Dear Writing Committee,
This portfolio is compiled from essays done for my Writing 101 Course. This would be my third writing class and although in each one I have learned different things. One thing has been true in all of them: the more difficult something is, the more knowledge I obtain from it. Every time I write something I have my challenges but I come out being a somewhat better writer than I started. Now granted I’m no C.S. Lewis or Maya Angelou, I am very much green in my writing but I definitely feel I’m better then the first time I picked up a pen and wrote my very first essay.
I was very excited this quarter for my writing class especially when I found out that we would get to choose the topic we want to write about for the entire quarter. It is always good to write about something you are passionate about. The topic I chose was animal cruelty but this proved to not be as easy as I thought it was going to be.
When it comes to writing you should always have a process and mine is probably as standard as they come, but hey it works for me. First I would contemplate the topic for a little while, get some good ideas to write about and think about how I wanted to structure the essay. Next I would get on my computer and start typing away, getting all those ideas onto paper. But you can’t stop there. I would probably reread and retype it 2-3 times before I felt confident and comfortable with it. Peer review is next whether it be other classmates the instructor, or even, yes, my mom. Feedback is always good positive or negative. Then lastly I would take those criticisms edit my paper 1-2 more time and turn it in for a final product.
Now my process seems flawless right, but the truth is it is far from it. I believe that I am a pretty strong writer all around but I do have weakness and my biggest on is time. Now granted it’s not my only one, my grammar skills could use some work and finding sources for research paper is a big one too but time takes the crown. All college students will tell you they never have enough time but unfortunately it’s true. I are a full-time student, work full time, and still have to make time for myself so I don’t go crazy some time I do tend to procrastinate and if there is ever any weakness in my papers it is because of that.
I used to think writing was about getting an essay done for a class to get a grade, but the more I write I realize it is a great way to express yourself. Writing has become an outlet for me in so many ways and I am grateful to have had the instructors I’ve had. They have helped me to realize write is fun and I will continue to do it the rest of my life.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Portfolio - Essay #1
Essay #1 - They Say - Natasha Tevis
Animal rights and the treatment of animals is a long debated topic. Many people have pets and most of them treat their pets as a part of the family, however there are still a number of people who treat animals very badly. Some are used for experiments. Some are used as game and are hunted for sport. Some are skinned and have their pelts used just for fashion. Some are even forced to compete in horrible games and gambling. Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons Quarterback, for example was caught with a pit-bull dog fighting ring on his property. He is now serving a 23 month prison sentence after being convicted of dog fighting charges, and has also been suspended from the NFL.
Greenpeace, PETA, and the ASPCA are just a couple of organizations who have a mission to help protect animals from abuse, neglect, being hunted, being tested on, and being killed for resources. Although their purpose is the same, these three organizations have very different methods.
Many people might first think of Greenpeace. “Greenpeace is the leading independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful direct action and creative communication” to accomplish their mission. Greenpeace is not just invested in the treatment of animals and other creatures but in the care of our entire environment. They take it upon themselves to fight for the creatures and things that cannot fight for themselves. John Passacantando, the executive director of Greenpeace USA says: “In the end, protecting the environment is about very clear choices. We can either stand up for what is right- our health, humanity, and heritage on this planet of ours- or we can sit by and watch while decisions are made that threaten to destroy our collective future.” Greenpeace also uses celebrity endorsements to bring attention to their cause. Just recently Hayden Panettiere was seen at their Big Blue March. She was also a spokesperson for their save the whales again campaign. PETA has a similar approach to that of Greenpeace; they believe creative communication is the best way to evoke change in others. “PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals, suffer the most intensely and for the longest periods of time. This includes factory farms, laboratories, the clothing trade, and the entertainment industry. PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.” Recently PETA was featured on a show on the Oxygen television network, “the Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency” is a fashion related TV show. Janice Dickenson, a representative from PETA, and the Agency models held a protest to stop animal fur from being used in the fashion industry.
Other groups that take a more aggressive approach include the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA. The ASPCA has is own Humane Law Enforcement Department. The HLE investigates cases of animal cruelty and takes legal actions against those accused of cruelty. Along with the HLE the ASPCA operates an animal hospital and adoption facility. They also increase awareness through their humane education. And raise money for their facilities through fundraising and consumer products. The ASPCA had a very active role in the Michael Vick dog fighting investigation. The ASPCA lead the team of animal behavior experts that evaluated the dogs seized from Vick’s property.
