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Welcome to the Profile Unit. Over the next few weeks, we're transitioning from writing about yourselves in the Narrative to writing about someone else. We'll be spending time with a platform called Humans of New York and paying close attention to the stories of those surrounding us, what they're going through, and how they are doing. This will lead you to interviewing someone in your lives in order to tell a moment of their becoming.
Personal Narrative Wrap-up.docxBut first... let's reflect:
But first... let's reflect:
Before we dive into the Profile, let's spend a few moments reflecting on the Narrative -- the goal throughout this semester is to develop a writing process that not only works for you, but feels like you.
Alright, so what is a Profile? As mentioned above, it's your chance to spend time listening to the story of someone else, and discussing why it is so important to recognize all stories have dimensions.
Why does storytelling matter?
Why does storytelling matter?
As we've been talking about during our class time, you all have a lot going on, and with that... sometimes it can be hard to take said time to really sit down and see how others are doing, whether it's people we know, people we come into contact with randomly, or the person sitting next to you in our class. I know a lot of you felt that way yourselves during the Narrative -- you don't always have time to check-in. This unit shines a spotlight on how important it is to not assume we know others, but to be mindful we're all individuals.
Some of you have maybe heard of this platform before, while others haven't, and either way -- I'm so excited to spend some time with Brandon Staunton. Since November 2010, he has spent his time photographing individuals, first in New York, and then all over the world. He had one goal in mind: talking with a stranger to hear a moment of their story. It's my hope that over the next couple of weeks, you all see someone you relate to, that reminds you of someone, or that reminds you we're all ... human.
Next, we're going to watch two videos from the series: "Money" and "Time". I do want to be mindful that these videos contain real stories from very real individuals, and that for some of us it may hit close to home, maybe positively or negatively. We're going to be listening to people talk about their struggles, feelings, frustrations, and worries -- as well as their joys. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, please feel free to take a pause, step outside, and message me so we can come up with an alternate assignment.
Humans of New York.docx"Money" and a moment to reflect:
"Money" and a moment to reflect:
After watching both videos and us having an in-class discussion on "Time," I want you to now reflect on "Money" individually.
Throughout this video, you're being exposed to a wide demographic of people and you're listening to a vast range of stories. I always recommend going back and watching again as a moment to revisit. Think about what stood out to you the first time, then recognizing what did the next.
Profile Prompt (1).docxProfile Essay Prompt:
Profile Essay Prompt:
After wrapping-up your first essay, I thought it would be nice to spend the first week into our new unit immersing ourselves in Humans of New York before diving into the next prompt... but here we go! Let's do it. Please keep in mind -- we're at the very beginning of this unit, so we'll learn how to approach each step as it comes.
Selecting Your Person Assignment.docxStep One: Selecting Your Person
Step One: Selecting Your Person
As mentioned in the prompt, you have complete control over who you choose to interview for this essay. It can be someone you know (family member, guardian, partner, friend, co-worker, teacher, etc.) or it can be someone you want to get to know a little bit better. A part of the Profile process is picking that person and planning the time to conduct your conversation.
Step Two: Interviews ... I know this may be a little intimidating if it is a totally new concept, but we're going to practice in-class and I'm going to be providing examples to give you extra resources. Below is the activity we'll be doing, as well as an example from a previous semester of the notes I took during the activity, and the sample introduction I wrote. You'll be doing this, too!
Mock Interview In.docxMock Interview In-Class Activity
Mock Interview In-Class Activity
We will be doing this during a whole week of classes. Two of your peers will volunteer (and hey, if you volunteer, you don't have to complete the assignment), then the rest of the class will interview you. The goal is to take notes, start to feel a little more natural asking questions/coming up with them as the conversation goes, and forming an introduction off it.
Notes(1).docxNotes and Sample Paragraph
Notes and Sample Paragraph
As mentioned, this is a sample from a previous class. You will see the notes I took while the interview took place, as well as the sample introduction paragraph I wrote. Make a quick note: the highlighted blue parts show what I used, while the remaining is what I still have. This is a helpful way to organize what you have left and to structure the next paragraph.
At this point, you know the prompt guidelines, you've selected a person to interview (are planning a time), we've watched Humans of New York videos, as well as a talk on the dangers of just paying attention to one side of a multi-sided story, we've practiced interviewing by having conversations with our peers, and we've shared our writing. Something I thought would be helpful is to provide you all with two sample Profile papers: one written by me on my best friend and a student example. Please be reminded that we all write differently... and that's the best part. These just serve as ideas to reference and a chance to learn about others.
Profile Essay Example.pdfSample Essay #1
Sample Essay #1
This is written by me. Though I set out to write this to provide an example for my classes, it really showed me just how important this unit is. I learned so much about my best friend, and she got to see herself through my eyes.
Profile Essay - Edited.pdfSample Essay #2
Sample Essay #2
A student very kindly let me use this as an example. It's a wonderful, moving, and kind story that I deeply enjoyed. Note how different our writing styles are -- that is wonderful. There are so many ways to write.
Profile Essay Examples Assignment.docxReflecting on the Profile Essay Examples:
Reflecting on the Profile Essay Examples:
We read Sample Essay #1 in-class together, which meant you all read Sample Essay #2 individually. Take some time to think back on the writing, share your thoughts, and ask any current questions you have.
Step Three: Outlines. With this essay having so many steps, something I want us to practice doing is outlining. Maybe this is something you've done before, or maybe it's brand new... either way, it helps organize your thoughts by seeing all the material you have to work with currently, as well as what you still need. Please review the resource from OWL Purdue and my sample.
Outline Assignment.docxOutline Assignment
Outline Assignment
Here you will be creating an outline for your own essay. Before doing this, you would have completed the Transcriptions Assignment on Blackboard. Keep in mind, this is just brainstorming -- maybe you will make some changes... that is just fine/your process.
Step Four: Conferences. After you do in-class writing, we will be planning individual conferences as a way to touch base on this essay, and for me to read over what you currently have as a way to offer personalized feedback. You will bring a rough draft.
If you feel like you have some questions about this essay or want a checklist... I'm right here for you. I've compiled the most common questions regarding this essay and made a handout for you, as well as a checklist.
Questions About the Profile.pdfCommon Questions
Common Questions
You know how I'm always telling you how any question is a good question? It's so true. I usually find if I am wondering about something, then someone else is too. Here is a collection of questions students have had that I hope help you.
A few additional things to think about.docxChecklist
Checklist
At this point in the process, you have a lot of moving pieces, especially with everything else you have going on. Here is a few pointers to review, revisit, and revise in your essay.
Step Five: Submitting your essay. I think one of the most meaningful moments in this unit is when you have the opportunity (if you choose to do so and feel comfortable) to share your writing with the person you spent time talking to. There's something really unique about hearing your story from the lens of someone else, and it's a real skillset to have in your pocket. It's my hope this unit gave you all some designated time to see stories as complex, and incredibly important parts of our lives.
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