Test Anxiety at it’s Finest (Unit 1) 

What I am changing about this paper is organizing my thoughts and having an outline prepared, so I can go with the flow. I’m going to keep in mind that it’s okay to have numerous amount of ideas, but for this piece in particular my main idea is on education and how tests defy the education process, but it’s there for a reason.

Whenever I sit in a classroom I tend to space out and look at the environment around me. I see bulletin boards, events on a calendar, a blue sky faded from the sun shone through the window, and classmates. I put down my school bad and take out my notebook filled with notes and doodles that I do when I’m not reading the room around me. I might as well address the elephant in the room, whenever there’s a test I’m least bit informed and confused. I’m confused because I don’t seem smart enough to comprehend material the way everyone else does, even though everyone is different. My perception on education let alone how I’m educated is not odd but there are so many things off about the education system which left me with a lot of questions. Forgot to emphasize, “stupid questions.” The scope of it all starts at the fact I have a late birthday which made me so sad because I was the younger kids in the classroom and such a disadvantage in the school environment. I was envious of “older” kids because they had early birthdays so they seemed to be learning fine, but for me there had to be some sort of guidance or help. In high school during my sophomore year of geometry, I really questioned why I needed to know the proof of a triangle because it’s not gonna help me prove a crime there’s no correlation to that. The wonder carries on that my anxiety for tests will increase, but I hoped things will be different in college.

High school was kind of a hell for me, since the learning seemed to be more extensive and I had to tackle new heights of education. I started to develop test anxiety, it was so bad that I looked at every test like a monster was about to eat me alive. I felt really incapable of learning as my mind went braindead everyday. Sometimes I didn’t have the energy to wake up in the morning and repeat the never ending of cycle of failing. Then came around that one class I took in sophomore year which was Computer Applications II which was a class that taught me the fundamentals of Microsoft Powerpoint and Microsoft Excel. I knew of those applications but really understand those applications in depth, really changed my perspective in learning other than academics. I continued to do business classes, getting the feel of it all. A momentous occasion came at the end of junior year, I signed up for the business program. I applied for it, interviewed for it, and got accepted to it. I was really excited about something and I haven’t felt that way in a while. I tried to develop new skills by learning things hands on. I was a manager in the “virtual business” we were running so my job was to keep everyone in check by taking attendance, make sure devices were put away at the end of the class, and being everyone’s support to fall back on when everything gets tough. In the Human Resources department of a real life office, their job is be the ethical support of the company and employees can go to them when they are not feeling good. I was glad to be a part of something that taught me what it would be like to be a part of a team.

Senior year made me feel like a “king” because as pretentious as I was I devoted all my time into school work and college applications. Virtual Enterprise (business program) started to bloom like a flower and I was really invested in it. I truly feel as though the world was looking up at me because senior year of high school seemed to be a breeze. Quickly like a bee I was stung with SAT’s that creeped my test anxiety again. I was able to get a decent score on them, but it bothered me that most colleges require a “good” or “perfect” SAT to determine the next four years of my life. For me it sounds messed up, because why should one exam of hard questions be the pivot of college? I already suck at tests, so I get more tests thrown at me? Must be nice being smart, if I shouldn’t degrade myself by calling me dumb at least I’m mediocre to score 4 digits on my SAT’s. Why does it have to be me? Why does my brain not get anything? Maybe, I’m blind-sighted and distracted or I need to be alone.

I’m just going to say it very bluntly, the education system is flawed. One major reason it is flawed because school indirectly tells us that if we don’t pass a test we can’t move forward. The “me” back then believed that to be true, that it is factual, and 100% accurate. The “me” now knows that tests are not what make up intelligence and that it’s just a factor of the academic process. Why do we take tests, in particular end of the year exams?  To evaluate what we learned in the school year and how much we remember the material. Even though I was weak and forgetful, I didn’t let that consume what I know and how can I apply my own strategies to get a passing score. My parents did not want me to falter and give up, and they knew I had low self-esteem and little to no confidence. But, all those factors aside I kept on going to school just to make it here (college).

I wasn’t one of those kids who have a “fixed dream” because I didn’t know who I wanted to be when I grow up. All I need to start my dream was education. As much as the education system is flawed, I went through with it because without it I would be unreliable in a lot of places. For example, if I got a job and without having any social cue’s at school how am I supposed to connect with folks in the “real world?” I know that in this era of social media and the constant development of technology school can be “useless.” But, that aside I learn a lot of things without education being in a category of school, whereas social media and Google telling me about real world problems that ancient textbooks can’t teach me about because all of that text occurs in the past. Overall, education is relevant for me and I need it to continue moving forward in institution and life.

