Peer review

JessStec memoir “One perfect ear of corn”

Your story about growing corn in your backyard is truly heartwarming, filled with determination and love. It’s amazing how a simple gardening project brought you closer to your grandpa and created a special bond between you. The challenges you faced with the groundhog and squirrels trying to eat your corn added a touch of humor. Your dedication to protecting your corn and the joy of seeing it grow, eventually sharing it with your grandpa—it’s a beautiful journey. The ending, with the gift of your corn ornament bringing a smile to your grandfather’s face and creating a lasting memory, is touching.

Your memoir was well-written, blending scenes and summaries effectively within each paragraph. To enhance it further, maybe you could consider adding more sensory details like the smell of the soil and the vibrant colors of the corn stalks. Additionally, expanding on the description of your grandpa and why he loved corn could deepen the emotional connection and provide more to your shared experience.

Overall, you did a great job capturing the heart of your gardening adventure and the meaningful bond it created with your grandpa.

Memoir

Saturday Night Dinner

By: Jenniger McGuire “2024”

Every Saturday night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the neighborhood, I made my way down the familiar path to my grandfather’s house. The white door stood out against the backdrop of the evening, a beacon of comfort and love drawing me in like a magnet. With each step closer, the anticipation grew, knowing that behind that door awaited a treasure trove of memories and flavors that would forever be etched in my heart.

As I turned the brass knob and pushed open the door, a rush of warmth enveloped me, wrapping me in a cocoon of familiarity and love. The air was thick with the enticing scents of home-cooked meals, but it was the unmistakable aroma of seasoned meatballs simmering in scratch-made sauce that never failed to make my mouth water. Each meatball was a work of art, a perfect sphere of tender, flavorful goodness crafted by my grandfather’s weathered and worn hands. His hands, with veins that told the story of a lifetime of hard work and perseverance, carried a sense of wisdom and experience that resonated with me on a deep level.

As I entered the cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the sight of my grandfather, his big smile lighting up his face and his beautiful bright brown eyes twinkling with joy and happiness. I knew at that moment that I was in for a culinary treat unlike any other. The kitchen, where all the magic happened, was a cozy space filled with the sounds of sizzling pans and the clinking of utensils. The countertops were cluttered with jars of spices and ingredients, each one meticulously organized by my grandfather’s careful hand. The stove, a reliable companion that had seen countless meals prepared with love, stood proudly in the corner, its burners glowing warmly in the dimly lit room, with just about a few inches above the stove was a sign with mushrooms, reading “Carolyn’s kitchen. It was one of the first things I would see when entering the kitchen and it always made me think of my grandmother who passed away in the year 2006. The dining table, a sturdy wooden piece that had been in the family for generations, was set with mismatched plates and silverware, each piece holding its own story and memories.

As family members gathered around the table, laughter and chatter filled the air, creating a symphony of joy and togetherness. Aunty Patty’s laugh was so contagious that it would make everyone else laugh. The simple yet heartwarming moments of connection and shared happiness over the simple pleasure of good food were what made these Saturday nights truly special. My grandfather would always ensure that I got an extra serving of his famous meatballs, knowing full well how much I loved them. The small squares of dough filled with a creamy cheese mixture; the side of warm, soft Italian bread slathered with butter – all of it paled in comparison to the main event: the meatballs. Each bite was a burst of flavor that danced on my taste buds, a testament to the skill and love that went into their creation.

Surrounded by family and love, I felt the true meaning of home in my grandfather’s house, with its white door and warm presence. These Saturday nights were more than just meals shared together; they were moments of connection, love, and appreciation for the simple joys that made life truly meaningful. It was a tradition that my grandfather started the year my grandmother passed away. So, as I looked around the kitchen, with its worn but well-loved appliances and faint scent of spices lingering in the air, I knew that these memories would forever hold a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, it all stopped the year 2020 when my grandfather passed away. I can still hear his voice in my head every time I make meatballs. My grandfather’s house, with its white door and warm presence, held a special place in my heart that would never fade. The love of family, the comfort of good food, and the warmth of shared moments that would last a lifetime.

“Corn Tastes Better on the Honor System”

“Corn Tastes Better on the Honor System”

The main message revolves around the importance of honoring and respecting the natural world, particularly corn and its significance in Native American culture. The value of traditional ecological knowledge in preserving our environment for future generations. The need for a reciprocal relationship with the land, where humans give back as much as they take.

The rhetorical aspects would be the rich, descriptive language to paint vivid pictures of both indigenous and modern farming practices. It employs metaphors, imagery, and personification to bring the subject matter to life, making complex concepts more relatable and engaging.

The essay is well-written with clear language and vivid descriptions. I listened to it a couple of times, it was quite relaxing.

The revelation that a significant portion of the modern diet and food chain is derived from corn (corn syrup, corn oil, etc.) is likely to be surprising. The concept the humans have a biochemical signature influenced by corn consumption, distinguishing them from populations with different dietary staples, raises questions about interconnectedness of food, culture, and identity.

