My research process was rather complex. In looking back to week two, I had several topics of interest. The selections included how women are treated in different cultures, sustainable living, hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” and single-sex education. All of these subjects are significant and have an impact on society. I probably spent 5-10 hours on each area, researching and flushing out the questions and issues. I decided upon single-sex education, as it seemed a topic I could focus on and move forward with. I then did probably another 2-4 hours of research on this specific topic and wanted to see what information and data was available. That led to the challenge of deciding which direction to go with writing the paper, and that led to figuring out the argumentative questions and thesis. I felt there was a significant amount of starting and stopping on the paper, which I found to be testing my patience. I had 4 other classes this term and work 2 jobs. I also have a family of 6, so I needed to figure out a way to balance all these things. This is one thing that I grew from, as I focused and kept a steady pace. I am almost through the term, and have all A's (unless something catastrophic happens to change things this next week). I learned a good bit on all of the topics mentioned above, and have refocused some of my thoughts and commitments to be back in alignment with my life as a whole. Sustainable living, eating healthy, having a holistic approach to life, being positive, supporting family and friends, and some other things that I had found myself slacking on the last few years. Basically realigning myself with my values and morals. While these things are more personal in nature, so was my argumentative paper. I did learn the historic side of education and found some interesting information about how girls generally went to school to learn arts, crafts, proper etiquette techniques, how to be a homemaker and other such labeled 'feminine' characteristics , including school teaching. I also found that there is a massive amount of information out there on about every topic. Trying to sort through them, and try to apply the information to my paper, mostly on a computer, I found to be quite tedious. With more time, I would expand on about 4 different areas of the paper. In completing the bibliography and annotated bibliography, I did find several areas I would have liked to develop more fully. In trying to keep the pace of the class and finish the assignment, however, I did not explore these areas as much I would have liked. I would enjoy being able to have the Power Point's presented, as I feel the personal touch could add so much more that reviewing the slides without the presence of the creator, to give it the right mood and tone. My final thoughts: “I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest.” ~ Dalai Lama