Food Inc.

Food Inc left a really strong impression on me about how twisted and corrupt our food industry system is and how little the consumers are actually informed. I was so disgusted that all these multimillion dollar industries see a dollar sign over the condition of their food or even the conditions of their own workers. As consumers, we are put in the dark about the products we are eating and buying which honestly makes me lose faith in humanity. Especially the fact that we put our faith and trust in the government to protect and regulate the simplicities of our life, this was truly horrifying.

In Food Inc, there were several subcategories of different ways the food industry is not at all what it seems. The first category mentioned was how multimillion dollar companies have power and control over everything that they do. You would assume that it's the farmers who have control of how they raise their chickens or grow their corn but that is certainly not the case. The companies that are buying all the meat have complete control over the small farmers and these companies definitely have their ways of keeping the farmers under their thumb. Farmers now raise genetically modified chickens that make them grow rapidly causing serval health issues. The chickens are growing so rapidly and unnaturally that their inner organs struggle to keep up with the growth spurt leading to them not being able to walk more than a few steps before collapsing to the ground. Another way the farmers are kept under control is that they are forced to constantly update to new farming equipment. An average farmer borrows $500,000 to build two chicken houses and only make around $18,000 a year. With most farmers in debt, they have to follow the demands of the companies or else they would risk a termination in their contract leading them to go out of business.

Another fact that stood out to me was the importance and mass production of corn. Nowadays farmers grow so much corn there's mountains of it being transported daily. Thanks to the cheap price of corn and the new technologies of different ways to use corn it is one of the most demanded crops. Corn is found in most of our foods and products due to the fact that it can last for a long time. One of the most common uses of corn is high fructose corn syrup which is in most products today. Corn is also used to feed cows in replace of grass because it's cheaper and it helps how gain weight a lot faster than grass. However one thing that's hidden from the consumers are the dangers of this change. When the cows are fed corn, a chemical called E. coli is formed, causing a mutation in the cow and cattle. When the cows are standing in their poop all day, they are sent to the slaughterhouses with the feces on it, it gets all over the processed meat that we buy at the stores. There was also a case where a little boy died because of the unsanitary meat he ate that was contaminated with E. coli. The most ridiculous part is that if cows went back to being grass fed, 80% of the E. coli would shed out of their system, but instead of the simple way out, they decided to use ammonia to get rid of the E. coli. With the budget cuts set in the FDA when will change ever come ? Many of the board members of these multimillion franchisees play a role in politics, which makes it a lot tricker to have change. When we are dependent on our government to keep us safe, and all they're looking out for is their amount of profit, how can we ever trust what we put into our mouths ?

My food motto is to eat what you want as long as you are informed . At the end of the day, nobody has the right to tell you what you should be eating or what you shouldn't be eating. You should be able to eat anything you like as long as you are aware of what you are putting into your body. Whether you chose to put organic vegetables into your body or to put fast food and highly processed food into your body, the decision is yours. As long as you are informed of what you are eating, you can eat whatever you want. If you become too concerned with eating healthy where you can't even enjoy a treat every once  in a while, that can lead to even more negative effects such as eating disorders. The body is yours, the health is yours, therefore the decision is yours.

What We Eat

In ''What We Eat'', Eric Schlosser talks about the exponential growth of fast food industries and how its impacted the United States throughout the years. He argues that fast food industries impact more than just what we eat but a lot more. It impacts our economy, our jobs, and our health. Whether we would like to agree or not, fast food has inevitably become a part of our life and surrounds us. Schlosser states ''The fast food industry has helped to transform not only the American diet, but also our landscape, economy, workforce, and popular culture''. Contrary to what many may think, fast food industries run more than just food companies, but they actually have a strong influence in everything else in our daily lives. Schlosser supports his argument with description and comparison.

Schlosser expresses description in his essay when he talks about uniformity. He explains how fast food chain restaurants are spreading vastly within the food courts of malls. He states ''Franchises and chain stores strive to offer exactly the same product or service at numerous locations. Customers are drawn to familiar brands by an instinct to avoid the unknown. A brand offers a feeling of reassurance when its products are always and everywhere the same''(670). He explains customers are drawn to familiar brands, making them more popular. When constantly seeing a familiar brand, you feel more reassurance in what you're getting. 

