Dear Members of the Portfolio Committee,

My name is Jilean Vale-Cruz and I am 28 years old. In 2004, I graduated from North Kingstown High School in Rhode Island.  My grades were good throughout high school, except for English.  English was always a struggle for me.  I attended four different high schools, both private and public, where each school had a variety of different methods of teaching their English courses.  Being out of high school for 10 years, my writing never had a chance to improve until this course.  I believe one of the most important aspects of the course were the peer reviews.  Not only did my fellow classmate’s peer reviews, as well as my professor’s, guide me to be a better writer, I learned to organize a paragraph, focus on the topic and provide solid details to bring the reader into the scene.

Today, I share with you three essential pieces of my learning experience this semester in English 101.   This semester’s class was focused mainly on Robots and culture.   I found it difficult to write about a topic I was not particularly interested in, however, over the over the course of this semester I realized there will be times, especially at my job, when I will have to write about something I share no interest in.  But I believe subject matters such as these are what really help us improve as a writer as it involves more research and comprehension.

I present to you my first writing piece and from my opinion the strongest piece in my portfolio, “Memoir”.  The assignment was to write about 5-8 tools that we use that are somewhat related to each other and provide specific details about the tool that will give the reader a clear view of each scene.  I began the assignment with my head held high as if I knew it was a piece of cake.  I did not spend that much time the assignment.  I figured if anyone knew about these tools, it would be me.  I proudly submitted the assignment anxiously waiting for my feedback so I could perfect it to its final form for my grade.  My first review from Professor Pappas was a bit discouraging.  My paragraphs were not focused on one particular scene and my tools did not really relate to one another.  In my initial draft, I used tools that were used chronologically throughout the course of the day, which was not the assignment.  But with the peer review and professor Pappas review I was given the opportunity to take another try at the assignment and redo the entire paper selecting entirely different tools.  I turned to other student Blogs for guidance and resubmitted my essay.  I was satisfied with my overall grade.

My second writing piece, “Robotic Surgery”, was a research based paper.  As a legal assistant I conduct research on almost a daily basis, so I did not face many difficulties in finding credible sources.  I enjoy research and I found this essay more interesting.  The assignment was to select a topic where robots are used and to cite and annotate the sources.  For this paper I chose robots in surgery.  The major issue I really faced with this paper was the citing of my references.  I completely forgot how to cite references.  The Purdue Online Writing guides were excellent resources, but again, I think the outcome of this essay would have been far better if it were a topic that I shared interest in.

Lastly, the final essay included in my portfolio is the photo essay.  Professor Pappas snuck this extra essay in in the midst of the course.  But I think it was an excellent idea for an essay.  Even though robots are not my thing, I really enjoyed it.  Marketing and advertisements are a form of art where photos and captions are used to convey a message to the audience.  The rough draft of the assignment consisted of the photo and  brief description of what I had analyzed.  Professor Pappas was unable to connect the series of photos together.  She challenged me to find a way to connect the photos through adding an opening paragraph. The opening paragraph ties the photos together in a marketing and advertisement logic displaying how marketing can be used to persuade an audience using robots.

Thank you Professor Pappas, my fellow classmates and the members of the Portfolio Committee for taking this opportunity to read and evaluate my portfolio.

Sincerely,

My eyes squint as they water.  A black tear of mascara runs down my cheek.  It takes a steady hand to apply felt tip mascara.  I go over the top lid of my eye once more creating the most pristine etch of calligraphy above my big brown eyes, more carefully as to not poke my eye out this time.  Before I move on to the palette of metallic autumn foliage tones of loose powder shadows, I gaze in the mirror probing for a sign of imperfection of the charcoal black eyeliner I had just applied.  I cannot go a day without applying some type of makeup to my eyes.  The eyes are said to be the “Gateway to the Soul” and they are always my focal point when talking with someone, so its important to me to appear attractive and approachable whenever possible.  I begin applying the facial primer to my eyes glancing at my options of brushes I have to use but always finding myself using the same one.  Believe it or not, it is actually the same brush my mother used for herself when I was a little girl.  When I was around 7 or 8 years old, I would go into the downstairs bathroom where my mother kept all of her toiletries and I would stand on the toilet to reach over and get into her makeup on the top shelf.  It was all packed it a cute little blue makeup case with a floral design and a zipper that wouldn’t close because it was full of tons of makeup to make her pretty.  There was that one particular eye shadow brush, unfortunately, made with raccoon fur that always appealed to me.  It has a gold metal finish with bristles that soak the powdered shadow as if I were ready to paint a canvas.  Moments later as I return the brush to its designated compartment of my makeup case, I realize that’s exactly what I had just done – painted a canvas.

