On this page, you will find my essay that I wrote on my peers’ Personal Narrative Essay where I analyzed rhetorical strategies he used.

Reflection Letter:

Going into this Phase II assignment, my first approach was to complete it and get it over with. After interviewing Abuba, I gained interest in the assignment. I learned more about Abuba and understood his thought process with his Phase I assignment. I found myself captivated by the stories and insights Abuba shared. Listening to his experiences allowed me to see the world from his perspective. I was amazed by the depth of his emotions.

One of the most significant realizations I had during this assignment was the extent to which I could relate to Abuba despite our differences. Throughout our interview, I noticed many common interests, shared challenges, and similar dreams for the future that Abuba and I have. This made me very empathetic when listening to his story since I could relate to the experiences he faced growing up.

The interview enhanced my interpersonal skills, teaching me the importance of active listening and empathy. Constantly reading Abuba’s narrative and listening to him in our interview allowed me to understand his experiences better and hone my ability to connect with others like Muhammed, my other team member, when I read his narrative.

I was able to appreciate the beauty of storytelling and its ability to bridge gaps between people. Abuba’s narrative allowed me to experience his emotions, challenges, and triumphs. This assignment felt like an immersive experience that reinforced my passion for literature. I have never been a literature person, and this assignment has inspired me to think about literature and language from a different perspective I never would have thought about.

This assignment was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of human connections and enriched my perspective on the world.  This assignment has improved my writing and communication skills and taught me valuable life lessons about empathy, understanding, and the power of shared experiences.

Peer Analysis Essay:

When I first contacted Abuba to schedule our interview, our initial plans for an in-person meeting over the weekend did not pan out as we had hoped. The logistical challenge was natural, considering I live in the West part of the Bronx, while Abuba lives in the South part of Brooklyn. The question of where to meet for our interview in a quiet, conducive setting left us wondering about our options. We settled on a virtual meeting through Zoom as our best solution. While it did not provide the rich experience of a face-to-face interview, it surprisingly offered an experience with its unique charm. Seated in my role as the interviewer, our dialogue unfolded smoothly. Through my questions and the rhetorical choices Abuba had made in his Personal Narrative Essay, I discovered more about his journey and the emotions that fueled his remarkable story. Though distinct from the traditional in-person encounter, our virtual meeting still provided a valuable platform for understanding and connecting with Abuba’s narrative.

Speaking to Abuba does not make you question his second language, English. He has mastered the art of the English language over time since he came from Egypt as a little kid, and one of the questions I asked him in our interview was, “If you could instantly master any skill, hobby, or profession, what would it be and why?” He talked about wanting to master playing the piano. Although he did not play the piano in Egypt, he wanted to learn how to play in elementary school. His school band teacher said he was not good enough to play the piano, but that never stopped him from being so fascinated. He has always been fascinated by people who play the piano but never got the chance to learn it, but this gave him more time to practice speaking English instead of playing the piano.

After reading Abuba’s Personal Narrative Essay, I could not help but acknowledge the massive amounts of pathos used. He effectively conveyed the emotional aspects of his experience by expressing feelings of fear and anxiety about moving to the United States. The use of phrases like “my stomach turned,” “I cried for hours,” and “the idea of not seeing my grandma again” demonstrated how feelings played a significant role in his experiences on his journey to the United States. Other quotes like “I was afraid of crying in front of mom” and “I felt this overwhelming rush of excitement” struck empathy in me after reading. I connected with the emotional journey that Abuba portrayed, and the emotional aspects made the narrative more interesting.

Just like how I felt a sense of empathy after reading Abuba’s essay, I also felt a sense of empathy speaking to him in our interview. During our interview, I asked Abuba, “Why did you choose to attend CCNY?” which made him think. He’s always wanted to be a Civil Engineer. City College is a great university where one can gain an excellent education to become an engineer at an affordable price. Abuba received a four on his AP Calculus exam and a five on his AP Chemistry exam. So much hard work in High School got Abuba to the point where he is now, and he is satisfied with his choice of attending City College. I felt a sense of empathy speaking to him because it is incredible seeing that hard work pays off, and Abuba is looking forward to his future because of all his hard work and CCNY. His dream of becoming a Civil Engineer is coming true because of City College, and he will continue working to reach that dream.

The usage of pathos was extensive in Abuba’s essay, but so was the use of ethos. Abuba’s essay was about a personal experience, and he effectively conveyed the challenges he faced when moving to America. For example, Abuba wrote about how he imagined speaking English daily and was initially worried about not understanding the language. He also incorporated interactions with teachers, classmates, and his mother, which helped strengthen the credibility of the essay. This clever use of dialogue showcased Abuba’s linguistic evolution and significantly enhanced the essay’s ethos. It rendered his story more relatable to readers who may have confronted similar linguistic and cultural challenges while solidifying the credibility of his narrative. By blending pathos and ethos, Abuba’s essay invites readers to trust in the sincerity and credibility of his storytelling.

Interviewing Abuba also made him delve into his future aspirations with a sense of purpose, exuding an aura of credibility and conviction that resonated with an undeniable ethos. I asked Abuba, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years, and how do you see yourself reaching that point?” and he immediately had an answer. He stated that he would like to have finished his master’s in civil engineering and worked to become a licensed engineer. He also said that he would like to own an apartment in New York City because he loves the city despite all its flaws. Not only does he want to be a Civil Engineer, but he is also looking to become a registered real estate agent in New York City. He has always enjoyed selling homes to people and helping them out. He talked about his career path in such an emphasizing manner that he demonstrated his commitment to honing his skills and pursuing professional growth. His response was not merely a list of goals but a testament to his dedication and the authenticity of his ambitions. This conversation with Abuba demonstrated the level of credibility and integrity that he holds for his work.

Abuba’s essay explores his unique life journey and the emotions that have shaped him into who he is today. His narrative begins with the challenges he faced when he left Egypt and embarked on a new chapter in the United States, marked by the challenge of adapting to an entirely different school environment. He started his journey in a new school when he came from Egypt and made it to college despite having to learn a new language. His intended audience is those from a foreign country who had to learn English. Abuba’s primary goal is to demonstrate that finding hope and optimism in the face of challenging circumstances is possible, and one can go a long way with optimism.