The journey from student to medical researcher is humbling one. I'm standing on the shoulders of giants, using ideas that didn't take any significant amount of sacrifice or discipline for me to learn. While science is something that is inherited from our formers, proficiency in writing is attained by traveling. It's not limited to just physical traveling. The type of traveling I'm referring to also means reading a book, cracking jokes with your pals, watching a 'No Reservations' marathon on the TV, finishing off a platter of mystery sushi with a handful of wasabi paste. Experiencing life is integral to writing. This quarter's English 101 class encompasses these life experiences.
The class itinerary covered a trifecta of themes: identity, community and tradition. (aka, the Big Three) "Simple. I know what these are. I have a dictionary, too, and I know how to use it!" was my first impression. Within the first of each theme's week, I was floored by each one's complexity and by how little of a grasp I had in either of the three topics. Humility, like a steak, was rare and painful to swallow. (I'm a vegetarian)
Of the 'Big Three', identity was something I had the most familiarity in. Like many others, I questioned what it meant to be free and independent. From what I learned in twenty years, identity is whatever the individual chooses to assert. To say the least, I knew it had nothing to do with who or what you're affiliated with. Such was the case in Emily White's "High School's Secret Life", which described the clique-mentality that manifested itself in the school's cafeteria. The discussions with my peers challenged my conception of what identity is and how it is formed. I was frustrated, not only with the board discussions, but with the readings, as well. In "Dude Looks Like A Lady", Kathy Wilson expresses her dislike in being labeled as a man, yet Wilson does not hesitate to use labels on others. In "How to Tame a Wild Tong" Gloria Anzaldua, a professed feminist, chooses to continue speaking in a dialect that undermines femininity. It felt hypocritical.
To be honest, it was difficult to balance the insightful-versus-insensitive seesaw. I probably gave the impression of the latter. In retrospect, whether or not I was right or wrong is irrelevant. For myself, identity is an accumulation of different experiences, circumstances and, most importantly, actions. The former hodgepodge may not be what I'd consider my identity, but it wouldn't be my place to say the same for anyone else.
The same ambiguity carries onto the community theme. The word 'community' can represent a culture, an organization, an ethnic group, a weekend rotary club. There are many different varieties; however, every strong, cohesive community shares one thing in common: interdependence. I admire the concept of America's rugged individualism: to be independent, strong willed, and possess an unbendable conviction. (sans Chuck Norris's beard and mullet combo) Though, the Community spirit exhibits different virtues, (empathy, patience, hospitality, selflessness) they are no less important.
Communities are dualistic. In order to get the most out of the community, the individual needs to give back and, on some occasions, place the community's priorities over their own. The community gives back by offering stability and consolation. Even though the individual's interests are compromised, identity remains untouched. Every one is an individual, regardless of community preference. Had I learned this in high school, I wouldn't have been so hesitant to join clubs for fear of 'cramping my style'.
The Community unit of the class also analyzed the viewpoints of immigrants and other ethnic minorities living in America. Richard Rodrigruez's "Blaxicans and Other Reinvented Americans" describes how culture is never static. They are constantly adapting, rather than assimilating. After claiming residence in different countries, I haven't always been comfortable with my own ethnic community. For a long time, I have seen my ethnicity as a liability. After reading Rosario and Aurora Morales's "Ending Poem", I no longer feel that way. "Ending Poem" illustrated how one can be proud of their ethnic community, yet acknowledge how we're all world citizens. How I assert my own individuality isn't diluted by my ethnicity.
Family is the first community that we're a part of and with it comes traditions and values. When I was tot, my family would attend the summer Matsuri (festival) in Yokohama and participate in the springtime cherry blossom viewing. Appreciating the aesthetics of cherry blossoms was the last thing I wanted to do as a kid. (I usually leave out that tidbit when I tell the story) Now that I am an adult, I'm grateful that my parents took me there.
One of the unit's readings, Richard Pillsbury's "Thoroughly Modern Dining", detailed how technology is compromising those family traditions. Prior to reading that editorial, I've never seen technology as anything, but a form of convenience. Catalyst of the impending robot apocalypse, aside, technology has improved and streamlined our lifestyles. I-Pods, mini-LCD televisions, cellphones. Bit by bit, the same convenience is replacing those irreplaceable family conversations that occur in the in the dining room and the car commute. In spite of that, it's not entirely technology's fault. It's up to the individual to decide between listening to the Beatle's "Yellow Submarine" on their new i-Pod nano versus a friendly debate on contemporary politics with the folks.
For our class's final project, we are required to showcase four pieces that represent the following: critical thinking, revision skills, audience awareness and writer's choice.
