Research Critical Analysis Essay/Outline

The Weighty Consequences of Obesity on Individuals

Obesity, a multifaceted health challenge affecting millions globally, transcends mere physical appearance. Its repercussions extend far beyond the visible, seeping into various aspects of individuals’ lives. This essay examines the far-reaching impact of obesity on people, encompassing physical health, mental well-being, social dynamics, and the broader societal framework. In a world where the scale of societal expectations meets the weight of personal struggles, the impact of obesity on individuals transcends mere numbers on a scale. From the hidden burdens on mental well-being to the outward ripples in social dynamics, obesity weaves a narrative that goes beyond physical appearance, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of individuals’ lives. Explore with us the profound consequences that extend far beyond the surface, delving into the complexities of health, identity, and societal expectations. The impact of obesity on individuals extends beyond the physical realm, permeating into mental and emotional well-being, shaping social dynamics, and contributing to a complex interplay of factors that influence personal identity and societal expectations. Understanding and addressing the multifaceted consequences of obesity are imperative for individual health and fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society.  

Obesity, a common health problem, has a profound effect on individuals by severely deteriorating their physical health. The added burden on those affected puts tremendous stress on vital organs, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “Addressing Internalized Weight Bias and Changing Damaged Social Identities for People Living With Obesity” which says that due to widespread institutional, professional, cultural, and personal weight bias, obesity is a stigmatized illness, people who are obese face weight bias in a variety of contexts and throughout their lives, which can negatively affect their prospects for success in life as well as their health and social outcomes(Salas, paragraph 1, sentences 1-3). This paraphrased evidence shows how weight-biased internalization mediates poor mental health scores in persons living with obesity. It also shows how this article also investigates into efforts to reduce weight stigma and discrimination in society, as well as promoting greater inclusivity, understanding, and empathy towards individuals with obesity.

Obesity, far more than a matter of personal appearance or lifestyle choices, is a complex health issue that significantly impacts individuals on multiple levels, encompassing physical health, mental well-being, social dynamics, and broader societal structures. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “The contributions of weight problem perception, BMI, gender, mood, and smoking status to binge eating among college students” which says that research indicates that this specific body image construct contributes more to the prediction of binge eating than dietary restriction and its effect may be mediated by depression and that body image, most notably body dissatisfaction, has been prospectively implicated in binge eating and bulimic symptomatology(Saules, paragraph 3, sentences 1-6). This paraphrased evidence shows how disorder can negatively impact self-confidence and self-acceptance and the media’s portrayal of stereotyped bodies can exacerbate body image issues leading to feelings of inadequacy. It also shows that while binge eating may not necessarily be a direct response to negative affect, days when binges occur tend to be associated with negative mood.

The impact of obesity on individuals is not confined solely to physical health, it extends into the realms of mental and emotional well-being, social dynamics, and self-perception. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “Culture, Obesity Stereotypes, Self-Esteem, and the “Thin Ideal”: A Social Identity Perspective” which says that global self-esteem derives from self-esteem in specific domains; the more a culture emphasizes the importance of specific domains for life success, the more self-esteem in those domains will affect global self-esteem, Harter and others have argued, and that particularly among Caucasian adolescents and adults (and even more so for women than for men), self-esteem and body self-esteem are correlated(Klaczynski, slide 4, paragraph 2, sentences 1-9). This paraphrased evidence shows how In extreme cases obese individuals may withdraw from social activities and relationships for fear of judgment or discrimination. It also shows how individuals’ self-esteem and body image are influenced by societal and cultural factors.

Obesity significantly influences individuals by intertwining with various aspects of their lives, including physical health, mental well-being, and societal interactions, understanding the intricate web of consequences stemming from obesity is vital for crafting targeted interventions that not only address immediate health concerns but also contribute to the holistic betterment of individuals in a diverse and interconnected society. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “Weight of Modernity: An Intergenerational Study of the Rise of Obesity” which says that discussion of lifestyle tends to attribute health outcomes to personal choice and behavior, as if people were solitary individuals rather than socially and culturally situated actors engaging in meaningful social practices, it can neglect how personal behaviors are structured, constrained or encouraged(Banwell, slide 16, paragraph 2, sentences 10-13). This paraphrased evidence shows that recognizing obesity as a daily struggle with health can prevent individuals from pursuing other aspects of personal development and growth beyond their own weight. It also shows that fatness and thinness have varying significance in different historical and cultural settings.

