Self-Assessment Essay

Xhelion Lika

Prof. Miciah Hussey

Eng 210

May 23rd, 2023

As a European guy, English classes always take work for me. Considering that English is my second language and that this is my first year in the U.S., I was very nervous before the semester started. I didn’t know what to expect and what was actually going to happen. The first class went really well. My classmates were friendly, our professor was very nice and funny which is rare for a professor and the whole environment gave me such a positive vibe. That was a relief for me. The way we were sitting was very strange at first but I found it interesting. It was fun going to class and listening to every discussion that was held. I like the fact that the professor would read the readings with us that we had for each class and he would ask about our opinions about each paragraph or if we didn’t understand something. I learned so many new words and honestly, Google Translate became my best friend for the past 4 months. Workshops were helpful because I always needed that third eye for my papers. My classmates gave me ideas about what I should write. Also, conferences gave me a better understanding and I was able to get answers to every question that I had in my head.

Our first paper was writing a personal essay. I chose to write about the time when I was stuck in the Turkish airport for three days due to bad weather. I had never thought that I was going to elaborate on what happened there. It was my first time ever talking about that event. In the beginning, it seemed like it was going to be hard. I am good at telling stories but I never mention the emotional side of it. Especially when it is my story because I don’t like showing any emotion to people that I don’t know really well. This time it was different. Talking about the way I felt during this event was the whole point of the paper. I had to be specific and every detail was important. I had to go through pictures and videos again to try and relive those moments. It reminded me of the anxiety and the stress that was going through my body. The first draft that I wrote wasn’t that good. In the story, I mention my father because he was with me, but one of my classmates told me that I can use this detail to self-implicate myself in a way for being in that situation. This idea helped me throughout my whole writing process. I tried and gave my best and I wasn’t expecting our professor to tell me that I did a really good job.

For our second paper, we had to go to the Museum of Modern Art and write about a work of art of our choice. The one that I liked is called “Beirut by the Sea” by Marwan Rechmaoui. I really liked how the work of art looked and I read the history that inspired the artist to create it. It was important to write based on our own observations and how we interpret every detail. My thesis statement was strong but I made many other mistakes.  I actually started googling about it and I wrote based on what Google said. I found another work of art that was almost the exact same as the one that I chose. The history was the same but there were more details that the first work didn’t have. We had to provide four different sources and I had only two. I think I stressed out more than I should have. My head wasn’t that clear and I misunderstood the whole point of this paper. During our last conference, our professor tried to explain to me what I should have done better but it was too late and I got mad at myself for messing up. But we learn from our mistakes and I got a lesson this time.

Overall, I really enjoyed this class. I thought it was going to be stressful but things went pretty smoothly. I would definitely recommend taking this class to my friends, so they won’t take these other boring English classes. It was fun reading new things every week. We were free to say our own opinion and to discuss it in groups. We also talked about some personal mental issues that we all have that we never say out loud. Being the only European in class and coming from a whole different culture and mentality, I felt very respected, and every person there was nice and kind to me. I will never forget this class and everything I learned and mastered here. Also, I will always be grateful to our professor for every advice and help that he gave me.

Beirut by the Sea

Maps and stories are powerful tools for shaping our understanding of the world around us, as they provide a means of visualizing and communicating complex information and experiences, influencing our perspectives and beliefs, and enabling us to connect with others through shared narratives and experiences. One such artwork that highlights these complexities is “Beirut by the Sea” by Marwan Rechmaoui. This is a fascinating artwork that reflects the complex history and identity of the city of Beirut. The artwork has gained critical acclaim and has been exhibited at several international art fairs and galleries. This artwork is a large-scale map of Beirut that explores the identity of the city, which has experienced intense social, political, and cultural changes in recent decades. 

“Beirut by the Sea” was created in 2008, during a period of intense political and social change in Beirut. The city had just gone through a long period of civil war, which lasted from 1975 to 1990. The war left the city in ruins, and the process of rebuilding the city was slow and painful. In addition to the civil war, the city also experienced intense social and cultural changes. Beirut, which was once known as the “Paris of the Middle East,” became a city that was divided along sectarian lines, with different religious and political groups controlling different areas of the city. The city’s identity was in flux, with different groups vying for control over the narrative of what Beirut was and what it should be.

