the way I use my resources. The fact that people have died in in Internet Cafes was scary to me, and it took me to a gloomy mood, and I didn’t touch my computer for days. This fact opens my eyes to how serious people are about the internet. To me, technology is life. I wouldn’t put it before my own life, but I know that I couldn’t live without it. Many things couldn’t be done without the internet, and I find it extremely resourceful. Whether it’s to find a recipe, find help on my math work, or say hi to an old friend; it’s actually a good cause. The Digital Nation is very serious, for the good and for the bad. I actually find myself stuck between my view on it.

Journey To Beautiful Art

 “Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” This quote by Twyla Tharp speaks for itself, but also describes how I felt while inside the gallery. When looking at one’s artwork, you’re pulled into it. Experiencing beautiful artwork enables one to step outside of the box, and think about other things. Just like one may use music to take them to another place, art can be used in the same way. The artwork in the gallery enabled me to run away from where I was currently at into another world, preferably the mind of the artist. Beautiful art grasps one’s soul, to the point where they’re entered into the artist’s mind, embracing everything put into the picture. When you run away from something, you leave it; sometimes with no intentions on returning. The pictures that caught my attention the most took me on a journey that I didn’t want to return from.

 “Redrum” by Kaila Bacon was perhaps my favorite picture in the gallery. It was the most intense, and just by glancing at it, you get so many feelings. To be more specific, it’s a painting of a dilapidated home. It gives one a scary feeling, a curious feeling. “What happened there, who stayed there?” These are questions that only the artist can answer. Also, the title gives off a lot about the picture. For example, “Redrum” is “Murder” spelled backwards. The title of any piece of art tells its own story. So, when I looked at it I wondered if this could have been a house where a murder was committed. I was attracted to this painting because of the mystery, and I had many questions about it. I like everything about the painting, mainly the detail of the house. Granted, it looks like a house where a brutal murder was committed, so maybe that’s where the title came from. The suspense of this painting makes it all the more intriguing, and gives one the desire to stare until their imagination is satisfied.

The next portrait in the gallery that caught my attention was titled “Don’t Enter” by Charde’ laRoche. Even though this picture caught my attention, it wasn’t one of my favorites. Reason being, it gave off a dark and mysterious tone. As an illustration, there was a green undertone used for the picture, with a young woman standing in front of a door, with a lock on it. Our main character, the young woman has an intense stare on her face, one almost daring anyone to enter this building she’s guarding so securely. Even though this woman looks so dangerous, she’s actually beautiful, and has tattoos on her arms. Aside from this being a beautiful and detailed picture, it has many questions to be answered, and gives off no hints. As a person who loves to analyze, I was disappointed with the fact that I had no answers to my questions. I don’t understand what this woman had to hide behind the door, and how this could relate to society.

            Love at first sight, this is what I felt when I looked at “Mini Jax” by John Shippee. It’s a picture of Downtown Jacksonville, on perhaps a regular afternoon. As a citizen of Jacksonville, Florida I personally love our downtown area. I love everything about this picture, from the title to the picture itself. I love the peaceful look Jacksonville has, but it still stands out as a beautiful city. Furthermore, the title adds on an emphasis to Jacksonville. It makes it as if downtown is Jacksonville itself. Honestly, I can second that, and say that downtown Jacksonville really is a “Mini Jax”. It’s where all of the shows are, all the biggest events, even where our own President Obama has been. Downtown Jacksonville is great, and it does a lot to add definition to Jacksonville. This picture was one of the greatest, and also won First Prize. It very well deserved it, because it was first prize in my book also.

            Art really does take you to another place, a place far away from where you currently are, it takes you to a place where you are comfortable. Each picture that caught most of my attention in the gallery took me to another place. “Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” This quote proves true, and it’s such a wonderful place where art enables you to run away to.

Thoughts On EOC 1101

ENC 1101 was a great starter for the college life. It's an introduction to your English classes, and is very useful. Because I'm also a high school student, ENC 1101 was kind of difficult to keep up with, but it was interesting. I know that while I was in ENC 1101, I enhanced my writing skills. My professor always stressed how ENC 1101 was great preparation for ENC 1102, and I feel as if I'm prepared for it. The strengths I gained in ENC 1101 were greater writing skills, the ability to do collaborative writing, and the proper tools needed for great writing. My class was structured by reading pieces, and taking examples from it. Also, we did many collaborative things to help us improve on our writing. I think I needed more assistance with what I was doing wrong, and I also needed more assistance with how to write an engaging paper.