To demonstrate my critical thinking skills, I selected my proposal from ENG-112 (Writing and Research in the Disciplines), which was one of two required writing classes that I took in the spring of 2022 over the course of sixteen weeks. Because the assignments in this class were mostly centered around our chosen discipline and future career, I had the opportunity to explore topics relating to subjects such as marine mammals, ecology, research, and animal care. 

My essay is titled “Misinformation and Anthropomorphism in SeaWorld of California,” and I used it as a means of exploring the anthropomorphism and misinformation that has brought about negative publicity regarding SeaWorld and their care and conservation of marine mammals. While writing this essay, I had to consider numerous viewpoints, sift through potentially biased articles, and find reputable sources and knowledgeable people working in the field to interview. In order to come up with a good proposal, I examined opinions from both sides of multiple arguments and compiled numerous ideas based on verified facts. Thankfully, I had previously networked and acquired some contacts within the zoo and aquarium fields, and several were happy to answer questions at my request to interview and provided me with a plethora of valuable insight and information. 

The goals I had selected previously for this assignment were prior to deciding on my associate in arts or associate in science degree, so one was to improve my mathematics skills, develop a strong mathematical base, and use critical thinking to succeed in pre-calculus. While I did accomplish this goal outside of this artifact, it is not relevant to my proposal, though that is not to say that it is not an excellent goal for critical thinking. Mathematical knowledge and the ability to solve quantifiable problems directly utilize critical thinking skills and allow us to enhance analytical, evaluation, and reasoning skills. Nevertheless, I selected an alternative goal—to eliminate personal bias from this assignment and create a proposal based entirely on professional opinions and scholarly, factual information. The second goal I had chosen previously, however, fit perfectly into the context of this assignment. My goal was to choose one zoology-related problem to analyze and create a solution for.

The first goal, eliminating personal bias from the assignment and creating a proposal based entirely on professional opinions and scholarly, factual information, was somewhat difficult as I had already formed opinions based on information I had previously encountered on social media or from hearing the opinions of my peers. Having the opportunity to learn from professionals who are passionate about conservation and specialize in the care and enrichment of marine mammals was an enlightening experience, as I developed a better understanding of how to fact-check information regarding zoos and aquariums and was exposed to information that I had previously not taken the time to understand or explore. I discovered the importance of taking the time to observe all aspects of a situation before having an immediate emotional response, and the positive and negative effects of anthropomorphism in regard to zoos and aquariums. 

For the second goal, choosing a zoology-related problem to analyze and create a solution for was an easier goal as it is directly related to my future career. I selected SeaWorld as it is one of if not the most controversial aquariums in the zoo and aquarium field—and I was unsure as to what my own thoughts on it were, as I had not put enough time into researching the topic, and most of what I had heard was negative publicity and disconcertment from animal activists and environmentalists. “Empty the Tanks” was a term I had heard time and time again, but having networked priorly in the zoo and aquarium communities and observed animals at many aquarium locations in the past, I felt uncertain of what to think. Fortunately, my interviews and research helped me form an opinion on the topic, as well as an idea for a proposal.

Critical thinking is a skill I know I will be using in all aspects of my life, but most especially my career, if I continue to pursue research. Fortunately, I have had opportunities in nearly every class here at SPCC to further develop those skills, and this assignment, in particular, allowed me to familiarize myself with topics and issues that I might face working with animals and find solutions or alternative possibilities for dealing with those issues. I also formed great connections that will likely benefit me as I continue my education and begin applying for research positions and internships.