 Obesity significantly shapes individuals by affecting not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “Using Marketing Muscle to Sell Fat: The Rise of Obesity in the Modern Economy” which says that a consensus is developing that these two explanations are insufficient to explain significant changes in obesity; careful analysis indicates that increases in caloric consumption, rather than changes in physical activity, account for most, if not all, of the rise in obesity and that two plausible explanations have gained currency: a reduction in the activity intensity of employment and sedentary lifestyles(Zimmerman, slide 3, paragraph 2, sentences 5-15). This paraphrased evidence shows that access to support groups, therapy, and guidance from health professionals can be transformative for individuals who are overweight. It also shows that changes in the composition of employment from a labor-intensive manufacturing and farming economy to a service economy could explain a reduction in caloric expenditure on the job.

In conclusion, the impact of obesity on individuals is pervasive, affecting not only physical health but also mental well-being, social dynamics, economic stability, and the broader societal framework. Recognizing obesity as a complex issue that transcends mere appearance is crucial for developing effective strategies to address and mitigate its consequences. By understanding the intricate interplay between physical health, mental well-being, and societal dynamics, we can work towards fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society, where individuals are supported in their pursuit of holistic health and well-being.

Works Cited:

Banwell Cathy, Dorothy Broom, Jane Dixon, Anna Davies. “Weight of Modernity: An Intergenerational Study of the Rise of Obesity.” Springer Dordrecht, vol 1, no.1, 2012, https://link-springer-com.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/book/10.1007/978-90-481-8957-1#book-header. Retrieved 19 October 2023.

Klaczynski A. Paul, Kristen W. Goold, Jeffrey J. Mudry. “Culture, Obesity Stereotypes, Self-Esteem, and the “Thin Ideal”: A Social Identity Perspective.” Springer Nature, vol 1, no.1, 2004,https://link-springer-com.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/article/10.1023/B%3AJOYO.0000032639.71472.19#Abs1. Retrieved 19 October 2023. 

Salas Ramos Ximena, Timothy Caulfield, Arya M. Sharma, Kim D. Raine, Mary Forhan. “Addressing Internalized Weight Bias and Changing Damaged Social Identities for People Living With Obesity.” Frontiers Journals, vol 10, no.1, 2019, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01409. Retrieved  17 October 2023.

Saules K. Karen, Valentina Ivesaj, Amy S. Coilings, Ashley A. Wieldemann, David Saunders-Scott, Flora Hoodin, Kevin Alschule, Nancy E. Angelella. “The contributions of weight problem perception, BMI, gender, mood, and smoking status to binge eating among college students.” Elsevier, vol 10, no.1, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2008.07.010. Retrieved 18 October 2023.

Zimmerman J. Frederick. “Using Marketing Muscle to Sell Fat: The Rise of Obesity in the Modern Economy.” Annual review of public health, vol. 32, no.1, 2010, https://doi-org.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090810-182502.     Retrieved 20 October 2023.

Outline:

Hook: In a world where the scale of societal expectations meets the weight of personal struggles, the impact of obesity on individuals transcends mere numbers on a scale. From the hidden burdens on mental well-being to the outward ripples in social dynamics, obesity weaves a narrative that goes beyond physical appearance, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of individuals’ lives. Explore with us the profound consequences that extend far beyond the surface, delving into the complexities of health, identity, and societal expectations. 

Working Thesis: The impact of obesity on individuals extends beyond the physical realm, permeating into mental and emotional well-being, shaping social dynamics, and contributing to a complex interplay of factors that influence personal identity and societal expectations. Understanding and addressing the multifaceted consequences of obesity are imperative not only for individual health but also for fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society. 

Body Paragraph 1: Obesity, a common health problem, has a profound effect on individuals by severely deteriorating their physical health. The added burden on those affected puts tremendous stress on vital organs, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “Addressing Internalized Weight Bias and Changing Damaged Social Identities for People Living With Obesity” which says “Obesity is a stigmatized disease due to pervasive personal, professional, institutional, and cultural weight bias, Individuals with obesity experience weight bias across their lifespan and settings, which can affect their life chances and significantly impact health and social outcomes”(Salas, paragraph 1, sentences 1-3). This evidence shows how weight bias internalization mediates poor mental health scores in persons living with obesity. It also shows how this article also investigates into efforts to reduce weight stigma and discrimination in society, as well as promoting greater inclusivity, understanding, and empathy towards individuals with obesity.