Another way Schlosser argues the impact of fast food chain restaurants is by using comparison. He gives the example of how Mcdonald's is more popular than Coca-Cola now. He states ''Mcdonald's spends more money on advertising and marketing than any other brand. As a result it has replaced Coca-Cola as the world's most famous brand'' (669). There was also a ''survey of American school children found that 96 percent could identify Ronald Mcdonald. The only fictional character with a higher degree of recognition was Santa Claus'' (669). Schlosser compares Mcdonald's to famous brands such as Coca-Cola and characters Ronald Mcdonald to Santa Claus to see how much Mcdonald's has impacted American cultures. At one point, he even states ''The golden arches are now more widely recognized than the Christian crosses'' (669). I personally feel that comparison was his strongest argument because he compared such basic American cultures to fast food chains such as Mcdonalds. He explains how seeing a Mcdonald's is such an average norm that has inter weaved with American society. 

Extra Credit

In ''Two Ways to Belong in America'' by Bharati Mukherjee compares and contrasts the two different ways you can belong in America, and how immigrants have different experiences in a new environment. I personally liked this essay and how she showed the two differing experiences her and her sister had. She starts off her essay describing her and her sister's similarities and all the things they had in common but introduces a turning point by how they changed since in America stating ''In one family, from two sisters alike as peas in a pod, there would not be a wider divergence of immigrant experience. She retained them all. Which of us is the freak?'' (274). I generally liked the idea of introducing herself as a ''freak'' because it shows how each perspective could be viewed at so differently. She also doesn't just state that she's right and that her sister is a freak, but instead she shows her own confusion, of who could be right. She focuses on the black and white of new immigrants in America, but merely touches upon the grey area in between. I think it would've been a stronger essay if she explained how neither of them are correct, but that there is an in between where some people adapt yet stay rooted. You don't have to stay 100% dedicated to either your own culture or American traditions but you can learn to balance both. It would be great to still have a sense of your own cultures, but also adapt to American customs since it is your new home as well.

Shelia Jasonoff responds to Bharati Mukherjee's essay with a personal defense. She shares her own personal narrative; being a new American immigrant from South Asia and explains how there definitely is a gray area. You don't necessarily have to drop all your cultures and just adapt to American cultures nor do you have to reject all American habits and stay soley rooted to your own traditions. Instead, Jasonoff argues that you can surely balance both and be just as happy. There is no right or wrong answer in this situation, and no one is necessarily a ''freak''. We're all freaks, we need to embrace it.

Compare and Contrast

Generally, we compare and contrast to see the positives and negatives of each situation. It is a clear and efficient way of visually separating two different ideas. When placed next to each other you can see which idea is more beneficial to you and it's easier to make decisions. Comparing and contrasting makes it easier to analyze the two topics. You can either synthesize it and see what they have in common, or see the differences in both ideas.

In ''Two Ways We Belong in America,'' Bharati Mukherjee compares and contrasts different views of immigrants that came to America. She compares her personal experiences whilst living in America with her sister (Mira's) experiences. Mukherjee also compares how her and her sister used to be completely in sync, but now they have mismatched views ''When we left India, we were almost identical in appearance and attitude. We dressed alike, in saris; we expressed identical views on politics, social issues, love and marriage'' (272). When these sisters first immigrated to America, they had corresponding views but after living in America, they couldn't be any more different. Mukherjee states '' In one family, from two sisters alike as peas in a pod, there could not be a wider divergence of immigrant experience. America spoke to me- I married it- I embraced the demotion.... She retained them all. Which of us is the freak? ''(274). Mukherjee has chosen to release and change her old habits to accept American traditions. Mira on the other hand clung on to her roots and didn't plan to stay in America for the rest of her life. She's held on to her green card so she can return back to India when she retires, which is something Mukherjee would never consider. Mukherjee says '' Mira and I differ; however, in the ways we hope to interact with the country we have chosen to live in. She is happier to live in America as expatriate Indian than as an immigrant American. I need to feel like a part of the community I have adopted and I need to put the roots down'' (275). Bharati chooses to focus more on the differences between her and her sister. She starts off her essay talking about their similarities and uses the rest of the essay to show how much they've drifted apart and changed.

I personally agree with Muhkerjee's argument that you need to adapt to the community that you have immigrated to. Although it is important to stay planted and to remember your roots, a new location means a new adaptation. You have to adapt to the new community and location, but to what extent you change is up to you. If you don't accommodate to the new culture, you will be seen as an outsider and you won't fit in with everyone else. It will be more challenging to interact with others if you don't conform.