The civil war was a complex conflict that pitted different political and religious factions against each other. The war had a devastating impact on Beirut, with large parts of the city destroyed and many people displaced. Rechmaoui’s use of molds of different parts of the city to create a map suggests the physical scars and wounds left by the conflict. The use of molds also highlights the diversity and complexity of Beirut’s identity, which was shaped by the interaction of different communities and cultures over time.

The circular shape of the artwork, resembling a coastline, is also significant in relation to the civil war. The sea has always played an important role in Beirut’s history and culture, as a port city that connected different cultures and civilizations. During the civil war, the sea became a lifeline for many people, as it was a means of escape and a way to access aid and supplies. The circular shape of the artwork suggests the importance of the sea to Beirut’s identity and culture, and the way in which the city was shaped by its relationship to the sea.

The critical reception of “Beirut by the Sea” has been overwhelmingly positive. The artwork has been praised for its use of materials, its representation of the city, and its ability to provoke reflection and engagement. Critics have noted that the artwork is a powerful representation of the city’s history and identity. The artwork’s use of concrete tiles and language has been seen as a clever way of highlighting the city’s history of destruction and reconstruction. The representation of the city has also been praised for its accuracy and attention to detail.

The artwork’s relationship with Beirut’s cultural identity is also noteworthy. Beirut is a city that is known for its rich cultural heritage and its ongoing struggle to reconcile its past and present. “Beirut by the Sea” reflects this struggle by highlighting the city’s history of destruction and reconstruction. The artwork’s use of materials and representation of the city also reflects the diversity and complexity of Beirut’s cultural identity. The division of the city into Christian and Muslim areas highlights the sectarian divide that exists within the city. However, the artwork’s representation of the city as a whole also reflects the city’s cultural diversity and its ongoing struggle to reconcile its different identities.

“Beirut by the Sea” is a powerful artwork that reflects the complex social, political, and cultural changes that have taken place in Beirut. The artwork challenges the traditional notion of contemporary art, which is often seen as an elitist practice that is disconnected from society. By creating an artwork that is a map of the city, Rechmaoui is inviting visitors to engage with the artwork and to reflect on the city’s past, present, and future.

The artwork is made up of concrete tiles that are arranged on the floor to form a map of the city. The artwork is an accurate representation of the city of Beirut, highlighting the topography of the city, including the mountains, the coast, and the buildings. The artwork is installed in an empty warehouse in Beirut, allowing visitors to walk on it and interact with the artwork.

The artwork is a representation of the city’s architecture. Beirut is known for its concrete buildings, which were built during the post-war period. The use of concrete tiles also reflects the city’s resilience and its ability to rebuild itself after the war. However, the tiles are arranged in a way that highlights the divisions that exist within the city. The lighter tiles represent the Christian areas, while the darker tiles represent the Muslim areas. This is a reflection of the sectarian divide that exists within the city.

The artwork is also a subjective representation of the city, reflecting the artist’s personal experience of the city. The artwork highlights the areas of the city that are important to Rechmaoui, such as the neighborhoods where he grew up and the places where he spent time with his friends. The artwork also highlights the areas of the city that are often ignored or marginalized, such as the Palestinian refugee camps.

The work of art “Beirut by the Sea” by Marwan Rechmaoui can be related to the ideas of the art critic and writer John Berger. Berger’s work on the relationship between art and society, particularly his book “Ways of Seeing,” can provide insight into the ways in which Rechmaoui’s artwork reflects the identity and history of Beirut.

In “Ways of Seeing,” Berger argues that art is not simply a reflection of reality, but is shaped by the social and historical context in which it is produced. He suggests that art is a way of seeing the world that is shaped by the values, beliefs, and experiences of the society that produces it. In the case of Beirut by the Sea, Rechmaoui’s artwork can be seen as a reflection of the complex identity and history of Beirut.

