The First Semester

Alex Parrish

December 9th, 2016

English 101

ENGLISH 101 !1
 Parrish 1

Reflection and Revision

After reflecting on my literacy narrative I started to make a mental checklist of

things that I successfully included and didn't include in my essay. Some elements made my

story click well and some made it feel empty and confused the reader. Being able to reflect

and revise is as skill that that all good writers need, using these skills to successfully convey

ideas to the audience is what all good writers aspire to do. As a writer I wanted to convey

the story of how literacy shaped my life and how I learned to write. When reflecting I

noticed I missed key points of P.I.E. and had a number of weaknesses including revision.

A major weaknesses I noticed was the lack of clarity, what made sense to me as

the writer didn’t always make sense on the page and this a problem that should have been

caught in revisions. Until coming to the University of Arizona I have never revised an

essay on my own, and never opened my eyes to the benefit. I constantly had the arrogant

view that the words put on the page were golden and couldn't get better because I know

how to write. As I strolled into my first English class of college I was excited to prove how

well I could write and was awaiting a research topic or book to read, such as in High-

school. When given our first project I thought that it would be a great way to showcase

my skills and tell a personal story along with it. I sat at my computer crafting my story all

in one shot. I looked it over and thought it was perfect, but was blind to the essays

grammatical mistakes and lack of clarity. These mistakes are simple editing errors that the

process of revision can fix.

Another weakness I noticed in my essay was the lack of P.I.E. in my literacy

narrative. P.I.E. can help develop a writing piece a being it to the next level. I found after
 Parrish 2

revisions that I didn't make a point, illustrate it and give examples of how my summer job

changed my writing. This lack of P.I.E is something that should have been marked in

reviews especially with peers giving a fresh look on it. A mistake that I made was not

having an outside review of my essay and the quality of my work suffered for it. In

hindsight it is a necessity that every good writer should use.

Some strengths I found with my literacy narrative, was the emotional attachment

to my major I conveyed to the reader and my critical thinking. “The experience has made

me feel that I have already worked as an environmental professional and fueled my love

for this amazing industry”.

Establishing credibility as a writer is one of the first links you have to make with

the audience, and this can be one of the hardest things in writing. I think one of my

stronger parts of the piece was when I talked about my knowledge of environmental

studies and history. This established creditability and showed that I cared about what I

was writing. This emotional connection and use of ethos strengthened my work and is a

skill I hope to continue using on my writing for future papers.

Overall my essay wasn't the strongest it could be and lacked some important

elements. Im glad I could identify my issues with a lack of P.I.E. and lack of revision, and

hopefully turn these weaknesses into strengths for the future. Revision and reflection is

one of the most important tools a writer can use to increase the quality of the work they

provide, its an important step in the development of a paper.

 
Alex Parrish  Parrish 1 
Lauren​ ​Harvey 
English 101 
9 September 2016 

Passion is something that a person needs in life to find what truly excites them, 

and motivates them. Many people struggle to find their passion in life but through writing 

I was discovered mine, motivating me to be the best I can be. Growing up I was always 

had an interest in science and history, but i never truly unlocked my passion for them 

until the summer of my Junior year working at a small office in Long Island.   

Environmental Science has always interested me, forcing me to think deeper 

than just the right and wrong answer but making me ask the hard questions. 

Environmental science is the study of the environment using a mix of history and 

science to keep the areas we live in clean and safe for everyone. Going into my junior 

year, I jumped on the opportunity to intern at an Environmental consulting firm called 

Impact Environmental. Impact focuses in solid waste recycling in New York City. This 

specific recycling focuses on “solid waste” or dirt and soil, when a building is 

demolished it leaves behind a distinct footprint with a rich history of what was going on 

in the past going back to the 1700’s! What we do at Impact is find that footprint and 

figure out of its harmful the the people, plants, and environment, and if it is we solve the 

hard issues of how to clean it, or even bigger where to put this hazardous material.   

