Javaney Thomas
Professor Michael Grove
English 21003- Section F (25060)
February 7, 2018
Letter of Introduction

My goal as a CCNY student is to ultimately leave with a B.S. in Biology but in the process, stand out as an exceptional science major who has an extensive knowledge of the research and medical fields. During my time in this class, I expect to be confronted with gripping topics that challenge my viewpoint, prompt me to employ new and various writing strategies, and eventually be able to write on a similar professional level about scientific matters as the authors who write the material I will be working on. Additionally, this course, through observing the written material, should enable me to avoid the potholes of scientific literature. I believe through these methods and others I am yet to be aware of, will certainly aid me in being a better writer, researcher and further educate and familiarize me with the nature of the scientific fields known as biology and psychology.
Biology has always interested me more than its more popular sisters known as chemistry and physics. Not only Biology, but psychology as well. For me they go hand in hand because I intend to pursue a graduate degree and specialize in neurology as a medical student, and it’s only natural to understand the psychological and emotional characteristics of the individuals I will be studying as a M.D. if I wish to truly address various complexities. Topics such as longevity, future human evolution, the applicable uses of certain plant-based chemicals, sustainability of life in aggressive environments, the validity of the human soul, more efficient ways of producing healthy foods, stem-cell research and many other matters in the field of scientific research, are some of the topics I hope to come across in this class, and if not, similar and possibly even lesser known important topics that are ripe for discussion.
On the psychology end, I am forever curious. Apart from our cultural differences, why do we have or develop certain thinking patterns. Why everyone thinks the way they do? Why do we fear or direct anger to the unknown or what we cannot comprehend? Why is it that for instance some people seem to innately lack logic, or for some serial criminals, compassion. Why are some people more emotional than others even though they may have the same genes, and same environment? How does an entire society not see the wrong in their cultural practices and only few people defect? What causes us to think of a person that calls or show up just right after? What is the mind really? How do we imagine what we have never seen, write books and go as far as to make whole cinematic trilogies, and invent visual machinery to depict it? Why do we feel the hairs stand up on our necks and think there is a force in the room with us? Why do some of us believe in the supernatural, of which entire societies and religious practices are built, say the Vatican, and European society, why there is compelling evidence that suggest its authenticity, and why there is also substantial evidence against it. Surely there are answers to these so frequently asked questions, and psychology and other sciences attempt, with various degrees of success, to answer these questions. These along with hundreds of peculiar ways we and animals behave, are the sheer basis with which we can understand ourselves in this world. Therefore, being audience to writers who address topics such as these, would aid me in the way I think and approach my writing, understanding and research of these issues in the future as I continue my education.