Monica Garcia's English 113 Portfolio



Letter

 

Dear Reader,

Welcome to my blog portfolio! My name is Monica Garcia and I am on my way to finish my first year of college. At the moment I am still undecided on what I would like to major in. But I plan to find the major that I am interested in through everyday life experiences. Throughout my first year in college I learned so much about myself. I learned how independent and responsible I can be. I have grown as a person and as a student. Although I have improved my writing skills with the help of English 113, I know there is still room for more improvement.

In my blog portfolio, I have chosen to include Project Text as my first essay and Project Web as my second essay. Project Text is based on the book Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. Project Text is one of my strongest essays. The topic of the essay is also one of my favorites. Project Web includes work I have done throughout the year in English 113. It states how much I have grown as a writer and overall as a student.

I appreciate the time you took reading my letter and I hope you enjoy reading both of the essays I have chosen for you to read. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Monica Garcia

Project Text

 

Changes of Lifestyle
 

 

            It is hard to understand and obey any law forcing individuals to change their way of living. In the book Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi there were many changes in the way of living during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Persepolis was written based on Satrapi’s childhood memories through her eyes as a child. Satrapi explains the difficulties she had changing her usual ways and getting in trouble for expressing herself with the things she liked. It was not just Satrapi who faced changes but other families as well and even the society as a whole. During the Islamic Revolution there were many changes in the lifestyles of many; the military began recruiting young boys, women lost their rights, and education became stricter for the adolescences.

            To begin, the military began recruiting teenage boys at age fourteen living in poverty which created a change in the military. This was a change within the military because at fourteen one is still considered immature and has not mentally or physically developed to the fullest. To join the military one should be mature and fully grown. Many of these fourteen year old boys were tricked into joining the military. Once in the military, they were given a key painted gold representing value. They were told if they were fortunate enough to die, the golden key would open the door into heaven. They were promised a better life than the one they were living in the lower class. As Mrs. Nasrine, Satrapi’s maid, explains, “They told him that in paradise there will be plenty of food, women and houses made of gold and diamonds” (100). The lifestyles of these teenage boys were changed completely. At such a young age their teenage years of finding love and friendship were taken away by a key painted gold. Not only were there changes in the military, but women had their rights and freedom taken away.



            Women faced many changes during the war. At the start of the Revolution, women were forced to wear veils over their heads. It was a change no one was used to. Young girls were confused about the veils and did not take them seriously. Satrapi explains in Persepolis, “We didn’t like to wear the veil, especially since we didn’t understand why we had to” (3). They were forced to do something they did not want to do. While some women appreciated the veil, others did not. With the start of the veils women lost their freedom and rights. There were also many situations when women were yelled at and disrespected by men when seen without the veil. They were thought of showing too much and going against the laws. Furthermore, Satrapi explains how she was not able to express her style in public without getting into trouble.

            In Satrapi’s teenage years, punk rock became the style in the United States but it was forbidden in Iran. Although it was forbidden, Satrapi listened to the music and enjoyed expressing it by the way she dressed. In the chapter “Kim Wilde” Satrapi explains how strict the dress code was within her country. After the return of her parents from their trip to Turkey, they brought back a pair of Nikes and a denim jacket for Satrapi. As she walked through the streets with her new clothes she was stopped by two guardian ladies. Satrapi states, “Their job was to put us back on the straight narrow by explaining the duties of Muslim women” (133). They judged her by the way she was dressed and wanted to report her to the committee, “the committee was the HQ of the guardians of the revolution” (Satrapi 133). Having a strict dress code became unfair to many individuals. Many were unable to express themselves without getting into trouble. They were forced to change their lifestyles to not have to worry about living a life in prison. While dress code became stricter, education also changed during the Islamic revolution.

            Satrapi explains in her book how students were separated in school based on their gender. While the boys were in one classroom, the girls were in another. Many were unable to see their friends due to the new rules in education. In school, girls were forced to wear their veils, remove any jewelry, and had to beat their chests twice a day in honor of the martyrs. Students were also taught false information about the shah and the prisoners. Teachers wanted to keep the truth away from the students. Satrapi explains in the book how she often stood up and corrected her teacher. Many times she got expelled for doing so. Satrapi had the knowledge to speak the truth about the revolution.

