a. My biggest circle of influence is my family. I believe I spend most of my free time with family. I would say I have the least authority with old high school friends because I don't really keep up with everyone and try my best to say in contact.

https://shop.yourdailyphotograph.com/products/freedomoftheopenroad-61196

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/anxiety-mental-stress.html?sortBy=relevant

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/127086020711676710/sent/?invite_code=01d7465d75544a9d83dc2473f4c28a94&sender=826270000292681271&sfo=1

iii. Claim: Everyone should learn how to cook.

a. Cooking saves money.

b. Cooking is healthier than eating out.

c. Cooking shows are popular.

d. You can impress your friends.

The strongest reason here is that cooking saves money. I think that this reasoning works because everyone should want to save money. This reasoning is backed up by data to show that cooking does save money because while you may spend a lot on groceries they can stretch and you can always cook something from home. While it doesn't save time money is being saved. This reason is backed up by facts and articles.(https://brewandfeed.com/blogs/spice-blog/the-economics-of-cooking-at-home-saving-money-and-enhancing-your-life?srsltid=AfmBOorL-ELcgr7fzwowLG0ryuN4S7rCto7vd_80CGDNjk1py_2CrrHh)

vi. Claim: Homework should be reduced.

a. Students are too busy with jobs and activities.

b. Extra practice improves learning.

c. Students get stressed from too much work.

d. Teachers spend too much time grading.

This is the strongest reason because many students balance school with work, extracurriculars, and family responsibilities. Excessive homework can overwhelm their schedules and negatively affect their well-being. This reason reflects real-world demands that students face and highlights how reduced homework could support better balance and academic success.

vii. Claim: Social media does more harm than good.

a. People waste time scrolling.

b. Social media spreads misinformation.

c. It helps people connect with friends.

d. It creates anxiety and comparison.

This reason is strongest because excessive scrolling is one of the most widespread and observable effects of social media use. It consumes large amounts of time and reduces productivity, often without users realizing it. This reasoning applies to a broad audience and is supported by studies on digital distraction and screen-time habits.

v. Claim: Voting should be mandatory.

a. Democracy works better with more participation.

b. Some people don’t care about politics.

c. Other countries have mandatory voting.

d. It would make elections fairer.

This reason is the strongest because high voter turnout is directly linked to a healthier, more representative democracy. When more citizens vote, election results reflect the population more accurately. This argument is grounded in political science research and clearly supports the idea that mandatory voting strengthens democratic systems.

ii. Claim: Classes should start later in the morning.

a. Teenagers naturally wake up later.

b. Teachers are also tired in the morning.

c. Students would be more focused.

d. Cafeterias could sell more breakfast food.

This reason is the strongest because it is supported by scientific research on adolescent sleep cycles. Teens experience a natural shift in their circadian rhythms, making early school start times misaligned with their biological needs. Since this reasoning is backed by medical and psychological data, it provides a strong, evidence-based justification for later start times.

i. Claim: Students should get free bus passes.

a. Public transportation reduces traffic.

b. Students pay tuition.

c. Riding the bus is fun.

d. It helps the environment.

This is the strongest reason because reducing traffic benefits both the school community and the wider area. When more students use public transportation, congestion decreases, commute times improve, and environmental pollution is reduced. This is a broad social benefit supported by transportation studies, which makes it strong and widely relevant.

iv. Claim: Reading fiction improves critical thinking.

a. Fiction helps people imagine perspectives.

b. Some novels are boring.

c. Fiction builds vocabulary.

d. It strengthens empathy.

This reason is strongest because imagining different perspectives is a core part of critical thinking. Fiction exposes readers to situations, characters, and worldviews they might not encounter otherwise, helping them practice analysis, interpretation, and perspective-taking. This connection between fiction and cognitive development is supported by research in psychology and education.

viii. Claim: Video games should be considered a sport.

a. They require strategy and skill.

b. Players practice many hours.

c. They don’t involve physical activity.

d. Gaming competitions draw huge audiences.

This is the strongest reason because strategy and skill are essential components of most recognized sports. Competitive gaming involves complex decision-making, rapid responses, and mastery developed through practice. This positions gaming alongside other competitive activities that are already recognized as sports, making this reason highly persuasive.

ix. Claim: College students should take at least one art class.

a. Art classes reduce stress.

b. Creativity is useful in any career.

c. Some students dislike art.

d. Art encourages problem-solving skills.