Coming into my first summer at Impact I dreaded English class, I had ideas in my 

head that I struggled to express on the page clearly and with any voice. The struggles I 

was facing spread to every class I was in effecting me in Science, and History. I had no 

idea how much critical thinking and writing skills could affect my everyday life and be 

 
 
  Parrish 2 
 

used in anything more than just english class. When I started at Impact I was doing 

basic work like scanning in documents, such as maps and financial reports and moving 

office furniture. This was good for me because it kept me away from the writing I saw so 

many of my peers doing. The engineers I worked with made me feel scared to even test 

the water, the constant typing and surveying was intimidating and daunting.  

After a few months, moving boxes and mindlessly putting reports into excel, I 

was asked to shadow and learn from some of the engineers I had cautiously watched 

typing away. The engineer I shadowed showed me the ropes, letting me doing 

everything I could to help him. He let me participate in soil sampling on a major highway 

improvement project and perform property inspection being completed for a bank in a 

sale. The maps for the property showed it to be a former gasoline station. Who would 

have known? I have also been given the chance to sit in on various meetings, and even 

actively participate in sales calls. The experience has made me feel that I have already 

worked as an environmental professional and fueled my love for this amazing industry.  

During these long summer days I really did invoked a passion that I had for the 

subject and career and knew that was what I wanted to pursue when I was older. One 

of my biggest projects I helped with was writing an environmental impact report or 

“Phase 1”, named because it was the first phase in evaluating if a property was affecting 

the environment in a negative way. We had to go to a site and become Sherlock 

Holmes and Watson, combing over the site for any sign of environmental impact or 

distress. When we were finished the hard part came, the long report. I was tasked with 

just a small part of it but it was still completely horrifying. I could barely write about how 
 
  Parrish 3 
 

“Lord of the Flies” was about evil, how was I supposed to write about environmental 

impact in technical language, about what we experienced at the site. This trial by fire 

really pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, teaching me how to write and 

convey my ideas clearly so that my reader can understand me. The soft skills I learned, 

like time management and how to work with someone effectively is something I have 

used in every subject since and I will use for years to come. Coming in that summer I 

hated writing, more than anything but I left with complete knowledge on how to  write 

clearly, and meaningfully transforming english class from a dull class I struggled with to 

a fun and engaging one. The experience allowed me to learn from top engineers in this 

amazing field, and has truly made me see myself pursuing a career in the industry. 

During my time at Impact, I really discovered something unique that I love and 

look forward to doing in the future. This passion will make my career feel less like a job, 

making everyday an adventure and fueling this passion. If you find something that you 

are truly passionate about, we can unlock our true potential and not only do what we 

love, but love what we do.  

   
 Parrish 1

Critical Thinking and Composing

The Community Profile that we wrote, was a very enjoyable essay to write. It

allowed me to use my strengths of research and discovery but shed light on my weakness

of proper citations and critical thinking skills. The Community Profile allowed me to

investigate and bring to light an organization I not only care about but one I'm involved

in.

The Community Profile let me play reporter and investigate my new home of

Tucson and the amazing community it has. I looked into the Jr. Wildcats youth hockey

organization and interviewed its senior members and leaders. A big problem I had with

the profile was my citations and sources. This was a shock to me because I thought my

research was thorough, but after reflecting I saw that I could have added sources and

added more critical thinking and not just informing. My citations was by far my biggest

weakness, mostly because my in text citations of the interviews weren't put in. This was a

simple mistake that I should have fixed before my final submission but skipped over in my

final review. After reflecting I was hoping that I could fix these mistakes for the future and

improve my writing overall

Some strengths I had while writing my Community Profile was my work on the

article itself to look ascetically pleasing, and provide a “hook” to bring the reader in. “It is

a gradual process, taking hold not over weeks and months, but over years, decades, and

entire lives. The game engraves its way into the body and envelops itself around the soul

completely, hockey becomes us.” The opening really is a strength and intrigues me to

learn more about the organization and the community.

