WRT 102 was probably my favorite class this semester. Not only was it a small class where I felt like I was actually being cared for, it was taught by one of my favorite professors as well. It would be false to say I haven’t grown from my experiences in this course. I remember first stepping into the class and how I though I was in the wrong class because it seemed so small. I also was shocked to see my professor because she looks so young and looked like just another student. From that day on, every day was just fun. That is, until the day I received the first edited rough draft from my professor. I used to think I was a good writer until that essay destroyed by self-esteem completely. However, I am very grateful for that because sometimes you need to destroy something to make it new and better. I realized how small I actually was and used this as motivation to work hard and become a better writer. Although I am still a poor writer, I learned a great deal of information and was able to stand back up. I am now prouder of my writing because of how my professor nourished my growth as a student and a writer. I am very thankful to have been a part of this class because it truly felt like a privilege. I used to brag about this class to my friends because their writing classes seemed very boring while I was looking forward to every session. I would like to thank my professor for a great course and thank myself for choosing it.

P.S, I am really going to miss you Karli, you’re a great professor and I wish I could have taken another one of your classes. But sadly, this is a part of life, I hope you have a great future ahead of you and I pray you stay happy and healthy.

P.S, Your baby is cute beyond words

https://stonybrook.digication.com/wrt_10272_syed_hussain/WRT_102-72

I have made several changes, but some of the major ones are:

• New background
• Fancier font
• Color changes to almost everything

Dear writer,

I would like to start off  by saying that you have chosen a very interesting topic to research about. Currently, there are a growing number of human rights activists that are challenging the idea of a set body image. These groups examine the negative impacts that body image can have not just on society, but on each individual as well. Most people today suffer from a negative body image and are suffering on a physical and mental level to reach their ideal look. Therefore, the kairos is very well-established. The essay also starts by introducing the media background, and how it plays a role in affecting people’s views. The essay also does well to address the male point of view in an effort to establish a well-rounded point of view about the topic. However, I also notice a few flaws in the writing. For example, most paragraphs are well over a page long so it will help to make the essay a little shorter and sweeter so that the readers may not be bored. Additionally, I believe that tackling only social media is not they very best idea since there are other things that affect people’s body image. Therefore, I believe that you should not have written three paragraphs only on the affect of social media. This is because the main idea in the three body paragraphs all address the negativity of social media, which does not show a thoroughly researched topic. I advise that you broaden your thesis statement. Thank you

Syed Hussain

In 1958, the world saw the beginning of an extremely revolutionary invention that shook the world from its core. “Pong,” the very first video game, allowed players to enjoy tennis virtually for the first time in history (APS). Its release was followed by an immediate peak in interest of many, and its popularity only grew. The pairing of an alternate reality inside a screen with elements of entertainment brought the world into the era of video games, and within a few decades, the word “video game” became a household name. Video games have undoubtedly become a fundamental part of modern history and have influenced the lives of countless people, serving as an integral part of their childhood. The ideas for video games surged and video games only became newer, faster, and sleeker. The platform for video games also grew exponentially alongside other important technological advancements such as phones, computers, and tablets, and soon video games became accessible to millions of people around the world. Today, it is very common for players to spend over 5 hours per week on video games. However, everything has its downsides. With so much time being spent playing, many people believe that video games are simply a method of wasting time with very little benefits. Video games are also blamed for poor academic profiles, addiction, violence, and even obesity. However, due to these beliefs, people disregard the many benefits that video games have, and their positive impact which has improved so many lives. Research has shown that video games actually improve students’ grades and help with their development. Players have also shown cognitive improvement and reduced stress levels. Video games have also provided a platform of entertainment for people that may not be able to enjoy other fun activities due to mental/physical disabilities. Hence, video games are mentally, physically, academically, and socially beneficial because they have positive health imprints, promote equality in entertainment, promote social and cultural interactions, as well as provide a platform for mental and academic development.