Lies, Lies, Lies

In ''The Ways We Lie'', Stephanie Ericson classifies the different types of lies we tell. She categorizes them under the different types of lies we tell, why we tell them, and under what circumstances we tell that lie. Some categories she included are white lies, facades, ignoring the plain facts, deflecting, omission, stereotypes, cliches, groupthink, out-and-out lies, dismissal and delusion. By categorizing each lie as a different type of lie, it makes me question the heavy impact of lies and how many different lies we can tell throughout a day. Each lie also hits a different mark on the scale of lies from a little white lie to delusional lies. Stephanie Ericson's statement ''I tried hard not to tell a lie for a day and I found myself struggling''. This essay made me reflect on my own life and it made me realize that I too tell lies on a daily basis that it's become a norm.

I definitely agree with Ericson because each lie is made under a different pretense. Sometimes ''we exaggerate, we minimize, we avoid confrontation, we spare people's feelings, we conveniently forget, we keep secrets'' but it keeps the world round. Although each one is indeed a fib there are different degrees of the lies we tell and the reasons we tell the lie usually varies as well. Lies are inevitable, and will happen whether we do it intentionally or accidentally. I like how Ericson brings up how lies can be both positive and harmful at the same time. Some lies are told with good intentions such as telling your friend she looks good in a dress when she doesn't. You spare her feelings and give her that boost of confidence she needed after a bad week. Of course, this is still a lie, but if it's a lie told with good intentions, does it make it okay? Or on the other hand if you lie or withhold information purposely to harm someone else, if that wrong? Aren't lies in general bad? What makes them different and under what circumstances is it okay to lie? Stephanie Ericson answers all these questions in her essay where she classifies the different types of lies we tell.

I think Ericson's purpose of writing this essay is to show us that there is a story behind every lie we tell, and that lying is natural and inevitable. Even the most honest person will tell a fib eventually.  Telling a lie doesn't always make us a bad person. Lying isn't a black and white situation, but actually ends up in the grey area in between. Instead of quickly judging someone based on their lies, you should always question their intentions in telling that lie. Whether they did it for the benefit of others or the harm of others. Ericson also teaches us that lies are all around, us so we should always be wary of the rumors we heard around us. It's a simple nature of humanity that can not be avoided, so instead of trying to get rid of it, we need to learn to embrace it and know what to expect when words leave someone's mouth. It brings up a new perspective on lies that needs to be heard.

How in the World Do You Get a Skunk Out of a Bottle?

Connor's essay is titled with a question to draw the readers' attention. He titles the essay ''How in the World Do You Get a Skunk Out of a Bottle'' because it is such a ridiculous question. It immediately forces the reader to think about the question at hand. The title also introduces his argument of how humans are not keeping the community clean leading to the harm of innocent animals. 

It is true that most people will never encounter a situation in which they will have the opportunity to pull a skunk out of a bottle. Connor uses such an impossible situation to prove the point that these impossibilities are still possible. If we don't start being careful with how we dispose our garbage, it can harm animals and humans around us. We don't think twice when we throw out that empty water bottle, but we never consider what happens to the bottle after it leaves our hands. Therefore, Connor uses the example of having a skunk stuck inside a bottle to prove that the impossible can still happen and if we're not careful with how we dispose of our garbage it can harm our world. Another point Connor might have wanted to prove is that sometimes you need to put someone else's needs over yours. In the essay, Connor repeatedly says how he's scared that the skunk will spray him and that made him hesitant to help the skunk. However, in the end Connor put his fears aside and realized that the skunk's life was more important. If we don't start caring for others and our own environment, our world will result in turmoil. 

Advertisement

In this "Promesse Cacharel" perfume ad, the ad grabs the interest of both women and men. 

In the photo , the perfume is centered in the middle grabbing the attention of the audience. The perfume bottle is a bright lavender that is contrasted with the black pavement in the background. 

However, the most eye catching part of this ad is the happy couple in the background. The couple in the ad appears to be in love, lost in each others'  eyes. The male is mesmerized by the beauty and the scent of the female. He looks at her like he's found the most beautiful thing in the whole world. The female is a slim and beautiful woman. She has her arms around the guy as well and the two appear to be in love. The female is in a white dress, probably her wedding dress. She's also holding a bouquet of flowers with accessories in her hair. The male is dressed in a tuxedo and if you look closely, you see a wedding ring on his ring finger. 