These organizations not only have to fight for animal rights but they also have to fight to encourage the belief that animals have rights in the first place. There are many people who believe that if animals are given rights then rights must be given to plants, insects, fungus, and any other living thing; and that would just be absurd. Many in the scientific community believe that animal research is vital to finding cures for diseases and that it helps them to learn more about animals themselves. Although most scientist believe that animal research is needed they are starting to make sure that the animals are better taken care of. The debate for animals rights is a long one and will continue with these 3 organizations at the for front.
Works Cited
"People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals." PETA. 20 Mar. 2008.
"Greenpeace USA." 20 Mar. 2008.
"The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals." ASPCA. 20 Mar. 2008.
Animal rights and the treatment of animals is a long debated topic. Many people have pets and most of them treat their pets as a part of the family, however there are still a number of people who treat animals very badly. Some are used for experiments. Some are used as game and are hunted for sport. Some are skinned and have their pelts used just for fashion. Some are even forced to compete in horrible games and gambling. Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons Quarterback, for example was caught with a pit-bull dog fighting ring on his property. He is now serving a 23 month prison sentence after being convicted of dog fighting charges, and has also been suspended from the NFL.
Greenpeace, PETA, and the ASPCA are just a couple of organizations who have a mission to help protect animals from abuse, neglect, being hunted, being tested on, and being killed for resources. Although their purpose is the same, these three organizations have very different methods.
Many people might first think of Greenpeace. “Greenpeace is the leading independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful direct action and creative communication” to accomplish their mission. Greenpeace is not just invested in the treatment of animals and other creatures but in the care of our entire environment. They take it upon themselves to fight for the creatures and things that cannot fight for themselves. John Passacantando, the executive director of Greenpeace USA says: “In the end, protecting the environment is about very clear choices. We can either stand up for what is right- our health, humanity, and heritage on this planet of ours- or we can sit by and watch while decisions are made that threaten to destroy our collective future.” Greenpeace also uses celebrity endorsements to bring attention to their cause. Just recently Hayden Panettiere was seen at their Big Blue March. She was also a spokesperson for their save the whales again campaign. PETA has a similar approach to that of Greenpeace; they believe creative communication is the best way to evoke change in others. “PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals, suffer the most intensely and for the longest periods of time. This includes factory farms, laboratories, the clothing trade, and the entertainment industry. PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.” Recently PETA was featured on a show on the Oxygen television network, “the Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency” is a fashion related TV show. Janice Dickenson, a representative from PETA, and the Agency models held a protest to stop animal fur from being used in the fashion industry.
Other groups that take a more aggressive approach include the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA. The ASPCA has is own Humane Law Enforcement Department. The HLE investigates cases of animal cruelty and takes legal actions against those accused of cruelty. Along with the HLE the ASPCA operates an animal hospital and adoption facility. They also increase awareness through their humane education. And raise money for their facilities through fundraising and consumer products. The ASPCA had a very active role in the Michael Vick dog fighting investigation. The ASPCA lead the team of animal behavior experts that evaluated the dogs seized from Vick’s property.
These organizations not only have to fight for animal rights but they also have to fight to encourage the belief that animals have rights in the first place. There are many people who believe that if animals are given rights then rights must be given to plants, insects, fungus, and any other living thing; and that would just be absurd. Many in the scientific community believe that animal research is vital to finding cures for diseases and that it helps them to learn more about animals themselves. Although most scientist believe that animal research is needed they are starting to make sure that the animals are better taken care of. The debate for animals rights is a long one and will continue with these 3 organizations at the for front.
Works Cited
"People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals." PETA. 20 Mar. 2008
"Greenpeace USA." 20 Mar. 2008
"The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals." ASPCA. 20 Mar. 2008
Portfolio - Essay #2
Essay #2 – I Say - Natasha Tevis
About 2 years ago my brother was play basketball with some of his friends at a local basketball court when this dog, a black lab makes its way onto the court. It looked hungry so my brother gave it some food that he happen to have with him he then continued to play basketball. After the game, as they’re starting to leave the lab starts to follow my brother home. She was probably hoping to get some more food. After arriving at home with the dog my brother and I noticed that there was a big problem. The dog is covered in fleas and is extremely skinny; she looked like she had been on the streets for a very long time. My first instinct is to help this dog in whatever way possible. So we gave her a bath and fed her some of our own dog’s food. We took a picture of her and posted some flyers around our neighborhood hoping someone would claim the dog. After about 2 weeks with no response we gave the dog to our neighbor who was very happy to take her and helped her recover phenomenally.