Body Paragraph 2: Obesity, far more than a matter of personal appearance or lifestyle choices, is a complex health issue that significantly impacts individuals on multiple levels, encompassing physical health, mental well-being, social dynamics, and broader societal structures. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “The contributions of weight problem perception, BMI, gender, mood, and smoking status to binge eating among college students” which says “Body image – most notably body dissatisfaction – has been prospectively implicated in binge eating and bulimic symptomatology, Research suggests that this particular body image construct contributes more to the prediction of binge eating than dietary restraint and its effect may be mediated by depression”(Saules, paragraph 3, sentences 1-6). This evidence shows how disorder can negatively impact self-confidence and self-acceptance and the media’s portrayal of stereotyped bodies can exacerbate body image issues leading to feelings of inadequacy. It also shows that while binge eating may not necessarily be a direct response to negative affect, days when binges occur tend to be associated with negative mood.

Body Paragraph 3: The impact of obesity on individuals is not confined solely to physical health, it extends into the realms of mental and emotional well-being, social dynamics, and self-perception. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “Culture, Obesity Stereotypes, Self-Esteem, and the “Thin Ideal”: A Social Identity Perspective” which says “Particularly among Caucasian adolescents and adults (and even more so for women than for men), self-esteem and body self-esteem are clearly correlated, as Harter and others have argued, global self-esteem derives from self-esteem in specific domains, the more a culture emphasizes the importance of specific domains for life success, the more self-esteem in those domains will affect global self-esteem”(Klaczynski, slide 4, paragraph 2, sentences 1-9). This evidence shows how In extreme cases obese individuals may withdraw from social activities and relationships for fear of judgment or discrimination. It also shows how individuals’ self-esteem and body image are influenced by societal and cultural factors.

Body Paragraph 4: Obesity significantly influences individuals by intertwining with various aspects of their lives, including physical health, mental well-being, and societal interactions, understanding the intricate web of consequences stemming from obesity is vital for crafting targeted interventions that not only address immediate health concerns but also contribute to the holistic betterment of individuals in a diverse and interconnected society. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “Weight of Modernity: An Intergenerational Study of the Rise of Obesity” which says “Discussion of lifestyle tends to attribute health outcomes to personal choice and behavior, as if people were solitary individuals rather than socially and culturally situated actors engaging in meaningful social practices, it can neglect how personal behaviors are structured, constrained or encouraged”(Banwell, slide 16, paragraph 2, sentences 10-13). This evidence shows that recognizing obesity as a daily struggle with health can prevent individuals from pursuing other aspects of personal development and growth beyond their own weight. It also shows that fatness and thinness have varying significance in different historical and cultural settings.

Body Paragraph 5: Obesity significantly shapes individuals by affecting not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Evidence of this can be seen in an article called “Using Marketing Muscle to Sell Fat: The Rise of Obesity in the Modern Economy” which says “Two possible explanations have gained currency: a reduction on the activity intensity of employment and sedentary lifestyles, yet although precise data on physical expenditure are poor and unevenly available, a consensus is emerging that these two explanations are inadequate to explain major shifts in obesity, careful analysis suggests that most or indeed all the increase in obesity is to be explained by increases in caloric consumption, rather than changes in physical activity”(Zimmerman, slide 3, paragraph 2, sentences 5-15). This evidence shows that access to support groups, therapy, and guidance from health professionals can be transformative for individuals who are overweight. It also shows that changes in the composition of employment from a labor-intensive manufacturing and farming economy to a service economy could explain a reduction in caloric expenditure on the job.

Annotated Bibliography

Research Question: How does obesity affect your personal identity?

Banwell Cathy, Dorothy Broom, Jane Dixon, Anna Davies. “Weight of Modernity: An Intergenerational Study of the Rise of Obesity.” Springer Dordrecht, vol 1, no.1, 2012, https://link-springer-com.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/book/10.1007/978-90-481-8957-1#book-header. Retrieved 19 October 2023.

The main idea of this article is that it addresses the public health of people that are considered obese and informs them how dangerous the epidemic of obesity is. This article investigates the serious illness conditions that obesity can give you if you don’t take care of yourself properly. One finding that I found in this article is that the contemporary preoccupation with obesity and the meanings attributed to heavy bodies are inventions of the recent past. This article also investigates the contemporary preoccupation with obesity and the meanings attributed to heavy bodies.The article shares that fatness and thinness have varying significance in different historical and cultural settings. It also investigates how obesity prevalence is now distributed like most other chronic disease risks.

