Lawrence Kaskon

4/15/15
UWRT 1102
Ingram

The Final Judgment

Process Work Artifacts (Omitted 1)
Writers Notebook Artifacts (Omitted1)

Here we are again, another semester coming to a close. Along with

another Final Portfolio Essay that needs to be written. Looking back on my
previous Final Portfolio Essay, Im remaining the same guy who has a passion
and knack for writing. While others sigh and groan at the sight of another essay
they must create, I perk up and always look at it as an additional opportunity to
hone my craft and just improve even more. As a whole, I do feel like Ive learned
more about my future in this class, thanks to the research assignment. Not only
have I improved my skills as a writer, but Ive become more passionate and
dedicated to pursuing my dream to be a sports broadcaster. This class helped
me realize that. But this isnt a paper where I merely talk about that. This is a
paper where I reflect on all of my work, as a whole. I have continued to raise my
ceiling and surpass goals I set for myself, so know, lets look back and reflect.
For my organization and general design of m e-portfolio this semester, I
updated many of my ideas from last semesters portfolio. I truly enjoyed my

previous ideas so much, that I wanted to insert the same basic concept of the
design, all while inputting fresh new pictures and interactive buttons and what
not. With keeping/building off me previous layout and ideas, I again aimed to
capture the attention of my viewer right off the bat. I want to obtain their
undivided attention as soon as they click my URL. I also felt as if I had already
stumbled upon a rather organized layout, where everything was easily located
and simple to maneuver around. I inserted multiple tabs, each clearly worded so
you know what youre clicking on. So, I took a page out of my own book in this
sense. I used a multitude of different modes of communication so I could, again,
appeal to all types of audiences. Each tab has new pictures; in which give the
overall portfolio a different feel than the last. I also included a new button on my
homepage, just for a little extra interactive fun. Like last time, the button pertains
to my URL. I also added fun (or at least I thought it was) titles for each of my blog
posts. In my opinion, if it isnt broke, dont fix it!
When it comes to my personal wiring this semester, I took on a new view
of writing. I wrote to prove an argument, instead of telling a story. This was a new,
or less used, angle for me. This view of writing, I believe, made me not only a
better writer, but a smarter writer as well. When I say smarter, Im referring to
actual knowledge of topics and researching what you talk about so you leave no
holes in your argument. I feel like the research that goes into essays are often
overlooked, and I was no exception. I indeed overlooked the research aspect, but
no longer. I gained a appreciation, as well as improved skill in the field of an
argumentative writing style. I broadened my horizons, so to speak, with this

different type of writing and Im thankful for that. The highlights in my final draft of
my chosen research topic may be small in numbers, but it is immensely large in
what it stands for. Since my last draft, I added a personal view paragraph where
I state what I believe is best. I include There are both pros and cons when it
comes to attending a big university, as opposed to a smaller one. You may be
learning from higher accomplished professors, but you may have more
opportunities and air-time at a lesser-known university. I personally adore this
advice because it makes the reader think. I want my viewers to make the best
decision for THEM. Everyone is different and wont take the same path. Some
will go to a big school, while others will take a separate path. Both have equal
opportunities, just in different ways.
As for Key Concepts, since I was already familiar with this type of class, I
had already gotten my feet wet when it came to my own learning. I was aware of
this from the get-go and it allowed me to give one hundred percent of my effort
when it came to my own learning. I went all out in my individual research and
learned a gargantuan amount of information that I had not previously anticipated.
I succeeded my own personal goals for my learning in this class, and Im
confident that the work I put forth not only represents, but also exemplifies that.
For my intellectual growth and maturity, I feel as if I had a break through within
my career path. Thanks to the research assignment, I was able to get an even
stronger grasp on sports broadcasting. Including the ins and outs, what networks
look for, things that help and hinder, and most importantly, to put myself out there
and show the sports world the talent I believe I have. I have gained a lot of

confidence since this semester started and I feel much more intellectual, from the
standpoint of my desired profession. But when it comes to feedback, nothing is
more important. Feedback from your peers can push a good essay over the top.
Often overlooked or disregarded, feedback is the most helpful tool to getting a
lost essay on track and making it something special. Thats why I always make it
a point of emphasis to try my best to blend in whatever feedback I receive,
because Im always open to anything that will enhance my work. It goes both
ways too. I give my suggestions to my peers and try to help them as well. When
it comes to your essay, to quote the great Thomas Reid's Essays on the
Intellectual Powers of Man, A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
At last, we have reached the dicey part. Where I state what I believe I
deserve in this class. Allow me to go in headstrong. Unlike last semester, I did
miss a day or two this time around, but in return of missing a few days, I am
confident that I surpassed the LJ of last semester. Not in the quantity of work, but
in the sheer quality. Im not stating that my research essay is perfect by any
means, but I will say that I view that essay as one of my best ever, maybe even
the best thing I have ever created (Its debatable). But I wrote better blog posts
this semester and turned in all of my assignments in on time. My e-portfolio
includes every required piece and they are all easily located in their correct
spots. This essay, in itself, includes what it should as well. They say you get what
you give, and I gave it my all in every assignment I turned in. Your work defines
you as a person. I am confident that I continued to leave a good impression with
the quality of my work and I will be viewed in a positive light. I would give myself