The shutter of my Nikon snaps simultaneously with the blinding flash.  I take several frames as my friend walks down the beach, inching toward the clouds of sea foam with her baby girl hand-in-hand.  As a former agency represented model, I came to really love and appreciate photography.  This time it feels good to be on the other end of the camera.  I received it as a gift for Christmas a few years back from a very special person to me.  As it remains, today, it is still in the same mint condition as when I first opened it with the manufacturer stickers still intact.  I usually take it with me everywhere because there are always moments when you wish you could remember something or relive it.  Our eyes are like cameras; Every blink of the eye is a separate frame telling a story of your life.  Your memory is the image that was developed.  But the photo a camera can take is like the flash drive of our memories.  Nothing speaks more words or captures a moment, like a photo can.

Emotionally inclined, I flip through the stations from my steering wheel button.  The annoyed stare from my fiancé fixes on me, reminding me how indecisive I can be at times.  I love all genre of music.  Music is like a snowflake; it’s beautiful, but at the same time, up close, there are so many intricate little patterns.  Much like the tone or rhythm a musician can produce.  Today in particular, I am in search of something morbid.  It is the sixth anniversary of my Dad’s passing and that type of music comforts the way I feel since I am so suppressed.  “From Where You Are”, by Lifehouse is when I stop scanning through the channels.  Even though the song is almost over, the remnants of my thoughts linger as my eyes begin to water.  Whenever I hear a song that reminds me of my Dad, I try to make it a point to always switch up the lyrics and put my own silly twist to it, just as he did.

A blank scroll of paper lies below my right hand as I violently write.  My emotions begin to fill up the paper like an overflowing bucket of water.  The ink penetrates the paper like a regretful tattoo.  The needle point stitches the paper with profanity.  Whenever I am really upset, My vulgar verses are administered through the 17cm pen, saying things I could never.  Writing when I am angry serves as sort of a therapy.  Recently, I was upset with my fiancé and decided to write him a letter to avoid an argument.  The letter turned into a five page list of complaints.  At the end of my letter I read it over.  Every “T” and “I” is crossed and dotted, embedded in the paper like braille.  My cursive is scripted as if I were a doctor.  Finally, my therapy session is over.  I crumble the paper as if I am spring cleaning and toss it in the trash.  Suddenly, I feel a sense of relief comes over me.  The burden of my stale aggression has been lifted and my anger subsides.

Writing in an college English course is far different from when I was in high school in 2005.  I was never really into English.  Never did well in it either.  I remember I would skip out on a class just because I did not want to present a paper to my classmates.  I never felt comfortable sharing something as personal as my thought process with anyone.  The class blog allows me to write freely without having to worry about what the person on the other side is thinking of me.  At the same time, most importantly, the blog conveniently allows me to learn off of my peers.  With access to other students blogs, I have read many essays and I am inspired by the way some of my fellow students write.  I don’t think my brain could allow me to think of some of the things they put in words.  This course blog, also my first blog ever, has also inspired me to start my own personal blog.

Robotic Surgery

The use of robotic surgical procedures have aggressively increased within the past decade. In 2000, only 1,000 robotic surgeries were performed world-wide (Pinkerton). Steadily increasing each year, after a decade, the number of robotic surgical procedures have dramatically increased. In 2013, approximately 450,000 robotic surgeries were performed with a reported 282 injuries and 28 deaths in 2012 (Pinkerton).

