Unit 3: Post 20 (April 11, 2009)

Author's Note for Op-ed:

Hey you guys, I figured I ought to go on and get my author's note posted for you guys. This is a definite first draft of the op-ed. I seriously have no idea what an op-ed should read like, so it is very probable that I have missed the mark. My main concern is just that it makes sense and seems like a pretty decent op-ed. I think I put quite a bit of information in it and am not sure if it was overkill. Any suggestions would be really appreciated!

Unit 3: Post 19 (April 08, 2009)

Prewriting: Op-ed

• Read several op-eds from your chosen venue. What are the general tone and assumed audience in this venue? What is interesting or unique about these pieces?
• Community Impact Newspaper
  - The op-eds I’ve read use a lot of logos and statistics to appeal to the audience’s logic. There is a touch of pathos in them as well. A lot of the ones I read dealt with the economic situation and the sight of the closed businesses. Others spoke about the traffic situation in the growing areas of Williamson County. The assumed audience for this newspaper would be the residents in the community. They are the ones affected by many of the issues spoken of in the paper.
• Decide one specific, identifiable issue or question for your focus. It needs to be related to your overall topic for this unit, but try to target a specific aspect of that topic. Describe your choice of specific topic.
  - Highway 29’s expansions will take away the Hill Country, semi-rural feel of Georgetown and Liberty Hill. The road will cut through the San Gabriel River multiple times and also cuts multiple ancestral ranches and homes in half.
• Choose a specific course of action or approach to be taken to addressing that issue or question. Don’t just say that a policy or situation is bad. Tell your readers what should be done about it.
  - I’d like readers to speak out about these road expansions. Possible courses of actions include attending open houses, writing to the commissioners, posting comments in the multiple forums that exist for this purpose, and also filling out forms off of the city’s website.
• Determine what rhetorical appeals will be most effective for your audience (ethos, pathos, logos, style). Discuss what appeals you will use.
  - I believe, since this proposed expansion is cutting into people’s homes and often their livelihoods, pathos is the best way to go. I have some ethos in that I live off of 29, but I am, in the end, just a simple college student. Emotions and passion will work best with the audience which mainly consists of activists and residents of that area. I would also include logos in providing facts about the multiple ancestral ranches and goat farms and everything that will be affected by this. Some other facts I’d include would be about the insanity of a road that will cross the San Gabriel River twice. That river is very prone to flooding; in fact, in 2007, the river rose over 18 feet. Luckily, not too much was damaged because not too many things are built that close to river.
• Write about what will best support your points for the rhetorical situation (facts, hard evidence, personal experience, anecdotes, referring to other authorities, etc.).
  - I plan on using facts and personal experience more than anything. I have lived in Cimarron Hills for over 6 years and have seen the changes in Georgetown and Liberty Hill first-hand. Also, I have walked on the ranches that line the road, fed the goats at my friend’s house, and went floating down the San Gabriel River. The facts I plan on having would concern the history of that area and how we should be figuring out how to preserve that beautiful Hill Country instead of destroying it.
• Is there any research that you need to do?
  - Yes, I need to get more information on all the wonderful things that will be destroyed by this road. There are acres of rolling hills and hundreds of longhorns, deer, and goats. The ancestral homes and ranches I also need more information on.

Unit 3: Post 17 (March 30, 2009)

The article I found is from a Community Impact Newspaper on "The Future of Highway 29." This article was a really long and complex article with multiple maps and diagrams depicting how the road will look after the changes. I cannot even imagine how that will look driving down it to my neighborhood. I cannot imagine how different my neighborhood will be with the new road. The whole front of it will have to change. We might even lose some of the golf course!

Another point brought up in the article was the multiple neighborhoods that are coming into the area of Highway 29. There are 19,005 lots according to the chart. Some of those are proposed and others are already under construction. The whole face of that area will be different within the next 30 years. I am honestly a little scared of what that will mean for everyone that is there and has been there for many years...

Unit 2: Post 16 (March 25, 2009)

Author's Note on Final Portfolio:

This is my final draft of the essay on the causes of Autism. My essay reads like I wanted it to and now that I have the minor issue with the parenthetical citation for the message board fixed, it is done. Based on the feedback I received from my group, I believe that this essay is pretty decent. Whether it's an A or not, I have no idea. I know that I put my best effort into it and that is enough for me. The only main concern I have is the fact that it is still a bit over the page limit so I know I'll get hit for those points. I just couldn't figure out how to change the wording used. I get that more concise language would have put it within the page limit, but then I would have lost the voice and feel that I wanted to establish.