an A(90-100) in this class, because I wouldnt turn in any assignment in this

class if I werent proud of it. I wouldnt put my name on something that I wouldnt
want associated with me or up to my own personal standards.
Required Artifacts
FPE- Final Draft
My Final portfolio essay allowed me to look back on my work yet
again and exhale with satisfaction. As I always say, I never want to complete an
assignment that is not up to par with my standards and this essay lets me look
back and appreciate the work Im so proud to have put my name on. As for the
actual quality of work Ive completed in this class, I do believe that my research
essay does in fact have the potential to be one of my greatest.
Traditional Research Essay- Coming To You Live
My traditional research essay really served as my platform to
achieve what I was looking for. I had always been interested in sports
broadcasting. I had known what the job consisted of and what not, but I wasnt
fully aware if I could actually live off of it. After this essay, all those questions
were answered. I could. Not only did this serve as a terrific topic to discuss and
help future individuals who are interested, but it also taught me so many new
things about the job. I gained the most out of this particular assignment and this
will stick with me for years to come.
3 Column Notes
The three column notes were the building blocks for the platform of
my research essay. Without these notes and discoveries, the essay itself would
cease to exist. All of the information I included in the essay were the facts and
advise I came across in these sites. I am extremely proud of my ten sources and
although some are more valuable than others, none can be overlooked.
Midterm
This semester, my midterm gave me the opportunity to revise
myself, not only as a writer, but also as a student. I allowed myself to really dive
deep into the key concepts and think critically of which concepts I interact with
the most and which ones I could work on and improve. I also let go in a way,
and let my curiosity roam. I looked into multiple inquiry questions and would
evaluate them in order to see if I would find success with them. I also touched on
how I knew that I was responsible for obtaining the information in order to build
up my inquiry question. These concepts truly allowed me to emerge and catapult

myself deep into my own discussion and answer my own questions, all while
supporting them.
Blog
Since I am going into the sports broadcasting field, allow me to
make a sports reference here. This was my second time around using/keeping
up with my blog. Last semester I was just a rookie learning the basics and how
to. This time around, however, I was more prepared and familiar with what was
being asked of me. As a result, I can proudly say that my second blog is much
more full and well rounded than my last. Not to say my previous blog was bad,
but to show that I have continued to improve and get better. I also incorporated a
new idea, where I think of humorous or creative titles for my blog posts. Its a
small addition, but a nice one nonetheless.
Writers Choice Artifacts
Process Work Artifacts (Omitted 1)

I included my first draft of my research assignment, to showcase

the growth from my first draft to my final product. In the leap from
this one to my final copy, I fed off the suggestions of my peers and
instructors, including Ms. Ingram saying to include suggestions
and your general plan. This allowed me to come up with a creative
title and also a new paragraph. This new paragraph includes
suggestions of my own, regarding to what path to take to be

successful for those interested in sports broadcasting.

My extended research for my inquiry project really saw me start to
form my argumentative points and begin to answer some of my
own questions. I can see my essay beginning to form just from the
bullet points and facts I was able to arrange in this document. I
discovered base salary and the steps of accepting an endorsement,
along with the details of radio and TV talk show jobs.

Were going a little in reverse here, and looking at the original

research activity. Here, I was just beginning to gather information
and websites to aid me. My main inquiry question/thesis was still up
in the air, but just beginning to come down. The activity as a whole
saw me start to choose the path that would lead me to all the
answers I sought. Truly a significant milestone on my path.

Feedback Artifacts

The first feedback artifact Ms. Ingram gave to me was short, sweet, and to
the point. I suggest starting with your 3rd question. That will (hopefully)
lead you down new paths to explore. I was split down the middle as to
which research question to pick before this feedback. It was so close
between my first and third question but this feedback tilted the scale in
favor of the third question and I hit the ground running and never looked

back.
My second feedback artifact is again from Ms. Ingram. What can I say, she
gives some really good advise (Kiss ass intended). But here, the feedback
came after I had written my full essay and was looking for an area to
improve. She insisted that I add my own plan and general suggestions
and practical steps. This gave me the idea to add a new paragraph
towards the end of my essay where I did just that. I gave my personal
suggestions on what to do when selecting a college, near the end of
college, and once you graduate. It actually has become one of my favorite
parts of my whole essay.

Writers Notebook Artifact (Omitted 1)

I used one of my more recent warm-ups for this artifact. It was somewhat
of a reflective warm-up where I talked about what I liked about my most
recent draft. I always pride myself on not putting out bad work, so I
reflected on the overall quality of the draft and how it had included
everything that was required of it. I also was able to talk from different
perspectives, which gave me a new angle of writing, which was important
to me. I enjoyed doing something that I usually do not do. I believe this
went on to be one of the more interesting takes on my essay all-together.

Wild Cards

My Freedom in Society essay, from my film class, allowed me to just write

something different this semester. I had previously been focused on my
inquiry project and driving argumentative points to the reader, whereas, in
this essay I stood at a more comparative standpoint. The assignment was
to compare One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest to any film of my choice
that related to freedom of some sort. I chose Rocky IV. Comparing these
two films allowed me to take a break from my inquiry and work from a
different angle on an essay. Thanks to this, I just felt rejuvenated and more
aware when I went back to work on my inquiry project. Overall, it let me

put out a better product.

My American Dream essay also came from my film class too. It was more
of the same concept of the previous essay. Where I compared films, but
this time, I compared Stranger Than Paradise, American Movie, and a film
of my choice (The Wolf of Wall street). It gave me a bigger picture view in
the idea that we are all just living the American Dream. Being able to freely

choose what path we desire, as long as we put the work forward. Living
free and earning money. This aspect made me realize how my inquiry and
the American Dream go hand in hand. There is no sports broadcasting
without the American Dream. It gave me a more modern view of respect
towards just being thankful that I have the opportunity to attend college
and be able to follow my dream.