 Parrish 2

The quality of my information was good and provided a clear picture of my

organization. I also successfully conveyed my opinion enthusiasm of the organization

across to the reader providing examples of events and ways to get involved. “The

organization has a simple mission; provide children with a fun, wholesome sport-fitness

activity to promote sportsmanship and safe, competitive play and to help the children

improve their knowledge and skill.” By showing how much enthusiasm I have I hope that

transfers over to the audience intriguing them to learn more. Another strength that my

Community Profile had was rhetorical awareness. This awareness was used to promote

the organization is a positive way by using pathos, showing the audience how much

passion the coaches and families involved had for the organization.

I think that my Community Profile overall was one of my strongest essays of the

year and promoted my strengths. The weaknesses I had is something to reflect on and in

hindsight are easy fixes going forward. Diving into such an amazing organization on

campus was my favorite project this semester and I go so much out of the experience.
 ALEX PARRISH OCTOBER 17, 2016

The Jr. Wildcts

Brett Bushnell
President

Senior Year Student

It is a gradual process, taking hold not over weeks and months, but over
years, decades, and entire lives. The game engraves its way into the body
and envelopes itself around the soul completely, Hockey becomes us. Jeremy Hiltabidel
Head Coach
Three miles north of The University of Arizona, at the Tucson Indoor Sports
Complex three students run the very successful youth hockey organization, Graduate Student
and introduce kids to the wonderful sport of hockey. Brett Bushnell, a senior
here at the University is the president of the organization. He donates
countless hours of his time, despite the fact that he plays goalie on the
University’s hockey team, is a full time student and plays in the UA
marching band. Brett works along two graduate students, David Sticker and
Jeremy Hilatabidel who all selflessly donate their time coaching the Junior
Wildcat teams. The Junior Wildcats were established in 2013 as a way to
get local kids interested in the sport involved with the hockey team. Over
the last few years the organization has taken off and has expanded to David Sticker
include multiple age groups and skill levels. The organization has a simple Coach/ Treasurer
mission; provide children with a fun, wholesome sport-fitness activity to
promote sportsmanship and safe, competitive play and to help the children Graduate Student

improve their knowledge and skill.

1
ALEX PARRISH OCTOBER 17, 2016

“It has really become

more then an
organization, it’s a
family…”

The Junior Wildcats have travel and “in house”
teams ranging from kids age 8-18 and like to keep
kids in the organization for as long as possible to
promote good habits ad behavior on and off the The University doesn’t directly support the
ice. To help with this coach David Sticker has
Junior wildcats but they still represent the
players from the Arizona hockey team come down school wherever they play. “We always have
and help with practices and homework. “The kids
fundraisers to help keep the cost to play and
absolutely love having the older players come travel low but it always helps to get
down, playing along side them and helping with
donations” Brett says.
homework really grows the bond between them
encouraging them to go further in both their
They have participated in multiple
academic and hockey careers. It truly is such a
tournaments around the country, from
rewarding experience.” Stickler says.
California to Florida. “We try to say close to
home just to keep costs down, but if we make
The rink has become a second home for many of it to nationals we take the team on a big trip
the kids involved in the program, transcending it
and the kids absolutely love it.” Coach
from a sport to a something bigger. “It has really Stickler says, “Some of my best memories
become more the an organization, it’s a family”
growing up were on roadies with my team,
Coach Jeremy Hilatabidel says. “We have almost we want to create the same memories and
one hundred families involved in the team and
grow the love for the game.”
hanging out with them during trips or after games
is a blast!” he goes on to say. Brett Bushnell
commented “The families devotion and constant
support really hold this team together, they really
are great people who show how much they
appreciate us. When you see that you have that
effect on the community it makes it al worth it.”

NATIONAL CHAMPS!
The Travel teams of 8 and under, 12 and under and 18 and under all
finished in first place last year in the youth national tournament in
California.