Berger also emphasizes the importance of context in interpreting art. He suggests that the meaning of a work of art is not inherent in the artwork itself, but is shaped by the context in which it is viewed. In the case of Beirut by the Sea, the artwork is situated in the context of Beirut, a city with a long history of conflict, cultural exchange, and migration. This context shapes the way in which the artwork is interpreted, as viewers are invited to engage with the city’s history, identity, and culture through the artwork.

Berger also highlights the importance of the viewer in interpreting art. He suggests that the viewer’s own experiences and perspectives shape the way in which they interpret a work of art. In the case of Beirut by the Sea, viewers are invited to engage with the artwork and reflect on their own experiences of Beirut and the ways in which they understand the city’s identity and history.

Rechmaoui’s “Beirut by the Sea” also reflects the artist’s interest in language. The artwork includes words and phrases that are important to Rechmaoui and that reflect the city’s identity. For example, the artwork includes the word “hamra,” which is the name of a neighborhood in Beirut, but which also means “red” in Arabic. The inclusion of language in the artwork highlights the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world and our identity.

In addition to language, the artwork also reflects Rechmaoui’s interest in urbanism and the built environment. The artwork highlights the topography of the city, including the mountains and the coastline, as well as the various neighborhoods and landmarks that make up the city. Through the use of concrete tiles, the artwork also references the construction and architecture of the city. 

The use of materials is significant in “Beirut by the Sea.” The artist’s decision to use concrete tiles as the medium for the artwork reflects the city’s history of destruction and reconstruction. Concrete is a material that is associated with the post-war period in Beirut, as it was commonly used to rebuild the city after the war. The use of this material in the artwork speaks to the city’s resilience and its ability to rebuild itself.

Furthermore, the use of the tiles also reflects the division that exists within the city. The lighter tiles represent the Christian areas of the city, while the darker tiles represent the Muslim areas. This division reflects the sectarian divide that exists within Beirut and highlights the challenges that the city faces in terms of social cohesion. 

The artwork also challenges the traditional notion of contemporary art and its relationship with society. Traditionally, contemporary art has been seen as an elitist practice that is disconnected from society. However, Rechmaoui’s artwork invites visitors to engage with the artwork and to reflect on the city’s past, present, and future. By creating an artwork that is a map of the city, Rechmaoui is bridging the gap between contemporary art and society.

In conclusion, Marwan Rechmaoui’s “Beirut by the Sea” is a powerful artwork that reflects the complex social, political, and cultural changes that have taken place in Beirut. The artwork challenges the traditional notion of contemporary art and its relationship with society by creating an artwork that invites visitors to engage with the artwork and reflect on the city’s past, present, and future. Through the use of concrete tiles and language, the artwork highlights the city’s history of destruction and reconstruction, as well as the divisions that exist within the city. Overall, “Beirut by the Sea” is a powerful reflection of the city’s identity and its ongoing struggle to reconcile its past and present.

One movie that really stood out to me recently was “Moonlight,” directed by Barry Jenkins. What struck me most about “Moonlight” was its poignant portrayal of a young black man’s coming-of-age in Miami. The movie is structured into three sections, each of which represents a different time in the protagonist’s life. The cinematography is beautiful, with vibrant colors and stunning visuals that capture the essence of the city. But what makes the movie truly exceptional is its nuanced and sensitive exploration of issues like identity, masculinity, and sexuality. 

Throughout the movie, we see the protagonist, Chiron, grappling with his own sense of self, both as a black man and as a queer person. The way the film depicts his experiences is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as we see Chiron struggle to navigate a world that seems determined to keep him down. But despite the challenges he faces, there is a sense of hope that permeates the movie, as we witness the transformative power of love and connection. 

Overall, “Moonlight” is a powerful and moving film that speaks to the complexities of the human experience. As a college student, I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in thoughtful and thought-provoking cinema.