            Having to move to a different country was one of the greatest changes in an Iranian lifestyle. Furthermore, many teenage boys and girls were sent by their parents to different countries for the sake of their safety. In Persepolis, Satrapi discusses different situations in which many young teenage kids were sent off to a different country including herself. This led to their change of lifestyle. In the chapter “The Sheep” Satrapi states that her childhood friend left Iran to move to the United States. It was hard on her due to the fact that she liked him. In the chapter “The Passport” Satrapi discusses the worries and sadness parents experienced when their children went off to another country. If it was not for the revolution, the struggles and changes made would have not occurred.

            Lastly, Persepolis comes to an end with Satrapi moving to France. Marji’s parents decide she would have a better future and a safer environment in France. This was a change Satrapi was not expecting. She left her family and friends behind knowing she would not be seeing them as often as before. Satrapi states, “What I had feared was true. Maybe they’d come to visit, but we’d never live together again” (152). As Satrapi waited in the airport she witnessed her mother faint from sadness as Satrapi was getting ready for her flight. The revolution changed the lives of many.

            In conclusion, there were many changes during the time of the revolution. Young boys were getting recruited into the military while women were losing their rights and freedom. Education became stricter and students were being taught false information. There were many changes in life which became very unfair to some individuals. During times of hardship, people should stay strong and strive for the best with a positive mind. Persepolis is a reminder of staying strong and standing up for one’s own beliefs.   

Works Cited

Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. New York: Random, 2003. Print.

 

 

 

Project Web

Improvements Made My Freshman Year

            Transferring from high school to a university can be tough with a lot to get used to. There is a lot more homework and reading assignments than there was in high school. Students also need to learn to become more responsible and independent. The first year of college can be very stressful and hard to get used to. With the help of teachers and classmates, students can become more comfortable on their campus. English 113A and B has taught me a lot that will greatly benefit me in the future. English 113A and B have prepared me for the next couple years in Cal State Northridge. English 113A and B have helped me become a more responsible and confident student, and with the help of the ethnography project, studying rhetoric, and analyzing different information I have learned to become more observant.

            To begin, English 113A and B have helped me become a better student. It helped me become more aware of my surroundings and it showed me how to look at things deeper with an open mind. As a freshman, English 113A and B gave me an understanding of what college is all about. The deadlines, projects, essays and group activities done in English 113A and B have made me become more comfortable in the college setting. This class prepared me for my next couple years in Cal State Northridge; the things I learned in this class will help me in the long run. This is important for me because it has helped me grow as a student and it helped me prepare for the upcoming academic challenges in the future. It also helped me on becoming more confident and independent. Transferring into college after high school was an achievement but it also brought the fear of failing or the thought of college being too challenging. English 113A and B showed me that working hard and striving for something you want can help you become successful. I have gained grades in this class that I am very proud of. Doing every homework assignment has made me realized how it is all up to me. I made the effort and pushed myself to earn good grades by always doing my assignments. This is what helped me become more responsible. I know this will definitely help me in the long run whether in school or in a future career. It helped me become independent because I earned good grades by showing up to class everyday and staying after class to ask for help. While English 113A and B has helped me become a more responsible student, it has also helped me become observant by teaching me about rhetoric and how people use different techniques to grab ones attention.



Rhetorical Triangle

            Rhetoric consists of three strategies: Pathos, Ethos, and Logos. Pathos is used to make the person being persuaded feel emotion. Ethos gives credit to someone of authority such as doctors or judges and finally Logos is used when showing logic or statistics. Studying rhetoric made me realize how much it is used each day, from commercials and advertisements to my niece asking my sister for candy and soda. Studying rhetoric has taught me how to observe people and what their intentions are. When using Logos, it is very easy for people to be persuaded into believing something is true. It can easily convince people to buy a product. While Rhetoric has helped me understand the strategies used in everyday situations, English 113A and B has also helped me analyze and think much deeper when studying and reading.