This ad appeals to females everywhere because it is every girls dream to live a fairytale; to meeting the perfect boy, falling in love and finally to getting married to the love of your life. This attracts the attention of females because the girl is really slim and beautiful and the guy is really handsome and is head over heels in love with his new bride. On the bottom of the ad, it also states "More than a fragrance, a promise..."  It convinces women everywhere that with this perfume, you will find your Prince Charming and have your fairytale come true. Everyone wants to fall in love and marry the love of your life and with the help of this perfume, it appears that you can. 

College depression

In "Depression in college students" , Alissa Steiner argues that universities need to be more proactive about college depression. She states in her thesis "If counseling services on college campuses were better able to publicize and reach out to students, perhaps more students could get the help they need before it's too late". Steiner is putting more blame on campuses for not providing the care some students need in order to have healthy mental health. In her writing, she gives several examples to cases where a student seemed really put together and organized but ended up commuting suicide. One example that I found particularly strong was the incident of  Elizabeth Shin, a MIT student who set herself on fire. Shin was "an accomplished musician, athlete and student" who appeared to be popular and self motivated on the outside. However, what she hid was all the pressure she felt to excel in these different aspects of her life. Shin had admitted to a few of her friends that she has self harmed due to her depression so her friends went and told the school counselors. They were hoping for the counselors to seek help for Shin, but in return they were completely neglected. Things even accelerated when she admitted to her friend and a counselor that she was considering stabbing herself  in the chest. Two days later, she locked herself in her room , cried and burned herself to flames. She passed away a few days later with third degree burns that dominated 65 percent of her body. This story caught my attention the most because it's not your typical suicide story. It is common for suicides to take place as one cuts themselves or even shoots themselves , but setting yourself on fire is putting things on an extreme level. Not only did she end her life, she ended it in one of the most torturous ways ever. This speaks to the readers so much more because it shows just how insane she was and lets the reader peer into the mind of Elizabeth Shin. She was in such a poor mental state that she chose this form of suicide. This piece of evidence impacted me deeply because it helps put the reader into her shoes. Imagine how alone she felt after seeking for attention, and still receiving no help. I completely agree with Alissa Steiner's response stating that colleges need to provide more funding into counseling. It is  evident that in certain college, there are not enough counselors for students to talk to. All the counselors are overbooked so appointments are more sparse increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts. If colleges provided more attention towards this issue, maybe less college students would be depressed.

'' Hidden Intellectualism ''

In ''Hidden Intellecualism'', Gerald Graff brings a fresh new perspective of being street smart vs. being book smart. He argues that society has a constructed and narrow view of intellect that hinders ones confidence in themselves. Gerald Graff states ''Not everyone is good at math or science and some people excel in nonacademic work.'' Graff argues that a student shouldn't be known as anti-intellectual just because they don't excel in school. Instead he states “schools and colleges might be at fault for missing the opportunity to tap into such street smarts and channel them into good academic work.” Graff argues that there is another form of intelligence, not just school smarts, but street smarts and schools should be more open minded to incorporating other ideas into school work.

Graff argues his point that not all intelligence is found through schooling through sharing his personal experiences. When he was growing up, he always thought of himself as ''anti-intellectual'' because he was bad in school. He never enjoyed reading anything, except for anything sport related. He read sport autobiographies, sport magazines, etc. It wasn't until he was older than he realized he wasn't stupid, he was just smart in a different way. He was able to socialize with others and bring up discussions over anything sport related where as he couldn't start any discussion with the things he learned in school. His street smarts bridged a relationship to everyone else who enjoyed sports. 

I completely agree with Graff that being street smart is another form of intellect and that schools need to find a better way to incorporate outside events and issues into their academic curriculum. Personally speaking I find myself bored in school often time learning about issues that I'm not interested in. It makes me not want to pay attention, and since I don't have an interest in that issue, it's hard to understand readings and other works. However, if there were more of a variety of topics, students will probably be more active in discussions. 