Subject to vast criticism in regards to health, video games are believed to be the indirect cause of many health problems such as poor hygiene, migraines, fatigue, obesity, and even seizures (LiveStrong). In fact, video game addiction is now being regarded as a mental health disorder (NY Post). Although they may be an indirect cause of these symptoms, blaming video games for health problems in fatuous. Studies show that avid gamers may in fact be in a better mental state than non-gamers. A study by North Carolina State University involving 140 people aged 63 or over shows that seniors who played video games regularly or even occasionally, “reported higher levels of happiness, or well-being” and those who didn’t play video games, “reported more negative emotions and a tendency toward higher levels of depression” (PsychCentral). Another research involving 207 participants averaging 25 years in age proved that video gamers showed clear signs of increased levels of happiness while thinking about their favorite games (Computers in Human Behavior). Therefore, there is clear evidence that playing video games results in higher levels of happiness for people all over the age spectrum.

Playing video games also results in reduced levels of stress and mental pressure. The sole purpose of a video game is to provide entertainment and leisure, which players can enjoy at any time and anywhere. Therefore, players generally spend hours on video games because they really enjoy the calm and enjoyable platform it provides. This is even more critical in today’s world, where people, young and old, feel overwhelmed by the immense responsibilities and duties thrust upon them. In USA alone, nearly 47 percent of the population reports being stressed on a daily basis (APA). This is mainly due to the immense workload faced by individuals, which has caused detrimental health effects such as migraines, hair loss, and reduced vision. In these cases, video games provide salvation for these poor souls, as they are known to be effective stress relievers. In an article known as Human Factors, a researcher named Michael Rupp discusses his findings about a video game experiment in the work area (HFES). The results show that workers who took a break to get a silent rest or participate in a “guided relaxation activity” showed signs of reduced pressure, but only the participants that took a break to play a simple video game reported feeling better after the break (Science Daily). Researchers have also concluded that video games that are short and easy to access, like “Angry Birds” or “Flappy Bird” help prevent extreme levels of stress and anxiety in students and workers while improving their moods (APA). This goes to show that video game players tend to be happier and mentally healthier, and in turn lead to reduced rate of mental problems and health risks.

Video games have also provided a platform in which gamers can come together and have a great time without being bound by physical restrictions. Before the video game era, the most common forms of entertainment were board games and sports. However, these could not be enjoyed by everyone due to the fact that they demanded physical and mental stability for participation. Video games however, are easily accessible by people with disabilities that can’t enjoy other forms of entertainment. While playing a video game, it does not matter whether you are have are one-legged or have a speech impediment. In this regard, video games do the best job in entertainment compared to other activities that require other forms of physical activity. Additionally, many more video games are being produced in an effort to reach out to a broader range of people. Aside from promoting gender and racial equality in the gaming industry, video game producers have also reached out to people with physical disabilities that cannot enjoy simple video games due to a disability. Anna North, a journalist from The New York Times, discusses a new video game recently released called Perception, that is specifically designed for people with vision impairment. The game allows player to uses sound as a fundamental method to play, where players can follow that story of a blind woman named Cassie (The New York Times Blogs). Therefore, video games promote equality because they are designed to reach out to people that normally do not feel represented in other communities.

Researchers had hypothesized that, however small, video games still provide social, cultural, and economic advantages to video gamers when compared to non-gamers. Many video games revolve around teams, and thus players have to cooperate with their teams using teamwork and communication. An experiment run by University of Glasgow concluded that video game players tend to have better communication skills that are extremely important, which was referred to as “graduate attributes” (Phys.Org). This is also essential because the current education system does not heavily focus on communication skills and teamwork, even though this is an important skill required in the work area (ResearchGate). Video games have also shown cultural and economic development in players. Karol Borowiecki, a professor in the department of Business and Economics from University of Southern Denmark, discusses cultural appreciation by video gamers, and states that video gamers tend to more actively-participate in other forms of culture. They also displayed better economical statistics as video gamers tended to be more financially stable when compared to non-gamers (Research in Economics). This data shows that video gamers are in fact more socially and economically well-balanced when compared to their non-gaming counterparts.