            The poem, “It’s a Woman’s World” by Eavan Boland, is very interesting when studied carefully. Studying this poem has showed me how to deeply analyze readings and information given to me. The importance of knowing how to analyzing information helps me to better understand reading assignments that lead to class discussions. When reading the poem, “It’s a Woman’s World”, it is hard to understand what the speaker is trying to say. It can also be very difficult interpreting lines in the poem. After carefully analyzing the poem I got a better understand and realized how important the topic really is. The poem “It’s a Woman’s World” encourages women to be strong and independent. Although women should be strong, the poem states how a woman’s sensitive and fragile side is shown with the thought of her children. This is described in the tenth stanza, “By night our windows / Moth our children / to the flame” (Boland 38-40). Knowing how to analyze text helped me on how to better understand what is being said. English 113A and B has also helped me understand material being taught in my classes and perform well in all my classes when doing exams and quizzes.

Santa Monica Pier

     While English 113A and B helped me understand my readings, it also helped me understand my surroundings. Things in life are sometimes taken for granted. Spaces and our surroundings are sometimes not appreciated. We sometimes forget they are there for us to enjoy or help us make a living off of them. During my ethnography in Santa Monica Pier I realized how much I take for granted every day. Doing my ethnography showed me how spaces can be used very differently. It also made me realize that there are many places I can enjoy with loved ones that I have not experienced yet. Watching many excited faces at the Santa Monica Pier made me realize how important it is to enjoy my surroundings and take advantage of them. Santa Monica pier is used for entertainment but it is used by many as a place to make their living. Those who use the space to make a living, take advantage of the fact that Santa Monica Pier attracts visitors whether from Los Angeles or tourists traveling from outside of the West coast. The ethnography project also showed me how different spaces bring different emotions. A place by the beach gives the visitor more peaceful and relaxed feeling while a busy highway can cause stress and frustration. Also how objects placed in a given setting create different vibes. As well as, if the setting looks dirty and messy it makes the visitor not want to stay for very long. On the other hand, if the setting is beautiful and clean, it attracts a lot more visitors and makes the attraction much more enjoyable.

            Over all, English 113A and B has made me grow as a student. It has showed me how to become more observant, responsible, and hard working. The things I learned in English 113A and B will not only help me in my academics but in the future after college. It has helped me to know how important it is to analyze my surroundings. Every bit of information learned in English 113 A and B has made me improve my role as a student.

 

Works Cited

 

Boland, Eavan. “It’s a Woman’s World.” (Course Handout)



Project Web

Improvements Made My Freshman Year

 

            Transferring from high school to a university can be tough with a lot to get used to. There is a lot more homework and reading assignments than there was in high school. Students also need to learn to become more responsible and independent. The first year of college can be very stressful and hard to get used to. With the help of teachers and classmates, students can become more comfortable on their campus. English 113A and B has taught me a lot that will greatly benefit me in the future. English 113A and B have prepared me for the next couple years in Cal State Northridge. English 113A and B have helped me become a more responsible and confident student, and with the help of the ethnography project, studying rhetoric, and analyzing different information I have learned to become more observant.

            To begin, English 113A and B have helped me become a better student. It helped me become more aware of my surroundings and it showed me how to look at things deeper with an open mind. As a freshman, English 113A and B gave me an understanding of what college is all about. The deadlines, projects, essays and group activities done in English 113A and B have made me become more comfortable in the college setting. This class prepared me for my next couple years in Cal State Northridge; the things I learned in this class will help me in the long run. This is important for me because it has helped me grow as a student and it helped me prepare for the upcoming academic challenges in the future. It also helped me on becoming more confident and independent. Transferring into college after high school was an achievement but it also brought the fear of failing or the thought of college being too challenging. English 113A and B showed me that working hard and striving for something you want can help you become successful. I have gained grades in this class that I am very proud of. Doing every homework assignment assigned has made me realized how it is all up to me. I made the effort and pushed myself to earn good grades by always doing my assignments. This is what helped me become more responsible. I know this will definitely help me in the long run whether in school or in a future career. It helped me become independent because I earned good grades by showing up to class everyday and staying after class to ask for help. While English 113A and B has helped me become a more responsible student, it has also helped me become observant by teaching me about rhetoric and how people use different techniques to grab ones attention.