The first use of robot-assisted surgery was documented in 1985 using the PUMA 560, which is a surgical arm that performed a neurological biopsy procedure. This successful procedure later introduced the first robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery just two years later.  A Cholecystectomy, which is the removal of the gallbladder (“History of Robotic Surgery”).

Robotic surgeries are performed for complex procedures, including but not limited to, cardiothoracic, urological, gynecological, and general procedures. The da Vinci Si, the world’s most advanced surgical robot has performed many of these intricate procedures (“About the da Vinci Si Surgical Robot”). It is also the first robotic surgery system to be approved by the Federal Drug Administration Agency (“History of Robotic Surgery”). It’s multi operating arms are controlled remotely by the surgeon, allowing for control and precision as some surgeons find it less tiring and easier to see what they are doing. There is a fiber optic HD camera small enough to maneuver through the body. Its camera has 3D vision and provides a greater depth perception (“About the da Vinci Si Surgical Robot”). This advancement allows for less contact between exposed interior tissue and the surgical device, reducing the risk of infection (“History of Robotic Surgery”).

With any medical procedure, risks are involved. Minimal horror stories of robotic instruments accidentally puncturing and/or tearing have come to light. A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggest that surgery complications involving robotic equipment are underreported to the FDA. Some were never reported and some were reported after they were already made public (Robotic Surgery Complications Underreported, Johns Hopkins Study Suggests). This prevents a proper evaluation of the safety of the device. To date, Intuitive Surgical, Inc., a manufacturer of robotic surgical instruments, is a defendant in approximately 50 lawsuits alleging product liability (Pinkerton).

Despite the concerns associated with robotic surgery and the cost, of a surgical procedure using such device, a surgical robot provides a less traumatic operation on the body. The minimally invasive surgery is made with small incisions – about a quarter inch. This allows for a faster recovery time and leaves minimal scarring and makes for a short hospital stay. “Every patient profile is different, and a Robot is just another surgical instrument It’s only as good as the surgeon using it.”(Pinkerton). If the surgeon is properly trained on using the device and is somewhat artistic in that he/she works well with their hands, robotic surgery could be a successful advance in technology, more than it already has become.

Works Cited

“About the da Vinci Si Surgical Robot.” The Robotic Surgery Center. NYU Langone Medical Center. 2012. Web. 9 Nov. 2014

This source gave the most information on the da Vinci Si. The website’s main focus is Robotic Surgery. From news exposure to patient testimonials, the medical center website gives a great idea of how robotic surgery is performed.  The source describes the da Vinci Si and even has a photo with a break down of each of its parts and their functions.

“History of Robotic Surgery.” Robotic Oncology. David B. Samadi, M.D., 2012. Web. 22 Nov. 2014.

The website belongs to Dr. David B. Samadi, who appears to be a Urological Oncologist who is very familiar with the use of robot-assisted surgery. The website gives a good introduction to the origins of Robotic Surgery.  His credentials as a doctor confirm this is a reliable source.

Pinkerton, Stewart. The Pros and Cons of Robotic Surgery. The Wall Street Journal. 17 Nov. 2013. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.

This article appeared to be the most reliable as it’s contents were found throughout the information I found in my other sources. The majority of my paper is based on the content in this source as it held the most information.

“Robot Surgery: Tests and Procedures.” The Mayo Clinic. 23 Nov. 2013. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.

Mayo Clinic is well known as a medical and research center, which also confirms a reliable and credible source. I did not cite anything from this particular website in my paper but it reflects/confirms the information found throughout.  A big part of this paper relies on an article from The Wall Street Journal and this confirms that information.

“Robotic Surgery Complications Underreported, Johns Hopkins Study Suggests.” The Johns Hopkins University. 3 Sep. 2013. Web. 6 Dec. 2014

Photo Essay

Marketing and advertising are forms of art.  Each photo/advertisement has specific details that give hidden message to the audience that persuade them with the intention to drive consumer behavior in a certain way in connection with a product, service or concept.  As you will read, marketing and advertising is geared toward anyone and everyone.  A picture really tells a thousand words.