Lastly, video games also promote mental and academic development in subjects. Aside from communication skills, another graduate attribute is problem solving. Video games employ themes of strategy and mystery for entertainment purposes, which in turn also help players become more mentally active and alert. Even tests to determine intelligence in monkeys and apes involve games to measure their problem solving skills. Many video games are created on a level-based system, where they continually challenge players based on how far they have progressed. This keeps players not only interested but also helps their cognitive development since they need to continuously be more creative and mentally active. Some of the other skills that video games provide are problem solving/decision making skills, strategy development, attention allocation skills, and spatial skills (videogames.org). This proves that video games are effective in helping players develop skills that they simply cannot gain from college courses. Video games are also educational because more and more video games are either set in historic times that allow players to learn about the time period, or utilize current knowledge, allowing players to understand about how the modern world is developing. Therefore it can be ascertained that video games help players in their educational and cognitive development.

A few weeks ago, I decided to post a new photo on Instagram that portrayed me looking outside the window on a snowy day. I had taken this photo while taking advantage of the picturesque scenery during a heavy snowstorm, wearing a red shirt in order to stand out from the background. Through this post, I hoped to garner the attention of my followers on Instagram, specifically my close friends who were not expecting me to post since I hadn’t posted in a while. Thus I was expecting a number of comments from them, which I did in fact receive. I wished to see a lot of positive reactions from my friends, hoping they would compliment the beautiful view, the amazing quality, and the spectacular person that was the center of focus. I was motivated to post on Instagram over other outlets because Instagram is the social media outlet that I care about most, and one that I receive a lot of positive reactions on. Thus I make sure to only post the best of the best pictures that I have taken, and therefore I seized the opportunity with this picture. The post itself was a picture of me with a quote that I came up with myself. By adding the caption “you thought you were king but you’re just a joker” I hoped to establish my position over any of my haters who mock me behind my back. Through this caption, I wished to establish that they did not matter to me, and the caption itself received a lot of positive reactions.

March 27, 2018

To Whom It May Concern,

The purpose of this letter is to express my interest in the department of technical support at Yardi Software Implementation. I am currently a first-year student at Stony Brook University majoring in Mechanical Engineering. By becoming more acquainted with technology and customer service through this job opportunity, I hope to be reach higher platforms in my personal field, as well as become more open-minded towards the field of computer science and software engineering. I believe that I have the necessary communication skills and demeanor needed for this job, which I can successfully utilize in providing technical support to customers.

My high school and college experiences have molded my interest in computers and technology, and I hold a broad range of knowledge in computer management and programming due to the courses I have taken. I am proud to have worked at a local Dunkin Donuts location, giving me the necessary experience that I need to deal with customers with a variety of personalities and attitudes. Aside from dealing with the various aspects of customer service and support, I have learned how to communicate to them at a professional level in any circumstance, which I believe is an important skill that I will need in a job as a technical support employee. My welcoming personality and calm demeanor, as well as my background in technology, are what define me and therefore, I am very confident in my ability to work for Yardi Software.

I am very excited to have had this opportunity to apply to a global technology company that prioritizes its customers, and I believe that I can be an asset in furthering the influence of this company. I have enclosed a resume highlighting my assets and achievements for your review. Above all, I am most thankful for your consideration and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Syed Hussain

The New York Times article written by Marcelle S. Fischler, A John Hopkins graduate, discusses the spectacular feat of two engineering majors, Eyal Angel and Seth Rosenberg, from Hofstra University, who built their very own functional car. The article mentions the project, and how the two engineers had little experience in the automotive field, but managed to do extensive research from books, internet, and other sources, which enabled them to tackle this monstrous goal. The two studied various subtopics from the engineering and physics field, such as suspension designs, electrical systems, fuel pumps, and cooling/exhaust systems etc. Perhaps what was more amazing was the fact that the two had limited resources and no kits or complex parts. However, they built their materials from scratch by different processes such as welding together different parts, and did most of the process in a backyard. Even with all the difficulties they faced, they managed to create a two-seat car resembling a Formula-One race car in merely seven and half months. The car was modeled specifically after Ariel Atom 2, a British race car, was very light (1200 lbs) and had the ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere-seconds, a feat capable only by the fastest cars in today’s world. The two engineers discussed their motivation, saying that they love cars and “wanted to take on the challenge of trying to do this.”

