Attention! Attention! - Blog #10

The time has come! My final blog post on this research essay is upon us. For my final project, I will be quickly responding to five different questions asked by "Dave" from The Curious Researcher. I hope you enjoy my final reflection on this project.

1. "Hey you, I think you can't really say that one opinion is better than another one. Don't you agree?"
-No, actually I don't agree. Sometimes opinions can be wrong and proven so. That makes the opposing opinion better (if it's correct, of course.) I do believe, however, that there are certain ways of going about proving which opinion is better.

2. "There's all this stuff in the book about research as a process of discovery. What did you discover?"
- I discovered a boat load! Not only did I discover interesting points about my topic, but I discovered different ways of going about researching them! For my topic, I discovered that there are nutritionists and dietitians traveling around the world, but not all of them are targeting countries in need or spreading the gospel.

3. "What do you figure was the most challenging problem you had to solve while working on this research project?"
- The most challenging problem was probably narrowing my topic down so specifically. In the end, I benefitted from doing so, but it was difficult finding the information for it all in the beginning.

4. "After all this work, what do you take away from this experience? What you learned that you can use?"
- The most I have learned about this process was the actual forming of the essay. Using the different exercises to work on things made the process so much less stressful. And who doesn't want less stress in their life?

It's Like Kindergarten All Over Again! - Blog #9

Now if I'm being honest here, arriving to this point has been a little stressful and I haven't been the most willing to work, but (surprisingly) I ended up really enjoying this step in the writing process! This exercise is called the Cut-and-Paste Revision, and you do exactly what the title says. I'll explain all the steps and then I will reflect back on my work in the end. I promise, this makes writing essays seem fun!

Step 1:
On a separate piece of paper, write down your thesis (main idea) and make sure it's plainly stated and fully captures what you're trying to say in your essay. Set the thesis aside.

Step 2:
Cut apart a copy of your paper, paragraph by paragraph. Once you've finished cutting them out, shuffle the stack of paragraphs and get them wildly out of order so that your original draft is nothing but a memory.

Step 3:
Bring back the thesis paper and now start to work through the stack of paragraphs, making it into two stacks: paragraphs that are specifically relevant to the thesis and paragraphs that don't seem as relevant. Be tough! Scrutinize your work honestly because the point of this is to determine whether or not each paragraph is there for a reason. Ask yourself this question: Does this paragraph (or part) develop my thesis and further the purpose of my paper? Or does it seem unnecessary that could possibly be focusing on a different topic?

Step 4:
Here comes the fun part! Step aside your irrelevant paragraphs and now focus on the relevant ones. Ask yourself these specific questions and mark each paragraph with which question it relates to:

• Does it provide important evidence that supports my main point?
• Does it explain something that's key to understanding what I'm trying to say?
• Does it illustrate a key concept?
• Does it help establish the importance of what I'm trying to say?
• Does it raise (or answer) a question that I must explore, given what I'm trying to say?

Step 5:
Now that you understand what your paragraphs contain, start to assemble another draft of your essay. Don't be afraid to mix up the order that you had when you started. Find which order makes your essay flow the best and easy to be understood. On another piece of paper, job down a few ideas for material you might add, explain further, or even take out. Look for gaps - places where you should add information. After assembling your new draft, you may even find use for your "irrelevant" paragraphs that could help your essay in this new order.

Reflection:
I don't know about you, but I found this process extremely helpful in understanding what was irrelevant, relevant, and what made those paragraphs ir/relevant. By the end, I had taken out two paragraphs that were completely unnecessary in my paper, plus I had come up with a completely new order for my paragraphs. I also think after writing some additional paragraphs, I'm going to use this process again just for safety's sake. This can only help me, right?

Discovering Your Voice - Blog #8

Looks like things are moving along smoothly! The research essay is in full swing and the first draft has been written! Now, it's time to take a step back and look at what you've said. I'm going to do a simple exercise and then at the end, I'll reflect on what I've done.