Reviewer’s Memo:

I wrote this because I want you to understand my journey of how education began for me. I hope it would turn on that light switch of yours in your head and let your mind wander in a lot of questions and thoughts as to want I proposed to you. What I want you to take away from this piece is me reflecting on how education makes me agitated due to my test anxiety but focusing on education in aspects other than academics. What I feel about this project right now is that it’s in the making of a work I will be happy of later when I make edits and revisions to it. Do you think my piece works? Have I touched on a lot of points that seem to connect together? By any means does my essay give a theme rather two? Does my paper have a motifs? If this were your essay, what would you do next? I would like to have your feedback.

Earth’s Near Destruction (Unit 2)

What I attempt to change about this paper is explaining my quotes and having more of a structure to my piece. I feel as though my introduction is weak however that can be changed using the acronym PIE. Every time I use a quote I will try to emphasize and not repeat myself multiple times.

Question: What can be done about climate change right now?

We live on a planet where the Earth is made up of mostly water and have greenery which are the trees and bushes. Two parts of the Earth are water and land. What if there’s an imbalance which causes these two properties to shift? Maybe, it has to do with climate change or in other words global warming. Do you think Global Warming is real? Many thought it was just a theory, however it is so much more.

There are adequacy to global trends explained by NASA, a motivational speaker speaking up about climate change to engage a younger generation, and ten simple ways to act on climate change as well as possible solutions so Earth doesn’t meet its destruction. If I found something that is not in my itinerary, I plan to take that information and send it to a positive direction that way this information can be put to good use someday.

There’s a question I want you to keep in mind: what can be done about climate change right now? Using genres like environmental blogs, environmental literature, and social media lets brainstorm together and open doors for folks who do not understand that this is not a game, not a trivial matter, and not something to make jokes about. The Earth has feelings too and it expresses itself based on what we do and how we take care of it.

Part 1:

Buis, A. (2020, January 09). Study Confirms Climate Models are Getting Future Warming Projections Right – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. Retrieved October 30, 2020, from https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2943/study-confirms-climate-models-are-getting-future-warming-projections-right/

*Cited in APA Format*

Part 2:

The beginning of the article starts off with an old saying that can measure the quality of something once put to the test. There are climate models which are mathematical computer simulations to interact with Earth’s climate. It’s been wonder for people on how climate models can make future climate conditions. The benchmark to good science is the ability to make predictions that can be testable. Climate models have been predicted since the 1970’s and it’s all a matter of how reliable it is to the climate conditions now. A research team led by Zeke Hausfather of the University of California, Berkeley conducted a systematic evaluation of the performance of past climate models. the team compared 17 model projections of global average temperature developed between 1970 to 2007, including some originally developed by NASA, with real time changes in global temperature observed through the end of 2017. The results are 10 model projections closely matched observations. Scientists using climate models to better understand how Earth’s climate changed in the past, how it’s changing now, and what future global trends will look like.

Part 3:

This text proved to me that climate models are accurate. The research we have right now (present) is going to affect research coming later because everything is blend of something. This information from a NASA article makes way for other researchers and scientists.

Part 4:

“To successfully match new observational data, climate model projections have to encapsulate the physics of the climate and also make accurate predictions about future carbon dioxide emission levels and other factors that affect climate, such as solar variability, volcanoes, other human-produced and natural emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols.”

“This study’s accounting for differences between the projected and actual emissions and other factors allowed a more focused evaluation of the models’ representation of Earth’s climate system.”

Part 1: 

Hansen, J. (n.d.). Transcript of “Why I must speak out about climate change”. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://www.ted.com/talks/james_hansen_why_i_must_speak_out_about_climate_change/transcript?language=en

*Cited in APA Format*

Part 2: 

James Hansen talks about the generality of climate change and why it is important to speak on it. Hansen states, “I was fortunate to join NASA and successfully propose an experiment to fly to Venus. Our instrument took this image of the veil of Venus, which turned out to be a smog of sulfuric acid. But while our instrument was being built, I became involved in calculations of the greenhouse effect here on Earth, because we realized that our atmospheric composition was changing.” Hansen talked about the greenhouse effect telling me, “… that gasses such as CO2 absorb heat, thus acting like a blanket warming Earth’s surface. In Hansen’s Ted Talk he states that, “By 15 years later, evidence of global warming was much stronger. Most of the things mentioned in our 1981 paper were facts. I had the privilege to speak twice to the president’s climate task force. But energy policies continued to focus on finding more fossil fuels.” There is a greed and desire for fossil fuels. Humans feel the need to have fossils but the effects of dire. 