This essay is crucial to my topic because it provides valuable insights into the causes, factors, and consequences of obesity, which I can use to incorporate into my essay. It also focuses on the rise of obesity and how the population of it is increasing every day because people are not taking care of themselves. Data like this provides a more comprehensive view of the obesity issue.

I’m going to provide an overview of the obesity epidemic, its prevalence, and its significance as a global public health issue because if we don’t address it hundreds of more people will be consumed by the obesity epidemic within a couple of years. This can be used as the primary argument I intend to make in my essay. Also I will highlight the intergenerational perspective and its importance in understanding the rise of obesity. And I will finally discuss how the article’s intergenerational approach sheds light on how obesity has evolved over time because obesity has become more and more common over time because people are starting to think that it’s a regular thing and not something to be worried of.

Klaczynski A. Paul, Kristen W. Goold, Jeffrey J. Mudry. “Culture, Obesity Stereotypes, Self-Esteem, and the “Thin Ideal”: A Social Identity Perspective.” Springer Nature, vol 1, no.1, 2004,https://link-springer-com.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/article/10.1023/B%3AJOYO.0000032639.71472.19#Abs1. Retrieved 19 October 2023. 

The main idea of this article is that it addresses the culture of obesity and the stereotypes that are there and how it affects their self esteem overtime because they have been made into a stereotype. This article investigates on how to control your weight and self esteem so that you can help your social identity in society and remove being stereotyped as obese. One finding that I found in this article is that research with children and adults generally supports the hypothesis that obese individuals are negatively stigmatized. This article also investigates body esteem and how it can affect your mentality when you’re obese. The article shares that negative attitudes toward the obese would be related to beliefs about the causes of obesity. It also investigates the causes of obesity and how to stop it.

This essay is crucial to my topic because it focuses on  “Social Identity Perspective” which could provide me with a unique theoretical framework for analyzing my topic. It also lets me examine how individuals’ self-esteem and body image are influenced by societal and cultural factors, which offers me valuable insights for my essay. Data like this provide insights into how cultural factors shape these ideals and stereotypes.

I’m going to introduce the article and its relevance to the broader topic of obesity stereotypes, self-esteem, and the thin ideal. This can be used to provide an overview of the cultural and societal factors that contribute to the formation of body image ideals and stereotypes related to obesity. Also I will discuss how these stereotypes are perpetuated and reinforced by cultural and societal factors. And I will finally discuss the real-world consequences of these cultural influences, such as eating disorders, mental health issues, and societal discrimination.

Salas Ramos Ximena, Timothy Caulfield, Arya M. Sharma, Kim D. Raine, Mary Forhan. “Addressing Internalized Weight Bias and Changing Damaged Social Identities for People Living With Obesity.” Frontiers Journals, vol 10, no.1, 2019, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01409. Retrieved  17 October 2023.

The main idea of this article is that it addresses how obesity can change a person’s social identity and how it destroys their life along the way. This article investigates on the ways to challenge and change social identities. And the findings that I found in this article is that it talks about how weight bias and stigma can also increase both morbidity and mortality and how self-stigma can also have adverse health outcomes including poorer health related quality of life. This article also investigates into efforts to reduce weight stigma and discrimination in society, as well as promoting greater inclusivity, understanding, and empathy towards individuals with obesity. The article shares that weight bias internalization also mediates poor mental health scores in persons living with obesity. It also investigates into advocacy for more equitable access to healthcare and support for people living with obesity. 

This essay is crucial to my topic because it focuses on why obesity is a significant public health issue worldwide and it raises awareness about the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this health problem. It also provides information on how to prevent and manage obesity through lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and medical interventions. Information like this can convince people on why obesity is not good for people at all and will make them stray away from it right away.

I’m going to highlight the important conclusions of the essay concerning that 49,365 obese individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience and develop coping strategies like exercising and meditation to navigate their experiences. This can be used to support my claim on the impact of obesity on personal identity. Also I will explain that obesity is associated with various co-morbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. And I will finally highlight the importance of weight management in preventing these conditions.