This reason is strongest because stress is one of the most common issues among college students. Art provides a creative outlet that can improve mental well-being and reduce anxiety. Since this benefit is immediate and supported by psychological research, it provides a meaningful and widely relevant justification.

• Jamaica / South ozone park area

• It is located on the grounds of the Aqueduct Racetrack property.

My take

• Walking research help me see a building I step into frequently not just as a building but as an environment. I took a second to notice emotional factors, as we'll as workers and the community it holds

• During my tour of the building, I saw how the layout and setting affect who may enter, how people travel, and where they can stop. The tourists, the flashing lights, and the natural flow of JFK Airport traffic create a contrast between luxury and work.

• By slowly walking I was able to see what going on a regular occasion will hide how culture shapes this building

A. This place is very distinct because its has a variety of establishments. So you're likely to see all different types of people. I think that it location plays a big part in its distinction because it is near John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). So during my time there I seen delta workers as well as pilots walking into the hotel.

• Another distinction- Most casinos in the U.S. are built in resort towns (like Atlantic City or Las Vegas) or on tribal lands. By contrast, RWNYC sits in an urban, residential, and transit-connected borough (Queens). This was not my first time taking a walk here and every time I go I always see the transit busses that are only for older adults and also used for disability.

  • Rules- You will be asked to show proof of age to enter the casino

    -people dress more casually unless they are going to the sugar factory they tend to dress more fancy. Mostly because they are celebrating a birthday. Along with birthdays this is a well know spot for photographers to take pictures of people at since the lighting is really nice. So I did see 2 people taking birthday photoshoots as well. (I have also taken pictures here)

  • history - The site of Resorts World Casino New York City was originally home to the historic Aqueduct Racetrack, which opened in 1894 and served as a major center for horse racing in New York. When the state legalized video lottery terminals in the early 2000s, the racetrack was transformed into the city’s only casino as a way to boost public revenue. This history gives the space a unique blend of old sporting tradition and modern entertainment, shaping its current atmosphere as both a regulated and luxurious leisure destination.

  • I think that this space really promotes a unique social mix. You have people coming from the airport as well as locals.

  • I wouldn't really say any social interactions is prohibited or discouraged. Some may say that its not for hanging out but if your not being disruptive you should be okay.

B. Who has entry: Adults 21+ with valid ID; must pass security checks.

• Who does not: Minors, people who don't like to gamble, or uncomfortable with surveillance.

• Emotional access: Gamblers and nightlife seekers feel welcome; others may feel overwhelmed or out of place.

• Authority: Casino management and security; shown through cameras, ID checks, and visible staff. During my walk I noticed many security men walking through the premises.

• Economic factors: Entry is free, but gambling, food, and transport create hidden costs

• Social markers: Diverse crowd by ethnicity and gender. Very diverse, reflecting Queens population. No single group dominates the building.

• Surveillance: Heavy monitoring, cameras, and controlled movement signal social control.

• Maintenance: Cleanliness and luxury reflect values of order, and safety.

C. Off the top of my head I know that the A train runs here, JFK terminals are nearby, there's a casino inside, there's a Hyatt hotel, the entrance is through the same entrance for the aqueduct racetrack , And many people from NYC use this location to take their pictures.

• From personal experiences Richmond hill is dominated by West Indian culture. I too am mixed so I am familiar with the diversity since I am also West Indian myself.

• Based off of the people I see I think that most people come here to relax and gamble. Not for a crazy city night out but just to relax. Based off of what I seen it is a lot of older people as well.

• I could combine research to trace back to how this place evolved. Interviewing an older worker who has been there long enough could tell me how things used to be in comparison to how they are now.

• Local groups like the casinos that. gamble could have a big impact on the influence of this location.

• Another influence would be the airport. This attracts tourists with layovers or short stays in New York. Making the environment welcoming to people coming internationally.

  
  

- How she thinks her college experience would be different had she dormed somewhere far away? How do you commute , do you like that way of commuting and what are the pros and cons wether it be public transportation or driving?

- Another solid question is what is your relationship like with your family? Along with that what are some factors that drive your further and/or closer to your family? - - Another question I can ask is, where do you see yourself after graduation, is there an end goal, do you want to achieve higher than a bachelors degree?

-How do you feel about your classes this semester ? Are they exiting, relevant to your major or beneficial to you ?

" I would say I didnt dorm for my relationship with my family... I couldn't see that being something I gave up.. that could've changed my experience in ways I couldn't imagine..." Ashley is a well family oriented person and I think that thats a great trait to have.