The article displays the use of many rhetorical strategies, such as the use of pathos and logos, in an effort to leave a bigger impact. The article starts out with “MOVE over Henry Ford.” Henry Ford is known as the engineer who built the first car and car company, and by mocking him, the author attempts to spark the interest of the readers. The author also uses ethos logos by providing facts. The author talks about the car’s features and capabilities when she discusses the light weight of the car (1200 lbs) and its 250 horsepower.

I have chosen to write my argumentative essay on the on-going debate about whether or not core classes/general education classes should be banned or made voluntary. I will argue that core classes should in fact be banned from colleges because they aren’t necessarily helpful and are mainly just repetition of what students have already learned from middle school to high school. I chose this topic because it interests me as a student and I feel that mandating classes is just an old tradition that needs to go because it is only harming the students. I believe this is a topic that should be taken more seriously because it affects thousands of students in the nation and is something that can change possibly change the entire future process of college education. Many more colleges are now embodying the new ideology and are moving to establish open curriculum where students can take class based on their interests and where they aren’t forced to take a course regarding something that is not important to them or something that they simply take because they have to. This will help the student focus on what they are actually studying, allowing them to not only excel in grades, but also allow them to become better leaders in the future, allowing them to get better jobs.

This is still an on-going debate so there are naturally counter arguments. For example, many people believe that core classes allow a student to become more well-rounded which helps them succeed. Other arguments can be that the core class system is important in the first two years because it allows the students to explore different areas on the college level just in case they decide to switch their major.

In the essay “Us and Them,” David Sedaris discusses a peculiar experiences he lived through which constantly occupied his mind. After living through many different temporary settlements, David seemingly developed a higher interest and usage of social media, such as television, which had also made its way into the lives of many other ordinary citizens. However, during his stay in North Carolina, He notices something very interesting; a family who does not own a television. This was no breaking news for everyone because most people in the neighborhood knew that the Mr Tomkey was different. In a time governed by common usage of the television, Sedaris noted that “the only placed that seemed truly different was owned by a man named Tomkey, who did not believe in television.” Sedaris explains how just the mere lack of television set Tomkey apart from the rest of the neighborhood, even to the point where he became known as someone different who did not fit in with the crowd. He then ponders on what it meant to be different when all one lacks is a television, and develops an interest in the life that the “simple” and “uncultured” Tomkeys live. “It was speculated that just as the blind man develops a keener sense of hearing, the family must somehow compensate for their loss.” In this quote he discusses how Tomkeys were looked upon as some sort of “disabled” members of society, not being familiar with such a common part of everyone else’s daily lives.

While reading this article, I felt that although in the modern day, televisions are no longer such a big deal, compared to the described time, things such as personalized computers and cellphones hold nearly the same value. When reading from that perspective, I noticed that it is in fact weird to know someone who does not own televisions or computers or cellphones. I realized that when put into a similar situation as Sedaris, I would have also been extremely interested in the life that someone like Tomkey lives and how disconnected he is, not just from the world but even from someone right in their own neighborhood. And just like Sedaris, I would have also held them in a smaller window, meaning that I would have held less regard for them, just based on the fact that they do not have something that is supposed to be the “norm.” It made me realize just how much we judge others based on what they have and do not have, and that we use people in such situations as scapegoats, in the sense that we tend to pin the label of inferiority on them in order to forget our own incompetence in other areas, such as communication. Sedaris also noted that “because they had no TV, the Tomkeys were forced to talk during dinner.” This quote shows exactly why we tend to label others because communication with family is essential and brings the members closer, but because everyone else is too busy in the television to interact with the people that live in their house, the Tomkeys were being labeled as different for doing something better.