Saules K. Karen, Valentina Ivesaj, Amy S. Coilings, Ashley A. Wieldemann, David Saunders-Scott, Flora Hoodin, Kevin Alschule, Nancy E. Angelella. “The contributions of weight problem perception, BMI, gender, mood, and smoking status to binge eating among college students.” Elsevier, vol 10, no.1, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2008.07.010. Retrieved 18 October 2023.

The main idea of this article is that it addresses the problems you will have for not caring about your weight and the consequences you’re going to get for not caring about yourself. This article investigates on how to stabilize your weight and they experimented by using college students as their test subjects to see the results. The findings I found in this article is that BED is associated with a host of psychological and quality of life problems that cannot be simply attributed to obesity and that obese individuals who do not binge eat do not appear to experience these same types and magnitude of problems. This article also investigates how gender differences might play a role in binge eating, considering whether male and female college students exhibit different patterns of binge eating behavior. The article shares that while binge eating may not necessarily be a direct response to negative affect, days when binges occur tend to be associated with negative mood. It also investigates how smoking habits have an impact on binge eating.

This essay is crucial to my topic because it provides valuable insights and information directly related to obesity. It also provides primary research findings and data related to the contributions of weight problem perception, BMI, gender, mood, and smoking status to binge eating among college students. Data like this can be used to support my own research findings, strengthening the empirical basis of my essay.

I’m going to discuss the contributions of weight problem perception, BMI, gender, mood, and smoking status to binge eating in college students like how it lowers the self esteem of some college students and makes them go into depression because of that. This can be used to explain how these limitations may have influenced my results. Also I will reiterate the importance of understanding the contributions of weight problem perception, BMI, gender, mood, and smoking status to binge eating in college students. And I will finally highlight the potential impact on binge eating and how they are measured in your study.

Zimmerman J. Frederick. “Using Marketing Muscle to Sell Fat: The Rise of Obesity in the Modern Economy.” Annual review of public health, vol. 32, no.1, 2010, https://doi-org.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090810-182502. Retrieved 20 October 2023.

The main idea of this article is that it addresses the rising economy of obesity and how it attracts more people to get obese. This article investigates the increased caloric consumption people take that leads them to having an unstable diet which leads to obesity. One finding that I found in this article is that mean body mass index (BMI) increased very slowly throughout the twentieth century until about the early 1980s, at which point it began to increase substantially, accelerating further in the 1990s. This article also investigates how individual choices are highly influenced by the profit-maximizing choices of marketers. The article shares that changes in the composition of employment from a labor-intensive manufacturing and farming economy to a service economy could explain a reduction in caloric expenditure on the job. It also investigates how we understand the role of public health and how we can help people with no knowledge of it.

  This essay is crucial to my topic because this article focuses on the issue of obesity and how it is a pressing public health concern worldwide. It also focuses on bringing together multiple disciplines, including marketing, economics, psychology, and public health, which offers a multidimensional perspective on a complex issue. Data like this provides helpful information for me to put on my essay.

I’m going to introduce the article and its relevance to the topic of the rise of obesity in the modern economy. This can be used to highlight how marketing of unhealthy food and economic factors contribute to the rise of obesity. Also I will discuss how marketing and advertising techniques have been used to promote unhealthy foods and sedentary lifestyles and because of that it’s how the population of obese people keep growing every year by a substantial amount. And I will finally discuss how the modern economy has made unhealthy food more accessible and convenient for people that don’t have that much knowledge on what type of food they should eat for their body.

Semi Weekly Reflection Week 14

What I have learned that has proved most useful to my composition process is recognizing that the importance of revising and editing my work is crucial because the first draft is rarely perfect, and improvements are often made during the editing stage. I have also recognized that seeking feedback from others, whether it’s peers, mentors, or editors, can provide valuable insights and perspectives that might have been overlooked by me. I have also learned that creating an outline or structure before I start writing can help organize my thoughts and make the writing process smoother. Another thing I learned is that tailoring my composition to my target audience helps in creating content that resonates with and engages my readers. The final thing I have learned is that learning how to manage my time effectively is crucial for meeting deadlines and producing quality work and also to break down my tasks into manageable chunks and set realistic goals.

