Entry #10: Final Reflection on the Project

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 My Five Takeaways from the Writing 121 Project

1. During the interview, I learned that you have to make the interviewee feel comfortable or you won't get good information. For me interviewing a relative, I used a lot of humor. We laughed a lot throughout the interview and Joel felt like he was telling stories. 

2. As I listened to Joel telling stories, I realized that Joel has had a difficult time with his life in the US. I always thought that Marshallese people who migrate when they are young, have an easier time--because they learn English when they are young, and it's easier to adapt to a new culture.  BUT, Joel has lot some of his "Marshallese-ness" and struggles with who he is--as an individual Marshallese living in the US.

3. When I was doing the research about the US health care system and how it treats Marshallese, I learned so much. I didn't realize that different states handle the COFA (Compact of Free Association) residents differently. It seems really unjust.

4. Another thing that I uncovered during the research paper, was about Project 4.1.  It was very upsetting to learn how Marshallese people "agreed" to being tested after radiation exposure--without a translator so basically, without consent, they were treated like Guinea pigs.

5. The final piece that I gained knowledge and experience from was how to set up and make a Blog. This was my first time doing a Blog, and I found it interesting and fun to add images and videos to my writing. It made the writing come alive.



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