Assignment 14

I am having a really hard time getting my paper started. I know where I stand in the issue, but I don't know how to put it in words. I know that raising the minimum wage will require a higher skill level, a cutback on hiring employers, and a higher tax pay. I thought that this topic was going to be easy to write about, however, now I am finding it very difficult to finish, and at that start it. I also had a very hard time finding resources that could be used towards my topic; the ones I did find have weird titles and Prof. Spencer says it will be difficult to fit into my paper, which made me freak out more than I was already. I hope that I do figure this out before it's too late and I get a good enough grade to pass the class. I have been wanting to switch topics but I know that's impossible, so I have to deal with it. I have to have a rough draft done by Monday morning and I honestly do not know if it will be done. I am going to try my best to do my best. I hate writing papers that are longer than two pages! I know what's the point of this class but I don't know why it is necessary for me. I want to be a better writer but I don't know how to start, or the process in order to be a good writer.

My Errors

Here are my mistakes:
1. My thesis statements are weak and irrelevant to my whole essay. Since my thesis statement fails to clearly state the purpose of my essay, my whole essay doesn't make sense to the reader. I never know what to put in my thesis statement, so I pretend to do so, but never accomplish in succeeding a good thesis. I hope to improve in writing my thesis statement by first getting an idea/or writing my whole essay, and then my thesis statement.
2. My second mistake would be understanding and clearly writing about the topic. I am confident about what I am writing when I am writing about, but when I get my graded paper back, reality hits me, and I did not understand the topic; therefore, my essay is weak. I honestly don't know how to improve in this. When I read something I understand it in my own way, but apperantly not the way it should be. I do know one way is asking others what they captured from the reading, but that's all I think that can help me.
3. Tying it all together is another big thing. My paper lacks consistency through out it. I just write and write without looking if the writing is connected, which makes my paper sloppy. I also never know how to end my paper and tie it back to the beginning. The conclusion is another thing that I have a hard time doing. A way I can improve in this is actually spending more time on it than I do now.

research topic

For my research topic on minimum wage and the impact on the economy, I used terms such as "minimum wage" and "economy impact." I realize it was pretty obvious but those were two key terms and they actually gave me the most results. I used other words such as "labor market" but it was just too broad and some of the articles weren't even about my topic. I really couldn't think of other terms, so i stuck with those, well at least for now. Hopefully, I am able to think of other terms that can help me get better results. Thinking about my topic while researching I realized that majority of people think about this topic the same way. If we increase the minimum wage it declines the economy, but if we leave it as is, nothing happens. I feel like with this topic there is a middle ground; however I am pulled towards increasing the minimum wage, because in the long run it will better the economy. Finding articles that support my topic is really hard and frustrating; some of the reulsts talk about my topic but I am having a hard time actually making use of them. I don't have a clear head about how I want to start my thesis or what I want it to contain. I am thinking  I can build on this: Raising the minimum wage seems like a bad idea, but the impact of raising the minimum wag on the economy is smaller than what it seems. Increasing the minimum wage increases productivity and interest in workers. It shortens the income gap and creates oppurtunities for low wage workers, such as social class.

topic of choice

I come from a family of seven and both my parents have no college education. When I was little, around the ages of 7-13, my dad used to work three jobs and my mom used to work one in order for us to get by. My parents were never really around to see my siblings or me grow up. My aunt always took care of us and raised us like her own. I honestly never had a childhood, because I had responsibilities: wathicng my sibblings when my parents weren't around, and doing all the chores in the house. As soon as I hit thirteen I started working and took on more responsibility. I loved working. School of course, was still my main priority, because my parents insisted on wanting a better life for me. They didn't want me to work for the rest of my life, and have nothing to show for it. Once I got to high school, I pretty much got A's and B's, and continued to work. I worked in order to help my parents with expenses. It sucked going to school in the morning and then work. I never got to join clubs or hang out with friends after school. But I never really saw it that way then; back then I thought it was cool, and it didn't bother me, but now I see that it took away a lot from me. Once I graduated from h.s I planned on just working, no college. However, my parents did not agree with that and they made sure I applied and got accepted to a college. So, Northeastern was my first, and last option. I hated and still hate the fact that I have to be in school another four years. I hate the idea of school, but once I am there I enjoy it. I do not know why, but that is how it is for me. I have had various times where I just want to stop going, but my parents keep pushing me to go. Here I am a sophomore, and I still want to stop. Working and going to school is getting harder for me to handle. I can't stop working because I need money to pay to go to school. I can't stop going to school because I am half way done and I am being pressured. I pre-declared my major, about a month ago and I am excited to get my bachelor's degree, but at the same time I don't know if I really want it. I do know I want to own my own restaurant, and that is my main focus after I graduate. As hard as it is, and will be I do plan on finishing these two following years, then opening my own place. In a way my parents pressuring me helped me figure out what I want to do with my life, and without them being on my case I wouldn't be able to be this far, and close to accomplishing my goals.

