Blog 24; Integrate a quote.

So for my analytical research paper, I decided to write about how people have private and public personas. How they want people to see them, how people do see them versus how they are in a different light and area of their lives. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer this is very apparent, how she lives two different lives. Having two personas; is this something we all have? Is is it something we can control? Also are we able to prevent it? In addition, according to Lewis, he states "Public versus private person is a concept also addressed by Shakespeare. He explores the complexities that affect the self, and finds that its desires are often in conflict with what society demands." In other words, Lewis is stating that having a private self and public self, separate from each other can maybe have a negative toll on a person's life and well being. What do you do when you want to act and be something separate from what society says what should be and shouldn't be? How do you come out to who you are and stay true to who  you are? 
Being comfortable with the realities of your life can be a difficult task. Buffy demonstrates this obstacle in a number of her episodes. As mentioned by Lewis, the complexities of the issue of having separate personas go as far back as Shakespeare. Not only was it apparent then but its also apparent now in real-life and in many television shows and movies.In the show we see her as Buffy the student, daughter, and friend but we also see her as Buffy the Slayer. Two, almost complete different people. Throughout many episodes Buffy tries to keep both of these personas as two separate and simultaneously different aspect of her life. In the day Buffy is more reserved and sometimes it seems as though she is bit fragile as well. At night it seems is when the feisty, go get'em attitude comes into play.  The complexities to Buffy's identity, for her to handle but it's not difficult to understand. We all struggle with this challenge everyday. However, you have to learn to put those two separate sides together and also be confident in what that entails. In the end your still same person but different parts make you who you are. Later, we see that Buffy begins to grasps this concept.

Blog 15: Grammar Rules

I do enjoy English including everything that comes with it, such as reading, and writing. However, I am not the best when it comes to writing research papers, essays, or poems. There are two rules that trick me up consistently. First, is messing up on past and present tenses, rather to use was or were, have or had, and did or done, and many others. I don't know why but I get really confused sometimes. I actually have to read those specific sentences aloud  more than once to be able to really catch it. Sometimes I even struggle with flipping these tenses when I'm speaking. So I guess that is why it shows in my writing. Another usage that messes me up periodically is when to use an apostrophe and when not to. Examples of this, are words like thats or that's and its or it's. Sometimes I get confused of which is the most appropriate one to use. Over the years I have convinced myself that the reason I let these mistakes tangle me up is because I am not clear of what the rules are. Honestly, this is quite sad. Also I have a problem with knowing if certain words are two or one. 
However, another reason why I think I struggle with these simple also common mistakes is the fact that in the music I listen to they don't use proper English using words and squishing words together to make it rhyme with their previous word. Even in certain advertising they don't use proper grammar rules or usage, so when you read and listen to this on a regular basis it can definitely trip anyone up. Right?
And so it is.

Blog 14: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

So tonight I watched another episode of Buffy, picking which episode to rewatch wasn't that difficult; I watched the episode that I had enjoyed the most. Therefore, finding my argument wasn't such a challenge. I feel that one of the arguments that the director was trying to display was the argument of life. To me life is like a card game, you don't know what your going to be dealt but once you recieve them you have to work with them and deal with them. Buffy never chose to be a slayer, I mean who would want that responsiblity; she was chosen. So Buffy had to learn how to deal with the cards at hand. Also we all go through trials and tribulations, but you can't be somber and dwell on life's misfortunes forever. There has to be a point where you have to realize that you need to let go and move on. An example of this is at the end of the episode Buffy goes to the place where she had slayed Angel, and placed the ring that represented their union as friends and companion on the ground and she walked away. Her action was clear that she was letting go of what happened and moving on toward the future. 
Another aspect is that you have to let people in this will help you move on and let go. Buffy demonstrated this when she spoke to Giles and Willow about the night she slayed Angel. Her letting them in will give them a better understanding of how she felt and how she feels presently. It also lets them in on how they can maybe help her cope and move on with life. Finally, life is like a card game, you have to play the hand your dealt, and if you win or lose in the end life still goes on and so should you.
And so it is.

Blog 13: Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 3 episode 5

This aftertoon I watched another episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Is it possible to fall out of love? What happens when you do? These questions struck me; in the episode Scott Buffy's current boyfriend broke up with her. Willow and Xander both realized that they like eachother but yet they are both tied in a relationship. In Xander's and Willow's case, both of their partners seem happy and really into each of their relationships. So the question is even though your feelings have changed with the person your with; do you stay and try to make it work or do you let them know as soon as possible how you are feeeling. In reality this happens all the time, we believe we are in love when in reality its just infatuation or lust. Some people who are brought into your life are only suppose to be there for season and when its time to let them go, you have to let them go.
One other aspect that stood out to me was the misfortune of being the underdog and competition. Cordelia and Buffy were both running for homecoming queen, Cordelia being more well liked and knwon through out school had a comparative advantage over Buffy who recently returned back to Sunnydale and is trying to rebuild who she is and her life. Even though Buffy didn't really have a chance against Cordelia she wouldn't give up, that is telling us that even when it seems that our chances are slim, you have to continue to fight and work hard for what you want. 
And so it is.

