Synthesizing sources

Reading "The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me"by Sherman Alexie and "one voice" by Susan Madera, taught me how important it is for writers to make intentional choices based on there audience and purpose. Both essays are personal narratives that use emotion to connect with readers, but they differ in their rhetorical situations and how they deliver their message. Alexie's audience is mainly Native Americans students and people who may not understand the challenges they face in their life's. His purpose is to show how literacy gave him power and allowed him to challenge low exceptions placed on him. While Madera's audience is english leaners and anyone who has felt unheard. Her purpose is to show that even a small voice can create a change. 

Both authors use pathos to create emotional connections with their readers, but they use it in different ways. Alexie uses metaphors, like comparing paragraphs to fences, and he shifts his tone from serious to hopeful to inspire others. While Madera uses vivid imagery and reflections on her struggles to help readers connect to her experiences during her life. Her tone is thoughtful and sincere, making her story more relatable to her readers.  

By comparing these two stories, I learned that good writers must understand their audience and choose strategies that best support their purpose. Even when using similar techniques like emotion and personal storytelling, the way they're used should fit the message and the people the writer wants to reach. Alexie and Madera both use personal stories, and show how flexible and powerful writing can be. This connection helps me realize that strong writing isn't just about telling your story it's about choosing the right way to tell it so your readers will listen, understand, and feel something meaningful. 

After reading Sherman Alexie's "The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me" and Susan Madera's "one voice" helped me realize powerful our voices can be, even when the world tries to silence them. As a reader, both stories showed me that personal experiences, especially those involving struggle can lead to strength and inspire others when shared. 

Alexie taught me that reading and education are more than just skills, they're tools that can open doors, break down stereotypes, and change lives. Despite growing up in a society that didn't expect Native American children to succeed, he use literacy to prove them wrong and rewrite his future. Madera taught me that even when language is a barrier, or when speaking up feels scary, its important to find courage to use your voice, Her story shows that no matter how small your voice may seem, it can make a difference. 

Together both of these stories made me think more deeply about the importance of self-expression and standing up for yourself. Whether through books, language, or action, both authors found a way to take control of their own stories and challenge the expectations placed on them. As a reader, I learned that everyone has a story wroth telling, and when people share their voices, they hep others find their too. These stories helped me from my own belief, that literacy and courage go hand in hand in hand. Being able to read, write, or speak out gives people the power to be heard and to create change in their lives. That's the message I'm taking with me, not just as a reader but as someone who wants to use my own voice more confidently and with purpose.