Rhetorical Triangle

            Rhetoric consists of three strategies: Pathos, Ethos, and Logos. Pathos is used to make the person being persuaded feel emotion. Ethos gives credit to someone of authority such as doctors or judges and finally Logos is used when showing logic or statistics. Studying rhetoric made me realize how much it is used each day, from commercials and advertisements to my niece asking my sister for candy and soda. Studying rhetoric has taught me how to observe people and what their intentions are. When using Logos, it is very easy for people to be persuaded into believing something is true. It can easily convince people to buy a product. While Rhetoric has helped me understand the strategies used in everyday situations, English 113A and B has also helped me analyze and think much deeper when studying and reading. 

            The poem, “It’s a Woman’s World” by Eavan Boland, is very interesting when studied carefully. Studying this poem has showed me how to deeply analyze readings and information given to me. The importance of knowing how to analyzing information helps me to better understand reading assignments that lead to class discussions. When reading the poem, “It’s a Woman’s World”, it is hard to understand what the speaker is trying to say. It can also be very difficult interpreting lines in the poem. After carefully analyzing the poem I got a better understand and realized how important the topic really is. The poem “It’s a Woman’s World” encourages women to be strong and independent. Although women should be strong, the poem states how a woman’s sensitive and fragile side is shown with the thought of her children. This is described in the tenth stanza, “By night our windows / Moth our children / to the flame” (Boland 38-40). Knowing how to analyze text helped me on how to better understand what is being said. English 113A and B has also helped me understand material being taught in my classes and perform well in all my classes when doing exams and quizzes. While English 113A and B helped me understand my readings, it also helped me understand my surroundings.

Santa Monica Pier

English 113A and B have also helped me become more aware of my surroundings. Things in life are sometimes taken for granted. Spaces and our surroundings are sometimes not appreciated. We sometimes forget they are there for us to enjoy or help us make a living off of them. During my ethnography in Santa Monica Pier I realized how much I take for granted every day. Doing my ethnography showed me how spaces can be used very differently. It also made me realize that there are many places I can enjoy with loved ones that I have not experienced yet. Watching many excited faces at the Santa Monica Pier made me realize how important it is to enjoy my surroundings and take advantage of them. Santa Monica pier is used for entertainment but it is used by many as a place to make their living. Those who use the space to make a living, take advantage of the fact that Santa Monica Pier attracts visitors whether from Los Angeles or tourists traveling from outside of the West coast. The ethnography project also showed me how different spaces bring different emotions. A place by the beach gives the visitor more peaceful and relaxed feeling while a busy highway can cause stress and frustration. Also how objects placed in a given setting create different vibes. As well as, if the setting looks dirty and messy it makes the visitor not want to stay for very long. On the other hand, if the setting is beautiful and clean, it attracts a lot more visitors and makes the attraction much more enjoyable.

            Over all, English 113A and B has made me grow as a student. It has showed me how to become more observant, responsible, and hard working. The things I learned in English 113A and B will not only help me in my academics but in the future after college. It has helped me to know how important it is to analyze my surroundings. Every bit of information learned in English 113 A and B has made me improve my role as a student. 

Works Cited

Boland, Eavan. “It’s a Woman’s World.” (Course Handout)

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

            Space can be used in different ways. Each space can give off different emotions and vibes to individuals. Space can be created for entertainment, business or it can even be the space in a home. Space is made by an individual and it is also what an individual makes of it. Santa Monica Pier is a tourist attraction as well as a place where families and couples can enjoy their day. Santa Monica Pier also represents Los Angeles because of the beach and the bright lights it displays at night. Although, the space in Santa Monica pier is seen and used differently by visitors, for some the space represents business, time well spent with loved ones, memories and history.

