I have learned the importance of identifying my ideas in an essay while discussing the work of a different author. Before I received advice from my professor and the writing center, I did not realize that the statements I was writing due to my opinions sounded like facts. This is incorrect because I have no support to make my opinions credible. I am starting to use words, such as, “I believe,” to inform the reader that the following statement is an opinion I inferred from another author’s article. This revelation has also showed me the importance of source usage. Although I have the right to form opinions, I need to have resource so readers understand the reasoning behind my opinions. When I revise the artifact paper I need to add sources to support my opinions. For example, I need to have a source on the societal view on women participating in education in the 1870s. Regarding grammar, I have been aware of my awkward sentence structure and usage of passive voice since high school. After the grammar lessons online and in class, I hope to be more aware of these bad habits. Although I will not get rid of these habits completely, I hope to decrease these bad habits over time. When I revise my essays for grammar mistakes, I need to read every sentence while I consciously have the rules for active voice in my mind.

After further consideration, I decided to research an exigent topic close to home. Why is prostitution, a voluntary form of human trafficking, prevalent in the United States. This is confusing because our country is a republic. Our goal is to have equality and freedom between genders, races, religions, and every other category that involves a difference in decisions, physical looks, and opinions. Yet, people willingly giving up their bodies and the freedom it holds for sexual endeavors. In countries where sex trafficking is prevalent, women are desperately looking to escape this lifestyle. These women feel physically and emotionally abused without any right to speak up for themselves. Most of these women are killed in the process and disposed due to the little worth of their bodies. They are desperately waiting for help. Prostitution in America is ironic because prostitutes voluntarily stand on the street and wait for their turn to be taken by a stranger. I am sure there is an interesting and important reason that explains this choice of lifestyle. In fact, is it even a choice? We may be in a free country, but there are many factors that contribute to the quality of a an individual’s lifestyle. Lack of education, support, and opportunities contribute to the poverty in our nation. Although, people in America have the right to choose their lifestyle does not mean that they can. I hope to find research to answer my question and support my hypothesis.

With Love,

Nikola Koziol

Dear Sister,

Your youth and innocence shield you from the societal, ethical, and political problems in the world; however, issues continue to occur although you are not aware. I hope when you understand these issues, you will take an active role in solving these problems. There is not a single national or universal problem that affects only one person. These problems are known worldwide because they affect many groups of people. Specifically in Illinois we have corruption and inequality all around us. The government has no budget and is spending money aimlessly. Every lost dollar is a dollar less an individual can receive towards health care, unemployment, and other programs that help the less fortunate. These programs need stability and organization because people protection at unexpected times. The most unfortunate people continue to be targeted as the government tries to develop more strict immigration and foreign policies. Illegal immigrants that flee to America for a better life with no resources will have their last hope taken away. These immigrants typically escape from dangerous environment, such as, the wars occurring in the Middle Eastern areas. These problems continually occur because no one has found a good solution. When you are forced to grow out of your innocence, I hope you use your voice to add to a solution

Sincerely,

Nikola Koziol

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