I recently watched “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and it was a truly gripping and powerful film. The movie is based on the true story of seven anti-war activists who were put on trial for their alleged involvement in inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The acting in this movie was superb, with standout performances from Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman, Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale. The dialogue was sharp and the characters were all well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their individual stories and struggles. One of the things I appreciated most about “The Trial of the Chicago 7” was its relevance to current events. The movie highlights the tension between law enforcement and protesters, and how that tension can escalate into violence and injustice. It also shows how the legal system can be manipulated and corrupted by those in power. The film’s direction and cinematography were also impressive, capturing the intensity and emotion of the courtroom scenes and the chaos of the protests outside. The soundtrack was also a standout, featuring a mix of 1960s protest songs and original music that added to the overall impact of the film. Overall, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is a must-see movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous, and of the power of activism to effect change in society.

Xhelion Lika

ENG 21001

Prof: Miciah Hussey

Cover letter

Dear Prof. Hussey,

I really enjoyed writing about one of my stories and actually sharing it with other people too. I think it’s a relief when people talk about things that they have experienced in their past. It feels good to write about how something that I never expected to happen, actually changed the way that I behave and how I see things. The first draft that I had was actually a bit different. I wasn’t really specific and I was talking more about what happened rather than how I was feeling about it. Peer review actually helped me a lot, because my classmates told me where to focus and which moments in the story seemed more interesting. I struggled with putting my emotions into words. I’m not really used to expressing my emotions, so this was definitely challenging for me and I hope that I did a good job. Also, I mentioned my father in the story and I had to talk about what he was feeling too. Overall, the topic was very interesting and I couldn’t wait to write about my crazy story.

Xhelion Lika

Xhelion Lika

ENG 21001

Prof: Miciah Hussey

Paper 1

Trapped

January 24th, 2022. My father and I were going to fly from Albania to New York, which involved taking transit flights due to the lack of a big airport in Albania. The initial flight went smoothly without any problems, but everything took a different turn once we landed in Turkey. As we were preparing to land, I knew this trip would be different from all the other trips I have taken in the past. 

Every day, my father reminds me to be prepared for whatever life throws at me. Additionally, this was my first obstacle as an adult. Snow was the only thing I could see as the plane descended. Temperatures were extremely low and snow covered everything. There, it was almost freezing. The first question that came to my mind was “How are we going to land?”. I couldn’t help but wonder how this plane was going to safely land in such precarious circumstances. However, the crew was reassuringly quiet, not wanting to alarm us. After the plane landed, I started thinking about everything.  How long are we going to stay in this airport? We were supposed to stay for two hours but that felt almost impossible. Where can we find a place to rest here? There were no places to rest at the airport since every flight was canceled. What are we going to eat? There were only fast food restaurants and vending machines around me selling unhealthy food. A lot of things were going through my head but there was only one question that I couldn’t find an answer for. When are we going to leave this place and go home? 

On that particular day, a lot of people at the airport were asking the same question that was on my mind. The day before my scheduled flight, I had spent time with my closest friend, who shared an experience in which a flight was canceled and everything went wrong. I had no idea that I would soon find myself in a similar situation. The snowstorm that followed our landing was so intense that there was no way to see, and chaos ensued among the passengers. I was able to keep my composure despite the environment that made me feel anxious and called my friend right away, who told me what to do first in this situation that we talked about less than 24 hours ago. I went straight to the transfer desk. I asked the lady there to secure me tickets for the next flight and she said that they were not sure when the next flight will be. For a second, I felt like I was trapped in a room and there was no way out. This time, though, there were thousands of people in a huge room.

Every minute we spent waiting for a response from the airline company felt like an eternity. We were stuck at the airport for hours, feeling increasingly anxious and frustrated. My father and I were both worried about each other and stressed out about the situation. Even though I knew I couldn’t control the weather, I still felt guilty for booking the tickets for that day. I made the decision to take charge and handle everything from that point forward because I could see how exhausted my father was.