*Two different colored highlighters are needed for this exercise.*

Step 1:
Mark the parts in which you're a less active author. Highly every sentence that reports facts, quotes sources, or otherwise presents information or ideas that belong to someone else.

Step 2:
Now, using the other highlighter, mark the parts in which you're a more active author. Highlight every sentence or paragraph that represents your own ideas, analysis, commentary, interpretation, definition, synthesis, or claims.

Reflection:
I'm pleasantly surprised with how my draft turned out. The point of this exercise was to show how often your voice is displayed in your paper and if your voice and the other voices are evenly displayed. My draft rightfully had more of my voice highlighted, but there was an even pattern between sources. My quotes also rightfully took up between 10-20% of my paper. I am pleasantly surprised, however, I will be making more changes to my essay to take a different approach.

Here Comes the Nail-Biting and Hair-Pulling - Blog #7

Looks like the process is really starting to speed up on this research essay! Last post, I started writing my thesis, but now we're taking a giant step into the essay process: writing a lead. I was instructed to try writing three different leads using three different methods from a list generated in The Curious Researcher. The leads that I chose were scene, profile, and quotation. Now if you're anything like me, actually starting the writing process is the most stressful and frustrating part of the entire writing process. So here goes nothing!

Scene

 

One would agree their heart breaks every time they see an advertisement for helping those in need, the underprivileged, or the malnourished. We can all picture those exact advertisements in our heads: small children whose bones are visible at a frightening degree, their eyes teary and vacant. Those advertisements are not an exaggeration by any means in third-world countries, and the danger of the children is very real. After thinking about those advertisements, can you see why nutritionists and dietitians are incredibly important out in the mission field? Not only do those children need nutritional food in their stomachs, but, also, God in their hearts.



Profile

 

Born and raised in Chicago, Elena Paravantes has lived in Greece for over 10 years now. Paravantes, who is of Greek descent, was educated and trained as a clinical dietitians in the United States. Paravantes decided she could make a difference in the way Grecians look at nutrition and has been determined to do so ever since moving there. Although Greece is not a third-world country, Paravantes has the right idea as far as traveling dietitians are concerned. Unfortunately, third-world countries are being overlooked because the challenge seems too large for one nutritionist or dietitian to tackle alone. However, the population of nutritionists and dietitians is slowly growing. Now we just need to connect nutrition to spreading the gospel, which isn't as far-fetched as one may think.

 

Quotation

 

“Worthy young missionaries who have medical training and good judgment contribute in irreplaceable ways to the health and safety in the missions where they are serving,” comments Sister Francis, chair of the Church's missionary nurse specialist committee, about the calling of nutritionists and dietitians in the missionary field. Nutritionists and dietitians in the missionary field not only help those they are spreading the gospel to, but also contribute to the overall health and wellness of the missionaries, themselves. One missionary commented on her work in the Marshall Islands, "Yes, there are hard things here, but the benefits and growth seem to far outweigh the [inconveniences and difficulties]," she said. "I love the way the people love their children, their faith in Jesus Christ, and the courage of the priesthood leaders here." She is not the only on who feels this way about her work, as most missionaries can agree on the blessings they encounter in serving a health mission.

Let's Get Down to Business... - Blog #6

Now we're getting down to the nitty gritty part of the researching: the making of a thesis. Templates were provided on page 158 of "The Curious Researcher" that displayed different types of theses so that's what I'm going to use to help!

Thesis from a Hypothesis Question:
Based on my research, nutritionists and dietitians in the missionary field are uncommon and underused in their skills to bring glory to God.

I chose to use a hypothesis thesis largely due to process of elimination on my topic. The other choices of theses were value, policy, interpretation, and relationship which all seemed inappropriate for my topic and the point I am trying to make. By using the hypothesis route, I am able to display my information in an intelligent way without seeming to argumentative.

Why is this important? Because I say so! - Blog #5

Now that I've done quite a bit of research on my topic, I would love to pitch my two cents about why my topic is important to read and take seriously. I hope this changes some of your minds as you read my long-winded speech on the importance of nutritionist missionaries.