Semi Weekly Reflection Week 12

The relationship between my Research Analysis Essay and my MMT is that they both focus on the impact of obesity on personal identity and how it will affect them in their lives. In the research essay, I evaluate the weaknesses of being obese in both of them because I believe that it is very substantial to talk about it. I also discuss the potential future developments and improvements to cure obesity on people because it gives more details to help both of the assignments. In essence, the relationship between my Research Analysis Essay and my MMT plan involves deep investigation, analysis, and critical evaluation of the plan and its components.

Mid-term Self-Reflection Essay

One of the key components of the course learning outcomes is the development of critical thinking skills. My writing assignments have significantly contributed to my growth in this area. Through essays and assignments, I was often required to analyze complex topics, synthesize information, and present well-reasoned arguments. For instance, in my “Creative Nonfiction Essay” I had to critically assess different viewpoints and provide strong arguments to support my perspective. This experience honed my ability to think critically, a skill that will be invaluable in my future writing and decision-making.

Effective communication is another vital skill emphasized in the course learning outcomes. My writing assignments have encouraged me to convey my ideas clearly and concisely. I have learned to structure my essays logically, ensuring that my audience can follow my line of reasoning because in the Exploratory Essay I have each paragraph sorted nice and even and I have all the works cited on a completely separate page to make it look more professional and the impact of that is that it has made me into a more organized and neat writer. Feedback on my assignments, particularly regarding organization and clarity, has further enhanced my communication skills because in the Creative Nonfiction Essay I have received a good amount of feedback from my professor on that assignment and as a result I have improved on that essay and made it more detailed and the impact of that is that it has better improved my writing skills and made me a more detailed writer because of what the professor told me what I needed to do better on. And as a result this will undoubtedly be beneficial in my future writing endeavors and in my professional life later on.

My coursework has stressed the importance of research skills, and my writing assignments has given me practical experience in this regard. I have learned how to gather information from various sources, evaluate their reliability, and integrate them seamlessly into my writing. For example, in my research paper on “The Impact of Obesity on Personal Identity” I had to consult numerous academic sources and properly cite them using a recognized citation style. This skill will be invaluable as I continue my education and engage in more advanced research projects. The research and writing skills I have developed through my coursework will be directly transferable to future academic writing. I will be better prepared to tackle more complex essays and research papers with confidence and precision.

Outlining has been a strategy that I have attempted and accomplished by doing multiple outlines for different essays, and that helped me because it better honed my skill of outlining and made me maintain a clear and organized structure throughout my essays because of it. And outlining has also helped me stay focused on the main argument of my essays. The strategies that I will take to my future writing is maintain a clear and organized structure in my writing, using well-defined introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions, use transitional words and phrases to improve the flow between ideas, and dedicate time to revise and proofread my work to eliminate errors and improve clarity. And by doing those strategies I believe my work will be very professional and it will make my essays better for the readers to understand my arguments.

Reflecting on my writing journey so far, I have overcome many challenges so far and learned many lessons along the way. My dedication to continuous improvement and a growth mindset will be a valuable asset in my future writing endeavors because I embrace feedback and because I do that I keep refining my skills and approach every writing task as an opportunity for growth. In summary, my essays, assignments, and chosen artifacts have been instrumental in helping me  encounter and achieve specific components of the Course Learning Outcomes. The skills and knowledge I have gained through my writing work will undoubtedly have a positive and lasting impact on my future writing, whether in academia, my career, or personal projects.

Creative Nonfiction Essay

 The Impact of different media’s over my life and Identity

In an age where media has permeated every aspect of our lives, its impact in shaping my life and the lives of others cannot be underestimated. Not only has the media helped me come a long way but it has helped me to a point where I can’t imagine my life without it. Three aspects that have impacted my life and identity are film, cultural heritage, and education because those aspects exert a profound influence on how I perceive myself as a human being. It also shapes my self-esteem, body image, and personal values, ultimately contributing to the construction of my identity.

 One of the most important aspects of my identity is my cultural heritage of being from the Dominican Republic. My family’s traditions, values ​​and language have contributed immensely to the person I am today because they have influenced my beliefs, behaviors, and view of how the world is. Growing up in a Dominican household, I was fortunate to be immersed in a world of live music, vibrant dance and a strong sense of community. The sweet melodies of merengue and bachata filled our family gatherings, while the smell of traditional foods like sancocho and mangu made our home feel like a part of the Dominican Republic. My cultural experiences brought a deep sense of pride and I have a strong bond with my roots. The warmth, flexibility and hospitality that is central to Dominican culture has become an integral part of who I am. As a result, I am a person who values ​​family, celebrates diversity, and understands the importance of sharing laughter and joy even in the face of adversity. My Dominican heritage has shaped my character and reminded me of the beauty of my cultural identity and the power of unity in an increasingly connected world.

