In They Say/I Say, a chapter that really resinates with me would definitely have to be Chapter 9. This chapter is titled “You Mean I Can Just Say It That Way”. This chapter really goes in depth with different writing styles and how to make paragraphs and text sound more sophisticated. It also gives great advice on how to clean up these texts and how to strengthen arguments/context as well. I have chosen this chapter of importance due to the fact that I could really use the help in this area of my writing. I benefited a great deal from reading through the chapter and taking in what it was saying about blending certain styles together, not sounding so casual, etc. Something that really stood out to me was the fact that in the chapter, the author understands how college students feel when they write, and how they think they have to set aside how they’re normally used to speaking.

“The goal of this chapter is to counteract this common misconception: that relying in college on the straightforward, down-to-earth language you use everyday will make you sound stupid; that to impress your teachers you need to set aside your everyday voice and write in a way that nobody can understand.” This really struck me because this is how I felt at first and basically in general when I started college. I figured that since the classes were bigger and a LOT more was expected of me, I knew that I would have to straighten up what I’ve known and take on the challenge.

One thing about my essay that really applies with this chapter is the fact that I didn’t fully understand the concept of the essay at first. In the initial prompt that was given to us, we were instructed to form our papers around our selected career paths, and to consider art tied into them. One thing I fixed was my introduction. I shortened it up a bit and included information on my intended major, (health, wellness, and occupational studies), as well as the topic at hand: science and art.

Here is the first paragraph on the original:

 In the world, science seems to be the core of life as a whole. Everything on this planet revolves around science and facts, and every aspect of science is important to how we live life, and helps us look forward to how we can better the world, be more innovative, and help us cure and grow. We have scientists that strive for the latest findings and study life (a very important job, with important/difficult work and research). They devote their life to studying and looking for the next best thing in science, and make important predictions. On the other end of the academic spectrum we have art. Art alone is one of the most powerful subjects in its form. It is something so special and unique to the individual. When I consider both of these subjects, I think of two very different enrichments that, when are brought together, offer each other so much. Some believe that art and the core subjects like science, mathematics and engineering, have no place for art to help. I for one believe that art and science can definitely coexist together and be helpful to one another, that each of them can bring something to the table, and keep us moving forward. 

and here is the first paragraph on my working redo:

     When you initially think of science and its many fields, art for some doesn’t immediately come to mind. There has been an ongoing debate between people who believe that art does and doesn’t belong, and there really isn’t a lot of reasoning behind why art and science can’t coexist together. When I consider both of these subjects, I think of two very different enrichments that, when are brought together, can offer each other so much. The heart and emotion that comes into being a doctor comes from someone that thinks with an artistically inclined and therapeutic mindset. Someone that’s open to help in any situation with an open mind and an open heart at the same time. This is exactly what is expected of an occupational therapist. This is something that I have always been very passionate about, and could see myself doing for years to come. This is a perfect example of one of the many ways that art and science can come together and help aid each other along towards solutions. I for one believe that art and science can definitely coexist together and be helpful to one another, that both can bring something to the table, in occupational therapy and beyond, and keep us moving forward all together.