The rest of the portfolio should be great. I have kept up with each of the assignments so I don't anticipate losing points on the rest of the portfolio. Hopefully, the good daily grades from the rest of the portfolio will make up for those points lost on the main essay because of its length. That is my ultimate hope. Overall, this portfolio is one of my favorites and one that I have put a lot of work into. It'd be nice if that work were to pay off in the end.

Unit 2: Post 15 (March 23, 2009)

My previous draft for the workshop was essentially as close to a final draft as I could get. Therefore, this draft isn't too much different from that first one. I tried to make the language more concise, but I don't think I succeeded too much at that. I just like the voice the wording gives to my writing. Any extra input on making it shorter would be nice.

I did make some minor technical changes. For instance, I fixed the block quotations since I was completely off on how you're supposed to do them. One main thing that I have a problem with still is figuring out the citing for The Drs message board. I just cannot figure out how to cite all the different authors. I think once I get that part figured out, I will have the completed work the way that I want it.

Unit 2: Post 14, (March 9, 2009)

Author's Note For First Draft:

While this is a first draft of my paper, I have attempted to make it as close to the final product as possible; I don't anticipate having to make too many corrections to it. I think this draft turned out as well as I was wanting. The only thing that concerns me is the length of it. It is just over 10 pages and the cut-off was 10 pages. I mainly would like any input on areas that could be shortened so I can stay within the page limits. Also, I'd appreciate any feedback, positive or negative as the case may be, that you guys wish to give me.

Importance of my topic for the community:

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder at this point in time. If you don't have someone close to you affected by it, within the next ten years that could change. I am personally impacted by this topic as I wish to work with autistic children as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

It is important that we attempt to identify the cause of this disorder and perhaps even find a cure for it since so many children are being diagnosed. I know the families who are watching their children regress want to find out why this is happening to them. Some families continue to feel that the vaccinations are the cause, despite being shown evidence otherwise. As technology continues to improve, perhaps we will be able to definitvely say what the cause is. We have already isolated some genes that could be responsible and as more research is done into this, we may just be able to find a way to stop the spread and perhaps even cure it.

Unit 2: Post 13 (March 4, 2009)

I essentially prepared for writing the two body sections by getting all the information I had, such as the rhetorical analysis questions and the Toulmin charts, and decided what parts to include. I used every section of my Toulmin charts, but I only picked some of the rhetorical anayslis questions. I primarily used the ones dealing with the author, the audience, ethos, and style. I chose to do one of my genetic body paragraphs and one of my vaccine ones.

I have learned a lot more about my topic by actually seeing the best way to organize my information. I found both the Toulmin chart and the rhetorical analysis questions to be quite helpful in helping me analyze the rhetorical strategies that were used. I am a little fearful that I am not correct in my rhetorical strategies. I am just not sure I understand everything that I am supposed to do.

Unit 2: Post 12 (March 2, 2009)

I love my topic even more after all of my research. Autism has always fascinated me and I am super excited that I am learning more about this disorder. I particularly liked researching the vaccine causes of autism as I watched the Drs episode that delt with this topic. The debate on the show was quite intense as were the responses that the message board had. I honestly am not sure whether I think vaccines are responsible for this increase in the prevalence of autism. The mothers of some of the kids said that their children regressed into autism within days of the vaccines. One described it as "[losing] her child to autsim." The fact that the Federal Court of Claims ruled that vaccines didn't cause the autism in three cases brought before them did start doubt in my mind.

I was worried at first on how these Toulmin charts would turn out, but after finishing them I am glad. They weren't that difficult and it really helped me process more about the sources by having to fill out the charts. I especially found the bottom level with possible claims of rebuttal to be the most helpful. It is a good thing to have to try and debunk what your source says.

Unit 2: Post 11 (February 25, 2009)

One big thing I discovered during my research was that I didn't have a clue as to what a primary source was. I did manage to find multiple sources that I believe are both applicable to my topic and are primary sources as well. Two of my favorite ones include a court ruling and a message board concerning vaccines and their possible connection to autism. Both of these were verified as primary sources so that reassures me.

My sources are divided down the middle on whether they are behind the genetic cause of autism or the vaccine-induced view of autism. I have 2 for the genetics and 2 for the vaccine. The 5th source I have is a great page with multiple statistics on autism. It was the only site I could find that actually listed all the stats together in a very accessible manner. As my paper will focus on both these potential causes of autism, these sources will nicely compliment my topic.