2
ALEX PARRISH OCTOBER 17, 2016

”We are lucky to have

so many great people
to keep the team going
for years.”

“We typically have practice twice a week, and games on the weekends” Stickler said “It can be a lot
so volunteers from the Arizona team really helps.” Stickler grew up in Tuscan and has played all
over the country. He attends school here at the University of Arizona and plays for the Cats, and
made it clear he doesn’t wanna leave. “My roots are here, I think we have made something here
that is bigger then us…we feel that we really make the difference in the community.” The Team
wants to continue playing for years to come, opening hockey up to kids of all ages. “We are lucky to
have so many great people to keep the team going for years” Coach Hilatabidel says.

The Junior wildcats has truly made a

difference in so many kids lives, getting
involved with a sport that has a lifetime of
memories. The three volunteers that
devote countless time and effort have
created an amazing organization rooted
deep in the community. The mentoring
that they do is unmatched truly making
connections with every kid. After learning
more about them and what they do, I am
so proud to call myself a wildcat.

WANNA FIND OUT MORE?

Visit: http://www.azjuniorwildcats.org or check them out on Facebook!

3
 ALEX PARRISH OCTOBER 17, 2016

The Jr. Wildcats- Edited

Brett Bushnell
President

Senior Year Student

It is a gradual process, taking hold not over weeks and months, but over
years, decades, and entire lives. The game engraves its way into the body
and envelopes itself around the soul completely, hockey becomes us. Jeremy Hiltabidel
Head Coach
Three miles north of The University of Arizona, at the Tucson Indoor Sports
Complex three students run the very successful youth hockey organization, Graduate Student
and introduce kids to the wonderful sport of hockey. Brett Bushnell, a senior
here at the University is the president of the organization and he selflessly
donates countless hours of his time, despite the fact that he plays goalie on
the University’s hockey team, is a full time student and plays in the UA
marching band (Bushnell). Brett works along two graduate students, David
Sticker and Jeremy Hilatabidel who all donate their time coaching the
Junior Wildcat teams. The Junior Wildcats were established in 2013 as a
way to get local kids interested in the sport involved with the hockey team.
Over the last few years the organization has taken off and has expanded to David Sticker
include multiple age groups and skill levels. The organization has a simple Coach/ Treasurer
mission; provide children with a fun, wholesome sport-fitness activity to
promote sportsmanship and safe, competitive play and to help the children Graduate Student

improve their knowledge and skill (Wildcats).

1
ALEX PARRISH OCTOBER 17, 2016

“It has really become

more then an
organization, it’s a
family…”

The Junior Wildcats have travel and “in house” teams
ranging from kids age 8-18 and like to keep kids in
the organization for as long as possible to promote
good habits ad behavior on and off the ice. To help The University doesn’t directly support the
with this coach David Sticker has players from the
Junior wildcats but they still represent the
Arizona hockey team come down and help with school wherever they play. “We always have
practices and homework. “The kids absolutely love
fundraisers to help keep the cost to play and
having the older players come down, playing along travel low but it always helps to get
side them and helping with homework really grows
donations” Brett says (Bushnell).
the bond between them encouraging them to go
further in both their academic and hockey careers. It
They have participated in multiple
truly is such a rewarding experience.” Sticker says
tournaments around the country, from
(Sticker).
California to Florida. “We try to say close to
home just to keep costs down, but if we make
The rink has become a second home for many of the it to nationals we take the team on a big trip
kids involved in the program, transcending it from a
and the kids absolutely love it. Some of my
sport to a something bigger. “It has really become best memories growing up were on roadies
more the an organization, it’s a family” Coach
with my team, we want to create the same
Jeremy Hilatabidel says (Hilatabidel). “We have memories and grow the love for the
almost one hundred families involved in the team
game” (Sticker).
and hanging out with them during trips or after
games is a blast!” he goes on to say. Brett Bushnell
commented “The families devotion and constant
support really hold this team together, they really are
great people who show how much they appreciate us.
When you see that you have that effect on the
community it makes it al worth it” (Bushnell).

