And the research process continues...

(1) Some of us struggled a bit with the infamous "list" on pg. 2 of our textbooks, so I'd like to revisit some of those concepts here...

Readers: I am writing to inform citizens of the US of the dangerous drug trafficking that is going on in Guatemala and let them know how that affects the United States. I am also writing to possibly people in the government of the US/Guatemala letting them know how big of an issue this is.


Timeliness: This topic is definitely crucial. In the past few years, drug trafficking has gotten worse in Guatemala and other issues are starting to result such as murders and violence.


Investment: I am EXTREMELY invested in this topic for many reasons. The main reason is that one of my family’s best friends was murdered violently on the streets of Guatemala in front of his children and wife. He was a pastor and the drug lords believed that his church would prevent them from selling drugs so they murdered him for no reason. Also, my dad is a missionary and travels to Guatemala a lot and is considered “wanted” among the drug lords. I definitely want more to be done to stop the drug lords and drug trafficking. I think that the reason high school teachers want us to write objectively is because they are training us the format of writing: how to organize paragraphs, how to write a thesis, how to form opinions, how to use transitional phrases, how to use correct grammar, and how to write a powerful conclusion. These are important steps in writing and in high school, students are required to pass standardized writing tests and write for the SAT. In college, however, there are no standardized tests. The professors would rather us write about passionate topics and take risks in our writing rather than just following the correct format in order for us to develop a unique writing style and in order to help us to actually learn and dive in rather than following simple steps.



(2) Are you starting to see multiple viewpoints emerge in your research? Can you list them here?

I know that there are multiple viewpoints to my topic but I have not really found many sources to back up these other opinions. Some people believe that America should not play a role in the drug trafficking issue in Guatemala because they don’t believe it effects the US and they believe we should stay out of foreign affairs. Other people believe that the drug trafficking issue is starting to be resolved in Guatemala when it is actually getting worse.

(3) Tell us about one new and interesting thing you've learned about your topic this week. What have you learned about the process of researching?

One interesting this I learned this week is that Guatemala is considered one of the poorest third-world countries in the world. I am also learning a lot about the process of research. I am starting to realize it is better to read through a source and then search for another source by using some of the information you just read. I also learned it works really well to use the works cited or bibliography page of some of the other sources. It has been a little difficult for me to find a lot of sources on this topic but I am starting to find more and am really able to dig deep in to the information I am finding.


(4) Read and respond to at least one other student's blog. Find a blog that interests you and provide an interesting perspective, some helpful advice, or ask some questions. In your post, please mention the blog you commented on so I can see it, too.

I responded to : Sam Vineyard (blog #2)