            To begin, Santa Monica pier is used by many individuals as a place where they can make a living. While walking into the boardwalk there is a man with three parrots. He allows people to hold his parrots and take pictures with them for a certain amount of money. The parrots are very entertaining and they even know how to speak. In the beginning of the pier there are also many stands where people sell sweaters, glasses and different souvenirs. After passing the arcade and the rides, the pier offers space to many performers who show off their talents for money. There is a man painted in silver acting as a robot. He has speakers with him and dances with the music for money. There is also a man who sculpts clay for money. He can sculpt different faces from celebrities to costumers. This gives an individual a chance to take it home as a souvenir and it helps the sculpture make his living as well. In the boardwalk there is also a palm reader. She has a crystal ball and sits in a chair with a table that is covered by different cloths. She also makes her living off of this. There are clowns, artists who draw names with different characters, and even face painters. These individuals take advantage of the space offered and the attention brought to Santa Monica Pier to show off their talents and make their living off of it. The space in Santa Monica Pier is used for attractions and business.

Performers on the Pier

 

            Walking into the pier there are different restaurants, attractions and small businesses. On the right side of the pier there is a restaurant called Bubba Gump which is very famous and inspired by the movie Forrest Gump. By the end of the pier and boardwalk there is another restaurant called Mariasol Cocina Mexicana. There is also a place for burgers and seafood. The food court located in the center of the park offers Pizza Hut and Taco Bell as well. The restaurants use the space to complete the park. It gives the people an opportunity to stay in the amusement park and eat after a long day rather than searching for something outside the park. In the center of the amusement park there are many attractions. There is a roller coaster and ferris wheel that adults and kids can enjoy. There is also a carousel and an arcade room that has plenty of games for everyone to enjoy. Santa Monica Pier also offers a Trapeze School where anyone can be taught how to swing from ropes high above the ground. The space is used for everyone to enjoy and many of the attractions are there to make money off of them. Santa Monica Pier also has an aquarium where families can visit. In the aquarium, many can learn more about the different fish and what is really in the ocean. There are also stores on the side of the boardwalk that give people the opportunity to buy sweaters and different objects representing Los Angeles, such as, sunglasses since many believe Los Angeles has the best weather in the United States. The setting in Santa Monica Pier changes once the sun sets. Carousel Bubba Gump Restaurant

            Santa Monica Pier attracts different people during the day and during the night. During the day there are many more families with their children enjoying the space while at night there are many couples and groups of friends. During the day the performers and face painters are a good entertainment for children. Families also enjoy the beach with their families when the sun is out. While many can enjoy the rides on the pier, others can also enjoy the beach and water. During the day there are many men fishing at the end of the pier. Although there are two signs that clearly state “Do Not Eat the Fish” and “No Fishing Allowed” people still use the space to fish with their children. The space gives the visitors a different vibe during the night. During the night there are many more couples enjoying the romantic scenery. Some sit by the shore with their loved ones as well. Groups of friends are also seen at night. Santa Monica Pier is also a place where people can go to spend time and enjoy the space after school or work with friends and family. The space has a lot of history.

The pier has a lot of history to it and it also holds many interesting facts. When Santa Monica pier was being constructed in 1909, its main purpose was a sewage system. The space was being used to dispose the sewage from the city. This system was discontinued in the 1920’s. The space was then created into an amusement park. Running, swimming, and boating events took place on the pier once it was built. In 1916 all the rides and attractions were brought into the pier. The stores and food courts were later built using the space on the pier. Today towards the end of the pier the space is used by a small store. On the window of the store there is a sign that states it is the farthest store into the ocean in the West. Santa Monica has a lot of history and interesting facts as well. Santa Monica Pier represents Los Angeles.

            Santa Monica Pier is a big part of Los Angeles. It is a place to experience when visiting Los Angeles. The city of Los Angeles has many bright lights in all the tall skyscrapers. Los Angeles is also known for being close to the beach. The pier at night has many bright lights. The lights on the ferris wheel make the pier look the most attractive and it gives it a magical setting. Los Angeles is also known for the many restaurants and shopping centers. The pier also offers this to tourists and those enjoying the amusement park. The beach surrounding the pier also gives it the Los Angeles feel. The space in Los Angeles and Santa Monica pier has also been used in the music video Kings and Queens by Forty Seconds to Mars. It shows many people riding bicycles all through Los Angeles and ending in Santa Monica Pier. This represents that Santa Monica Pier is a part of Los Angeles. Santa Monica Pier is visited and known by many.

  Bright Lights at Night 

            The essay “Minnie Riperton Saved My Life” by Luis Alfaro, is about Alfaro’s life in Los Angeles. It is about his life growing up in the working class. He writes about the places where he felt the most comfortable and the places he was able to be himself. Alfaro felt the most comfortable when he was around Latinos like him. He also felt comfortable in jazz clubs where he was able to enjoy what he liked best. Santa Monica pier is very diverse and multicultural. It is a place where one can feel comfortable and fit in with the rest of the people. It can be described as the backyard of those living in Los Angeles. It is also a place where people can enjoy themselves and get away from the usual. Different spaces also create different emotions and moods.

            In the text book, Convergences, it gives the reader different deffinitions of space. The stories within the section of space explain that space can be the waiting room of an airport or simply a sidewalk on the side of the road. Space can be defined as what an individual makes of it. For example, a basketball court on the side of the street with a basket as the hoop can be just as an actual court to those who are passionate about it. It may not look like a normal basketball court but the space is used exactly the same. Just as Santa Monica pier, the space is used differently by the different visitors the pier attracts. In the essay “Nowhere Man” by Pico Lyer, he explains how spaces can also create emotion. An airport can bring happiness, excitement and even sadness. It is a place where people say their goodbye’s or go off to vacation. Just as, the Santa Monica pier brings happiness and excitement to people. Santa Monica beach can also bring solace to the visitors. It can also bring joy when creating memories at the pier.

            Space is used differently by people. In Santa Monica Pier some use it as a place to make their living while others use it as a space in which they can have a good time. It is also used for business. Santa Monica Pier attracts different people with different ethnicities and cultures. It also attracts many tourists. The space makes it Los Angeles with the bright lights during the night and the salty breeze the beach brings to the pier.

Works Cited

Alfaro, Luis. “Minnie Riperton Saved My Life”. Another City. Ed. David L. Ulin. Print.

Atwan, Robert. “Basketball Photos”. Convergences. Ed. Robert Atwan. Boston: Bedford/St.

Martin’s, 2009. Print

Atwan, Robert. “Nowhere Man”. Convergences. Ed. Robert Atwan. Boston: Bedford/St.

Martin’s, 2009. Print.

 

Unknown. “It all Started in 1909”. http://santamonicapier.org/. History. Santa Monica Pier.

2012. Web. March 31, 2013.

Ethnography

Monica Garcia

Professor Kitty Nard

English 113B

18 March 2013

Ethnography on Space

          Space is used in different and unique ways. Space is made up by what an individual makes of it and how the individual puts their heart into it. For example, an open field of space can be turned into a baseball field. Even if it is not professionally build like the Dodger stadium, to those who are passionate about it will use the space as if it was a field made for professions. As well as a home or a room in a home, an individual uses and builds the space to feel comfort in it. The Santa Monica Pier is a big part of Los Angeles. It is known by many and visited by many every day. Although, Santa Monica pier is visited by many, this space is used by tourists, fisherman and it is occupied by many workers.

            To begin, Santa Monica pier fits its purpose. It is a place where people can enjoy their time with their family and children or a place to take a significant other. During the day there are many families enjoying the day with their kids. There are also many men fishing during the day. During my visit I noticed a sign that clearly states “No Fishing” and another that stated “Do Not Eat the Fish”. Walking towards the end of the pier there are also many people showing their talents for money. There are many face painters, people who paint portraits of others, a man painted in silver acting as a robot and I even saw a palm reader. They use the space in the pier to show their talents. During the night I noticed more couples and groups of friends. The lights on the ferris wheel also look beautiful during the night. The pier from a far looks very beautiful but once on the pier it looks less attractive and not too clean. The water is also a very dark green. Santa Monica Pier is considered “Los Angeles”.

            Santa Monica pier is visited by many tourists each day. Visiting Santa Monica pier is a good way to fully experience Los Angeles. It is very diverse and multicultural just like Los Angeles. Los Angeles is also famous for the tall buildings and bright lights. The lights on the ferris wheel make it “LA”.  Walking through the pier there are also many stores on the sides. There is an aquarium which everyone can visit and many stores and stands selling t-shirts, sweaters, and souvenirs. At the end of the pier there is a restaurant and even a small store which has a sign that says it is the farthest store into the ocean. This is also “LA” due to the fact that Los Angeles is known for the many restaurants and shopping centers. The history of Santa Monica pier holds meaning towards many.