When I see any animal in distress I get the most horrible feeling in my stomach and will try to do everything I can to help. I love animals and I can’t stand to see them abused or neglected. After my experience with the Black lab, which was later named Angel, I ask myself, what can I do to help prevent and stop animal cruelty?
The answer is a lot. There are so many organizations out there that help to prevent the abuse of animals. PETA for example, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They are a non profit organization that is fighting to stop the mistreatment of animals. PETA uses petitions and protests to get there messages across to the masses. They also broadcast public service announcements, give speeches at schools and other organizations and they use celebrity influence to help their cause. Just the other day I was watching TV and saw a representative from PETA on “The Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency”, protesting with Janice Dickenson’s models to not use animal fur in the fashion industry. Janice vowed that her agency would become a fur free agency. PETA is a great organization and they do a lot to raise awareness of animal abuse but I think more could be done to prevent animal abuse.
Another show I like to watch on TV is “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet. The show is all about the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA, which is another big organization fighting to prevent the mistreatment of animals. The ASPCA and PETA are very similar to each other in they both petition and do public service announcements however, ASPCA does a lot more. The ASPCA has its own Humane Law Enforcement Department, the HLE. They are the Animal Cops. HLE actually charges and prosecutes the people who abuse and neglect animals. They also have a chain of animal shelters, veterinary hospitals and foster parents for the abandoned and stray animals they find. I think the ASPCA does the best job at preventing animal cruelty because it not only punishes those who are cruel to animals but they also have there own TV show. The TV show helps to reach more people and raises awareness that animal cruelty is a real problem and won’t be tolerated. Michael Vick should have watched the show .He might have learned something!!
Animal abuse is not just a problem because it’s cruel to the anima. It’s also a problem for people. Several studies have found a significant relationship between cruelty to animals and violence toward people. The relationship is found more commonly in adolescents than adults but is still a problem no matter what the age. This is another big reason I believe in the ASPCA so much. They are also helping to prevent violence towards humans. They can catch and convict someone for animal cruelty who may one day have become violence towards people. If someone is convicted of animal cruelty the likelihood of this person being cruel to animals again goes down; as well as the likely hood of it progressing to violence toward people.
Animals should be treated right and respected because they do a lot for us. They give companionship. Animals can be trained to aid in the rescue of someone. They aid in various therapeutic methods. They protect us. I feel it is important to prevent animal cruelty because I believe they deserved to be treated with respect and I believe no one does a better job than the ASPCA.
About 2 years ago my brother was play basketball with some of his friends at a local basketball court when this dog, a black lab makes its way onto the court. It looked hungry so my brother gave it some food that he happen to have with him he then continued to play basketball. After the game, as they’re starting to leave the lab starts to follow my brother home. She was probably hoping to get some more food. After arriving at home with the dog my brother and I noticed that there was a big problem. The dog is covered in fleas and is extremely skinny; she looked like she had been on the streets for a very long time. My first instinct is to help this dog in whatever way possible. So we gave her a bath and fed her some of our own dog’s food. We took a picture of her and posted some flyers around our neighborhood hoping someone would claim the dog. After about 2 weeks with no response we gave the dog to our neighbor who was very happy to take her and helped her recover phenomenally.
When I see any animal in distress I get the most horrible feeling in my stomach and will try to do everything I can to help. I love animals and I can’t stand to see them abused or neglected. After my experience with the Black lab, which was later named Angel, I ask myself, what can I do to help prevent and stop animal cruelty?
The answer is a lot. There are so many organizations out there that help to prevent the abuse of animals. PETA for example, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They are a non profit organization that is fighting to stop the mistreatment of animals. PETA uses petitions and protests to get there messages across to the masses. They also broadcast public service announcements, give speeches at schools and other organizations and they use celebrity influence to help their cause. Just the other day I was watching TV and saw a representative from PETA on “The Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency”, protesting with Janice Dickenson’s models to not use animal fur in the fashion industry. Janice vowed that her agency would become a fur free agency. PETA is a great organization and they do a lot to raise awareness of animal abuse but I think more could be done to prevent animal abuse.
Another show I like to watch on TV is “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet. The show is all about the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA, which is another big organization fighting to prevent the mistreatment of animals. The ASPCA and PETA are very similar to each other in they both petition and do public service announcements however, ASPCA does a lot more. The ASPCA has its own Humane Law Enforcement Department, the HLE. They are the Animal Cops. HLE actually charges and prosecutes the people who abuse and neglect animals. They also have a chain of animal shelters, veterinary hospitals and foster parents for the abandoned and stray animals they find. I think the ASPCA does the best job at preventing animal cruelty because it not only punishes those who are cruel to animals but they also have there own TV show. The TV show helps to reach more people and raises awareness that animal cruelty is a real problem and won’t be tolerated. Michael Vick should have watched the show .He might have learned something!!
