Read Chapter 9 “As a Result” in They Say/I Say, pp. 123-136. Paste two connected paragraphs from either your first or second essay, then go through and highlight/bold all the transitions and words/phrases you notice (referencing the word bank on p. 111 & 112). Then: write a brief reflection answering these questions.

Simply put, Konnikova believes investing “in superficial relationships comes at the expense of more profound ones” (4). A distinct difference between an online connection on social media and a face to face one is “‘the nature of shared experience”’ as shared by Dunbar (Konnikova 4). Face to face experiences and interactions allow us to bond over the synchronicity of a shared experience. For example, as I am writing this essay as I am over five thousand feet in the air flying back from Kansas City where my sister just got married. Being there, I got to feel the presence of one hundred sixty four people smiling, crying, and cheering my sister and now brother in law on. Mind you this was in the ninety degree, humid midwestern heat. Most importantly, I got to see my twin brother getting jiggy with it on the dance floor wearing his cowboy hat. I am truly grateful for the gift to have been able to go. It just would not have been the same seeing it on my sister’s snapchat story.

Although there is depth in face to face connections, that is not to say the conveniences of social media should be overlooked. On the one hand, I agree that there is benefit and especially a time and a place for social media to be utilized to maintain connections. In the hockey world, I have played with teammates from around the world, including Slovakia, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania and from all over the U.S., including Alaska! Their distance physically does not limit my ability to keep in touch with them online. But on the other hand, I will be the first to say by limiting myself to solely an online connection with them on social media, I am not very close to them on a personal level. I would not even consider them to be in my Dunbar Number (150). In order for me to really feel close to someone, I need face to face interactions to feel more a part of their lives, as well as having them feel more a part of mine. 

 (1) What do you notice, as far as your tendencies/habits, when it comes to using connective language or phrases? Any patterns or repetitions? And, finally, in which specific places in your two paragraphs do you think connective words/phrases might help smooth over pivots and transitions? Be specific. Post as “Connecting the Parts” and be prepared to discuss.

I noticed just how valuable connection language and phrases are for the flow of my writing.  I mostly incorporate Addition transitional words such as “and”. I use “and” a lot to intertwine text connections with my own beliefs. In addition, I do use Example transitional words such as “For example” and similar language in my writing when I am about to incorporate a personal connection. Connective words/phrases help smooth over pivots and transitions throughout the entirety of the paragraphs. One example being in the beginning of my second paragraph which is a Naysayer paragraph. Using a transition word such as “Although” and “that is” in the intro to this paragraph prepares the reader for an Elaboration on a Contrast to my perspective.