            Finally, Santa Monica pier holds a lot of history. It was built in 1909. A sewage system was built under the pier but was discontinued in the 1920’s. This pier was also very famous for catching fish. There was also a ballroom which many people attended. Now the biggest entertainments in the pier are the rides and music. There is also an arcade area and a carousel that many can enjoy.  Santa Monica pier also holds meaning for me. As a kid, I enjoyed many weekends in the pier with my family. My dad always enjoyed taking my sisters and I to the pier to spend time with each other. It also holds meaning to me because my high school graduating class took a senior trip to Santa Monica pier. The pier can also hold a lot of meaning to many people. It is a place where many couples can go on dates and spend time with their loved ones. Santa Monica pier creates and holds memories for many.

            In conclusion, Santa Monica pier fits its purpose. It is a place where people can get away and enjoy themselves either on the pier or on the beach. It is considered to be “LA” due to the diversity and the many cultures as well as the many bright lights it presents at night. The space is being used by the entertainment, stores, restaurants and even the people on the sides of the pier showing their talents for money.

 

Works Cited

http://santamonicapier.org/history/

  

  

Another City: An Empty Classroom

 

Monica Garcia

Professor Kitty Nard

English 113B

9 March 2013

 

 

 

Summary of Another City: An Empty Classroom, Lincoln Heights

The poem an “An Empty Classroom” by William Archila takes place in a classroom in Lincoln Heights. This poem is written by the eyes of the teacher inside the classroom. He explains how the students are all reading and eager to learn. He also explains how the classroom becomes empty by the sound of sirens.

My Understanding

After understanding who the Author is and where he comes from I got a better understanding of the poem. The students in the poem are immigrants or kids of immigrant parents. The author states that the students have a chance of growing up into poverty if they do not obtain better education. These students are more likely to become construction workers or work with sewing machines just like their parents. The setting, Lincoln Heights, is known as “ghetto” and under privileged.

Questions I Still Have

What is the author trying to say about the sirens? Does it connect with the rain or the setting? Why does the author speak about the classroom becoming empty and later speaking about students in their seats?

Summary of Clusters

Monica Garcia
Professor Kitty Nard
English 113B
2 March 2013

Summary of Public Spaces

Public spaces are places we experience every day. It is also known as transit space. We use public spaces when going to different places such as an elevator, sidewalk, gas stations, motels and even parking lots. The most common public spaces are sidewalks. Sidewalks are used every day to get from one place to another. Public spaces are also built depending on what they are and can make you feel a certain way. For example, a waiting area of an airport can make you feel nervous or excited.

Summary of Nowhere Man

In the essay, Nowhere Man by Pico Lyer, he describes his life of traveling by plane since the age of nine. He defines the airport as a public space and gives more meaning to what a public space really is. He has become accustomed to airports since he traveled to school by plane at an early age. He describes his life as a traveler. Traveling gives him freedom and many different locations to choose from. This public place known as the airport has become a familiar place to him. As he waits for his luggage he describes it as a carousel waiting for his life to be claimed.

Reading this work from the cluster of public space gives me a different view of an airport. I have only been on a plane once and I do not have much experience being in an airport. An airport is a place where family members arrive from a different state or even a different country. It is a public space in which people can reunite or say their goodbyes. It can also be a place of excitement when leaving to go on vacation.

Persepolis Essay

Monica Garcia

Professor Nard

English 113B

17 February 2013

Changes of Lifestyle

            It is hard to understand and obey any law forcing individuals to change their way of living. In the book Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi there were many changes in the way of living during the Revolution. Persepolis was written based on Satrapi’s childhood memories through her eyes as a child. Satrapi explains the difficulties she had changing her usual ways and getting in trouble for expressing herself with the things she liked. It was not just Satrapi who faced changes but other families as well and even the society as a whole. Although there were many changes in the lifestyles of many, there was a great impact on the military, women, education and in many adolescences.