Svedka Fembot. worldpress.com. Oct. 2011. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.

Svedka Fembot

The Svedka Fembot, a sexy robot of 2033, represents the Svedka Vodka product.  Despite her lack of hair, her feminine mannerisms and confident poses make her appealing to almost anyone.  Her young bare titanium physique is busty, but flawless.  Her innocent but serious eyes look straight at the reader in every pose as if to say: “I want you”…”to drink this brand”, as the reader shifts his eyes to the main product – Svedka.  The target audience seems to be alcohol-consuming men 21+ years old and possibly women of the same age.  Some women may find the Fembot a little risqué but they are taking a robot here, an object, and making it a sex object instead of a woman.  It’s ok to advertise a naked robot because robots don’t wear clothes.  She is grey and has blue eyes representing dull glass bottle and blue print.

Energizer Bunny. Coollchaser.com. n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.

 Energizer Bunny

The pink Energizer Bunny robot is widely known for its relation to Energizer Batteries.  The Bunny is featured in many commercials zooming around beating on his drum.  The battery on the back of him is displayed to remind the viewer that this bunny gets all of its energy from that little battery.  And a lot of it! And then just keeps going and going. I see the Bunny robot’s target audience as the typical family household.  Not just one particular class or group of people.  The Bunny robot has glasses on and flip flops that I’m sure someone out there can relate to their cool dad with his flashy sunglasses on or their mother with her fashionable flip flops.  The pink Bunny attracts young girls, meanwhile the drums attract a young boy/teenager audience.  The bunny appears this way to tell the audience that batteries are not just for one particular person, they are for everyone.

Kochalko, Kara. iRobot Roomba Vacuum. adweek.com. n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.

iRobot vacuum

The iRobot Roomba vacuum advertisement features a middle aged, middle class woman holding a vacuum in place of her face.  With only a few buttons, it appears easy to use and very light, indicating its portable and convenient.  Without even looking at her face you can tell this woman does not like to vacuum by the dark boring background.  Vacuuming is her least favorite chore.  With the advertisement focusing solely on the robot vacuum, the woman’s face does not matter in this instance because when she thinks its time to vacuum she uses her head to think to use the iRobot Roomba, and she does not do the vacuuming so she should not get the credit anyway.

Bjorn: Flirtual Reality. bjornborg.com. 2014. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.

 Bjorn Flirtual Reality

“And we hail a future where love can ignite even the hardest of metal hearts.”  This is a clothing advertisement from a particular line of a designers’.  It is aimed toward women and children.  However, this particular line is toward men’s and women’s intimates.  The three models pose on top of a sky scraper in a city on what looks to be a partially sunny day.  The robot signifies the new line of the designers clothes in the modern day.  In this ad, as well as the designer’s other ads, the intended audience are both men and woman that like to wear sexy underwear or feel sexy in their underwear.

Robots: Repair for Adventure. impawards.com. 15 Dec. 2004. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.

Almost everyone with young children know of the Robots Movies.  There are two target audiences, children and adults.  This is more of an animated robot, but it is animated to meet half way in between the target audiences.  If it were a cartoon, it would not be that appealing to the adult, just like if it were a live robot.  It would not be that appealing to a young child.  By this ad you can tell this is a movie to watch with your family, if you have young children.

Panasonic: Ideas for Life. coloribus.com. July 2010. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.

This is a Panasonic ad for a 3-D television.  The ad features a young girl, in a modern setting, with the 3-D glasses on point toward the television.  Here she sees a robot on the tv with flames.  She looks toward the couch and sees the 3-D robot but she wants to see that explosion 3-D too.  The robot looks down, walking in a forward motion, almost ashamed as to say we aren’t there yet in technology by we are on our way there.  And at the bottom corner, “Ideas for Life”, confirm that we aren’t there yet but there will always be ideas that improve technology.