My Writing Portfolio, Fall 2012

Unit 1 “How did you get your name?”

“About my name”

In my country, Colombia, a name usually has three parts: first name, father’s last name and mother’s last name.

The first name comes from grandparents. For boys the last name is from grandfather. For girls the last name is from grandmother.

The middle name comes from father’s family name. For example, my father’s last name is Sanchez. It is used from one generation to the next.

The last name comes from mother’s last name. For example, my mother’s last name is Duran. It is from my mother.

Unit 2 “What is a good job?”

“Possible career based on my career test result”

Based on my career test result my possible careers were lawyer and business person. I think I would be a good lawyer. The job duties for lawyers are solving clients’ problem and helping them.  I like to help people with their problems, with fair judgment. I also like to talk to people. Lawyers are well paid and I like that I can see the results of my work. I think the career test helps me find a good job because the duties for lawyers make me feel happy.

Unit 3 “Why do people immigrate to other countries?”

 “My experience with living in America”

I would like to describe my new life in Rochester. It is a good experience to live in Rochester, but there are some problems.

I came to Rochester three months ago. I came here because I wanted to learn English and to know a nel culture.

Everyday I go to Nazareth College for studying English. I have classmates from different countries, for example China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. there are good people and friendly. Everyday I cook my lunch and dinner. Usually I take a nap and sometimes I go swimming. Also, everyday I check my emails and do others activities. For example: I clean my bedroom and do laundry. Although I can accomplish daily routines without any help. I have some problems here. For example, language is very difficult, because I don't speak English very well yet.

I like being in America because people are friendly. Also, I like the culture because people are ver organized. My future plan is to study political science in America.

I like living in Rochester because it is a beautiful city and has many opportunities for me to try different things.

Reflections:

I chose the writing piece, because writing about my life in America is a great experience. Also I think, Rochester is a beautiful city and I enjoy doing many things, such as, studying English, meeting people, cultures who here.

I would write about other important things about my life in America. For example,  American culture and Colombian culture.  There are large differences between my country’s culture and American culture. Such as, food, traditions, customs and holidays. I think this is important because every day I learn more about American culture and other cultures.

Unit 4 “What are the benefits of a positive thinking?”

Reflections:

“My favorite saying about positive thinking”

I chose the writing piece, because I wrote “positive thinking makes people feel happier”. I learned people who are positive are usually healthy and friendly.

I would add this sentence “ In my opinion it is necessary for people to have a positive thoughts because positive people are usually much happier and healthier”.