Global warming is affecting a lot of folks. Stated in the Ted Talk, “The Texas, Oklahoma, Mexico heatwave and drought last year, Moscow the year before and Europe in 2003, were all exceptional events, more than three standard deviations outside the norm. Fifty years ago, such anomalies covered only two- to three-tenths of one percent of the land area. In recent years, because of global warming, they now cover about 10 percent — an increase by a factor of 25 to 50.” Lastly he tells me why he is alarmed on climate change, how clear the science is, and communication is key to the urgency of the situation and how we can find effective solutions. 

Part 3: 

I agree with James Hansen on what he has to say about climate change as well as the individuals that are affected. He made points that are poised and believes that change is upon us. I thought it was excellent to provide data because data helps us have clarity in scientific information. One piece of data in Hansen’s Ted Talk is, “What sea level rise can we look forward to? The last time CO2 was 390 ppm, today’s value, sea level was higher by at least 15 meters, 50 feet. Where you are sitting now would be under water. Most estimates are that, this century, we will get at least one meter. I think it will be more if we keep burning fossil fuels, perhaps even five meters, which is 18 feet, this century or shortly thereafter.” He’s saying that burning fossil fuels are bad.

Another thing to note is that the ice caps are melting by stating, “Ice sheets would continue to disintegrate for centuries.” Hansen is not wrong because the previous point he made about the sea levels correlates with ice caps at their melting point which can add onto sea levels rising. He also states, “This path, if continued, guarantees that we will pass tipping points leading to ice sheet disintegration that will accelerate out of control of future generations.” Human beings are the root of ice caps that are at their tipping point. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions have temperatures that are so high. Poles are even higher which result into glaciers that melt rapidly which go into land and sea. 

Part 4:

“That is the equivalent of what we face now. Yet, we dither, taking no action to divert the asteroid, even though the longer we wait, the more difficult and expensive it becomes. If we had started in 2005, it would have required emission reductions of three percent per year to restore planetary energy balance and stabilize climate this century. If we start next year, it is six percent per year. If we wait 10 years, it is 15 percent per year — extremely difficult and expensive, perhaps impossible. But we aren’t even starting.”

Part 1:

Ortiz, D. A. (n.d.). Ten simple ways to act on climate change. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20181102-what-can-i-do-about-climate-change

Climate Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://ucsusa.org/climate/solutions

*Both sources cited in APA Format*

Part 2:

The first article written by Ortiz tells me ten ways that are simple to act on climate change. One way he states is that, “The number one goal? Limiting the use of fossil fuels such as oil, carbon and natural gas and replacing them with renewable and cleaner sources of energy, all while increasing energy efficiency.” He’s not wrong since fossil fuel burns a lot. Ortiz refutes the claim folks made that renewable energy is expensive by telling me, “Actually, renewables like wind and solar are becoming increasingly cheap across the world (although final costs are subject to local circumstances). The latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) found that several of the most commonly used renewables, like solar, geothermal, bioenergy, hydropower and onshore wind, will be on par with or cheaper than fossil fuels by 2020. Some are already more cost-effective.” To sum it up, climate change will have an impact on lives and the actions we take will influence the planet for oncoming decades, for better or for worse. 

The second article tells me about possible solutions to avoid the worst. They first talk about cutting emissions to reach “net zero.” As stated, “To achieve net zero emissions, we need a massive transformation in how we produce and consume electricity. We need a newer, better transportation system. We need to stop deforestation. We need a climate-friendly agricultural system.” It’s always best to prepare for the worst (in case it happens) and adapting. The unknown author says, “Cutting carbon is the only long-term solution for avoiding climate impacts. In the short-term, we need to adapt. That means everything from discouraging development in high-risk areas, to planning for water scarcity, to building more resilient cities and communities. Investments should be scientifically sound and socially just, and focused where the impacts are greatest—often in low-income communities and communities of color.” It’s great that they are including other sources to adapt other than the weather or relying on data. The article ends with them putting emphasis on “act” and how it is important for everyone to do their part to make the Earth a healthy place to live in. 

