• Final FYS Essay: Representing the Other

    Unveiling Stereotypes: A Critical Exploration of the Possibilities of Middle Eastern Representation While portraying the “Other,” it is vital to find the fine line between accurate representation and false, harmful stereotypes. The “Other” is often used to describe the East from the perspective of the West. In Edward Said’s influential work,…

  • Rough Draft FYS Essay: Representing the Other

    Unveiling Stereotypes: A Critical Exploration of the Possibilities of Middle Eastern Representation While portraying the “Other”, it is vital to find the fine line between accurate representation and false, harmful stereotypes. In Edward Said’s influential work, “Orientalism,” he explores the problematic portrayal of the East by the West. Building upon Said’s…

  • Reading Our Colleagues

    Maya Richwine- Scheherazade’s Poem  “My life is renewed because of my words.” Why this line? This line truly showcases the power of Scheherazade’s words and how she saved herself and others. This line is compelling to me because it captures the strength of our actions and our ability to influence…

  • Reading Ourselves

    Over the semester, my writing has evolved in a few ways. I have become more confident in expressing my ideas and thoughts clearly, improved my ability to organize my writing, and presented information in a logical and cohesive manner. Additionally, I’ve learned to be more mindful of grammar and punctuation.…

  • Longer Reflection- Formal Writing

    When I first registered for this FYS class, I had this idea in my head that it would solely focus on Disney and the misrepresentations of the Middle East in their productions. I thought we would be diving into the animated world and discussing the problematic portrayals. As we started…

  • Diwali! 11/16 Event Reflection

    Di·wa·li /dəˈwälē/ noun “a Hindu festival of lights, held in the period October to November. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and marks the beginning of the fiscal year in India.” I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved attending the Diwali event on our…

  • Analyzing Evidence 

    Details from “The Thief of Baghdad” Giant Genie Why does the genie look so different from how we usually visualize genies? I noticed during the movie that at first, the Genie was trying to kill the thief of Baghdad. His attitude was horrible and overall, he had a bad first…

  • Adding Our Own Stories to The Nights- Free Verse Poem

    Stars ripped from the night sky or concealed by planets – Still shine as bright at midnight,  for these stars can be shattered – But the light still remains, Maybe not in your eyes yet it is there. – The Dove will fly to these stars,  showing their luminescence to…