Steven Pinker vs. Peggy Orenstein

In both readings Mind Over Mass Media and I Tweet, Therefore I Am Steven Pinker and Peggy Orenstein share their views on social media and how it impacts the daily lives of others. In Steven Pinker's ''Mind Over Mass Media'' Pinker argues that the Internet isn't making us dumber, but in fact is actually making us smarter. With the use of online encyclopedias and search engines, we can all access to the Internet at our fingertips. One example Pinker used to explain how technology helped us, was the use of PowerPoint. This is personally relatable to all college students out there, because in most of our lecture classes we learn through PowerPoints. Professors use it to access their lessons in a matter or seconds and they can provide links to articles and videos. He expresses that technology is helpful but only if one has self control. In his argument, Pinker uses logos and ethos to get his point across. He expresses logical reasoning to how technology helps support a person's intellect. However, his argument would've been stronger if he Incorporated pathos. 

However in I Tweet, Therefore I am, Peggy Orenstein argues that social media has more of a negative effect on people. She believes that social media is the cause of people losing their identity or their ''true self''. When people post on social media sites, there is a chance that they are ''posing'' for their audience, pretending to be something they're not. Orenstein expresses that social media can hinder one's self awareness, identity and lose their true self. She argues mainly appealing to the audience with pathos. She makes a personal connection between her writing and real life making it more relatable to her readers. Often times we find ourselves in the moment during a fun time, and we stop so we can update our social media sites to show people how much fun we're having. It is very easy to conform to the trend of ''self promotion'' whilst on social media sites.

Obesity

Balko : This is ridiculous, the government needs to stop intervening into other peoples' lives. What they eat it their problem ! Not ours !

Zinczenko: It's not exactlty the peoples' fault for being obese and unhealthy! It's because of food industries who don't advertise the unhealthy effects of fast food.

Balko: Well, you control what you put inside your body, therefore the government should not be using our hard earned tax money on other peoples' poor decisions in life.

Zinczenko: Hey! It's the fast food restaruants' fault for their marketing skills. Compared to tabacco companies, fast food doesn't come with a warning sigh about the amount of calories you're consuming in that one meal.

Balko: I completely agree, however I just feel that the government is approaching this situation all wrong. I agree that these fast food companies are the ones that benefit the most from this situation, but in order to stop this the government has to stop giving away free money.

Zinczenko: What do you mean giving away free money? 

Balko: Let me put it this way. We pay all these taxes that pay for other peoples' health insurance, right?

Zinczenko: Yes, sadly that is the case.

Balko: Exactly ! So when people are eating fast food leading to obesity and poor health conditions, their health insurance covers it, so they have no problem going to the doctor and getting free prescriptions. Therefore, we are basically paying for other citizens' unhealthy habits.

Zinczenko: Oh, I see your point. This is a huge problem, but how can we possibly fix the way the government treats obesity?

Blako: Well boy am I glad you asked. The government needs to stop supporting health insurance for those who are eating an unhealthy diet. Once people see how much each doctor visit and prescription cost, they will think twice next time they eat a Big Mac. You'll be surprised how people will begin living a healthier life style since they'll be using their own money.

Zinczenko: Well, that's one approach but I still think fast food industries need to improve their ways as well.

Thesis: Having the government dictate our day to day actions is completely propsterous. The government needs to learn to respect boundaries and needs to stop intervening into our personal lives and focus on more important matters. 

Extra credit dialogue

*At the supermarket, an infant throws a tantrum trying to convince his mom to buy him a chocolate bar*

little boy: Mom! please just one ! I'll be so good !

mom: no sweetie, put it down.

little boy: Please mom PLEASEE !It's on sale mom !

mom: no you already had ice cream today, that's enough sweets for today, maybe next time.

little boy: That's not fair ! Kyle's mom lets him have treats whenever he wants! He gets to eat candy everyday !

mom: Well, I'm not Kyle's mom. If you want Kyle's mom you can follow him home after school tomorrow.

little boy:  NO, mom ! ugh fine, next time....

This dialogue happened at the supermarket in the candy aisle. It was a little boy arguing with his mother to purchase a candy bar. When I heard this dialogue, I thought it was the cutest thing. This made me reminisce on my childhood when that child used to be. I used to always beg my mom to buy snacks for me and she would always say that it was unhealthy and made me put it down. It's funny because now that I'm older, I've experienced and seen the perspectives of both parties. I understand the perspective of the child who wanted the candy bar and I understand the mother who wanted the child to be healthy. This taught me that as we grow up, we gain different perspectives and that our views are constantly changing. We may think a certain way one day, but that can change anytime.