Part 3: 

I agree with the first article a lot and what is showcased about ten simple ways to act on climate change. As Ortiz puts it, “In a new report published in September 2018, the world’s leading climate scientists made their starkest warning so far: our current actions are not enough for us to meet our target of 1.5C of warming. We need to do more. It’s settled science that climate change is real, and we’re starting to see some of the ways that it affects us. It increases the likelihood of flooding in Miami and elsewhere, threatens the millions of people living along the Brahmaputra River in north-eastern India and disrupts the sex life of plants and animals.” Ortiz has a point, if we have a target and are trying to reach it, but no one is helping or understanding than it affects the lives of plants and animals in different parts of the world. Individuals need to exercise their rights both as citizens and as consumers, Robert and other experts say, putting pressure on their governments and on companies to make the system-wide changes that are needed.” This quote is telling me that everyone needs to be involved. It can’t be just the people it has to be people and the government. 

I agree with the second article because all the points that the unknown author made were spot on. In the article it states, “The best policy ideas in the world aren’t worth much if we don’t have activists, experts, and everyday people fighting for change. From school groups to churches; from corporate boardrooms to mayors and local leaders: we need action.” This quote really helps tie the fact that we need everyone for change, yes it starts with one person then more people chime in to be the change. A good thing to point out is that disinformation really does mislead the public eye and can lead the topic to propaganda no matter how controversial or debatable it may be. As the unknown author puts it, “This barrage of disinformation misleads and confuses the public about the growing consequences of global warming and makes it more difficult to implement the solutions we really need. Until the influence of these special interests is sufficiently diminished, climate action will be that much harder.” Therefore, this article is a good read and has taught me so much about possible solutions.

Part 4:

“Climate change is one of the most challenging problems that humanity has ever faced. At stake are hundreds of millions of lives, innumerable species and ecosystems, the health and viability of the economy, and the future habitability of this planet.” (second article)

“Fortunately, climate change is solvable. We have the technologies. We have the science. We now need the leadership—and the courage to change course.” (second article)

What I learned was that not only is climate change real, it’s a dire situation that affects all human inhabitants on Earth. Scientific evidence is valid because scientists can use climate models to better understand how Earth’s climate changed in the past, how it’s changing now, and what future global trends will look like. The NASA article made me understand that past scientific research has been made relevant for the climate change going on right now. The Ted Talk James Hansen created, he made points that  because he was very poised and believes that change is upon us. I thought it was excellent to provide data because data helps us have clarity in scientific information. Ortiz tells me ten ways that are simple to act on climate change such as limiting the use of fossil fuels. The unknown author talks about possible solutions to avoid the worse case scenario.

Climate change is not only a world problem, but a people problem! Meaning, we need to make individual changes. I really do question the future of the Earth. Earth is our planet to protect as if we are the guardians of it. So, why can’t people suck it up and care? Why is it hard for folks to recycle, reduce, and reuse? What is the point of celebrating Earth Day if Earth doesn’t get the appreciate it deserves? 

We need to talk about this to the younger generations. Kids in this generation are resorting to social media for their information for what they can do to combat climate change instead of turning to their adult role models for help. This means that adults are not doing a good job instilling the idea in younger folks that climate change is a major issue to take seriously. 

My Website + Artist Statement (Unit 3)

If I had all the time in the world I would definitely change up my website. I felt like I was on a “time crunch” when it came to completing it, but I received constructive criticism on what I could do better. I do like my artist statement, it was a scope of why I chose a website for my topic.

https://zainabjahan594.wixsite.com/climatechange

Ever since I was in Earth Science class in 10th grade, I’ve wanted to understand why the ice caps were melting, the greenhouse gasses were burning, and why pollution was still happening. For this assignment, I wanted to learn more of the basics about Climate Change, the “meat and potatoes” to make sure I understand what the actual causes of climate change are–if they are manmade, and if there’s anything we can do to change them. My teachers in 10th grade touched on the topic briefly, but since then, things have gotten much worse–not better–and I’ve been surprised that I haven’t learned about it at school.

My rhetorical question is, what can be done about climate change? I wrote in the genre of websites because it’ll convey my message better than a lot of other tools out there. I chose the audience that I did because adults have failed to educate kids on climate change/global warming so kids especially of this generation and ones to follow rely on social media and the internet to learn things about the world. I decided to talk about this particular aspect of my research to go in-depth with my findings and how I can incorporate that to the genre I chose. The purpose of my piece is to educate younger kids on climate change and what we can do as people to change the world and make it better.