Animal abuse is not just a problem because it’s cruel to the anima. It’s also a problem for people. Several studies have found a significant relationship between cruelty to animals and violence toward people. The relationship is found more commonly in adolescents than adults but is still a problem no matter what the age. This is another big reason I believe in the ASPCA so much. They are also helping to prevent violence towards humans. They can catch and convict someone for animal cruelty who may one day have become violence towards people. If someone is convicted of animal cruelty the likelihood of this person being cruel to animals again goes down; as well as the likely hood of it progressing to violence toward people.
Animals should be treated right and respected because they do a lot for us. They give companionship. Animals can be trained to aid in the rescue of someone. They aid in various therapeutic methods. They protect us. I feel it is important to prevent animal cruelty because I believe they deserved to be treated with respect and I believe no one does a better job than the ASPCA.
Portfolio - Essay #3
Essay #3 – They Say, I Say - Natasha Tevis
Picture a kid in elementary school with an assignment on the whiteboard that states: Write about what you want to be when you grow up. If that kid was me, I would be writing about how I wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved animals and wanted to do whatever I could to be around them and help them. Now, like most people, I did not end up becoming what I wanted to be when I was a child. However I am still very passionate about animals and I still want to help in whatever way possible. Animal abuse is something I am very passionate about. Abuse towards animals is horrific and needs to be stopped. The only way to end animal abuse is to punish those who do it. These days there are many organizations dedicated to helping animal. It’s hard to chose which one to be apart of, PETA, Greenpeace, the Doris Day Animal league, The Humane Society Of the United States, and the Animal Spirit. However, in my opinion, one stand out above the rest.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA, is one such organization. The ASPCA is mainly concerned with the welfare of animals in the entertainment industry, companion animals, livestock, research animals, and wild animals. The ASPCA believes that animals should be treated with respect and should have consideration for their needs. The mission of the ASPCA, as stated by Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”
Animal cruelty has two main categories: passive cruelty and active cruelty. Passive cruelty is lack of action which could be classified as neglect. The most common types of neglect are starvation, dehydration, inadequate shelter, and failure to seek veterinary care when an animal needs medical attention. Active cruelty is seen as malicious intent were a person purposely harms an animal .In 2007 there were 1,846 cases of animal cruelty in the United States. 743 cases were neglect, 243 cases were shootings, and 100 cases were mutilation. These numbers are alarming and over the past ten years have grown.
The safety and wellbeing of our animals is not the only problem or concern. It has been proven that there is a link between animal cruelty in youth and violence or other serious crimes as an adult. “It has been suggested that animal cruelty may be exhibited by 25% of Conduct Disorder children and that animal abuse may be the earliest symptom evident in Conduct Disorder children. Acts of intentional cruelty are often some of the most disturbing. They should be considered as a sign of serious psychological problems. This type of behavior is often associated with sociopathic behavior. Because Animal cruelty can lead to much bigger problems, the animal’s rights are not the only thing at stake. American society and our children are at stake too.
The ASPCA knows of these correlations and has provided its own answer. The Humane Law Enforcement Agency. The Humane Law Enforcement department of the ASPCA does a great job helping to prevent animal cruelty. This department solely with enforcing the state and federal humane laws. ASPCA agents conduct investigations based on calls from the public or other humane organizations about incidents of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. The Humane Law Enforcement Agency investigates more than 5,000 cases a year and arrests more than 300 people a year. They even have a TV show on Animal Planet called “Animal Precinct”, which is based in New York. The TV show follows the Humane Law Enforcement agents on their many investigations.
If someone is caught and convicted of animal cruelty the likelihood of them mistreating animals again goes down. If that someone also has symptoms of conduct disorder, the likelihood of the animal cruelty progressing to human violence can also go down.
Additionally the ASPCA has other departments as well. Other departments within the ASPCA include the Animal Placement department. Its job is to find homes for the animals the ASPCA rescues. There is a poison control center. There is also a mobile spay and neuter clinic, that provides affordable spay and neuter services and vaccinations. In addition the ASPCA owns an animal hospital that has been featured on “Animal Precinct”. The ASPCA has a government affairs & public policies department, along with its own legal department that prosecutes those found guilty of animal cruelty. Although there are many other organizations out there that are helping to prevent animal cruelty the ASPCA has so many ways to get involved. For me that makes it the perfect choice.