Education is another important aspect in shaping my identity because it expands my knowledge, critical thinking and worldview. Through education, I learned not only academics but life skills, critical thinking and the ability to form my own opinions. It exposed me to different perspectives and cultures, and gave me an understanding and appreciation for the complexities of the world. Education empowered me to dream, set goals, and work towards them, ultimately shaping the person I am today. It reinforced the values ​​of curiosity, empathy, and the pursuit of excellence, all of which have become an integral part of my identity. In a fast-paced world, education is the anchor that keeps me grounded, the sail that propels me forward, and the mirror that reflects the multifaceted nature of my identity. As a result of my education, I became a well-rounded individual with a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to personal development. Education has equipped me with the skills and tools to think critically, solve problems and adapt to an ever-changing world. It has expanded my horizons, exposed me to different perspectives and cultures, and made me more open-minded and empathetic

Film is another important aspect in shaping my identity and influencing the person I have become because it has been a medium through which I have been exposed to countless cultures, stories and perspectives. Whether through gripping narratives, thought-provoking documentaries, or immersive storytelling, film has ignited my curiosity about the world. This allows me to walk into the shoes of people from different backgrounds, giving me empathy and a deeper understanding of social situations. As a result of film in my life, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the power of history, its ability to challenge preconceived notions and expand my horizons. Film has not only been entertaining but has also been a catalyst for my personal growth, infusing my curiosity, cultural appreciation, and commitment to embracing the richness of our global community.

In the tapestry of my identity, media is a thread that interlaces and weaves through various factors. It enriches my cultural heritage, amplifies my passions, supports my education, and enhances my social connections. However, the impact of media is not unidimensional—it can empower and enlighten while also introducing challenges. As I navigate the landscape of media, I am mindful of its potential to both enhance and distort my identity. By acknowledging its power and engaging with it critically, I endeavor to mold a personal identity that is informed, resilient, and authentic.

Semi-Weekly Reflection Prompt Week 11

My argument has evolved because as more information about my topic of obesity becomes available, my argument has evolved to incorporate new data, facts, and evidence. Through the discussions in Blackboard, my arguments has become more refined because of that. My Argument has evolved when I engaged in persuasive communication, adapting my language and rhetoric to better reach my audience and make my point more effectively. My argument has evolved because I have integrated multiple viewpoints and arguments into a more comprehensive perspective so that it can be more detailed and make the readers understand better. Finally feedback from others has evolved my argument substantially because the feedback from others strengthened and modified my original argument and made it a whole lot better.

Semi-Weekly Reflection Week 10

What we have done so far that has been helpful to my writing process is the practicing of the annotated bibliography and research analysis essay. I might apply this helpful information to my essays in the future it allows me to understand the background and the specific situation I’m dealing with and it allows me to tailor my responses accordingly. What has been confusing for me was all the explanations I have to do for the sources, I’m confused with how many sentences of explanation I have to write for it to be a well detailed for the RCA Essay. I will acquire this knowledge by going online and look up samples to see if it could help me.

Semi-Weekly Reflection Prompt Week 9

The media’s that I am using is film and education. And these different types of media’s support my topic/ideas because with film it shows you why obesity is a problem in the modern world and why it is a problem if you have it. With education it allows me to explain how obesity can affect the personal identity of many people around the world and how it affects them in their modern lives. This will help me with my writing work because it will support my topic and the writing I will base it on. It will also support some of the evidence that I will put in my essay.

Semi-Weekly Reflection Prompt Week 7

The rhetorical situation of my exploratory essay on “The Impact of Obesity on Personal Identity” is influenced by the context, audience, purpose, and genre. My role as an author is to engage in a nuanced exploration of this topic, presenting multiple viewpoints, and encouraging critical thinking without necessarily taking a firm stance. My role as an author is also to hook readers in the topic that I am discussing with them and try to convince the readers that obesity is bad for your personal identity. The purposes of this exploratory essay is to present different perspectives on how obesity affects personal identity, encourage critical thinking and reflection, and identify gaps in the existing areas that need further research. And finally the goal of my essay was to inform, provoke thought, and foster a deeper understanding of how obesity can impact personal identity.