When “Salt Bae” Nusret released his very first video of cooking, cutting, and seasoning steak in early 2017, he himself could not have predicted the movement it would bring forth, neither could he have possibly predicted the fiery speed at which his fame grew. This was only fueled by the onset of even more videos he released that showcased his craft and meticulousness, with which he handled different cuts of meats and creatively cooked them, finishing off with his signature seasoning move, earning him the nickname “Salt Bae”, or one who is known and loved for his association with salt. Nusret Gökçe is a Turkish chef, who had little culinary influence on the world before the “Salt Bae Incident”, became not only as an internet sensation, but also a renowned chef who’s influence spread eastwards, and he soon became a very popular meme, branding him January 2017’s most popular meme. Soon his “meat show” was being recreated everywhere and, in every theme, and appealing to most of the carnivorous population, who basked in the viewing of watching high-quality meat dishes being prepared. Thus, Salt Bae spreads his art to the world by using his credibility as a chef, as well as appealing to people’s emotions by showcasing the preparation of a loved item.

When “Salt Bae” Nusret first released a video showing him elegantly cut into a tomahawk steak, it naturally left everyone who viewed it in awe. It wasn’t long before fans demanded another video and Salt Bae was soon releasing multiple videos that showcased his intricate expertise in handling different meat cuts in different ways, finishing it off with his “patented” salt sprinkle. People jumped on this video, turning what seemed to be just a meat preparation video into the most popular meme-trend of 2017. Perhaps what really drew people to the video was the sheer fact that Salt Bae used meat as the focal point in his videos. Since most of the world eats and loves meat products, it doesn’t come as a surprise that when they saw such an act become a form of art, they were immediately spreading around the trend. As proven by research, people love to watch prep videos of their favorite foods and are attracted to watching such videos that supposedly leaves them in a feel of wanting, meaning that it is no surprise in the reasoning behind why such a video circled the internet in a matter of days. However, what may have really sealed the deal was the “theater-like” experience of steak-cutting, where the patient and gentle chef, carefully runs his knife through the meat, almost like dancing with it, and eventually ending it with what soon came to be known as his “patented” salt sprinkle. This was described effectively by Joshua David Stein when he said’ “Is the steak transcendent? No, the steak is mundane, somewhat tough and rather bland. The hamburger is overcooked. The tartare is over-chopped…. Does that matter? It does not matter. One does not visit Salt Bae for steak alone any more than one goes to Mass for the wafers.” Hence it is no stretch to assume that Nusret’s videos used the pathos appeal to entertain and appeal to people’s emotions, causing the net-wide circulation of his craft.

The grace and beauty in Salt Bae’s craft is justly backed by his reputation and skill as a professional chef. Nusret grew up working in Turkish steakhouses when he was still very young, to support his family. By the age of 27, he had already opened his first restaurant “Nusr-Et”, in Istanbul. This caught the eye of an investor, whose aid helped Nusret open a few more restaurants in the Middle East. Therefore, Salt Bae’s hard work from a very young age led him head-first into the food industry, allowing him to grow and spread his fame. Soon his fame spread even more and it has been ascertained that “barely a year after that day in January, Gökçe now has 13 restaurants around the world, from Abu Dhabi to Miami, and over 600 employees.” This data clearly shows how the credibility behind his extensive and fruitful career only helped over-popularize the video compilations of his masterpiece craft and showed exactly why he deserved the fame and respect that he earned after the meat-prep video was revealed to the world, taking everyone by a storm.

Additionally, to further prove his credibility, Nusret has caught the eye of many world trend leaders. Not only did he become a center of the meme world for a considerable time period, he has also attracted the trend setters of the world, from culinary field to the entertainment field. After his first appearance on social media, he “blew up” the likes of Twitter, along with Facebook and Instagram. It was only natural that the news of a new showman in town reached the ears of the trend leaders, such as world-renowned chefs, athletes, and celebrities. When his reputation spread, and he established multiple restaurants from “Abu Dhabi to Miami”, it became easier than ever for more and more people to go and get a first-hand view of a private show. He has not only been complimented by the world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, he has also served some of the other world-renowned athletes and celebrities. The long list includes people like Odell Beckham Jr. and David Beckham, as well as stars such as Drake, DJ Khaled, and Leonardo DiCaprio. With such an extensively diverse audience and fanbase, it comes as little surprise as to why so many people from all over the world have flocked to Salt Bae and his beautiful presentation of cooking and seasoning meat.