Professor Daniel Faber at Northeastern University told us that Environmental Racism is "a process by which communities of color are intentionally and systematically targeted for the siting of ecologically hazardous industrial facilities, toxic waste sites, incinerators, and other types of facilities that cause harm to its local residents as well as the surrounding environment." Frankly, the entire idea of environmental racism puzzles me and I cannot wrap my brain around the issue. Why would our government intentionally place hazardous facilities in minority neighborhoods? The towns targeted are the towns that have very little resources,or little to no prior knowledge as to the long term effects of the pollution leaked into the air that is breathed in. Minorities who reside in these ill-stricken towns are dying not because of old age, but because of cancer or other diseases brought about by these potent chemicals. The pollution is killing off people, and causing younger children to suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma. I've just began my study as an architect, and I am so glad to have become a bit more informed about this subject. This brief intro about environmental racism has inspired me. You might see me in the future: Nicolette Gordon, the "green friendly" architect.

Source: personal interview: Daniel Faber, Northwestern University.

Upon reading my blogs, I noticed that my entries all share a common theme in the way I write them. I start off choosing a topic that interests me, and then I conduct a little research on the topic in order to better inform myself. I'm interested in what other people have to say about the issues that I discuss, so quotes are in all of my blog entries. I like to weave my personal opinion into each entry that I write. Usually I write my opinion as the last sentence of the blog so that viewers are left with something to think about. My ideas are important because I have a voice. I want my voice to be heard. I want people to know what I believe in, my platform on certain issues. My weekly blogging activity gives me a break from my daily routine of running back and forth to my classes, studying, etc. Blogging helps me clear my head, and write. Blogging has changed my outlook on writing because I am able to use writing as a way to express myself. Before blogging, I never felt like my writing was really impacting anyone, because most of my writing was turned in for a grade. Now not only is a professor reading my blog, but now peers and other people around the world are reading what I have to say.

       My experience on writing research papers in this class has overall been a productive one. My improvements have surfaced in my diction and sentence structure. The way I organize my writing has seemed to help in the long run as well. My weakness remains in formation of the concluding paragraphs of my writing. I have a hard time forming a clear and concise conclusion; one that also creates new ideas. I'm confident that the lessons that I've learned about the the different types of essays have better prepared me for writing research papers in the future. I've always been comfortable using technology, and now more than ever I am using my computer to perfect my writing. I like to believe that whatever I am writing can affect the person next to me, and I like to challenge myself by putting myself in someone else's shoes when my writing pertains to people of different backgrounds.

Howard University Convocation 2010

On September 24, 2010, Ben Carson-world renowned neurologist-delivered a speech at Howard University's annual convocation ceremony. As the seats of Crampton Auditorium filled, its as if students   could feel the wave of energy that would soon change their lives as college students, as individuals in this society. After welcoming the class of 2014, and graciously thanking attendees of the speech, Carson opened his speech with a brief intro of his childhood, his struggle to make something of himself after being brought up in a single-parent household. Ill stricken with poverty, poor grades, indecent temper, and a low self esteem, somehow Carson still managed to make it to the top, and he used his life story to help motivate others. What Carson had to say about his own life was surprisingly significant to me, because I can relate to him. His story captivated the student body and facukty members, which is important because what he had to say is real. We all go through the same struggles that Carson endured. In the delivery of Carson's speech he stressed that students must take their "God-given talent to elevate other people." Carson's words of wisdom not only inspired many students, but many students walked away with a greater appreciation of the education that they will receive at Howard University. Carson couldn't have come at a better time, especially as we, the class of 2014 begin our lives as young adults and venture into new directions.

Source: Speech, Carson, Ben. Convocation. September 24, 2010.Cramton Auditorium, Howard University