“I hold in my hand four seeds in the colors of the medicine wheel: thundercloud black, solar yellow, pearly moonlight, and blood red.” What stands out about this quote is the vivid and evocative imagery created by the description of the seeds. It not only paints a visual picture but also connects the seeds to cultural symbolism and spirituality.

“Holding the seeds in the palm of my hand, I feel the memory of trust in the seed to care for the people.” This quote combines physical sensation with emotional and historical depth creating a powerful connection between the past and present as well as between humans and nature.

“With all those offspring wrapped in a husk blanket, maize embodies her name, the Corn Mother.” This quote is a vivid and poetic description that evokes a nurturing image, emphasizing the protective and generous nature of maize.

 

 

Scene vs Summary

The difference between essays ‘Apple’ and ‘Meatball’

The ‘Meatballs’ essay reads more like a scene from a memoir, providing detailed description of a specific moment in time involving the narrator and their mom making meatballs together. The vivid imaginary and sensory details create a clear picture of the setting, actions, and emotions involved in the cooking process. The narrative captures the intimacy and complexity of the relationship between the narrator and their mom, as well as the bittersweet moments shared during this activity.

The ‘Apples’ essay describes the scene set in the autumn season, specifically focusing on the delightful activity of apple picking. It captures the essence of a crisp autumn day with the sun shining through colorful leaves, the scent of fresh apples in the air, and the atmosphere filled with the sounds of nature and children. The vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow leaves, along with the sensory experience of being an apple orchard, evoke a feeling of tranquility in the wonders of the natural world during the fall season. It portrays that immersive experience of apple picking, the connection to nature, the joy of harvesting fruit, and the magical ambiance created by the sweet aroma of apples. It emphasizes the points of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and appreciating the simple pleasures of life through this wholesome activity.

This one is a hard one because both ‘Apples’ and ‘Meatballs’ essays create a scene and a summary. The ‘Apples’ essay is more like a scene set, while ‘Meatballs’ essay is more of a scene. Both essays have a summary. In my opinion, I would have to say both essays were good at creating a scene and summary.

Ideas to write about for essay 1

Here is a list of some ideas I will be writing about in my memoir essay.

  1. The significance of family traditions.
  2. Food bringing people together.
  3. The connections being made.
  4. Moments of joy and laughter.
  5. Welcoming.
  6. Home cooked meals.
  7. Familiar scents and taste from childhood.
  8. Value of spending quality time at the dinner table.
  9. Creating lasting memories.
  10. Shared experiences.
  11. Making new memories.
  12. Happiness over favorite food.
  13. Reflection on what makes you happy.
  14. Catch up on each other’s lives.
  15. Way foods can bring back memories of loved ones.

Food has a unique ability to bring families together. Preparing and enjoying meals together encourages communication, laughter, and a sense of togetherness that can help create lasting bonds among family members. The smells of certain foods can bring back memories of a loved one and stories about them.

 

How sugar affects the brain.

How sugar affects the brain

 

Consuming an excess amount of sugar can have a significant impact on brain function and overall health. Sugar is a class of molecules called carbohydrates, such as lactose, glucose, fructose, maltose, dextrose, and starch. Sugar can be highly addictive to the brain due to its ability to activate the brain’s reward system. When consuming sugar, it triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.  This can create a cycle of craving and consumption similar to how addictive substances like drugs can impact the brain.

Overconsumption of sugar can lead to tolerance dependence and withdrawal symptoms when sugar intake is reduced. This is why sugary foods are often so appealing and can be difficult to resist. While sugar may provide temporary feelings of pleasure and reward due to its effect on dopamine, excessive consumption can have negative consequences on our brains reward system.

Overconsumption of sugar can lead to issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which can further impact brain health. It can also contribute to inflammation in the brain, which has been associated with conditions such as depression and anxiety. While sugar may provide temporary pleasure, its long-term effects on the brain can be harmful.

It’s important to consume sugar in moderation and opt for healthier alternatives. Consuming sugar in moderation is key to maintaining optimal brain health and overall well-being. By choosing healthy alternatives and being mindful of our sugar intake, we can prevent the negative effects of excessive sugar consumption on our brains and bodies. Remember, balance is key to a healthy lifestyle.

 

Reading and Writing

Growing up, I have always struggled with reading and writing. I remember being in middle school and the teacher calling my name to read the next paragraph in the book. I always hated that because it was hard for me, and I felt embarrassed. It was always hard for me to sound out words that I don’t know the meaning of or have ever seen before. Spelling has always been my biggest flaw, even as an adult. I found that reading was fun when it comes to researching topics that I love; there is never enough information to feed my brain. I love to read nonfiction and my only strength as a reader and writer is all the information I can retain. My weakness is finding it hard to articulate the information.

Paper vs Screen

When it comes to reading and writing on paper versus screen, I don’t have a preference for reading. I read a lot of articles on the internet because it’s easily accessible. However, when it comes to writing, I prefer to use paper. For some reason, looking at the computer screen makes it hard for me to think about what to write. With paper, I can process my thoughts better before transferring them to the computer and typing them out.