I feel that I have improved with my annotation skills. I focus more now on beneficial annotations and ones that I could potentially use for a related assignment. I also focused on the words that I do not know and looked them up so I could better understand what I am reading the first time around.

“Necessary Edges: Arts, Empathy, and Education” by Yo-Yo Ma was first published in the World Post. Both the online new cite as well as Ma’s essay were published in January 2014. Throughout the introduction, we are told that Ma has won 16 Grammy Awards and produced over 90 albums since he began performing at age 5. He also graduated from Harvard University and Juilliard School which is a performing arts focused school. With all of these credentials, we can be sure that Ma has experience with how music and art have impacted him and helped him learn.

My purpose in reading this piece is to open our eyes to how much art plays a role in our lives. Personally, I think that requiring an art or music while were in junior high and high school is beneficial. This allows us to explore what we enjoy and are talented at while we are young so we have the option to continue through future years. However, I do not think it is necessary to require this as a college student. Most people who go to college, know their major and do not need art or music talent for it. With that being said, I like the point that Ma brings up about being a well rounded student. With art or music in your background, you are more “cultured”.

Ma argues the importance of arts being incorporated into each individuals life. To achieve this, he is in support of changing STEM to STEAM. This will provide the “kind of balanced thinking needed today” in society. The art talent can help people convey feelings and get through tough times but it can also just provide a unique aspect of a person. This skill of art could potentially be beneficial in a future job. Coupled with this, he also discusses the importance of knowing that there is more to people than what is on the outside. In fact what is on the inside is what holds society together.

Magnate- a wealthy and influential person, especially in business.

Bolster- to support or strengthen.

Lascivious- feeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire.