The IVC Borderline Literary Journal

Taste the Feeling (of Obesity) - by Derick Diaz

In his community profile, Derick took on a "growing" problem in our society.  In a recent 2014 survey, 40 percent of all U.S. adults were deemed obese.  That number was up 40 percent from the previous survey taken two years earlier. Derick's research paper explores a cause and effect relationship between obesity and major health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  Here he points out what he thinks may be a root to the problem: media overload.  We see these images everywhere.

Nursing: A Job on the Line, All the Time - by Isaac Quinones

Issac plans to study nursing.  Before he made his final career choice, he did what we should all do - he visited a typical worksite to see what it was all about.  What he saw wasn't pretty.  It was intense.  Pressure-packed.  Dangerous.  All of this just elevated Isaac's motivation.  He knew then what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.  In his community profile, he talks about the courage and sense of purpose needed on the job.

 

Family Split - by Bobby Castorena

Bobby writes about the real tragedy of immigration reform.  It’s when we pay more attention to the statistics and less to the people.  A lot of it has to do with economics.  Mexicans coming here to work are often demonized.  We’ve heard about and read about it - the sheer numbers overwhelm our schools, hospitals, and social services.  But, do we ever talk about the break up of their families? What happens to the children?  How are we ever going to solve the problem if we treat human beings like numbers?

The Colors of Pride - by Fabian Gerardo

Fabian admits he chose his topic for his research paper because he thought it was easy.  He was wrong.  As Fabian researched discrimination of gays in our society, his discussion became more and more complex.  Below he explains the symbolism involved in the flag for Gay Pride. 

topic for his research paper

 

Water as We Know It by Rod Rousey

Rod is a returning student.  For years he's fished the Imperial Valley canals.   In doing so, he developed an intense interest for the history of Imperial Valley irrigation.  In his research paper, he connects the past with the future.

Christian Under Construction - by Priscella Gutierrez

Priscella found deep inspiration for her research project in her brother's career.  She wrote a research paper on Christian architecture.  Through her close relationship with her brother, she was able to share important insight to an exciting career choice.

 

"Troubling Images of Elder Care" by Jazmine Mariscal

For her semester research paper, Jazmine wrote of the difficult decisions families have to make to take care of their loved ones.  Along with the cost – an estimated $87,600 a year – families must also deal with the reality of nursing home abuse.  Here Jazmine explores the dark side.

"Thug Life" by Rafael Ledesma

I have no understanding of the gang-style gesture that Rafael examines here, but he wrote the most interesting community profile for his English 110 class. He provided a cause and effect analysis for the infestation of gang life into the boundries of Imperal Valley, and his own family.  He writes with great skill and insight.

 

A Bloody Message for All by Leslie Elenes

Leslie developed her research paper on the idea of drunk driving.  She was able to gather important information from her father about the often fatal consequences.  Why do we celebrate our successes with alcohol, anyway?  In her writing, Leslie was able to combine near family tragedy with tragic national statistics.  We should all listen to what she has to say.

Loss, Immobility, and Stress

In Melissa's research paper, she interviews the nurse that inspired her to join the medical field.  Her writing goes beyond the standard care for patients. Melissa focuses  upon the everyday pressures nurses face from all directions.