I’ve gained a better understanding of how writing can be used to examine social issues, voice, and identity throughout this semester. In addition to my academic development, my portfolio showcases my personal understanding of issues that are important to me, such as cultural identity, online community dynamics, and reproductive rights in America. 

In my essay, The issue of my essay Abortion services in the United States was a contentious issue faced in society. Following Roe v. Wades overturn in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, American reproductive rights underwent changes. I looked at how these legislative changes disproportionately impact women, especially low-income ones. Women of color, highlighting the fact that access to abortion is a matter of equity and survival rather than merely a legal one. I learned how to construct an argument using reliable sources and historical context while writing this paper. I also learned how to respond clearly and empathetically to opposing viewpoints, such as those presented by Beckwith. I honed my thesis, enhanced my sentence structure, and reinforced my use of transitions in several drafts to better direct the reader.

I was able to transition into a new type of researchone that is centered on lived experience and digital behavior through my Twitch/Roblox field observation. I learned how online communities can be both encouraging and chaotic by watching the Roblox community on Twitch. I examined how streamers and moderators establish safety. How players deal with trolling and digital language, as well as how streamers like Yoru\_Uma create communities. I was able to write ethnographically, categorize my field notes into themes, and explain what I observed in a way that related to broader discussions about internet culture thanks to this assignment. I hadn’t previously thought about how moderation relates to leadership and accountability in the real world, so I found that to be particularly fulfilling.

I considered how language, gender roles, and identity influence day-to-day living in my transcultural interview with Yashua. This conversation taught me about the Dominican-American experience and how cultural pride is influenced by bilingualism, family roles, and stereotypes. This interview was more intimate because it brought back memories of my own childhood and forced me to consider how culture influences more than just our perceptions.But how other people treat us. I learned from the reflection that storytelling can have a significant impact even in an academic context. I learned to write with passion, listen more, and respectfully elevate other people’s voices.

All things considered, this portfolio demonstrates my development as a writer who can investigate intricate subjects, create gripping stories, and relate personal experiences to more general social discussions. My organization, rhetorical awareness, and grammar have all improved. More significantly, I’ve discovered that writing is about making your voice heard, not just about getting your word count down. I intend to use these communication skills as I pursue my studies as a major in electrical engineering. I now recognize how crucial it is to write reports, proposals, or reflections with clarity, purpose,