Final Portfolio

Unit 1 revision:

It was a nice and bright summer day as the ceremony of my middle school graduation began, my principal called my name, “Christine Li”. I get up with nervousness and excitement, hands shaking to cross the stage with a whole crowd of eyes staring at me. I shake my principal’s hand as he handed me my diploma. I scan through the crowd from left to right looking for my parents as I raised my diploma to show them. With joy and a big smile of their faces, my parents start clapping and cheering for me. Now, a new chapter, a new beginning, oh I am so excited for high school and the new experiences I was going to come across. 

As excited as I was for high school, not all things turned out great for me. I wanted to make new friends which I have but not all those new friends I’ve made been good influences. For instance, I was sitting down in class listening to my teacher, as I see a text message saying if I want to cut after 6th period. They have asked me to go to a very nice burger spot. I sat there thinking about the delicious French fries and good eats I could get instead of going to class. But, in the back of my mind I was worried about being marked absent getting in trouble by my parents/teacher. The clock ticking, and I sat there thinking if I should or shouldn’t cut class with my friends. As the bell rang for the next class, I walk down the stairs and to my left, there it was. The exist to my school building and how tempting it was for me to simply just cut class. I hear another notification and looked down at my phone saying “just come, it’s just one day,” I look at the exit and started walking towards it and just like that I’m outside the school building with my friends.  I felt so guilty for skipping class but I thought to myself one day wouldn’t hurt.

But oh how wrong I was, skipping for one day became an addiction and I literally had no motivation to go a full day of school ever again. Skipping was way more intriguing than class was and everyday for a whole 2 semesters, I couldn’t get myself to stay in school. I mean like, anything would be more interesting than sitting in a classroom listening to the teacher talk about social studies. Every time, I hear anything about social studies, it’s like my brain doesn’t want to listen. I would always fall asleep or doze off. So, I would go grab bubble tea with my friends and sit in the store while we talk and make jokes. Or even, grab food because during school, I’m always hungry and play 8 ball afterwards. I would leave after like my attendance period and everyday continuously there would be someone who is always asking me to cut class with them. I felt tremendously lost like why was just simply saying no to skipping class with my friends so hard? It has gotten so bad that I even blocked the school’s number on my mom’s phone so if the school did call her, she wouldn’t realize. On the other hand, my guidance counselor was super sweet, asking if I was in the right mental state of mind and questioning me “you are such a great student, you had straight A’s in your previous years, why do I see you barely in school?” I explain to her how the people around me influences me to skip. She began to explain to me about how education is significant and I can always hang out with my friends after school. She continued on and on and lectured me and part of it really touched me but I still couldn’t stop skipping because classes were just so boring for me and top of that my friends didn’t help either. It was like a drug, a addiction I can’t stop except it’s not with real drugs. I felt so bad for my guidance counselor because she is trying to help someone who almost can’t help themselves. This all started in freshmen year and it kept continuing until Covid started which was mid way into my sophomore year.

Since Covid started, obviously we were all at home/quarantined and I couldn’t cut class no more because there was no point in cutting online classes because it’s like what else is there to do? Who would I have to cut with?  By this time I have already failed two whole semesters and was way behind on my credits for my grade. I was so devastated, worrying about not graduating on time and being held back as a super senior. I truly realized how behind I was and started making a change because there was no way I wouldn’t be able to graduate with my friends and on time. Fortunately, like the light through a dark tunnel, my guidance counselor gave me this computer class called apex where you are able to make up as much credits as you are willing to make up all online. It is basically a program where you read about the subject you are taking, and you answer a lot of quizzes based on what the reading was about. Luckily for me, I found an answer key to the tests online so I was nonstop grinding till I got my missing credits. Online classes were more interesting for me because I can work on my own pace without getting told what to do. Also, because of the fact that I am home, doing school work was pretty much the only thing I could do. Everyday, I would wake up, log onto apex, kept taking those quizzes until the subject I was taking was fully completed. I took full advantage of this time period. Furthermore, I had classes for my current grade that I needed to pass as well. Like I mentioned earlier, it was lockdown season so basically all my classes were strictly all online. I realized and saw this as my biggest opportunity. Eventually, after just one semester, I have made up all of my credits that I was missing, thanks to apex and the best guidance counselor.