Unit 2: Post 10 (February 18, 2009)

Well, the topic of my choosing is that of Autism. It is an increasingly occurring problem among the children in this country. I specifically wish to concentrate on the causes of the disorder, such as genetics and vaccines, as well as the outlook the families have for their children. I would like to include the varying viewpoints different people have who are affected by Autism, this includes the doctors, the family, and the person. Source wise, I would concentrate on medical journals, testimonials of the families, and statistics.

I really feel strongly about Autism. I was originally interested in majoring in Special Education so that I could specifically work with children who had Autism and Down syndrome. I have changed majors to Speech Pathology, but I still anticipate interacting with these populations in a professional manner. There hasn't been a lot of research done on Autism in terms of Speech Pathology. There is currently no graduate level course in this disorder like there is in voice or articulation. As the population afflicted continues to grow, the education of the providers of services needs to expand as well. I hope by working on this paper, I will expand my knowledge of this and it will help me once I am on my own in the working world.

Unit 1: Post 9 (February 16, 2009)

Author's Note on Portfolio:

I have to say that I am rather pleased with my final draft. The road was definitely a long one frought with multiple pitfalls, but I think that those were necessary to have the paper arrive where it has. A consistent thing that was pointed out to me everytime someone read my paper was that I had a LOT of great observations, but I just didn't have much analysis of it. It is really hard for me to separate the details and the analysis. I believe I have accomplished this in my final draft as I cut out a lot of my observation notes and spent the time adding more analysis of the space and making sure that I kept tying things back to my primary idea.

I think that this draft is as best as I could do. I tried really hard and cut a lot of information from the paper, something that was very hard for me to do. However hard it was, I feel it was worth it because this finished product is pretty much where I want it to be. Hopefully, a balance has been acheived between the observations and the analysis of the space.

Unit 1: Post 5 (Feruary 2, 2009)

I observed KinderFrogs for my Public Space Analysis. I absolutely loved it! Those kids are so awesome. They just were full of smiles and surprises such as the boogers that most of them had. All of them had very runny noses the entire time I was there; I believe they go through at least a box of tissues a day. I especially liked watching the interactions of the various people in the site.

I managed to get there for pick-up on Thursday and drop-off on Friday so that I could see the way the parents interacted with the teachers/aids and the children. The aids were very respectful to the parents and vice verse. You could tell that there was a bond between them; it wasn't uncommon to hear them discussing their families and the news. One of the teachers told me that this is possible because these kids are in the program for years with the same teachers around them. This continued exposure allows relationships to develop that don't happen in a typical school setting. The bond is very important between the teachers and parents for these kids because a common topic of discussion was the signs the kids were using. For example, one boy kept making a sign that the teachers couldn't figure out. When speaking with the father, they learned that the sign meant "harmonica" and that the child was wanting to play music.

The bond between the teachers/aids was equally, if not more, powerful as is the bond between the parents and the aids. Those teachers love the kids so much and are incredibly patient with them. They are always willing to reach out and give them a hug, no matter if the kids have snot hanging out of their noses or not. I was told back in freshman year when I started observing that I should never wear white because of the bodily fluids that tend to be present with these kiddos.

Unit 1: Post 3 (January 24, 2009)

Local spaces I am a member of...well, there are several. First, I am a member of TCU. TCU is a very diverse space and can be broken down into many different individual spaces. One of these spaces I belong to would be Speech Pathology in the Miller Speech and Hearing Clinic where I spend the majority of my existence. It seems like I am either in classes there, or going there for language labs, or going there to observe as a junior clinician. Essentially, it is my second home.

Another space of which I am a member is that of Eta Iota Sigma, the Christian sorority here on campus. I love that group of girls. They are basically family to me. I know that I can always find someone to trust or even a shoulder to cry on. They are there whenever you need them for whatever reason. I know that my college experience would be very different (in a bad way) had I not joined them.

One space on campus that I love is KinderFrogs. Those kids are so amazing! I mainly work with the four year olds, but I have had experience with the younger ones as well. They are the exact representation of the children I want to work with as a speech pathologist. Just spending time with them makes me so happy. They are very loving kids who only want love in return. I don't think I've ever gotten through a visit there without a hug from one of them. They are so innocent and wear their emotions plainly on their faces. Of all the spaces I consider myself a member of, my favorite one would have to be KinderFrogs.