As I scroll the internet and type in the search engine, websites would come up. I was intrigued in the sense that how do people this? How can someone make something so sufficient and proudly call it their own? In high school I tapped into the art of making websites and I know I didn’t do them from scratch, but templates made it easier for me to customize and edit the content on it. I think making a website will bring so much attention to younger kids because they’ll be so infatuated with how easy information is brought to them and they wouldn’t change it for the world, to learn something at the touch of their finger.

I think I did fine but what I could’ve done better was manage my time. I always fail to manage my time, so if I had the opportunity to do my project again I would orchestrate my time better. As for my website, I am glad that it turned out the way it did in a short amount of time.

FINAL REFLECTION 

My time as reader, writer, and scholar has just started! Especially in this term I felt like I learned so much in a nick of time. All the writings and readings I did made me understand a lot that goes into something that connects with another thing. In the class I learned what a DEJ is and did them which helped explain quotes from stories. For example, from “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan, a quote from the story is, “Fortunately, I happen to be rebellious in nature and enjoy the challenge of disproving assumptions made about me.” What I wrote to explain this quote, This quote is important and possibly my favorite as well. As times goes on, social media arises, and how much I put myself out there, a lot of people feel the need to assume something about me. Whether it be a rumor or a lie, it’s out there in the public. Unfortunately, I can’t change the way people think about me, because I don’t have control of that. I can debunk many things about me that tend to irk me, but as I am growing, especially in the social media age, I don’t worry about online comments or “insults” thrown at me. I want my reader to understand that if you let people’s comments get to you, you’re isolating yourself and building this wall that you will not break free from. It’s okay to be upset, because your feelings are valid, but don’t burden yourself this way, otherwise you will not grow to understand yourself more. Despite the quote being short I was able to explain it based on what I thought and how it applies in the situation.

I will able to use what I have learned this term and transfer this knowledge to other writing situations either in college or in my community by keeping the fact at the back of my head that not every word needs to be “fancy” to mean something, because as the saying goes “simple is better.” Another thing I’d like to acknowledge is the amount of sources I used in my writing. When I read about Kyle Stedman’s “Annoying Ways People Use Sources,” I wrote, the things I shouldn’t do when it comes to quotes. I liked how he took a literal thing like driving and compared it to sloppy writing. Stedman states, “I hate slow drivers.* When I’m driving in the fast lane, maintaining the speed limit exactly, and I find myself behind someone who thinks the fast lane is for people who drive ten miles per hour below the speed limit, I get an annoyed feeling in my chest like hot water filling a heavy bucket. I wave my arms around and yell, “What . . . ? But, hey . . . oh come on!” I agree with this quote because if drivers are slow they will end up irking other drivers around them. Stedman also states, “But here’s the thing: writers can forget that their readers are sometimes just as annoyed at writing that fails to follow conventions as drivers are when stuck behind a car that fails to move over.” This is a good comparison in the slightest because the way a writer cites sources should be traditional like a car that should be driven within the speed limit. One comment I have on how to use sources is using sources that strictly go with your research or writing that way everything is pieced together and not all over the place.

I love the idea of speaking my mind but not to be overtly about it because there’s always so much I can say, but at times it doesn’t need to be said. When reading about “A Talk To Teachers” by James Baldwin, I wrote, I think that James Baldwin was saying in his entire speech about his self-image and how he was perceived by the world. This quote in particular, “It would seem to me that when a child is born, if I’m the child’s parent, it is my obligation and my high duty to civilize that child. Man is a social animal. He cannot exist without a society. A society, in turn, depends on certain things which everyone within that society takes for granted.” I feel like he’s saying that keeping a child civilized in their own home is one way a child can maintain themselves by having manners, but once you put them out in society all the things a parent taught to a child may not be the same way because society is cruel and menacing. I think he means when he says “the world is larger” that there is so much out there that people don’t know or understand the concept of. When stepping out of your home, you have entered in a society with people who are just like you that have inferior complexity or folks who have superior complexity. I also said, I think it’s a “necessity” to examine not an obligation to learn about global warming. It’s a broad topic, it’s controversial, can stir a debate, but outdated information in science textbooks are not doing enough justice to the climate right now. The ice caps are melting, the greenhouse gases are burning, and air pollution intoxicating planet Earth. I wish global warming was taught to me in school instead of sizing it as a small discussion/problem in Earth Science class. I want to know more about this topic because the future for planet Earth isn’t looking so great if we are not being the change right now. These two paragraphs of my writing explaining that story opened my mind a little more and it felt great pouring my words out because I was speaking my mind.

Overall, I thank Professor Hall and my time in this class and I am happy to spend it with her. The fun doesn’t end there though because I will Professor Hall next semester!