Lastly, after a year of online courses, I have caught up to my grade. I worked harder the second time around because I realized how much I was behind and there was no way I would be left back and a super senior from everyone else. I would forever be grateful for my guidance counselor for being so supportive, helping, talking some sense into me, caring and helping me pass high school on time when I really didn’t think I was going to make it. She tells me how proud she was of me and that she knew I was a good student as long as I tried. Now here I am in college, graduated on time from high school around two or three months ago and I’m proud of myself for making it out. My high school experience taught me to always do and strive for the best in order to gain a chance to succeed. 

Unit 2 revision:

What is the history of streetwear? Firstly, Streetwear casual clothing of a style worn especially by members of various urban youth subcultures. Streetwear blends a diverse mix of styles such as casual sportswear, military pieces, hip-hop influences, skate references, workwear, and more. I’m interested in learning about the history of streetwear because as a child growing up, I’ve always loved clothes and shoes or hyped popular brands. I use to watch YouTubers make videos about the types of clothes one would have/wear and I would be very inspired to be apart of the street wear community. To me, it looked very pleasing to the eyes. Seeing the way certain types of clothes matching with each other really intrigued me and caught my eyes. Putting on clothes is more than just covering up, it’s a way to express yourself and I like to express myself by wearing street wear type of clothes. There’s always a reason for what someone chose to wear. What mostly got me into streetwear was the shoes, I liked certain color ways and models of certain sneakers. I expect to find what were the influences for the whole industry to start and how it became what it is today. In other words, how did street wear become such a popular thing? I expect to find this because the whole industry wouldn’t have became so big for no reason. I would also expect to find who or what types of people that had an impact and influence on street wear culture. Additionally, I expect to find where street wear originated and what culture started it. If I find information that’s completely against what I expected, I would be fine with writing it because I find street wear very interesting and would like to know more about the history of it.

Block, Elinor. “The History of Streetwear: From Stüssy to Vetements.” Who What Wear, Who What Wear, 1 Nov. 2017, https://www.whowhatwear.com/streetwear.

                   The article “The History Of Streetwear: From Stüssy To Vetements,” by Elinor Block talks about the history and the future of streetwear along with some brands that are included in streetwear. Originally, streetwear was a way to describe comfortable clothing, mostly worn by skateboarders or surfers in Los Angeles. Shawn Stussy, an originator of the streetwear movement, who made surfboards, also started making T-shirts and selling them. For instance, in the text it states “It’s really important to acknowledge that streetwear is a byproduct of wider subcultural movements like hip-hop and skateboarding, so what we now call streetwear has been evolving since the 1970s.” This demonstrates that streetwear was originally a skateboard and surfing brand but overtime it has evolved and changed to not just skating and surfing but more a fashion style as well. After California, the style became more popular with youth culture scenes, especially through skateboarding and hip-hop cultures in New York.

                    A brand called Supreme, which started in 1994 as a skateboard and clothing shop, really continued the trend further. Their brand logo is the iconic red and white logo that states Supreme on it . It is also a very known and quite expensive brand today. Supreme has also collaborated with other brands such as Nike, A Bathing Ape, Louis Vuitton and many others, making streetwear really start to attract the eyes of people. 

                  Elinor Block’s tone and attitude is very informative, letting the readers learn about streetwear and how the thing started. The primary audience is targets for young people, skaters, surfers or anyone that is interested in changing their fashion style to streetwear. The article was published in Washington, DC. The purpose of the article is for the author to let readers stay informed about the dynamics of streetwear. The author’s tone is more of a respectful tone. Considering Elinor Block give credits to people who started streetwear, and the brands that really made streetwear evolve over time. This article’s relevance connects back to my question of “what is the history of streetwear?,” because it helps me answer my question. Lastly, the author has cited and credited other experts to prove their point.

Law, Chris. “The History of Streetwear: Past, Present & the Future of Fashion’s Flyest Subset.” THE HISTORY OF STREETWEAR: PAST, PRESENT & THE FUTURE OF FASHION’S FLYEST SUBSET, 30 Sept. 2021, https://cassiuslife.com/356823/the-history-of-streetwear/.