Shooting an Elephant

John Orwell's ''Shooting an Elephant'' is a self narrative where he reflects on his epiphany about imperialism. In the story, Orwell is a policeman serving for the British empire in India. He is a rather weak and spineless character in my opinion due to his lack of courage to speak up for himself. On one hand, he hates the British empire and on the other hand, he hates the people of India who give him a hard time. Although Orwell believes that imperialism is wrong, he still follows it by doing his job everyday. When the problem arises about the wild elephant, Orwell is forced to take action and that is when he reaches his epiphany on imperialism. As he passed through India in hunt of the elephant, hundreds of Indians follow him creating a mob with Orwell as the leader. ''They were watching me as they would watch a conjurer about to perform a trick. I suddenly realized that I had to shoot the elephant after all''.At first, he was hesitant about shooting the elephant because it would be so cruel to kill a ''working piece of machinery.'' However, as more people followed him, he realized that these people looked up to him, to know how to handle situations like this. The reality of imperialism is not that the leader wants to take control, but more of the leader being pushed by the people around him.

As a reader, this impacted me because it gave me a new perspective on how I look at things. Many times in case of imperialism, people are quick to assume that the imperialist is the one with all the power, and everything they do is to only benefit themselves. This is actually not the case. In Orwell's piece, he explains how things aren't always what they seem. Those who seem to be in power are actually powerless. He is only powerful if we give him power to rule. I saw lots of descriptive language that helped paint a picture in my head. He is also able to transition himself from what is happening in reality and the thoughts going through his mind. He puts in a chronological sense so the reader can feel the epiphany happen along with Orwell.

John Orwell shoots the elephant in the end, because he had no other choice. With the huge crowd supporting him and expecting him to solve a problem, there was no way he could disappoint. The people of India looked up to Orwell since he was an English policeman. At that point in time, he realized he could no longer make his own decision, and the people were deciding for him. He relates imperialism to shooting an elephant because it shows how the people in power are actually powerless without the support of others. I think it's also another way of saying that imperialism leads to suffering. In the end of the story when the elephant is shot, he is not immediately killed. Instead he is forced to experience a painful and agonizing death.

Extra Credit: Thoughts on Syria

Syria has been all over the news lately and until recently, I was pretty ignorant about the topic as well. The issue concerning Syria is all over the news considering the massive corruption in their government. It all started off with peaceful protests from the civilians hoping for change in their ruling. However, the government responded with violent measures by kidnapping, raping, torturing and killing these activists and their family members. Seeing the fault in their bad government, civilians started shooting back leading to a civil war within Syria. Hundreds of innocent people are being killed alongside. The Syrian government is so desperate in winning this fight and regaining their power that they are willing to do whatever it takes; even if it includes the use of chemical weapons. In 1925 the Geneva Convention restrained the use of chemical weapons during war. This was due to the fact that chemical weapons did more harm than actually end war. The consequences of chemical weapons are too strong and harmful for the innocent people who have to endure it. So, when the U.S. heard that Syria has been using chemical weapons, Obama decided to get involved. I understand that Obama wanted to protect the U.S's national security but Syria's battle is not our battle. Interfering with Syria would just lead to harmful risks in the U.S. By upsetting the Syrian government, we may be on the look out for a war of our own. As upsetting as the civil war is, there's nothing we can do to stop it. What's the point of starting a war just to stop an old one?

Descriptive Writing

There's this passion of mine I'd like to share. Some call it a hobby, a sport or even just a game; but to me volleyball is a lifestyle. Many of you may be in love with a person. Where you want to be with your significant other every second of every day. You think about them day and night anxiously waiting for the next time you meet again. Well I have the same love too; just not for a person.

The bright fluorescent lights shine throughout the gymnasium almost blinding me like a ray of sunlight. All I hear around me is ''eek ,eek, bomp.'' ''eek, eek, bomp''. When the rubbers of those new Mizuno Lightning sneakers hug those freshly waxed floors. The freshly pumped Molten volleyballs hitting the ground with such power and impact; every contact like a strong heartbeat. 

I drop my duffel, removing my Addidas slipper, replacing them with my reliable Asics sneakers. Feels good having the rubber soles rub against the floor. I roll my socks up and put on my knee pads. I gather with teammates; my family really. We hurdle into a group, embracing each others warmth, feeling each others heartbeats. Our hands assemble together in the middle. We push down, down and up chanting ''1, 2,3  play hard ! ''. 