Unit 1: Post 2 (January 15, 2009)

Well, there are many different arguments that confront us on many levels. These appeal to whatever the people think they can use to win us over, whether that be through our emotions, logic, or ethics. The most common thing that always affects me is the emotional appeal. Once I feel the pull on my heart, it's very hard not to commit to whatever the charity is.

One such pathos argument that I recently saw involved the ASPCA, essentially the protective force for animals like dogs and cats. The entire commercial showed all these animals in delapidated states; a dog was missing his eye and another was so emaciated, the bones of his ribs were clearly visible. The whole while you are watching these sad, pitiful animals, there is "Arms of an Angel" (not sure if that's what it's really called) by Sarah McLachlan playing in the background. That song by itself is often enough to get me teary-eyed. I have to say that it was a very potent combination and had me wanting to pick up my phone and call the number. Especially when they say that it only costs "pennies a day" or some such small amount of money. The listener can't help but think of the coffee that they could do without once a week to support this worthy cause...

The majority of arguments that are made on this pathos appeal also involve parts of ethos and logos. For instance, the ASPCA commercial I was just describing was stating all of these statistics to appeal to those of us who require some logic before we act on anything. The fact that the ASPCA is a well-known force that has its own officers, who starred in "Animal Precint" on Animal Planet, gives the commercial both authority and credibility to form an ethos appeal. The fact that Sarah McLachlan speaks as well, appealing people to donate, lends as well to an ethos appeal.

Unit 1: Post 1 (January 12, 2009)

Hi, my name is Megan. I am a sophomore speech pathology student at TCU. I am originally from Germantown, TN which is close to Memphis. I moved to Georgetown, TX about nine years ago and am finally starting to feel like an actual 'Texan.' I have one sibling, two parents, and four hundred fish. I don't own any dogs or cats, just seafood. We have a pond in our backyard that is nearly considered a lake. I have owned various reptiles and my brother is a reptile breeder who owns bearded dragons and rattlesnakes among many other things.

I took this course because it was required for graduation and hence for my major. I don't often write things, but I would like to learn how to be a better writer as I will have to write things at all stages of life. Writing is similar to math; you might not enjoy doing it, but you will never escape it and might as well get the most out of the experience.

I do not tend to do a lot of writing outside of what is required of me for classes. I did take an Introduction to Creative Writing class last semester (I thought it would count for something in the Core...but it didn't). For that class, we wrote everything from short stories to poetry. I actually found that I can pass for a competent writer and rather enjoyed the poetry unit. For some reason, I simply cannot find the motivation to sit down and write unless it is assigned to me. As I said, I never thought much of my writing ability until I was told by several people that my writing wasn't half bad. I don't really hold any personal feelings on this matter though and leave it up to my peers to let me know how well I can create prose.

I am a member of many communities. First, I am a transplant Texan. Essentially, I was born elsewhere and now live in this state of Texas. While I don't feel the overwhelming pride that often goes with being a member of the Lonestar State, I do feel my loyalty growing each day I live here. Second, I am a member of the TCU community. This is a major aspect of my identity because I find that it tests my intelligence and increases my ability to truly participate in the 'real world.' Under the umbrella of the TCU community, I am also a member of Speech Pathology. This is part of my identity because my major sets out what I will do with my life after school. I am very excited about things to come and I have already found myself diagnosing kids I babysit or socialize with. I would like to work with special needs children and therefore have ingratiated myself with the students of Kinderfrogs. They are remarkable kids and I can't wait to work with others that are like them. Another community I am a part of is Eta Iota Sigma, the Christian sorority on campus. HIS is filled with wonderful women that are almost like a family to me. I am very grateful to be a part of it.

Everything is an argument whether we realize it or not. For instance, one argument I make in this blog is that what I am saying is worth posting on the Internet for many people to read. I make other arguments as well. I introduce myself by including my education level and my major, as I see these as part of my identity. Others may not see that this information is important while I have made an argument that it is. For the layout of my blog, I chose white and green as I believe that these are pleasing colors to the eye, however, others might think these clash and are even painful to look at. I believe that the argument that I have made is one of personal opinion. Essentially, it is my own personal opinion that what I have said is important and should be read. The fact that I finished this on time shows that I am dedicated to this course and want to succeed in it. That, is an argument of what is success in my eyes.

*I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus, which I see as a contract for our course.*

~Megan H~