                      In the article,“The history of streetwear: past, present & future of fashion’s flyest subset,” written by Chris law, it talks about the past and future if streetwear. Streetwear started to become popular right after World War II.  For instance, in the article it states “There was a youth quake — a moment where people started dressing more casually,” says Jonathan M. Square, Ph.D., Harvard professor. Men wore less suits and more denim, there were more sneakers and less proper shoes.” This demonstrates how streetwear started because people started to wear more casual and less formal clothes. Additionally, casual clothes would be denim, hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants, or even sneakers. Furthermore, the article says how in recent years, hoodies and sweats has been very popular among people. These garments might have been considered dress down, or a better word, “bummy.” But however, nowadays, it’s nothing to see these pieces go up in value by a tremendous amount. As for the future of fashion, fashion continues to evolve overtime. Streetwear is likely to be cozy, comfortable, and a trend that people are very much leaning into and loving, especially these days. It’s already being seen with people throwing their hoodies or sweaters over their sweats and sneakers. The want and need for genderless clothing will also find its way in streetwear. The author Chris law has a very informative and nostalgic tone because it goes back in time and talks about the past and history of streetwear. He was also very informative about how streetwear started. The primary audience is targets for young people, skaters, surfers or anyone that is interested in changing their fashion style to streetwear. The purpose of this article is for people who are genuinely curious about the history or future of streetwear. This article is relevant because it shows how people went from formal clothes to comfortable clothes which is very interesting. This information can be verified because the author quoted other experts to prove his point.

Maling, Francis. “What Is Streetwear? Its History and Evolution.” What Is Streetwear? Its History And Evolution, 11 Nov. 2021, https://greyjournal.net/play/style/defining-streetwear-and-its-evolution/.

                      In the article “What Is Streetwear? It’s History And Evolution,” by Francis Maling, the author talks about how Streetwear has evolved. From the skateboarding era, to the early surfboarding era in the late 1970s. Streetwear also has its connection in music with the development in hip pop culture as well. In the 80s and 90s, skateboarding brands really helped develop the streetwear culture. Brands like DC Shoes, Vans, and Thrasher Magazine created an appeal and a home or sense of community for skaters worldwide. In the early 2000s, music producers and influencers like Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne had interest with japanese streetwear brands such as A Bathing Ape, and  Comme des Garcons, featuring pieces in their videos and references in their music which helped the streetwear industry get to the big culture it is today. The exclusivity factor of limited produced items of shoes, jackets, and t-shirts became the main thing for streetwear hype making a simple t-shirt go up to thousands. For instance, in the text it states” “Streetwear became more approachable than the average high fashion, designer label. It nurtured community, collaboration, and artistic expression”, writes elsewhere in their fashion blog.” This demonstrates how streetwear can be for most people which is why it’s very popular. Today, streetwear has a multiple styles, mixing casual looks, comfortable outfits, and even luxurious fashions. Streetwear became such a big culture, it estimates $185 billion revenue. Its growth and popularity will continue to evolve in the next few years because of the success it has. The article “What is streetwear? It’s history and evolution,” by Francis Maling was published on November 11th, 2021. The audience is targeted towards young people. For instance, in the text it states “Not only does streetwear appeal to teens and young adults, but the pivot into luxury appeals to the high-end fashion world has created an industry growth alongside notable brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Balenciaga. Celebrity endorsement helps the streetwear landscape, as well”(Maling 2021). The article is very informative about the past of streetwear, going back to the 80s and 90s. The picture right beneath the title makes one feel very engaged and curious because it shows a man on the street wearing clothes which matches with the title. It might make others feel the need to continue reading to find out how streetwear has started and where it would be going, or that if it would still be around in the future.