NATIONAL CHAMPS!
The Travel teams of 8 and under, 12 and under and 18 and under all
finished in first place last year in the youth national tournament in
California (Wildcats).

2
ALEX PARRISH OCTOBER 17, 2016

”We are lucky to have

so many great people
to keep the team going
for years.”


“We typically have practice twice a week, and games on the weekends” Sticker said “It can be a lot
so volunteers from the Arizona team really helps.” Sticker grew up in Tuscan and has played all
over the country. He attends school here at the University of Arizona and plays for the Cats, and
made it clear he doesn’t wanna leave. “My roots are here, I think we have made something here
that is bigger then us…we feel that we really make the difference in the community.” The Team
wants to continue playing for years to come, opening hockey up to kids of all ages. “We are lucky to
have so many great people to keep the team going for years” (Sticker).

The Junior wildcats has truly made a

difference in so many kids lives, getting
involved with a sport that has a lifetime of
memories. The three volunteers that
devote countless time and effort have
created an amazing organization rooted
deep in the community. The mentoring
that they do is unmatched truly making
connections with every kid. After learning
more about them and what they do, I am
so proud to call myself a wildcat.

WANNA FIND OUT MORE?

Visit: http://www.azjuniorwildcats.org or check them out on Facebook!

3
ALEX PARRISH OCTOBER 17, 2016

Works Cited

Hilatabidel, Jeremy. Interview. 10th Oct. 2016

Bushnell, Brett. Phone Interview. 11th Oct. 2016

Sticker, David. Interview. 12th Oct. 2016

AZ Junior Wildcats. Brett Bushnell and David Sticker, 2014,

azjuniorwildcats.org. Accessed 10th Oct. 2016

4
 Parrish !1

A Final Reflection

This semester has been one of the hardest academic periods of my life, I survived a major

geographic change, regulated myself with a continuing work load, faced challenges with sports

and friends and most importantly learned about myself as a person. I feel this semester has

warmed me into my new home of Tucson and I love it. Reflecting on these past writing

assignments has really made me reflect on my work habits and how much I've changed since my

first day here at the university. It showed me my biggest weakness of time management and

revisions and my biggest strengths of community involvement and being creative with a project.

All of this opens the door for growth in the coming semester and reflection on how to conquer

upcoming challenges.

Throughout the semester, the SLO I most improved on was my revision and reflection.

This skill was something I neglected before I came here and has developed into something useful

that I use in every one of my classes. With all the improvements I have made this year I feel that

I still have much to learn, both about English and myself and am open to finding the best way to

better myself and my writing for future endeavors.

The SlO that I still need work in is conventions, my grammar and basics are sometimes

skipped over because Im excited about my Idea. This goes back to editing and revision because I

need to go back and revise, as well as use peer editing to ensure quality of my work. I hope to

improve my writing skills in 102 and really focus on developing more as a writer to benefit

myself in the future. Overall my experiences, the good, bad and the ugly shaped me as a writer

and has showed me who I am and how I am most efficient and that is one of the most valuable

things I will learn.

 Parrish !2

In the following semester I expect to reflect on and actively use the skills I gained in

English 101, but to also increase my knowledge of English. Even with my revision process bring

something I struggled with I hope that I can successfully use it in English 102. Going into next

year I will defiantly need to change some study habits that I was sure worked and be more open

minded to change. I think English 101 got me over initial challenges that I knew I would face

and has created a better student and person in me.

English 101 has transformed me into a better student and has successfully prepared me

for writing in every class that I will be involved with in the next four years. I truly believe that I

have evolved into a better writer and critical thinker. The friendships and lessons learned in this

first semester will not soon be forgotten, and Im excited to show the world what I got for next

semester. The memories I have made in English 101 have been truly special and was a true

journey of self discovery.