research topic

The research topic I'm considering is about minimum wage and the impact on the economy. I want to know if there can be a maximum wage, or no wage basis at all. Why does minimum wage vary with state? Is there a specific reason for this? The observation assignment did help me find my topic, but Professor Spencer helped me narrow it down. Minimum wage isn't enough for people to live off by. I think it should be raised or be based on how a person performs.

my writing :)

I honestly feel like I have not improved my writing since the beginning. I have gained some confidence in writing, but I still am not able to start a paper. I do hope that I am able to do this by the end of the semester. I have been able to stay focus throughout the paper, but I still don't get the concept, or point of the assingment to follow through in the paper. I think peer review has somewhat helped, but not very effectively for me. Discussing the readings in class does help me a lot, because it lets me see other people's perspectives; which lets me see points that I didn't see on my own. It also helps me understand the readings better. I think if more than one person reviews a paper it is more effective because that way you get more feedback. I think my writing process has improved, because before I used write in scattered pieces and now I am able to focus on a part of the essay, rather than being all over the place. Overall, my writing has not improved that much, but I do feel a little more confident and I will gradually improve through time. I am no where near perfection but with will power and interest I can write great papers.

joining the conversation...

A point that I find important is whether a B.A is or isn't worth it. The three articles we read all agreed that it was worth it; even if some had if's or buts. Not everyone should pursue a B.A, everyone has different beliefs and desires. Some people are pursuing this degree in order to earn more money--this is the biggest reason why not to pursue it. Those who are not interested or do not have the academic ability are just going to college in order to make money. However, are they benefiting themselves by having the wrong "motivation?" Those that decide to get a B.A., have the right reasons, and have the academic ability make it a goal to go to the college of their dreams...leaving them with debt that could either be another payment, or a whole new lifestyle. Tuituion cost are going up every year, not everyone can afford to go to college; some that are capable of going aren't because of money problems--it's not fair.

to pursue or to settle?

Deciding whether to get a bachelor's degree or not is a tough decision for many. A huge factor that contributes to making that decision is the cost of the degree. College tuition is increasing and not many can afford to pay for it. Some students get financial aid, some get loans, some get help from their parents and others have to work two. Those that get loans are left with either a huge or minor debt after they graduate. Because of their student loan-debt, they have to live differently than they had first planned to.  For those who work in order to pay their tuition, like me, are constantly asking themselves if these four years are worth it. I have to work two jobs in order to actually go to school; for me working two jobs and  going to school is very difficult, and stressful. Getting a bachelor's degree was not my plan after high school, but my parents, teachers and counselors all pressured me into applying and into wanting to get a higher education. I knew that a bachelor's degree meant a career with a higher annual salary, but the idea of having more money didn't appeal to me like it did to my peers. Another factor that contributes is the idea of being in school another four years. I do not see a point in being in school another four years for a bachelor's degree, when the first two years are basically what you learned in high school. Why should college students pay for a repeat of high school knowledge? It makes no sense how the last two years are what count towards your degree. A bachelor's degree in my opinion is not worth it. People stress how you can make more money, but not everybody desires more money. A higher education gets a good job but I love my jobs at the moment. I don't want a job that pays more and doesn't make me happy.

beliefs...

 A person should wait until they get married to have sex. Being pure brings the two people to a level of connection that is inseperateable. It connects the two people spiritually, mentally and physically. Losing your virginity to your husband or wife increases the chances of staying together, because they were your first; therefore, you don't know how to let go. The emotional bond that is created when both parties have sex creates a greater happiness and communication skills.
Waiting until marriage to have sex is overrated. Everyone is having sex, so why not just do it. Sex feels great and the pleausre is ah-mazing. Not saving yourself for marriage gives you experience, and that helps you please your partner better when you are married. Having sex before marriage releases stress and increases the person's lifespan; so, your husband or wife can live longer and both of you can have more sex. :)

The American Dream...