Blog 12: Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 3 eps. 4

Tonight, I watched another episode of Buffy, and I recongnized two aspects that I thought were present. First, was that we all fight battles everyday; not just externally but internally as well. Second, was the issue of domestic violence. In this episode, Angel, Buffy's ex boyfriend was possessed by this alter ego. Through out the episode you could tell that he was hisself anymore and that he was dealing with some sort of internal conflict. I feel that in reality, we all have internal conflicts, rather it deals with our family, friends, or even our own selves. However, when Angel broke the chains holding him in captivity; I think that represented that we as well can push through any problems we have and find our way back to sane, normal selves again. 
The issue of domestic violence was very prominent in the episode and its also very prominent in today's society. We saw that the character Pete was beating up his girlfriend, not just with his fist but also with his words. We also saw how the girlfriend always thought it was her fault for him to act the way did, she also continued to protect him and make excuses for his behavior. I beleive the director made this such a central theme in the episode, to show one of society's horrors when it comes to relationships. Finally, I think a lesson can be learned and that is if you find yourself in a situatuion like that seek for help and find support in friends, family or anynoe you can trust. It will make walking away from the situation easier and a blind fold to a tragic end like that in the episode.
And so it is.

Blog 9: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Hello, as expected I watched another episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer from season three episode three. As I watched the show there were two aspects that stuck out to me; they were the power of having control and also being able to let go of the past. In the episode I watched, another slayer came to Sunnydale to help slay vampires. For one I think Buffy was shocked, and she had to learn quickly that you can't have control over everything in your life. The second slayer who went by Fate followed Buffy and her friends and family to try and learn and pick up things she probably haven't mastered or never tried. Buffy had to learn how to give up that control and learn that sometimes you have to let people help. Throughout the episode the topic of Buffy's boyfriend Angel came up periodically. It showed that when dealing with a lost you can't conceal all those emotions you have to go on with your life and let go of the past. For example, Buffy began to let go when she spoke to Giles and Willow about what took place when she had to slay him. That right there was a coping mechanism of her accepting the past and letting go while also letting people in. However, letting go doesn't me completely forgetting about what happened but more of simply accepting it and becoming stronger from it. This was a really good episode and after having class on Wednesday, its a lot easier to make real life links.
And so it is.

Blog 8:" High School is Hell"

"High School is Hell" article was a really great research analysis. It pulled many examples from episodes and numerous seasons to support its argument and claim. Because I have watched some of the episodes that were discussed in the article I could really understand the connections it was making, especially those relating to the real world. Since the article used so many examples and scenarios and really linked the situations from the show to real life social situations people who never watched Buffy would have a clear idea of the argument.
The article made many connections such as social pressure and identity. I agreed fully with the article when it talked about the looking glass self; that we see ourselves usually how we want want people to percieve us or how they do percieve us. Finally, this article was fantastic and it really motivate me to watch more Buffy the Vampire Slayer and find more arguments and see links are trying to be made. 
Reading this article was a fantastic example of how to do a research analysis effectively and successfully. As we discussed in class today about finding patterns and pulling from different scenes and episodes where those patterns exist, I felt this article did a great job at doing that.
And so it is.

Blog 7: Buffy season 3 episode 2

I really liked this episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It showed how its hard sometimes to be comfortable in your own skin and understand that everyone is not going to accept you for who you are; and you have to learn to accept that. Honestly, through out the episode I felt sorry for Buffy because I felt that she was struggling with trying to readjust to her old lifestyle and be apart of the gang again. I also feel that Buffy was going through internal conflict as well, whether or not her friends were still her friends, do they look at her differently, and do her mom still love her as before; I feel like these were questions that filled Buffy's mind constantly.
Another aspect of the episode is that you can't live up to other people's expectations and be what other people want you to be, you always have to be true to yourself. The power of friendship was also apparent as well too. True friends will always be there for you even when the going gets tough, this was showed through Willow and Xander when they were exclaiming to Buffy that her leaving affected everyone not just her. I also feel that Willow and Xander never really wanted to accept the fact that Buffy might be gone forever and never return and I think that is why they all began to go out and slay vampires, in way they were keeping Buffy alive through their actions. 
Finally, I feel that the zombies reminded me a lot of Zombieland; I feel that it was showing that you are who you are and you can't exscape that.
And so it is.