Works Cited
"Animals in Research." The Humane Society of the United States. 20 Mar. 2008.
"Greenpeace USA." 20 Mar. 2008.
Miller, Cathrine. "Childhood Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Violence." Clinical Psychology Review 21.5 (2001): 735-749. Science Direct. Google Scholar.
"People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals." PETA. 20 Mar. 2008.
"Pet-Abuse.Com." 20 Mar. 2008.
"The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals." ASPCA. 20 Mar. 2008.
Picture a kid in elementary school with an assignment on the whiteboard that states: Write about what you want to be when you grow up. If that kid was me, I would be writing about how I wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved animals and wanted to do whatever I could to be around them and help them. Now, like most people, I did not end up becoming what I wanted to be when I was a child. However I am still very passionate about animals and I still want to help in whatever way possible. Animal abuse is something I am very passionate about. Abuse towards animals is horrific and needs to be stopped. The only way to end animal abuse is to punish those who do it. These days there are many organizations dedicated to helping animal. It’s hard to chose which one to be apart of, PETA, Greenpeace, the Doris Day Animal league, The Humane Society Of the United States, and the Animal Spirit. However, in my opinion, one stand out above the rest.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA, is one such organization. The ASPCA is mainly concerned with the welfare of animals in the entertainment industry, companion animals, livestock, research animals, and wild animals. The ASPCA believes that animals should be treated with respect and should have consideration for their needs. The mission of the ASPCA, as stated by Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”
Animal cruelty has two main categories: passive cruelty and active cruelty. Passive cruelty is lack of action which could be classified as neglect. The most common types of neglect are starvation, dehydration, inadequate shelter, and failure to seek veterinary care when an animal needs medical attention. Active cruelty is seen as malicious intent were a person purposely harms an animal .In 2007 there were 1,846 cases of animal cruelty in the United States. 743 cases were neglect, 243 cases were shootings, and 100 cases were mutilation. These numbers are alarming and over the past ten years have grown.
The safety and wellbeing of our animals is not the only problem or concern. It has been proven that there is a link between animal cruelty in youth and violence or other serious crimes as an adult. “It has been suggested that animal cruelty may be exhibited by 25% of Conduct Disorder children and that animal abuse may be the earliest symptom evident in Conduct Disorder children. Acts of intentional cruelty are often some of the most disturbing. They should be considered as a sign of serious psychological problems. This type of behavior is often associated with sociopathic behavior. Because Animal cruelty can lead to much bigger problems, the animal’s rights are not the only thing at stake. American society and our children are at stake too.
The ASPCA knows of these correlations and has provided its own answer. The Humane Law Enforcement Agency. The Humane Law Enforcement department of the ASPCA does a great job helping to prevent animal cruelty. This department solely with enforcing the state and federal humane laws. ASPCA agents conduct investigations based on calls from the public or other humane organizations about incidents of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. The Humane Law Enforcement Agency investigates more than 5,000 cases a year and arrests more than 300 people a year. They even have a TV show on Animal Planet called “Animal Precinct”, which is based in New York. The TV show follows the Humane Law Enforcement agents on their many investigations.
If someone is caught and convicted of animal cruelty the likelihood of them mistreating animals again goes down. If that someone also has symptoms of conduct disorder, the likelihood of the animal cruelty progressing to human violence can also go down.
Additionally the ASPCA has other departments as well. Other departments within the ASPCA include the Animal Placement department. Its job is to find homes for the animals the ASPCA rescues. There is a poison control center. There is also a mobile spay and neuter clinic, that provides affordable spay and neuter services and vaccinations. In addition the ASPCA owns an animal hospital that has been featured on “Animal Precinct”. The ASPCA has a government affairs & public policies department, along with its own legal department that prosecutes those found guilty of animal cruelty. Although there are many other organizations out there that are helping to prevent animal cruelty the ASPCA has so many ways to get involved. For me that makes it the perfect choice.
Works Cited
"Animals in Research." The Humane Society of the United States. 20 Mar. 2008
"Greenpeace USA." 20 Mar. 2008
Miller, Cathrine. "Childhood Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Violence." Clinical Psychology Review 21.5 (2001): 735-749. Science Direct. Google Scholar.
"People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals." PETA. 20 Mar. 2008
"Pet-Abuse.Com." 20 Mar. 2008
"The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals." ASPCA. 20 Mar. 2008
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