Freedom of Water Project

     After learning and doing researches about water global issues in my English 1 class, we were assigned a project based on the Freedom of Water - the effects water have on our human rights and society. I decided to work with some of my friends as a group. For this specific assignment, my friends and I agreed to celebrate Earth Day at our school. We will raise funds to help people who are lacking access to water in developing countries, and create awareness of the effects bottled water have in the lives of people and our environment. We have to be informed in order for our project to be successful. And so, our group decided to split among each other the subjects on what to research based on the negative affects of bottled water, people not having clean water available, how to get people to change, and how to effectively raise funds. Since this will be my first time doing a big community service, I think it will be challenging and new. Then, I realize everything will be enjoyable, easier, and effective because of my awesome group members. I am also really excited to advocate the major global issue about water and make a difference in this world. I believe that even the smallest difference is valuable, and our efforts are not going to be worthless.

The Importance of Writing

  Writing was my least favorite subject. I often struggled with writing out my thoughts or sharing it to others (maybe you can tell that I'm still having a hard time). By reading two articles about the importance of writing, I realized the significance of a good writing skill for my considered future career, which is to be a doctor. 

  I believe doctors will need to write well because doctors involve in clinical care, research, education, or health care leadership. This requires the ability to effectively use written narrative to communicate ideas, thoughts, knowledge, opinions, and discuss matters of health and health care in ways to patients and others.

  If so, what does a good writer's work composed of? After I searched on the Internet and read two articles ('Three Reasons' and 'The Importance of Writing'), I learned the following: good writing has a clearly defined purpose, it makes a definite point, it supports that point with specific information, the information is clearly connected and arranged, the words are appropriate, and the sentences are concise, emphatic, and correct. 

   The two articles I read also mentioned that if you obtain a reputation for good composing skills, chances are higher for you to be employed. Many people with strong writing skills has helped them no matter what position they occupy in their job or career. Understanding the importance encouraged me to work harder on improving my writing skills. 

Letter to a Celebrity

     Water issue is as important as the Greenhouse effect (global warming). But, why is it that many people despised and are not aware of the water issue when it is affecting our environment? I believe that it's partly because water bottle companies are using celebrities for their advertisement. 

       Celebrities are widely known and receive the attention of media. Therefore, they have the power to influence and inspire their audience. Their actions can also impact the decisions of the people. Wouldn't it be great if they use their ability to change the world? For this reason, I decided to write to Jennifer Aniston, a celebrity who has been a spokesperson for Glaceau’s Smart Water since 2007 (letter is attached). 

        I thought the idea of writing to a celebrity (Jen) to convince her just sounds a little crazy because I asked myself 'What if she don't read it? Even if she read it, why would she care about a freshman girl's letter, trying to persuade her to stop doing something when she's earning money from it? Is she going to have time to read it?' I couldn't stop wondering. After a while, it doesn't sound as ridiculous to me anymore because I believe it's important for her to know how bottled water globally affects our environment. 

Dear Ms. Aniston,

 I am a freshman currently attending Atlanta Adventist Academy. I'm writing a letter to you regarding your advertisement for SmartWater. As a fan of yours, I am also surprised to learn all these facts about the effects of bottled water in my English 1 class. I want to share with you some important information.

As you know, many people (like myself) prefer to drink bottled water for convenience, taste, or safety. However, they don't realize what they're doing is ironic because surveys have shown that tap water actually tastes better than bottled water. Different test results also proved that bottled water is not any better, cleaner, or safer than tap water.

In addition, water bottled companies are privatizing the water resources of citizens from developing countries such as India, Bolivia, and some part of Africa, etc. Companies are hunting for water resources to commandeer even in drought. As a result, getting access to clean water is expensive. This leads to many people (especially poor children under the age of five) suffering from water-related illnesses. Also, water bottles are mostly environmental-unfriendly even after they're claimed to be recyclable. Stories on the effects of bottled water are endless.

After learning about it, I think advertising for bottle water should be reconsidered. You earn money by advertising for SmartWater, but wouldn't that hurt animals and people in some parts of the world? I think advertising for SmartWater would hurt other people even if it doesn't hurt you. I hope you will at least take it into some consideration. Thank you for your time.



P.S. Please watch these two videos when you have time. They covered all the cases I wanted to share with you. Thanks, again!
http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-bottled-water/
https://archive.org/details/ForTheLoveOfWaterflow-2008

Sincerely yours,


Nia Muang