His eyes were looking at me like I said something out of this world.  He almost found it hard to believe. He wasn’t expecting me to say that. When I said those words, I felt the pressure of being an adult. I told him to sit down and get some rest. I wanted to take matters into my own hands. It was the perfect opportunity to show him that I am no longer a child but an adult.  I was worn out but couldn’t fall asleep. I was hungry but I didn’t want to eat. I needed to come up with a way to leave. I had to use every brain cell. I started thinking that I have to survive and I began to wonder how to come up with a good idea. Instead of staying put and waiting for answers, it was smarter to go and ask people for the information I wanted.  Because of that, I realized how important confidence is. I came to the realization that I wasn’t the reserved person that people believe I am. I had kept a part of myself hidden from my friends and family for 18 years.

Several times, I had to go and ask for tickets. There were a lot of people waiting in line, so every time I went there, I had to wait for hours. They kept telling me that every flight was full. After so many hours, I got our tickets.  When I told my father that we would have to stay at the airport for two more days, the emotions I felt are difficult to put into words The tickets I got were for January 27th. Still 48 hours. My stubborn side said, “You can leave this place before that date, and everything is up to you,” while the other side of me said, “Finally we know when we are leaving.”  never accept my fate as a person. If people really want to, and if they try, I believe that everyone can alter everything. And I really wanted to leave that place as soon as possible. Nothing was impossible, even though everything appeared to be difficult. There is a way to solve any issue.

I began searching for tickets. Even though every flight was full, I still believed that someone would alter their reservation. I checked for tickets almost every five minutes. I checked once more just as I was about to go to sleep. There were available tickets for the next flight which was tomorrow. I stood up right away and ran to the transfer desk. Fortunately, I was the first person to learn that tickets for that flight were available. I spoke to the lady there. I actually lied to her when I said that my father was extremely ill and that we needed to get to the United States by tomorrow or else things would get worse. Since being honest is important to me, I wasn’t proud of doing it, but at the time, it felt like the best choice because it worked. Despite the fact that lying should never be the correct response, there are times when we must, regrettably. As a result, I got tickets for the next day and it felt like holding a trophy in my hands. I was there for about two hours and couldn’t wait to tell my father. Despite his concerns, he was overjoyed by what I did.

We fell asleep. I received a notification after a few hours that the flight was delayed but not canceled. After making it to our gate, we finally boarded the airplane. It seemed unbelievable to be there. It was difficult to believe that we had to endure so much to board that plane. We had a small talk. Probably the most profound words I’ve ever heard. My father told me that he now considers me his best friend rather than just his young son. He told me how proud he was and that things would have been worse without me. It was an extremely special time. I could not speak a word. There was finally some relief after three days of feeling guilty. My efforts were well worth it. I realized how crucial it is to take risks sometimes.

I gained a lot of knowledge in the end. I’m no longer that shy little boy. If I really want to, I can be confident. If you are not receiving the information you seek, you might be asking the wrong questions. Because my brain and my emotions are controlled by my brain alone, I must be careful about what I think in order to manage my emotions in these kinds of situations. I also learned that we should become accustomed to taking risks and stepping outside of our comfort zones. Moreover, my father was correct. You can always believe that you are prepared for anything that life throws at you. However, in order to comprehend your mental maturity and strength as a person, you must be put in challenging circumstances. Until God actually puts you through a test, you will never know how strong you are.

So, I recently watched this movie called “Inception.” It’s directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the main guy. Let me tell you, this movie is a wild ride from start to finish. The movie is about this guy named Dom Cobb, who is a skilled thief that can enter people’s dreams and steal their secrets. But he gets hired for this job where he has to plant an idea in someone’s mind instead of stealing one. The plot is super complex and there are a lot of twists and turns, but it all comes together in the end. The visuals in this movie are insane. There are these scenes where the characters are in these crazy dreamscapes that defy the laws of physics. It’s really cool to see all the different things they come up with. The acting is really good too. Leonardo DiCaprio is great as always, and the supporting cast is solid too. I especially liked Tom Hardy as Eames, who is this guy that can impersonate other people in dreams. The only downside to the movie is that it can be a little hard to follow at times. There are so many layers to the dream world that it can be a bit overwhelming. But if you can keep up with it, it’s definitely worth it. Overall, I would definitely recommend “Inception” to anyone who likes action movies with a mind-bending plot. Just be prepared to pay close attention.