A worldwide issue in malnutrition and poor food quality. Who can help those people? Nutrition and dietetic-equipped missionaries. You might ask what I mean by a "nutrition and dietetic equipped missionary," and I would answer that it is simply a nutritionist or a dietitian willing to become a missionary and spread God's word through health. Most people overlook the need for nutritionists in the missionary field because most only associate missionaries with strong individuals who pray and help build homes for groups of people who don't know God. However, the groups of people who need help building homes probably need help with food, too. That's where the nutritionists and dietetics come in. Spreading The Word of God through helping others with food-related issues is an up and coming act. Many nutritionists who become missionaries find they enjoy helping those under privileged people more than their original jobs. A prime example would be Deirdre Zimmerman, a trained dietitian and nutritionist, who began working with the Church Missionary Society of Ireland in Nepal alongside her husband. After working several years with the missionary service, Deirdre shares, "I see this as involvement in God’s work to restore full life and to provide for all the needs of all people: nutrition and health (in all its facets) being essential for people to achieve their God-given potential." A testimony such as this is not surprising among other nutritionist missionaries. However, you might ask how one would know if they are fit to be a missionary? Any nutritionist is fit to be a missionary! Instead of clients coming to the nutritionist, the nutritionist is just coming to them! It's the same exact job and it affects any nutritionist considering missionary work. Spreading the word about this wonderful way to share the gospel is the best way to help those who are suffering from malnutrition. This is a topic that hits close to home for me because as a Christian, it is my duty to spread The Word to others in any way I can, and I believe I can do the best work as a nutritionist. So if any of you ever wonder how to help others who are malnourished or do not know God, food always works! Because who doesn't love food?

Who needs that? You do! - Blog #4

So have to admit to you, I skipped the last blog post about the actual researching for the research essay. But I promise I actually did the research! Actually, a lot of it...Phew! Thank goodness that's over (sorta).  Today's blog post is about making an annotated bibliography. Oh no! Normally, just the sound of having to do a bibliography stresses me out, but what the heck is an annotated one?! Fear not! An annotated bibliography isn't as scary as it sounds. It simply just analyzes the article or passage you are citing. Part of the process uses something called a CRAAP analysis. The name makes you kind of chuckle, doesn't it? I think that makes the work a little more enjoyable. Anyhow, I'll get moving to show you my five sources in my annotated bibliography.

 

Annotated Bibliography

 



"Deirdre Zimmerman." Global Ministries: The United Methodist Church. The Board of Global Ministries, Apr. 2009. Web.

This article is a credible source for my research because it is a first-hand account of a nutritionist missionary. The author's credentials include being a part of the Board of Global Ministries. The article was published in April of 2009. The author's main goal in this article is to inform others of a woman's journey in the nutrition field as a missionary. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: missionary, nutritionist, potential nutritionist missionary. This audience would be interested in this subject because they can read about a personal experience and would generally agree with this author's perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: direct quotes on Deirdre's perspective. This evidence builds credibility because it is very personal and there is no middle man but it is also limited because it is the story of one person. Based on my own research, I agree with this author because it Deirdre's opinion and her credibility not only as a nutritionist, but as a missionary. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it adds first-hand account of missionary work.

Getz, Lindsey. "Dietitians Abroad." Today's Dietitian Apr. 2012: 48. Today's Dietitian. Great Valley Publishing Company. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.

This article is a credible source because it comes from a specialized dietetic and nutrition magazine. The author's credentials include professional growth specialization in the nutrition field. This article was published in Today's Dietitian in April of 2012. The author's main goal of this article is to inform dietetic professionals about the benefits of working overseas. The publishing source for this article generally targets: Clinical dietitians, consultant dietitians, clinical nutrition counselors, food service managers, certified diabetes educators, primary health coaches, and pharmaceutical professionals. This audience would be interested in this subject because it deals with professional growth and would generally agree with the author's perspective. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: multiple professionals all over the world and their varying experiences. This evidence builds credibility because these are actual professionals but it's limited because there are no stories of failed trips. Based on my own research, I agree with this author because these professionals always gian something but not always with their career. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it brings up many of my essay points, not just one.

