Post 12

While reading Identity, Authority, and Learning to Write in New Workplaces by Elizabeth Wardle she described three ways that new comers try to belong to a community: Engagement, Imagination, and Alignment. "Engagement entails a development of a common enterprise between the new comers and the alumni which will help shape the identities in relation to one another (184)." An example would be working together on a project. This can be both positive and negative. If both groups do not agree with each other, negative judgements may be formed. "Imagination, or the process of expanding, means for new comers to broaden their identity that connects to an extended identity (185)." An example would be suggesting a new idea to help better the group, but this can also be both beneficial and hurtful. "Alignment entails negotiating perspectives, finding common ground, and defining broad visions and aspirations (186-87)." An example could be a debate or argument between new comers and old-timers. This requires both creativity and acceptance of new ideas. This can however violate that person's send of self, which could lead to their identity being destroyed.

For our final paper (Project 4) the discourse community I decided to write about was Athletic Trainers, which I will also incorporate with athletes. Not only do new comers have to be accepted into the Athletic Training group, but they must also gain the respect and trust from the athlete they will be working with. You must pass all of the required classes and apply to even be a candidate for selection into the major. You must be able to work with other students and Certified Athletic Trainers, along with a variety of sports teams of all different ages. This is a major that requires members to think on their feet and react to situations immediately, because it is a medical field. It also requires a lot of time and work, meaning that this is not for everyone. Because this is such a small group of people, it is a pretty "tight-knit" group making it hard for new comers to fit in. But once a new comers has proven themselves and their accepted, it is a hard group to leave.