I worked hard on each piece. Many Red Bulls were consumed in the process. Time will take its toll and I will look back at this quarter with vague familiarity. These pieces will serve as a reminder, for myself and others.
Of the 'Big Three', identity was something I had the most familiarity in. Like many others, I questioned what it meant to be free and independent. From what I learned in twenty years, identity is whatever the individual chooses to assert. To say the least, I knew it had nothing to do with who or what you're affiliated with. Such was the case in Emily White's "High School's Secret Life", which described the clique-mentality that manifested itself in the school's cafeteria. The discussions with my peers challenged my conception of what identity is and how it is formed. I was frustrated, not only with the board discussions, but with the readings, as well. In "Dude Looks Like A Lady", Kathy Wilson expresses her dislike in being labeled as a man, yet Wilson does not hesitate to use labels on others. In "How to Tame a Wild Tong" Gloria Anzaldua, a professed feminist, chooses to continue speaking in a dialect that undermines femininity. It felt hypocritical.
To be honest, it was difficult to balance the insightful-versus-insensitive seesaw. I probably gave the impression of the latter. In retrospect, whether or not I was right or wrong is irrelevant. For myself, identity is an accumulation of different experiences, circumstances and, most importantly, actions. The former hodgepodge may not be what I'd consider my identity, but it wouldn't be my place to say the same for anyone else.
The same ambiguity carries onto the community theme. The word 'community' can represent a culture, an organization, an ethnic group, a weekend rotary club. There are many different varieties; however, every strong, cohesive community shares one thing in common: interdependence. I admire the concept of America's rugged individualism: to be independent, strong willed, and possess an unbendable conviction. (sans Chuck Norris's beard and mullet combo) Though, the Community spirit exhibits different virtues, (empathy, patience, hospitality, selflessness) they are no less important.
Communities are dualistic. In order to get the most out of the community, the individual needs to give back and, on some occasions, place the community's priorities over their own. The community gives back by offering stability and consolation. Even though the individual's interests are compromised, identity remains untouched. Every one is an individual, regardless of community preference. Had I learned this in high school, I wouldn't have been so hesitant to join clubs for fear of 'cramping my style'.
The Community unit of the class also analyzed the viewpoints of immigrants and other ethnic minorities living in America. Richard Rodrigruez's "Blaxicans and Other Reinvented Americans" describes how culture is never static. They are constantly adapting, rather than assimilating. After claiming residence in different countries, I haven't always been comfortable with my own ethnic community. For a long time, I have seen my ethnicity as a liability. After reading Rosario and Aurora Morales's "Ending Poem", I no longer feel that way. "Ending Poem" illustrated how one can be proud of their ethnic community, yet acknowledge how we're all world citizens. How I assert my own individuality isn't diluted by my ethnicity.
Family is the first community that we're a part of and with it comes traditions and values. When I was tot, my family would attend the summer Matsuri (festival) in Yokohama and participate in the springtime cherry blossom viewing. Appreciating the aesthetics of cherry blossoms was the last thing I wanted to do as a kid. (I usually leave out that tidbit when I tell the story) Now that I am an adult, I'm grateful that my parents took me there.
One of the unit's readings, Richard Pillsbury's "Thoroughly Modern Dining", detailed how technology is compromising those family traditions. Prior to reading that editorial, I've never seen technology as anything, but a form of convenience. Catalyst of the impending robot apocalypse, aside, technology has improved and streamlined our lifestyles. I-Pods, mini-LCD televisions, cellphones. Bit by bit, the same convenience is replacing those irreplaceable family conversations that occur in the in the dining room and the car commute. In spite of that, it's not entirely technology's fault. It's up to the individual to decide between listening to the Beatle's "Yellow Submarine" on their new i-Pod nano versus a friendly debate on contemporary politics with the folks.
For our class's final project, we are required to showcase four pieces that represent the following: critical thinking, revision skills, audience awareness and writer's choice.
I worked hard on each piece. Many Red Bulls were consumed in the process. Time will take its toll and I will look back at this quarter with vague familiarity. These pieces will serve as a reminder, for myself and others.
3 comments:
Great opening paragraph. I especially liked all that went along with, "proficiency in writing is attained by traveling"
Pauline, have always looked forward to reading your thoughts and ideas in the discussion boards. You are a terrific writer, in which I must say I envy. I was looking forward to reading your well written portfolio as well and as i was positive I was not let down. You did an excellent job on this portfolio and still made think about some of the topics!
Pauline,
I've really enjoyed following you along on your journey here, both for and outside of class. I enjoy your quest for the big ideas out there and all the self-deprecating humor as well. You have a gift for language so I hope you will continue to pursue it!
Phebe
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