To Brandon King the American Dream is still alive, only its meaning has changed since the term was first coined. Being "middle class" is what most people are striving for, rather than a rags-to-riches story. A point that King makes is that there is an income gap that makes it difficult for those at the bottom to achieve the American Dream. However, the government has supported and helped those that are poor through welfare, and unemployment. Raising the minimum wage is also a great idea, but with people making more money, companies will cut back and hire less people. Taxing the rich more sounds great, unfortunately the rich and wealthy will spend less, if they are getting taxed higher. Therefore, they will not stimulate the economy and provide the "poor" with a chance at having a job.
I think that Brandon King did a good job with providing support for his claims. The meaning he provides for the American Dream seems more realistic and up to date.To me the American Dream is having a steady job, having a place to live, being financially stable now, and in the future. I agree that the rich should get taxed higher, but he makes a great point in stating that the rich will change their spending habits--and that impacts the economy even if we do not believe it does. There is a great income gap that needs to be fixed so that it is a smaller one; however, there has to be a balance in the world. So if there is ten rich people there has to be ten poor people, it is a sad thought.
The whole idea of a rags-to-riches life is unrealistic to me.I believe that if you have a job that provides for you and your family with food and shelter that is enough. Expecting to be rich one day, is something that can happen, but by the time you get there, you might be 60. We live in a world where people do more labor than they are getting paid for. One would think that by working more one will make more money but sadly that is not the case. Getting educated will also count as part as the American Dream, simply because if you do not have a degree you will be stuck at a minumum wage job; and  your chances of being rich decrease. The American Dream is whatever you want it to be, but then again it is a dream.

blog numero 2! :)

“Stomp the yard” is a movie about being the best stompers. At the beginning of the movie the main character, Columbus Short, loses his brother, because the other dance crew thought they deserved to win, but they didn’t. Columbus Short ends up being charged for his brother’s death, after serving the time he ends up moving with his aunt in Atlanta. His uncle forces him to go to college, however, Columbus makes it very clear that going to college is not his dream, but his brother’s dream. The first day of school he falls for a girl; she has a boyfriend that is in a fraternity that steps, and when Columbus meets him they start off the wrong way. One night, he goes to a club where people are stepping and repping their city. To treat the girl of his dreams’ boyfriend he gets on the dance floor and clowns all the cities. After seeing how good he is, two fraternities try to get him to join their fraternity. One being a fraternity his enemy (the girl’s bf) is in. After thinking it he joins Theta New Theta. With his skills Theta New Theta become the step champs, and defeat the New Gammas.

This movie shows that even though life has many obstacles and does not go as planned or imagined one can achieve anything. The fact that Columbus went to college for his brother shows how much he misses him and wants to keep him alive.  The movie also emphasizes on following your heart and not letting anything or anyone get in the way. 

Assignment #1: why eng. 102?

I am taking English 102 because I need to improve my writing skills. I suck at writing; because I believe I suck it makes it hard for me to focus and really say what I want to say. I also have a hard time supporting my ideas as well as keeping them tied. Starting a paper is something I really want to learn and develop as a skill. It is frustrating when papers are more than 3 pages long, because I struggle really hard and I lose my focus. By the end of this course I would love if I could write a paper without struggling as much as I do now. Another thing I wish to get out of this course is to be able to write more than five paragraphs and if I do write 5+ pages for the paper to be amazing. I want to be proud of my writing. 

I also am taking English 102 because it is a requirement for some of my future courses. Being able to write formally is important because it is a way of effectively communicating with others. Every student should have to take English 102 because we encounter words in our every day activities. Having good writing skills helps a person in the “real world” when it comes to jobs. If I was an employer I would hire a person with great writing skills, rather than someone with just basic writing skills. My major is Business and Management and a few courses require this course; the actual field requires a lot of paper work, and meetings that have presentations. I can see as to why I would need to be a good writer, and if I want to own my own business I will do what I have to do, even if I have to write a million pages. Just kidding.