We line up in a row, protecting our frontier as our captains flip the coin as our war begins. We high five the hands of our opposing team and wish them luck as they do the same. We wait anxiously as the referee goes over our line ups. ''1, 17, 23, 13, 5, and 19. We stay in our positions like Queens Guards, our faces expression less and our feet planted to the ground. As the whistle blows, everyone immediately shifts as if a bull saw a red flag waving. Every member of the team shifts into position as every pair of feet follow the ball as it travels around the court. The server calls ''service'' as she contacts the ball, setting a loose cannon ball onto court. It's like feeding time at the zoo, as everyone is hungry for the ball. I pass the ball feeling my knees bend and pouncing back up with the ball. The setter follows it as it contacts her fingers ; setting it high towards the outside hitter. The hitter takes her three steps left, right, left as her hands flap back and forth; ready to soar. She springs off the ground and into the air, slapping the ball perfectly cross-court. The libero dives attempting to keep the ball off the ground but fails as the ball lands perfectly on to court. My team mates chant ''chick chick boom'' as we all rejoice with a radiant smile. Win or lose, it is the love of the game that keeps us coming back on to court.

Response to Sanctuary of School

A good narrative is an account of events that answers the question ''what happened?''. It tells a story about one's personal experiences or the experiences of somebody else. There are several reasons why people write narratives. It can be for entertainment, persuasion, an explanation for significant events or an acceptance of another person's views. The importance of a narration is to make a point or to support an argument. This leaves lots of creative freedom for the author to make it a short and sweet narrative or a long and complex narrative. A good narrative will first consider the audience and purpose of his or her writing. They will then consider the details to include and organizing them into a chronological order. The author must ensure that the readers will follow the story and see the point they are trying to express. In order to do so, the narration will include chronology, transitions, verb tenses and plot. When the text is provided in a chronological order, the readers can easily follow the story that is being told. With the help of transitions, the readers know exactly what is going on; helping the story flow smoothly. Verb tenses keep the reader aware of what is happening and when. It will be easier to distinguish the difference between the story you are telling and the arguments/points you are bringing up. In the end, a good narration is not about the story you are telling; but more so the way you are telling it. ''The interest we enjoy in a well-told story often comes not so much from the nature of vents themselves but as from how they are presented''. 

The narrative ''The Sanctuary of School'' makes an imperative argument of why public schools should not cut art and extra curricular programs . As a reader, I found this story really heartwarming and it made me sympathize for Lynda Barry. As a child, she is completely neglected by her parents in a troubled household. Her only escape and safe haven is her school. She finds art as an escape to her emotional suffering because she can actually be heard through her artwork. As a writer, I liked how the story was told from first person because it makes the story more sincere. The story is written in a chronological order, making it easy for me to understand her argument. She introduces the story talking about her problems at home and how she is neglected by both her parents. It is followed by her being able to escape to school in the middle of night without her parents knowing. This is also the most symbolic point of the story in my opinion, because she says that she wasn't scared of walking in the dark; but scared of not being able to go to school. Once she gets to the school, she is welcomed by her school staff. The janitor and teachers' actions are contrasted to the parents actions portraying that school is more of a home to Barry than her actual home. Another aspect of this narration I enjoyed was the fact that she didn't focus everything on her argument. She states her argument and supports it by something more personal; her own story. This makes her argument so much stronger and draws the attention of more readers. 

The point of Barry's argument is to stop public schools from canceling their art programs. Her argument is stated more directly in the conclusion where it transitions back to present day. The problem that is present is the cancellation of art programs in public schools. She talks about how art shaped and influenced her childhood to mark the significance of art programs in public schools. She also concludes her paragraph with '' I wonder now when the country will face its children and say a pledge right back''. She makes this argument towards the end of the conclusion saying that children faithfully recite the Pledge of Allegiance everyday pledging to their country, where as the country is thanking them by cutting off art programs. She is questioning the power of the masses and when they will do justice for the children. 

Barry's use of ''light'' is symbolic of the hope it give children. The light represents the art programs that are being cut from public schools. Barry also refers to ''light'' in reference to President George H.W. Bush's inaugural address when he talks about community organizations being spread like stars throughout the nation. Barry's reference to this speech is saying how one's words contradict one's actions. It is said that these programs are important but in reality they're cutting them because they find them insignificant hinting that the students attending these public schools are also insignificant.