This is a portfolio of writing from my second level writing course titled Writing for the Humanities and the Arts, at The City College of New York. The class was taught by Professor Kelly McIntosh, and had three core assignments which brought me out of my regular range of genres.

We began with an op-ed on a topic of our choice. I chose to wrote about factory farming and its impact on the environment, because I am a vegetarian but hadn’t delved deeply into this aspect of the problem. (The environment is also something I care mucho about). This work is titled ISlaughterhouse 55, and is referential to Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse 5 a. I named it this to project the theme of humanizing animals, which I only subtly implied in the essay. I also thought it would attract and cultured and curious audience.

Next, we were commissioned to compose a visual essay. The essence of this take was the practice intention in communication and the awareness of said intentionality. I carried over the theme from my first essay, animal rights, but here my argument focused on animal sentience. The essay is called Venison:The Untold Story of Bambi’s Mother, and is accompanied by a long write up that explains my “design decisions.”

Finally, we wrote a research critical analysis. Here I found an article from the New York Times which discusses shortcoming in the public housing units constructed by NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority). This essay is titled “NYCHA: Exacerbated by Time” and explains the authors claim that overtime public housing in NYC deteriorated, and how the authors writing stands among others who have written on the topic.

I have also included shorter writings, drafts, and a final assessment paper. These will orient you with towards thought process and my writing process.

As you read my work you will notice I have a rather distinct voice an rhythm to my writing. Do not fall into my head and fail to think critically about my writings. Thoughts and challenges will only make them more alive.

To understand what you will encounter on this blog and its significance to my learning process, see the “Annotated Table of Contents”

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