Self Assessment

Part 1: Blogging has been interesting. I find myself wanting to convey some great, brilliant, and powerfull message. Unfotunately, I dont feel that I have one yet, just a series of opinions, about several different topics, all of which I dont know are making that much of an impact. I do however, enjoy the fact that I can reach so many so easily, I guess websites like facebook accomplish this as well, but blogging, I think, requires more intelligent thought then posting a status update.
The blog has also brought me to think a little bit more on topics I would not have otherwise given a moment of my time, and I find myself keeping up with current events more than I did before.
Part 2: Through the expository writing aspect of this course I have grown tremendously. As a writer, my pieces have become more organized, and therefore make more sense, and my vocabulary has improved as well. I find my self doing more research and also using resouces like the theasourus for refference and improvement of my papers. I also think I have a better understanding of the MLA format, and I know how to better credit my sources. I am also more confident in using technology, especially blackboard, as I have never used it more for any course.

Howards 2010 Convocation

I was lucky enough to be able to attend this years convocation.
The guest speaker waas Dr. Ben Carson, and it was amazing to here about all the accomplishments he made. It was especially interesting giving the fact he completed a surgery that no one else had done successfully before, and also because it turns out, he wasn't such a great student.
It is nice to know that no matter where you come from, or what state your in, you can always accomplish your goals.
He was pretty funny and an interesting speaker given his "I dont really care what anyone thinks" attitude. He didnt focus on being politically correct, just on getting his message across, and I very much liked that.

Words That Spoke To Me

            

http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/11/black-latino-identity-naturally-leslie.html

               I have to say, I really connected to Roberto Santiago’s Black and Latino. And I have also come to a very simple and plain conclusion: He’s Puerto Rican, he’s black, and he’s Boricua and Moreno. And so am I.

               My father, who is 100% Puerto Rican and 100% Black, has passed on much wisdom to me, and many of his profound thoughts. But, one of the best things he’s ever said to me was “Don’t say ‘I understand’ when you don’t understand.” I feel as though many would read this article from the outside and quickly come to the conclusion that these were the writings of a Hispanic man who wanted to assimilate himself into another culture. I feel as though many would view this as some sort to inner conflict and say, “I get it, it’s confusing, but you’re still just Puerto Rican, so get over it.” But, many just don’t get it.

               I am 50% Dominican, 50% Puerto Rican, and 100% Black. I know the numbers don’t add up, but my math is flawless. This is the blood that runs through my veins. Unfortunately the titles “Puerto Rican,” “Black,” or “Hispanic,” can’t really break down my blood or my makeup. The truth is these titles can only give you an idea of where the majority of my ancestors spent their time. So, it’s not about the color of my skin or what language my family speaks at home. It’s not about how black or white people see me. It’s not about the music I listen to, the clothes I where, the religion I follow, or the way I speak. It’s about blood. It’s about what runs through my veins and flows throughout me. It’s about knowing who I am, and most importantly, knowing who I am when no one else does. 

               It’s so important to know who you are and where you come from, if you don’t, the outside world will try to decide that for you.