Journal entries were assignments that required students to get a deeper meaning of concepts from chapter readings. Weekly journals helped accomplish the goal of understanding how knowledge, skills, and values learned in general education are interwoven and interrelated with citizen leadership. Within the journals my knowledge of various concepts such as photographs, public vocabulary, burden of proof, image, and public sphere expanded to offer a deeper insight on the topics. Broadening my understanding of the concepts allowed me to understand how to become a citizen leader. For example, after understanding the concept of photographs I learned that they could be used as a tool of persuasion. I would have never thought about the impact and importance of various photographs before English 400. Also understanding the value of image allowed me to understand how image may be used as a tool to persuade an audience. The way you present your image will have a lasting effect on the audience. For example, within my journal entry concerning image I provided an Image of Justin Bieber as a young child and as an adult in jail. I learned from completing journal entries that Justin Bieber used his image to transition his audience from kids to teenagers. This was beneficial for him as he got older he remained famous but changed his appeal from innocent to deviant. This knowledge will allow me, as a citizen leader, to present my image in diverse ways depending on my audience. For example, connecting with individuals that may be potential employers I should present my image as formal and responsible. However, the image my friends portray as may differ from the image employers may see.