            To begin, the military began recruiting teenage boys at age fourteen living in poverty which created a change in the military. This was a change within the military because at fourteen one is still considered immature and has not mentally or physically developed to the fullest. To join the military one should be mature and fully grown. Many of these fourteen year old boys were tricked into joining the military. They were given a key painted gold representing value. They were told if they were fortunate enough to die, the golden key would open the door into heaven. They were promised a better life than the one they were living in the lower class. As Mrs. Nasrine, Satrapi’s maid, explains, “‘They told him that in paradise there will be plenty of food, women and houses made of gold and diamonds’” (100). The lifestyles of these teenage boys were changed completely. At such a young age their teenage years of finding love and friendship was taken away by a key painted gold. Not only were there changes in the military, women had their rights and freedom taken away.

            Furthermore, women faced many changes during the war. At the start of the Revolution, women were forced to wear veils over their heads. It was a change no one was used to. Young girls were confused about the veils and did not take it seriously. Satrapi explains in Persepolis, “We didn’t like to wear the veil, especially since we didn’t understand why we had to” (3). They were forced to do something they did not want to do. While some women appreciated the veil, others did not. With the start of the veils women lost their freedom and rights. There were also many situations when women were yelled at and disrespected by men when seen without the veil. They were though of showing too much and going against the laws. Satrapi also explains how she was not able to express her style in public without getting into trouble.

In Satrapi’s teenage years, punk rock became the style in the United States but it was forbidden in Iran. Although it was forbidden, Satrapi listened to the music and enjoyed expressing it by the way she dressed. In the chapter “Kim Wilde” Satrapi explains how strict the dress code was within her country. After the return of her parents from their trip to Turkey, they brought back a pair of Nikes and a denim jacket for Satrapi. As she walked through the streets with her new clothes she was stopped by two guardian ladies. Satrapi states, “Their job was to put us back on the straight narrow by explaining the duties of Muslim women” (133). They judged her by the way she was dressed and wanted to report her to the committee, “The committee was the HQ of the guardians of the revolution” (Satrapi 133). This became unfair to many individuals. Many were unable to express themselves without getting into trouble. They were forced to change their lifestyles to not have to worry about living a life in prison. Education also changed during the revolution.

Satrapi explains in her book how students were separated in school based on their gender. While the boys were in one classroom the girls were in another. Many were unable to see their friends due to the new rules in education. In school, girls were forced to wear their veils, remove any jewelry, and had to beat their chests twice a day in honor of the martyrs. Students were also taught false information about the shah and the prisoners. They wanted to keep the truth away from the students. Satrapi explains in the book how she often stood up and corrected her teacher. Many times she got expelled for doing so. Satrapi had the knowledge to speak the truth about the revolution. Having to move to a different country was one of the greatest changes in an Iranian lifestyle.

Furthermore, many teenage boys and girls were sent by their parents to different countries for the sake of their safety. In Persepolis, Satrapi discusses different situations in which many young teenage kids were sent off to a different country including herself. This led to their change of lifestyle. In the chapter “The sheep” Satrapi states that her childhood friend left Iran to move to the United States. It was hard on her due to the fact that she liked him. In the chapter “The Passport” Satrapi discusses the worries and sadness parents experienced when their children went off to another country. If it was not for the revolution, the struggles and changes made would have not occurred.

Lastly, Persepolis comes to an end with Satrapi moving to France. Satrapi’s parents decide she would have a better future and a safe environment in France. This was a change Satrapi was not expecting. She left her family and friends behind knowing she would not be seeing them as often as before. Satrapi states, “What I had feared was true. Maybe they’d come to visit, but we’d never live together again” (152). As Satrapi waited in the airport she witnessed her mother faint from sadness as Satrapi was getting ready for her flight. The revolution changed the lives of many.

            In conclusion, there were many changes during the time of the revolution. Young boys were getting recruited into the military while women were losing their rights and freedom. Education became stricter and students were being taught false information. There were many changes in life which became very unfair to some individuals. Also, due to the revolution many young teenage boys and girls were sent off to different countries for a better future. Persepolis is a reminder of staying strong and standing up for one’s own beliefs.