Welcome

Welcome
By Cristiam Cruz on May 17, 2025
Hello, this is my writing for the engineer’s portfolio from the spring semester
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At first, my writing was very much about the facts, and not always about the big picture they collectively painted. Take my essay on the wheel, for instance: even though it was pretty much a technical tour de force, a history of all the different kinds of wheels that have ever existed and any number of details and amazing things you would never suspect were associated with wheels, it's fair to say that it was not a shining example of narrative nonfiction shit. But by the end of the semester, I was writing plenty of that.

My environmental essay on New York City's green spaces marks a turning point in my writing. In this piece, I moved beyond simply presenting facts and began forming a clear argument: that increasing urban greenery is essential to public health and climate resilience. I used city-specific data, references to current climate reports, and explored opposing viewpoints, such as concerns about greenhouse gases from park maintenance, to strengthen my claims. This essay helped me understand how to structure an argument around a central thesis, balance benefits with counterpoints, and draw conclusions that invite community engagement. This shift showed me how research and writing can be tools for advocacy.

The final project, our group report on soil maintenance, was where I believe I demonstrated the most growth. Collaborating with others pushed me to clearly articulate ideas and connect different research components, from the history of soil degradation to modern technological solutions like pyrolysis and soil monitoring. We were tasked with solving a real-world problem: how can small-scale farmers sustainably maintain soil health in the face of climate change? This challenge taught me to synthesize sources, explain technical processes in simple terms (like how biochar works), and understand the economic impacts of our solutions. I also improved my citation and source integration skills, which made our writing more credible and academically sound.

Across all three works, I developed stronger organization, more analytical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how research can respond to real problems. I also became more confident in blending facts with purpose. I’m proud of the improvements I made in crafting arguments, recognizing nuance, and using writing as a way to inform and inspire change. As I continue my academic journey, I will carry these skills with me, knowing that writing is not just about what I know, but how effectively I can communicate it to help others understand and take action. I've evolved from merely stating facts to expressing myself with a sense of purpose and perspective. Writing has become, for me, a means for effecting change, rather than just a vehicle for communication. I take pride in the progress I've made and in the skill set I've built for the future.