"Health Missionaries: Called to Serve Him." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Intellectual Reserve, 22 Mar. 2011. Web.

This article is a credible source for my research because it talks about how it is part of our mission as God's children to spread health. The article was published in 2011 on March 22. The author's main goal in this article is to teach about the missionary role in health. The publishing source for this article generally targets a missionary audience. This audience would be interested in this subject because most missionaries are constantly trying to find ways to serve others better through God and would generally agree with this author's perspective. The author incorporates scripture quotation and explanation as evidence. This evidence builds credibility because it is scripture we all read as Christians but is also limited because not all people interpret scripture in that way. Based on my own opinion, I agree with this author because it provides good evidence and reasons. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it gives reason to be a nutritionist missionary through scripture.

Saunders Pickling, Marie. "The Role of the Nutritionist." Ministry: International Journal for Pastors 7 (1947): 112-13. Web.

This article is a credible source for my research because it is from a Ministry Journal. The author's credentials include being a part of the missionary field. The article was published in 1947 in March so the article is not recent, but it is still relevant. The author's main goal in this article is to inform others that physical health focus is also important in the missionary field. The publishing source for this article generally targets pastors, theologists, and missionaries. This audience would be interested in this subject because it shows how Christians can reach out and take care of others in different ways and would agree with this author's perspective. The author incorporates scripture quotation and reasoning and nutritional information as evidence. This evidence builds credibility because it involves the two subjects it is writing about but is also limited because it is nutritional information from the 1940's and there are new studies out today. Based on my own research, I agree with this author because she provides very sound and convincing evidence. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it is information I have found from other articles as well, to be true.

Zellman, Kathleen. "It Takes a Village to Fight Clinical Malnutrition." Food and Nutrition. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 26 Aug. 2013. Web.

This article is a credible source for my research because is deals with Health and crisis. The author's credentials include being the director of Nutrition of WebMD. The article was published in August of 2013. The author's main goal in this article is persuade others to become involved in the nutrition field. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that is involved in nutrition and activism. This audience would be interested in this subject because it involves a health crisis and would generally agree with this author's perspective on the topic. The author incorporates facts about the crisis as evidence. This evidence builds credibility because it shows shocking statistics but is also limited because it is only from one area. Based on my own research, I agree with this author because she proves an interesting point. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it isn't about a third world country, it's about our own area.

"Can I research you?" - Blog #3

Here comes an important step in the research process: the proposal. No, I'm not talking about getting down on one knee and asking to write about the topic. This proposal helps you, as the writer, figure out what you are actually researching, why you're researching it, and what kind of questions you have to ask while you're researching. The first step is deciding your inquiry question. This is your main idea when writing your essay. The second step is finding out your primary purpose. Finding this purpose helps you come up with additional questions that may help you discover the answers you need and decide on your main theory of hypothesis for your essay. And lastly, the third step is to ask yourself if you have prior beliefs, ideas, or prejudices towards your topic. What personal experiences have caused you to feel this way? What are you thinking about it now? Here are my thoughts all written down, and I hope you enjoy reading my reasons for why I'm so passionate in finding out the answer to my inquiry question. Happy writing!

1. Inquiry Question: In what ways can being a nutritionist glorify God?
2. Primary Purpose
Explore: Are nutritionists needed out in the missionary field? What all does being a nutritionist entail and what job opportunities are available?
Argue: I have a theory that there is a commonly overlooked aspect in the field of nutrition that can glorify God. That is my tentative thesis, as of now.
3. With this project, I am bringing a preconceived interest in the field of nutrition. My entire life, I have had difficulties with my health dealing with my nutritional needs. Unfortunately, for the past 7 weeks, I have been dealing with even more difficulties. I have a worsening case of anemia and because my illness has gone untreated for so long, my immune system is very weak and so my body is constantly fighting off infections that I can't always deal with. My doctors are offering no help, so it's up to me to heal myself (all in God's will, of course). Due to these health issues, I have decided to change my major to Nutrition and Dietetics, and the main question that pops into my mind when thinking about it is "How can I glorify God through these future studies?" I hope this research essay is going to help me figure all that out.

