Best of Miami Portfolios 2001 - Units.muohio.edu

Camilla Hileman—Reflective Letter
Dear Miami University Writing Professors,
When I close my eyes, I see a black abyss. If I squeeze tighter, the shadowed abyss has
splotches of yellow, cartwheeling from one side of the chasm to the other. Then the blackness
begins to glow. The darkness is illuminated by fiery fingers of red that smother the night. My closed
eyes are like a telescope, reflecting a convoluted image of an exploding meteoroid. The meteoroid
grows larger and clearer until I can detect a swirling flame of thoughts and beliefs shooting across
my mind. It is difficult to focus on a single idea because each thought ignites another thought to
form an endless chain of imagination. I cannot explain these thoughts to you. I cannot dissect the
mechanics of my mind. I can only offer you a glimpse of the darkness. It is my hope that you will
chase the darkness until you discover the light. Close your eyes. Let the journey begin.
My fictional narrative describes a crumbling family situation from the vantage point of a
young child. Children perceive the world through clear eyes. They see the truth that we can no
longer recognize. They recover the wisdom that we lost with our innocence. In “Mama’s Jungle,”
a child’s imagination is the frail barrier to a horrifying reality. When complications become too
complicated, circumstances are re-centered in a world the child understands. This short story
depicts the almost tangible love of a child and a mother as they struggle to retain hope for a
seemingly hopeless future.
I have also included an exploratory essay that closely examines the Human Genome Project.
The Human Genome Project is a scientific endeavor with two main aspirations. The direct goal of
this project is to pinpoint the precise location of every human gene. Scientists have successfully
mapped the position of each gene, thus accomplishing this element of the enterprise. The secondary
aim of the Human Genome Project is to identify the separate implications of each gene. Once the
gene is located, scientists attempt to decipher that particular gene’s function. This decoding process
is the current frenzy of many genetic specialists. My essay scrutinizes the possible effects of the
Human Genome Project. Although genetic advancement is generally viewed in a favorable light,
many ethical concerns nullify the brilliance of this project. I have elected to candidly analyze the
benefits and the shortcomings of this scientific exploit.
The fourth piece in my portfolio considers Siddhartha as a contemplative novel. Siddhartha
questions the human role on earth through a prevailing theme of Eastern spirituality. This novel is
closely connected to my own personal thoughts and ideas. I believe that all people embark upon a
quest at some point in their lives. My quest is just beginning, and I find it helpful to reflect on the
completed journey of another person. The character of Siddhartha is an inspiration to me, for I too
seek to clarify the surrounding world.
As my thoughts solidify into words, I urge you to continue on your journey. Continue the
quest. And please, enjoy ...
A Fellow Artist
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