                   Overall, to conclude the history of streetwear and the research I had found, streetwear is one of the fastest growing and most powerful stage of the fashion industry. Streetwear is about mixing comfort and practicality with self expression. The global streetwear industry is a multi billion dollar industry and was worth an estimated $309 billion dollars in 2017 with a 185 billion revenue. Streetwear was originally a culture for skaters or surfers but has evolved over generations. Streetwear also has its connection in music with the development of hip pop culture as well. Streetwear started to become very popular right after World War II. With the help of skating and surfing brands such as DC Shoes, Vans, Thrasher Magazine and also with the help of famous music producers such as Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Lil Wayne that featured Japanese streetwear brands such as A Bathing Ape, and  Comme des Garcons, in their videos, which really helped shape the streetwear culture that it’s known for today. Today, streetwear is fashionable, casual clothing worn by followers of popular culture. The majority of these followers are under 30, that also live in urban areas, and belong to a subculture group such as skateboarders or hip pop music fans. Additionally, the exclusivity factor of limited produced items of shoes, jackets, and t-shirts became the main thing for streetwear hype, making a simple t-shirt with a logo on it go up to thousands. So it wasn’t the easiest to get some specific pieces for the original retail price due to resellers. During, my research I was very shocked on how it was a multi billion dollar industry, obviously knowing the streetwear industry is worth a lot but I didn’t expect it to be this much. I was also surprised on how it has been around for a few decades and it’s already an multi billion dollar industry. My understanding of streetwear is much different from before because I have learnt a lot of new things about it, such as how it started with skating and surfing. Also, how hip hop influenced the industry as well. Furthermore, on how streetwear has changed and evolved over time. This is significant to learn because streetwear is a very big industry and can be a way one can express themselves based on the attire that they’re wearing. Lastly, this would be important for younger people to learn about because streetwear is targeted towards the younger audience, skaters or surfers and would most likely be interested in the giant fashion industry called streetwear today.

Unit 3:

Final reflection:

This was honestly a great english class. Throughout this term, I have learned to better develop my writing and analysis. By using more descriptive details and your choice of words so that, it would seem as if the reader is present in your scene. Also, to describe the outside scene as best you can. For instance, in unit 1, I’ve really tried to describe the scene that states “It was a nice and bright summer day as the ceremony of my middle school graduation began, my principal called my name, “Christine Li”. I get up with nervousness and excitement, hands shaking to cross the stage with a whole crowd of eyes staring at me. I shake my principal’s hand as he handed me my diploma. I scan through the crowd from left to right looking for my parents as I raised my diploma to show them.” Furthermore, in unit 1, it also states “ As the bell rang for the next class, I walk down the stairs and to my left, there it was. The exist to my school building and how tempting it was for me to simply just cut class. I hear another notification and looked down at my phone saying “just come, it’s just one day,” I look at the exit and started walking towards it and just like that I’m outside the school building with my friends.  I felt so guilty for skipping class but I thought to myself one day wouldn’t hurt.” These two quotes demonstrate how I was trying to really make the reader picture the scene but obviously can still use more improvement. 

As a writer, I find myself taking an abundance amount of time doing so because it just makes me think a lot and sometimes it can be difficult. However, throughout this semester, I’ve learnt to better manage my time while still maintaining a good effort and paper. Especially, I put a lot of thought on how I want to phrase my words. For instance, in unit 2, I’ve stated  that “hoodies and sweats has been very popular among people. These garments might have been considered dress down, or a better word, “bummy.” But however, nowadays, it’s nothing to see these pieces go up in value by a tremendous amount. As for the future of fashion, fashion continues to evolve overtime. Streetwear is likely to be cozy, comfortable, and a trend that people are very much leaning into and loving, especially these days.” Here, I really tried my best to choose the best words I could think of to sound more professional and to be sure I know what I’m talking about. As a reader, I always considered myself a slow reader because whenever I read something fast, it’s as if I never even read it and I wouldn’t have a clue of what I just read. I learnt to go in my own pace and sometimes I even need to reread the sentence carefully in order for me to fully understand the point given.

A challenge I had in this course would definitely be the word count. I felt like the word count amount was always way too high and I felt like I don’t have much to say to be able to reach the minimum word count. Even writing this reflection right now is sort of difficult to reach the word count. I overcame this challenge by explaining more about the point I’m trying to get across. By, including an example or a quote or anything that might relate to the point so I would be able to reach the minimum word count goal.

The knowledge I have gained this term can be used in the future throughout my college career because I have developed a better understanding of writing. Learning on how to better use descriptive details to get your point across clearly can be beneficial to future projects similar to unit 1. This can help me express myself, reach my target audience throughout my writing, and allow myself to get better grades. For instance, I’ve realized throughout unit 1 to unit 3, I’ve realized my grade just have went up and up. For instance, in unit 1, I received a B. Secondly, in unit 2, I received a B+. Finally, in unit 3, I received an A. Overall, with the help of this term I will transfer this knowledge to other writing situations in future courses as well  as in my daily life.