Are you not curious? - Blog #2

Hello all! At the ripe old age of 18, I noticed it was beginning to become more difficult to come up with topics for research essays, but then I found a fun new way to get some thoughts going! For this blog post, I went through an exercise in "The Curious Researcher" that sparked some curiosity in my (tired, college-fried) mind.

Step 1: I had to choose three titles (already chosen) and brainstorm a list of words or phrases that come to mind when I think about what I know and what I might want to know about the category. Here's my list:

Places
Paris
Lancaster, Pa
Boston, Ma
New York
North Carolina
London
Spain
Amsterdam
Los Angeles, Ca
San Francisco, Ca
Florida
Georgia

Jobs
Actress
Singer
Dancer
Nutritionist
Personal Trainer
Teacher
Police Officer
Nurse

Hobbies
Weightlifting
Running
Singing
Dancing
Painting
Writing
Drawing

Step 2: For the second step, I was instructed to pick a topic that stood out to me and that I thought could open doors to knowledge that might be relevant to my life. So, my choice was the most relevant and challenging topic in my life currently: Nutritionist.

Step 3: And for the third and final step, I had to generate a list of questions that I would love to explore about the subject I chose. And here are my most burning questions about the topic of being a Nutritionist:

What all does being a nutritionist entail?
How important are nutritionists in society?
How great is the need for nutritionists on mission trips in other countries?
Could nutritionists travel along with missionaries and help others in need?
In what ways can being a nutritionist glorify God?
What are the main difficulties in being a nutritionist?
What are some ways to branch out in the field of nutrition?

Wasn't that a fun exercise? I thought it was! (Sorry, I'm an English nerd) Well, I hope reading that exercise sparked some curiosity in your mind. When you or someone you know starts to write their next research essay, pull this out and get the creative juices flowing!

Curiouser and Curiouser - Blog #1

Have you ever found yourself completely stuck when writing on a topic that you don't even find remotely interesting? If you answered no, you're lying. I recently began reading a book for my English Composition class called "The Curious Researcher" by Bruce Ballenger and I dreaded even opening the book! However, the first page offers a fun exercise where Bruce gives the reader a number of different statements that you must either agree or disagree with and you must spend three minutes just typing what comes to mind about the statements you chose. I must admit, I did find it kind of hard to explain myself after my initial response, but I forced myself to think deeper into the subject and figure out why I felt that way. Here are the two statements I chose. Enjoy!

The belief I think is false from "The Curious Researcher" is that when you're writing, you are mainly writing to your instructor. I do not agree with that at all. Has there ever been a specific group of people that you may know or have heard of that pop into your head as you're writing that may care about what you have to say? If that has never happened to you, I suggest you pick other topics to write about. Yes, the reports and research essays that you're writing may only be for a grade, but the subject you're writing about must be important to someone out in the world, correct? There must always be a targeted audience when writing because otherwise, it is a research essay written in vain. Someone out there cares is interested in the subject you're writing about so you might as well direct it towards them.

Another statement that I find interesting is "When two experts disagree, one of them has to be wrong." I agree with this statement to a certain degree. When two "experts" disagree, how much can you really trust that either of them are truly experts in that topic? If they were experts, wouldn't they be agreeing on their intelligence? There is also a great possibility that both of them are wrong and it is a wasted argument fueled by ignorance. I love researching different topics and finding contradicting information because then curiosity has been sparked inside of me. Now I must go find the real answer! So maybe the next time I find two "experts" disagree, it's chance for me to become the real expert.