Blog 6: Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 3 episode 1

Ok, well last episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer I watched was season 1 episode 1, because I wasn't really impressed by the first episode I decided to watch another episode from another season. So I watched the seaon 3 episode 1 and I liked it a lot. I have a feeling that I might become a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan lol, which is very shocking. I was excited that I actually had the priveleged of seeing a vampire slayed. Haha they actually had wooded stakes and crosses and everything which I found amusing. In this episode I liked hoiw it dwelt with real life issues we see in society everyday. I thought the show did a well job at displaying how sometimes kids, teenagers can get lost in life and drift into a not so healthy lifestyle; and how certain people will take advantage of that misfortune and despair and use it for their own selfish ideas. Once again however this episode didn't really have much of a scifi feel which I do appreciate. I think I will probably stick to season 3 because it seems pretty entertaining. Finally I'll have to agree that watching a different season was a great suggestion, because I didn't want to give up on the show completely. 
And so it is.

Blog 5: Buffy The Vampire Slayer season 1 episode 1

Well this evening I watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, form the first time, while its a familiar show to me I never really found the interest to ever watch it. The first episode was alright but I feel that Buffy should have actually slayed a vampire for the first episode. So I found it odd that she didn't, instead she was trying to unposses people of denomic devices. For the show to be considered scifi, is quite interesting for the simple fact it reminded me more of a Halloween movie something much like the goosebumbs t.v series, which I was a big fan of when I was younger. I felt that the characters were weak, I didn't feel that any of the characters were strong, also I felt that some of the lines were very cheesy. I feel that sense this was the first episode, that, they could have built up the story background way more; of who Buffy was and her story. However, I think that I did enjoy this episode better than Firefly. However I like the drama in Firefly a lot better than in this episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Well hopefully I will see Buffy slay a vampire in the next coming episodes.
And so it is.

Blog 3: The Train Job continued.

I think the Train Job probably has many arguments that you could pull and analyze as a means of persuasion. However, one argument I feel the episode was trying to present was that sometimes you have to do what you know is right even if that means you'll have a few enemies in the end. For example, when the main character who was in charge of the ship decided to give the medicine back to the people when he saw how much they needed it and that if he didn't give it back, its possible that many people could die. I feel that, that was very heroic when he knew giving it back meant that his and the rest of his shipmates life were in danger.
Finally, I feel that the argument was clear and presented very well. Another example, is when the doctor gave one of the shipmates and extra dosage of meds to get him to black out for awhile. Once again we see that he did what he thought was right at the time and what was best for everyone even if that meant he would have consequences with the guy and also the rest of the shipmates. These examples show that you have to do what you have to do even if that means the end of you. The argument also present to us that doing what you know and feel is right might not always be easy especially when your life is in question but it shows that its possible and its ok.

Blog 2: Firefly

This evening I watched my first scifi show ever. From my assumptions of scifi it was way different from what I expected. I never would have thought of having a space western setting. The drama in  the show was great I thought and the characters were develeoped really well. The quality of the whole episode was amazing and I actually found myself wanting to find out more. The technology used wasn't that bizarre to my surprise and I was also shocked that this big ailien (undefined species) didn't pop out and attack or something. However, now, I realize that I had a stereotypical view toward the genre of scifi. 
Finally, I'm glad that I was exposed to this genre to make me more understanding and well rounded as a person. I'm also excited to see what else is in store for me in the next coming weeks of the quarter.

And so it is.

Me, Myself, and I

Hey,
I'm Raynisha but I faithfully go by Ray. I'm a freshman at The Ohio State University studying business in marketing whiling minoring in communications. Obtaining a job in Public Relations is my goal, while my dream is to be in Public Relations for major businesses, people, and well-known fashion brands.   
I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and I attended The School For Creative and Performing Arts for high school. At SCPA I majored in theatre and classical piano and yes we had common classes as well, such Math, Science, History, English, etc.
I believe in living every moment and never regretting anything I do. I love having a good time and usually can make a dull situation into a fantastical experience. I smile and laugh every chance I get. They say it takes less muscles in your face to smile than it does to frown. I try to treat everyone how I want to be treated. Is that always a success? Sadly, no, but at least I try right? 
I passionately love food and will almost eat anything and everything. My favorite food of all time is ice cream! I could probably eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I actually think when I have a family we will have ice cream days!! 
If I had to describe myself, I would say I was much like the sun. I feel I am to brighten any one's day even if its just by a smile. Radiating the room and bringing warmth to peoples' hearts. However, like the sun sometimes I don't come out, hiding behind the clouds. We all have our days right? 

One of my favorite quotes "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves-Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are we not to be? -Marianne Williamson  

I believe this quote is very true in regards to one's confidence and self fulfillment.
Well till next time, and so it is.